Penetration Testing in Cyber Security| Types and Emerging Trends

Summary: Software testing has many important roles to play. Enhancing cyber security is one of the crucial roles. In the present scenario where most of the world runs through online interactions the IT assets of industries are at high risk of hacking. 

Therefore, running tests on the systems that protect sensitive customer data becomes inevitable. Let's understand the role of penetration testing or ethical hacking in improving cybersecurity systems.

Cybersecurity has become a major concern for organizations. The increasing number of hacking attacks and data theft has led organizations to adopt penetration testing in cyber security. Cyber criminals are using all possible channels to rob companies of their valuable data. to Understand how hackers work testing professionals use ethical hacking or pen tests.

The risks and attacks have intensified the role of software testing in cyber security. This unique testing method creates a mock environment. The IT infrastructure of companies needs to prepare themselves for bigger challenges. Best QA companies are essential to combat the increasing sophistication of hackers, as they leverage enhanced technologies to outwit advanced security systems.

This article throws light on the role of penetration testing in securing cyber systems. The article discusses the importance and scope of these tests in protecting against cyber criminals. Here are the other aspects outlined in the article:

• Definition of penetration testing
• Importance of penetration testing for cyber security
• Types and trends in penetration testing

What is Pen Test or Penetration Testing?

Penetration testing in cyber security also known as ethical hacking is a controlled cyber attack by the tester to check the security system. The simulated attacks on the client system are carried out to check the potential risks. This ethical hacking or pen test puts the cyber security systems against a mock attack to check their efficiency.

Testers consider this test as a measure that exposes the security and compliance loopholes. In web applications, it is used to test the web app firewall. The main purpose of this kind of testing aims to think like a potential attacker and fix things.

Penetration testing examines the agility and strength of a cyber security system. And uses it to understand how the system responds to different threats. This testing tool can be seen as a preventive measure against cyber attacks.

3 Reasons Why Cyber Security Penetration Testing is Important?

In the previous section, we have given a basic overview of why penetration testing in cyber security is done. But here are three clear reasons that emphasize the importance of penetration testing from a professional point of view:

• Ethical hacking is a tool for assessing security controls. It gives a clear idea of the strength of a security system.
• It helps to analyze the shortcomings of cyber security systems. The reports of the simulated attack help to implement preventive measures and fix the loopholes.
• Lastly, it helps to ensure that the apps or systems meet standard compliance requirements.

The importance of this process can be understood through its market value which was 1.6 billion U.S. dollars in 2021. In addition to it, the projected growth at the end of the decade that is by 2032 is 5.3 billion U.S. dollars.

What are the Types of Penetration Testing in Cyber Security?

There are many platforms available for use in today's time. There is a designated penetration test for each platform. These tests differ on the basis of methodology and purpose. The common types of penetration testing are as follows:

Network Penetration Testing

This penetration testing type focuses on identifying the potential risk in the network infrastructure. This test is run through the routers my firewalls and other components of networking systems. This testing type focuses on analyzing the shortcomings within the network resources. The test checks for unauthorized access and weak authentication mechanisms.

Web App Penetration Testing

As the name says this testing type is meant for evaluating the security of web applications. Web apps are prone to cyber-attacks and have lots of sensitive data stored on the system. Web app penetration testing in cyber security looks into the security flaws of web apps. It helps to identify the potential risks and weak links.

Wireless Penetration Testing

There are many security risks with wireless networks. The wireless computer security and penetration testing check for threats in wireless networks. This testing involves the identification of unauthorized access points. Cybersecurity professional penetration testers run tests like cracking WiFi encryption. Or else they try breaking through weak passwords.

Social Engineering Penetration Testing

This test technique simulates tests on humans rather than systems. Concept testing uses human psychology and manipulation to take out sensitive information. The social engineering penetration test method puts the employees' intelligence to the test.

This test ensures that employees are aware of phishing emails or fraudulent phone calls. This penetration testing in cyber security protects the systems in a unique way.

API Penetration Testing

App programming interface testing checks whether organizations can rely on APIs for the exchange of data between systems. The testers evaluate security across the interface endpoints and monitor the authorization controls.

Physical Penetration Testing

This essential penetration testing evaluates the physical systems. The testers check surveillance systems and alarms for unauthorized access. This testing includes tampering with the physical systems to detect risks. 

Emerging Trends in Cyber Security Penetration Testing

With time cyber attackers or hackers have become skilled at breaking security systems. Evolving technology open has provided hackers with newer ways to attack cybersecurity systems. The methods of penetration testing and modern trends tend to solve these problems. We have listed some top trends that can transform penetration testing.

Use of AI

Artificial Intelligence has unlocked new opportunities in the last few years. The accuracy and analytical support that AI is used in designing secure strategies. AI and penetration testing methods together ensure seamless vulnerability scanning of systems.

Cloud Security

The penetration testing in cyber security has also used cloud security solutions. Cloud security solutions mixed with penetration testing ensure data security on cloud platforms. Modern-day cloud security concerns need this simulated testing to ensure data security. Many organizations have shifted to cloud-based storage. Thus integrating testing with cloud security has become crucial.

Social Engineering

The use of psychology with other branches has become common. Social engineering combines the disciplines of psychology and IT for enhancing cyber security. AI and machine learning have reached the next level. So, training employees with social engineering tactics can benefit in many ways.

The professionals help employees gain awareness. The testers educate employees about the different ways they can be manipulated for compromising the company's security. Employees are trained to identify the traps used for gaining access to information or data assets.

IoT in Penetration Testing

The Internet of Things or IoT is another future trend that can transform penetration testing in cyber security. This technology continues to grow and can be used in mitigating cyber risks. Penetration testers are using IoT to identify and learn about ways cybercriminals can exploit networks and resources. This technology is advantageous when it comes to protecting networks.

APT

APT stands for Advanced Persistent Threats. This tool is created to save the systems from extended risks. APT testing helps the social engineering mechanisms to enhance the cyber security systems within a company. This penetration test aims to put computer networks and their defenses to the test.

This method of penetration test in cyber security attacks completes the working environment of a company. Beginning from networks to antivirus attacks on systems, testers use all risk factors to assess the system defenses.

Blockchain

Blockchain is considered an impenetrable decentralized system. Yet it has cyber security risks too. As blockchain is deployed heavily into banking or cryptocurrency systems. Thus running through security tests is important. The penetration test is run through blockchain systems to check if it is new to hacking.

Its usage by enterprises and large operations has made it a target of cybercriminals. Regardless of the inherent security mechanism the blockchain apps require a pen test for reassurance.

Conclusion

Cyber security cannot be compromised. Therefore, look for the best QA companies like Appsierra. We have QA testing services performed by experts. Our experience in web development and quality assurance services can help you tackle IT problems in a better manner. Coming back to penetration testing, every company in the present time should invest a certain amount towards cybersecurity solutions.

Practices and methods of penetration testing in cyber security provide enhanced risk mitigation. Along with it, companies can use their cybersecurity results to build trust among clients. In a nutshell, this preventive measure of food by software testing can save your valuable data and money from cyber threats.

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