What is Penetration Testing | Why Penetration Testing is important?

What is Penetration Testing?

Penetration testing is examining network, application, device, or physical security to identify vulnerabilities and areas to improve.

Pen testing can involve the attempted breaching of any number of application systems, (e.g., application protocol interfaces (APIs), frontend/backend servers) to uncover vulnerabilities, like unsanitized inputs that are vulnerable to code injection attacks.

Once upon a time, computers used to be actively utilized in the scientific fields, then came a time for IT companies then IT departments in every company and now the use of computer systems is rampant. Every individual uses computer systems and if not then mobile devices. It has become a necessity for people. In these times, it is important for companies to ensure that there are a few threats in their systems or applications as possible. One of the most used techniques is Penetration Testing. It is commonly known as pen testing is used for testing systems, networks, or web applications for debugging threats. It can also be automated with software programs or can be performed manually. Whatever way is chosen the basic process remains the same including information gathering, identifying entry points, and reporting the bugs.

TYPES: What is Penetration Testing

Under the umbrella of Penetration tests, there are various types of sub-tests which are as follows:

• Network service testing
• web application testing
• Wireless
• Social engineering
• Physical testing

These different tests are used to get the maximum out of penetration tests. It is not limited to hardware or software rather it is a wholesome solution to current cybersecurity problems.

PURPOSE BEHIND PENETRATION TESTING

 Everything is getting digital these days and therefore, the threat on our systems is also increasing. It becomes very crucial in today’s time to understand this very common testing method to avoid various malware issues. Penetration testing may not be the easiest but the basis of many testing techniques. It is commonly used in IT industries but also used in other companies for computer security. Various purposes of Penetration Testing are as follows:

• Helps in identifying security weak points of an organization system
• Measuring how well the company is adhering to security policies
• Checking the awareness of employees regarding cybersecurity issues and how they can prevent information losses
• Resolving the security threats

PENETRATION TESTING BENEFITS

 The pen test helps in getting into the system understanding it inside out using unique ways like a real hacker and then after extensive testing, it will provide recommendations to defend the system from such threats

Penetration report aspects also include no-technical terms which can pose threat to business and finances if data gets breached.

Pentest involves breaking into all the software in the system and gives the source of vulnerability

NEED FOR PENETRATION TESTING

Cyberattacks have become very common and innovative as compared to a decade earlier. Businesses are going online at a very fast pace and therefore, it becomes their responsibility to protect themselves and their users. Data is the new Oil these days and it makes it even more crucial to understand Penetration testing which is fundamental these days and get into practice with the same.

Pentest debugs vulnerabilities and prevents exploitation of data by unwanted parties. Companies adopt Penetration testing for the following reasons:

• Determining the weakness in hardware and application (software).
• Ensuring control over information security in the company
• Testing applications
• Finding out bugs in existing software and then updating the same

After analyzing the importance of penetration testing it becomes transparent why one should invest in it.  Every industry uses it these days because if one does not ensure security before your product reaches the customers, it will become impossible to prevent the havoc later. The process of creating new programs and finding bugs is a continuous process and should always be done with the aim to create the best.

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