How to Assess Penetration Testing Services?
When assessing penetration testing services, prospective customers should focus on several fundamental aspects.
These encompass the service provider’s reputation, track record, and the availability of responsive customer support.
Penetration testing services simulate real-world attacks on IT systems to assess an organisation’s security and compliance readiness. It is also known as red teaming or attack simulation.
Gathering Information
During the reconnaissance or open source intelligence (OSINT) phase, a penetration tester tries to gather as much information about your company and its infrastructure as possible without actually attempting a hack.
This allows them to identify potential entry points and vulnerabilities before they begin attacking.
This is important because hackers aren’t all the same. Some attackers have different motivations, goals, and skill levels.
The more a penetration tester knows about the target, the more targeted and effective their attack will be.
Scanning
Scanners and penetration testing services are designed to detect vulnerabilities in your software programs.
These tools mimic the techniques that hackers use to access your systems. They can help you identify security holes and offer remediation guidance.
This is also known as pen tests or ethical hacking.
This penetration testing service provides a SaaS solution to help your organization find and fix vulnerabilities quickly and efficiently. Their scanning engine is powerful and easy to use, delivering actionable results that can be easily assigned to your team.
They can even help you prioritize and schedule tests to fit your unique needs.
Testing
Vulnerability scans are high-level automated tests that search systems, networks, and host computers for potential weaknesses.
They typically complete their execution in a matter of minutes or hours. However, they lack the objectivity needed to detect security flaws that leave companies exposed to hackers.
Penetration testing is a different type of test that simulates hacker attacks on the company’s security protocols and measures.
This process involves IT experts who are known as ethical hackers. They probe for vulnerabilities in an organization’s infrastructure (hardware), applications (software), and even employees’ susceptibility to phishing attacks.
Reporting
A mobile application penetration testing service provides a detailed report that highlights any weaknesses found in your systems, including your mobile applications.
It also includes strategic recommendations for improving your security posture, ensuring that your mobile apps are robustly protected.
This helps you address the specific vulnerabilities identified, as well as demonstrate compliance with regulations like HIPAA, PCI DSS, and SOC 2.
Penetration testing services, including mobile application penetration testing, provide a range of options for businesses.
Choosing the right provider depends on your business needs and budget. The most important thing is to find a qualified, reliable service with expertise in mobile application security.
It is worth taking the time to do your research, as not all providers are created equal, and ensuring the security of your mobile apps is crucial.