Introduction
Any organization relies on its network to converse, exchange information and to work effectively. However, the same network may be an entry point to severe cyber threats. It could be an employee that clicks the phishing email or an attacker who takes advantage of an unprotected port and the impact may be devastating in terms of data theft or business downtimes. This is the reason why network penetration testing is such a crucial component. It is not just a simple vulnerability scan, but it attempts to mimic actual-world cyberattacks, to reveal vulnerabilities, and prevent them before they can be exploited by malicious actors.
Network penetration testing at Aardwolf Security has two significant segments which are external network penetration testing and internal network penetration testing.
What External Network Penetration Testing?
External network penetration testing targets the systems and services that are available on the open part of the internet the front face of the digital aspect of your organization. In identifying an open port, unpatched servers, weak passwords, or outdated web applications which reveal sensitive information, attackers usually start campaigns by probing these applications.
Our ethical hackers have executed simulated attacks with the same tools and techniques as those of our real adversaries against:
- Firewalls, routers, and VPNs
- Email servers and domain name systems (DNS)
- Public web applications and APIs.
- Poorly configured cloud storage/hosting services.
The aim is to find vulnerabilities which may enable access by unauthorized personnel into your internal infrastructure. Aardwolf is a very detailed report that follows testing and explains the way each vulnerability might be used, its effect, and the exact correction steps to be taken to enhance the protection of the perimeter.
What Is Internal Network Penetration Testing?
The external testing will guard your organization against outsiders but internal network penetration testing reveals what could happen if an attacker or malicious insider gain entry to your internal operations.
This is a test that mimics intra-company attacks and it locates vulnerabilities such as:
- Poor or shared passwords between departments
- Poorly configured Active Directory and privilege escalation routes
- Unmanned software or old systems
- Absence of departmentalization or user groups
- Delicate information on common drives or unsecured servers
Particularly critical to organizations that have hybrid workplaces or third-party vendors and occasionally have access to internal systems is internal testing. It gives a lifelike view of your security position should there be an insider attack or a phishing attack.
Why Both Are Important
Using any single form of test may give blind spots that can be fatal. External penetration test is used to ensure that outsiders cannot get the network perimeter and internal is used to ensure that they can get inside your system but move freely.
They both assist organizations:
- Identify vulnerabilities in advance.
- Enhance the adherence to ISO 27001, SOC 2, and GDPR.
- Enhance security hygiene and awareness in employees.
- Minimise the risk of ransom and data intrusion.
The manner in which Aardwolf Security does Network Pen Tests.
1. Scoping & Planning: Determine systems, IP ranges and compliance boundaries.
2. Reconnaissance: Collect information on publicly-facing assets and internal hosts.
3. Exploitation: Carry out moderate attacks to determine actual exploitability.
4. Privilege Escalation & Lateral Movement: Replicate the movement of the attacker through the network.
5. Reporting and Remediation Advice: Provide sensitive, high-level, and executive-oriented documentation on vulnerabilities, risk, and prescriptive recommendations.
The methodology of Aardwolf Security complies with such developments in the industry as NIST SP 800-115 and OSSTMM, which provide accuracy, confidentiality, and non-interference with operational performance.
Why Aardwolf Security
- Certified Professionals: CREST, OSCP and CEH-certified professionals
- Extensive Testing: Internal, external, wireless and social engineering
- Transparent Reporting: Tech to IT departments and business to executives
- Retesting/Validation: Check that the fixes seem to work
- Discreet Dealings: Swift management of all information and outputs
Conclusion
Your external and internal networks should never be compromised in an age where attackers keep on advancing. Through the use of external network penetration testing and internal network penetration testing, organizations are able to identify weaknesses that would have been unknown till it is too late. Protect your business both internally and externally. Get a consultation with Visit AardwolfSecurity.com.
