If you run a business, then you’re usually looking for methods to minimize your risk and secure your data. One way to do this is by implementing third-party penetration testing. This is a process where an external company comes in and attempts to exploit vulnerabilities in your system in order to identify any weaknesses. In this article, we will discuss what third-party penetration testing is, how it can benefit you, and some important steps you need to take when choosing a provider. We’ll also highlight some of the top third-party penetration testing firms on the market.
Understanding Third Party Penetration Testing
Penetration testing by a third-party penetration tester is the process of hiring an external penetration testing firm to examine one’s security systems in order to discover any previously unknown flaws that may be exploited by malevolent attackers. This is done to find any hidden vulnerabilities before malicious hackers can use them to steal or destroy data.
Third-party penetration testing should be done by an expert at least twice a year in order to keep track of any modifications or updates to the current security system.
How does Third-Party Penetration Testing Reduce Your Risk?
Third-party penetration testing may help you reduce your risk by finding flaws before they are exploited. This is done by simulating real-world attack scenarios and measuring the effectiveness of your defenses.
In addition, third-party penetration testing can also help you assess the response time of your threat detection and incident response teams. This is important because it allows you to identify any weaknesses in your systems and make the necessary changes to improve them.
How Vulnerable to Breaches are Companies Today?
When a corporation is hit by a data breach or cyber assault, it can cause significant financial loss and lead to further security review.
Although companies have become more aware of the importance of data security, they are still vulnerable to breaches. A study conducted by IBM found that the average cost of a data breach has increased by six percent over the past five years.
The average duration between intrusion and detection for externally observed assaults fell to 55 days in 2018, down from 83 days in 2017. This is the time that allows attackers to access a company’s systems and create mechanisms to collect and extract fresh data as it is added.
Third-Party Penetration Testing Benefits
- Vulnerability discovery is a difficult task —
One of the main benefits of third-party penetration testing is that it can help you discover vulnerabilities that you may not have been aware of. This is because third-party testers use sophisticated tools and techniques to find weaknesses in your system.
- Attain and Maintain Compliance —
Another advantage of third-party penetration testing is that it may assist you in keeping up with and complying with corporate regulations. This is because third-party testers will identify any non-compliant areas in your system and provide recommendations on how to fix them.
- Efficient Risk Management —
Third-party penetration testing can also help you manage risk more effectively. This is because third-party testers will provide you with a report that details all the vulnerabilities they found in your system.
- Time to Respond to Threats —
As mentioned earlier, third-party penetration testing can help you assess the response time of your threat detection and incident response teams. This is important because it allows you to identify any weaknesses in your systems and make the necessary changes to improve them.
- Increased Reputation —
Another benefit of third-party penetration testing is that it can help improve your company’s reputation. This is because by having a third-party test your system, you are showing that you are serious about data security.
- Enhanced Protection —
Last but not least, third-party penetration testing can also help to enhance the protection of your system. This is due to the fact that third-party testers will give you suggestions on how to enhance your system’s security. By implementing these recommendations, you can make your system more difficult for attackers to penetrate.
- Vendor Certification —
When selecting a third-party penetration testing provider, it is important to ensure that they are certified by a reputable organization. This is because certification ensures that the provider has the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out a successful test.
Important Steps In Third Party Penetration Testing
There are a few important steps that need to be followed in order to carry out a successful third-party penetration test. These steps are listed below:
Reconnaissance (Identification of Assets)
The first step is to identify all the assets that need to be tested. This may be achieved by conducting an asset inventory or employing a tool like Google dorks. Once all the assets have been identified, they need to be classified into different categories like external, internal, and DMZ.
Exploitation
Once all the assets have been identified, the next step is to start exploiting them. This can be done by using various tools and techniques like social engineering, SQL injection, and brute force attacks.
Reporting
The last step is to generate a report that details all the findings of the third-party penetration test. This report should contain information about all the vulnerabilities that were discovered and how they might be remedied. It should also include a list of recommendations for enhancing your system’s security.
Best Third Party Penetration Testing Providers on the Market
Astra Security
The Astra Security VAPT platform, which also caters to the demand for external penetration testing that is cost-effective and adaptable, is one of the most widely used. Astra Security, a provider of penetration testing services, offers Astra Pentest, an automated and manual penetration testing solution that includes several useful features. They are as follows:
- Comprehensive Scanner: Having a thorough scanning tool that can identify flaws based on known CVEs, the OWASP Top 10, and SANs 25 is ideal. By performing more than 3000 tests, this robust scanner finds any security flaws.
- Zero False Positives: By searching for and exploiting every potential vulnerability, Astra Pentest guarantees that there are no false positives. Expert pentesters validated the procedure, ensuring its accuracy.
- Detection Skills: Astra’s penetration testing can do end-to-end scans as well as identify logical flaws in a company’s code. Because they are natural, few pentesting tools can detect them.
- Intuitive Dashboard: The Astra Pentest dashboard is CXO-friendly, and it shows all of the security problems detected on it. It is also engaging since consumers may discuss any questions about each flaw by leaving comments on any vulnerability.
ScienceSoft
In 1989, Cybersecurity Services Provider and Software Development Firm Data ScienceSoft were formed. The world’s first and only offering of integrated marketing analytics, Analytics Suite by Business Objects helps its clients operate in 23+ industries including banking, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing to design and deploy the most appropriate IT security strategy. ScienceSoft relies on a mature quality management system and delivers client data protection as ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certified.
Acunetix
Acunetix is a fully automated web application vulnerability scanner that checks for and reports on more than 4,500 web app vulnerabilities, including SQL Injection and XSS.
Acunetix automates many time-consuming and tedious manual tasks, delivering accurate results with zero false positives at breakneck speed, making it ideal for penetration testers who may have other responsibilities. Acunetix supports all major HTML5 platforms, JavaScript libraries, single-page applications as well as CMS systems.
Intruder
Intruder is a cybersecurity firm that makes penetration testing easy for its customers by providing them with an automated SaaS solution. Their strong scanning tool is specially built to provide highly impactful findings, allowing busy teams to focus on what’s essential.
Intruder employs the same scanning technology as larger banks, so you may get excellent security checks without having to deal with all of the technical lingoes. Intruder also offers a hybrid penetration testing solution that combines manual inspections with automated scans to help identify issues that are out of the ordinary for automated checks.
Conclusion
Third party penetration testing is vital for companies of all sizes in order to maintain a high level of security and protect against potential threats. By conducting regular third party penetration tests, companies can identify vulnerabilities early on and take steps to fix them before they are exploited.
When choosing a third party penetration testing provider, it is important to consider the type of service required, the company’s experience and reputation, and the skill set of the testers. There are many reputable third party penetration testing providers on the market, such as Astra Security, ScienceSoft, Acunetix, and Intruder.
By conducting regular third party penetration tests, companies can benefit from increased security, improved reputation, enhanced protection, and vendor certification. Third party penetration testing is an essential component of maintaining a high level of security for your organization.