Penetration Testing (Concept)

A penetration test, occasionally pentest, is a method of evaluating computer and network security by simulating an attack on a computer system or network from external and internal threats.

The process involves an active analysis of the system for any potential vulnerabilities that could result from poor or improper system configuration, both known and unknown hardware or software flaws, or operational weaknesses in process or technical countermeasures.

This analysis is carried out from the position of a potential attacker and can involve active exploitation of security vulnerabilities.

Security issues uncovered through the penetration test are presented to the system's owner. Effective penetration tests will couple this information with an accurate assessment of the potential impacts to the organization and outline a range of technical and procedural countermeasures to reduce risks.

Penetration tests are valuable for several reasons:

• Determining the feasibility of a particular set of attack vectors
• Identifying higher-risk bugs that result from a combination of lower-risk vulnerabilities exploited in a particular sequence
• Identifying bugs that may be difficult or impossible to detect with automated network or application bug scanning software
• Assessing the magnitude of potential business and operational impacts of successful attacks
• Testing the ability of network defenders to successfully detect and respond to the attacks
• Providing evidence to support increased investments in security personnel and technology

• Reconnaissance
• Enumeration
• Exploitation
• Documentation

Penetration tests are a component of a full security audit. For example, the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), and security and auditing standard, requires both annual and ongoing penetration testing (after system changes).