If you own a business, protecting your sensitive data is crucial. Performing pentesting on a regular basis is one method to keep a tap on the security of your systems. Pentesting is the process of scanning a computer system or network for security vulnerabilities. It’s critical to run regular pentests because new bugs are discovered on a daily basis. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what pentesting is, why you need to do it, and how to get started.
What Is Pentesting?
The practice of cybersecurity testing a computer system or network for holes is known as pentesting. To test systems for flaws, pentesters use a range of tools and approaches. Common vulnerabilities that are found with pentesting include weak passwords, unpatched software, and open ports.
Why Is Pentesting Important?
Pentesting is critical because it allows you to discover and repair vulnerabilities before they may be exploited by attackers. By performing pentesting regularly, you can make sure that your systems are secure and protect your confidential data.
Regular penetration testing is required to keep computer systems safe. How often you perform pentesting will depend on factors such as the sensitivity of the data you’re protecting and the rate of change in your environment. For most organizations, performing pentesting at least once per year is a good starting point.
How to Get Started with Pentesting
To begin, you’ll need to select the proper tool for the task. There are a variety of pentesting tools available, and the right tool will depend on your specific needs. Secondly, you’ll need to learn how to use the chosen tool. And thirdly, you’ll need to find a target system to test.
Choosing the Right Tool
There are a variety of top pentest tools in us available, and the right tool will depend on your specific needs. Some popular pentesting tools include Astra’s Pentest Suite, Metasploit, Burp Suite, and Nmap.
- Astra’s Pentest Suite is a great penetration testing tool with many features that be customized according to the budget of each organization. It is a flexible tool that allows you to collaborate with security experts while ensuring the safety of your website, software, or network.
- Metasploit is a powerful penetration testing platform that can be used to test for a wide range of vulnerabilities.
- Burp Suite is a web application testing tool that can be used to find security weaknesses in web applications.
- Nmap is a network exploration software that may be used to discover open ports and map networks.
Learning How to Use the Tool
Once you’ve chosen a pentesting tool, you’ll need to learn how to use it. Luckily, there are a variety of resources available that can help you learn how to use pentesting tools. The Metasploit project offers a free online course that covers the basics of using Metasploit for pentesting. The Burp Suite website also offers a number of tutorials that will teach you how to use the tool.
Finding a Target System
Once you’ve chosen a pentesting tool and learned how to use it, you’ll need to find a target system to test. There are a few ways to do this, but one option is to look for online resources that offer vulnerable systems to test. The Metasploit project offers a free online course that covers the basics of finding and testing vulnerable systems.
Alternatives to Pentesting
If you’re not interested in pentesting, there are a few alternatives you can consider. One alternative is to use a vulnerability scanner, which is a tool that can scan for vulnerabilities without actually exploiting them. For those who don’t want to go through the trouble of developing this information themselves, hiring a professional pentester to test your systems for you is one of them.
Common Vulnerabilities Found With Pentesting With Explanation
Pentesting can help you find a variety of vulnerabilities in your system. Some common vulnerabilities that are found with pentesting include weak passwords, unpatched software, and open ports.
Weak passwords are one of the most prevalent problems discovered during penetration testing. Brute force methods may be used to discover weak passwords and gain access to networks. Unpatched software is another common vulnerability. Attackers can exploit unpatched software to take control of systems or access confidential data. Open ports are also a security risk because they can be used to gain access to systems remotely.
Why Hire A Professional
If you’re not interested in pentesting, there are a few alternatives you can consider. One alternative is to use a vulnerability scanner, which is a tool that can scan for vulnerabilities without actually exploiting them. Another alternative is to hire one of the top pentesting companies to perform your systems testing for you. Hiring a professional pentester can be a good option if you don’t have the time or expertise to perform pentesting yourself. Professional pentesters can also provide valuable insights into your system’s security posture.
Final Thoughts
Pentesting is an important process that should be performed regularly in order to keep systems secure. By choosing the right tool, learning how to use it, and finding a target system, you can get started with pentesting today.
Author Bio-
Ankit Pahuja is the Marketing Lead & Evangelist at Astra Security. Ever since his adulthood (literally, he was 20 years old), he began finding vulnerabilities in websites & network infrastructures. Starting his professional career as a software engineer at one of the unicorns enables him in bringing “engineering in marketing” to reality. Working actively in the cybersecurity space for more than 2 years makes him the perfect T-shaped marketing professional. Ankit is an avid speaker in the security space and has delivered various talks in top companies, early-age startups, and online events.
