A pentest is an attempt or simulated cyber-attack on an organisation’s computer systems to determine vulnerabilities that may lead to data or information loss. You’ll find vulnerabilities in your computer operating systems and applications that mainly result from risky user behaviour and inaccurate configurations. A pentest Singapore also plays a significant role when it comes to defensive mechanisms, efficacy validation and ensuring end users follow the set security protocols to avoid breaches that may lead to huge losses. If you need a pentest in Singapore, you can simply visit the website https://www.nettitude.com/sg/penetration-testing/pen-testing/. A pentest can be done manually or automatically using various technologies. These technologies are used to compromise or make unauthorised attempts on servers, network devices, endpoints, wireless networks, among other risky exposure points.
Stages of penetration testing
Typically, the pentest process consists of 5 stages, as explained below:
- Preparation
This stage involves two key aspects, i.e. defining goals and intelligence gathering. The reason for defining goals is to ensure that you have a target on the systems to be tested and also get the best pentest technique. On the other hand, intelligence gathering plays a significant role in understanding how vulnerabilities occur.
- Scanning
Before the actual testing is done, it’s essential to scan the computer systems to check their response to unauthorised access. Scanning can be done in 2 ways, i.e. static or dynamic analysis. The most preferred way is dynamic analysis since it gives real-time information about the system’s performance.
- Gaining access
Now that it’s clear how the system will respond to unauthorised access, the next stage is to gain access. This can be done using web application attacks like SQL injection, cross-site scripting or backdoors. This helps in understanding the potential vulnerabilities. The tester will then exploit these weak points by trying to steal data or information, escalate privileges or even intercept web traffic. The main use of this stage is to determine the damage such vulnerabilities can cause to the systems.
- Maintaining access
After gaining access, the next stage is to maintain access. The reason for maintaining access is to find out if the vulnerabilities can be utilised persistently for a prolonged period. The stage also helps to create a better picture of advanced persistent threats that may typically last for months while getting data unlawfully.
- Analysis
This is the last stage of a pentest in Singapore, where a detailed report is compiled stating the potential vulnerabilities available, the kind of data interfered with and the timelines for the penetration testing process. The data obtained from the penetration testing is analysed professionally by IT security personnel to seal the potential exposures to vulnerabilities to prevent future attacks.
In conclusion, these are the stages of penetration testing in Singapore. There are many penetration testing methods, including internal testing, external testing, targeted testing, blind testing, and double-blind testing. Apart from revealing vulnerabilities in systems, penetration testing also helps in showing real risks, preventing costly data breaches, maintaining trust and ensuring business continuity.
