External and internal penetration testing both exist as part of a broader cybersecurity strategy, supporting organisations in pinpointing vulnerabilities through the simulation of real-world cyber attacks.
Both empower organisations to strengthen their cybersecurity posture by revealing hidden weaknesses, enabling remediations to be made and critical information to be safeguarded.
While the two may sound similar, their methodologies and intentions differ, with each focusing on a different area of your network.
When used together, internal and external pentesting can provide organisations with a 360-degree evaluation of their network security, providing invaluable insight into vulnerabilities and fortifying your sensitive information from threats.
What is the difference between internal and external penetration testing?
While internal and external pentesting are both manual vulnerability testing methods which fall under the umbrella of 'infrastructure penetration testing', there are several differentiations which define the two.
True to the name, internal penetration testing places focus on testing the security of the inside of your organisation's network, and evaluates the potential damage a hacker could inflict if they had already gained access to your network.
External penetration testing examines the security of your organisation's outer defences by simulating an attack from the outside, as if a hacker were trying to gain access to your internal network.
What is an external penetration test?
External penetration testing is a crucial element of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, scheduled by organisations to assess the security of their external-facing systems.
During an external pentest with OnSecurity, our penetration testing team will mimic a cyberattack on your organisation, adopting the role of a malicious attacker trying to gain access to your network.
We'll target your internet-facing systems and networks, such as web applications, networks, FTP servers, mail, routers, login systems, and sub-domains, imitating legitimate external threats to review your business's security posture.
Through controlled manual testing, an external penetration test can support your organisation in improving its external network resilience by highlighting security gaps, providing you with the resources needed to fortify your perimeter security.
When should you choose an external pen test?
In reality, an external penetration test should be an integral component of any cybersecurity-aware organisation's security measures. With cybercrime prolifically on the rise, regular external testing is more critical than ever for organisations of any size.
However, for those aiming to maximise their budget effectively, identifying which businesses would gain the most from this vital testing approach can be beneficial.
An external penetration test is highly advisable for any organisation with lots of external facing assets. This includes a reliance on any internet-facing systems, for example firewalls, email servers, and network devices.
External penetration testing is a vital method for preventing unauthorised access and safeguarding sensitive data by identifying vulnerabilities within your network during a simulated real-world attack. This process enables businesses to address these weaknesses and minimise the window of risk.
Plus, annual external pentesting can support organisations to achieve regulatory compliance, preventing hefty fines and reputational damages.
What is an internal penetration test?
An internal penetration test reviews the security of your internal facing systems. Unlike an external penetration test, where pentesters will endeavour to gain access to your internal network, an internal penetration test operates on the notion that an attacker has already infiltrated your external defences. It evaluates the potential for data breaches or exploitation now that the attacker has internal access.
These attackers could be internal (e.g., unhappy employees) or external actors who have breached the network through vulnerabilities, malware, or stolen credentials.
OnSecurity's internal penetration testing services endeavour to identify vulnerabilities within your internal network by simulating a real-world attack.
Through this simulated attack, our team of pentesting professionals can identify weaknesses in your network infrastructure, revealing hidden weaknesses to empower you to strengthen your access security.
When should you choose an internal pentest?
Just like external penetration testing, an internal pentest is highly recommended as part of any organisation's cybersecurity strategy. However, there are specific scenarios where an internal penetration test is particularly beneficial.
For example, an internal penetration test is advisable whenever there are significant changes to your organisation's network- for example, system upgrades or new applications.
Additionally, any organisation with strict regulatory requirements would benefit from more regular pentesting (such as biannually) to ensure ongoing protection against emerging threats.
Most importantly, it is necessary to schedule an internal pentest after a security breach within your organisation, to minimise the risk of further exploitation occurring.
Can you combine internal and external penetration tests?
Combining internal and external penetration testing is not just possible, it is advisable. By conducting both an internal and external penetration test, businesses can receive a holistic understanding of their security posture, protecting their sensitive data from all angles.
Implementing this best practice approach to your organisation's cybersecurity strategy greatly reduces the risk of exploitation at the hands of malicious actors, allowing you to manage both your internal and external networks with the assurance that they are securely protected.
How to prepare for an internal or external pen test
To prepare your organisation for an internal or external pentest, you should:
- Define the scope and objectives of your pentest: Determine which specific areas are most relevant for testing and clarify the desired outcomes.
- Prepare the environment: Ensure that the pentesting team has access to the correct resources in order to conduct the test. It is also advisable to identify potential risks that could occur during the test, and have in-house responders available to act upon these.
- Have a remediation team in place for once the results have been received: It is essential that any security flaws flagged by the pentest are remediated swiftly and appropriately. Evaluate who in-house will be responsible for this, or seek the support of an external business.
How OnSecurity can help your business with internal or external pentesting
OnSecurity endeavours to make preparation minimal and effortless for organisations. Our pentesting team conducts penetration tests with precision to reduce operational disruptions, offering flexibility throughout to ensure your organisation can proceed with business as usual.
With CREST-accredited pentesting services, our methodologies, procedures meet the highest levels of excellence- imitating our equally high standards.
Simplify the management of your pentesting protocols with OnSecurity's expert services. With tailored support throughout the process, crafting a strong cybersecurity strategy has never been easier.
Get an instant pentest quote, or contact us today to explore how we can assist your organisation in reaching top-tier security standards.
