Cyber threats are evolving, and every business - large or small - faces potential risks. A single vulnerability in your network infrastructure can lead to data breaches, financial losses and reputational damage. Network penetration testing is a proactive approach to uncover and address these vulnerabilities.
Below, we’ll discuss what network penetration testing is, common network weaknesses, its benefits, and why it’s essential for a strong security posture.
What is network penetration testing?
Network penetration testing involves ethical hackers using hacking tools and techniques to simulate a cyberattack on an organisation’s system. The objective is to bypass the organisation's firewall and gain unauthorised access.
This testing can target web applications, APIs, endpoints, and physical security measures. By simulating attacks on the operating system, it helps uncover security flaws and identifies weak spots in the network.
These simulated attacks provide valuable insights into the vulnerabilities of the network infrastructure. Common threats tested during penetration testing include distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, domain name system (DNS) vulnerabilities, malware, phishing and SQL injection.
What are the most common network vulnerabilities?
Network penetration testing focuses on a variety of potential vulnerabilities, including:
Open ports and services
Unsecured open ports provide entry points for attackers to exploit. For instance, leaving a port open for remote desktop access without proper authentication creates an opportunity for unauthorised access.
Weak passwords and authentication methods
Poor password practices, such as weak or reused passwords, make it easier for attackers to gain access to your network. Implementing strong password policies and multi-factor authentication (MFA) significantly reduces this risk.
Outdated software and systems
Failing to update software exposes your network to known vulnerabilities. Attackers frequently exploit outdated systems to gain access. Keeping your software and hardware updated guarantees that vulnerabilities are patched promptly.
Misconfigured network devices
Improperly configured firewalls, routers, or switches can create exploitable weaknesses. For example, leaving default credentials on devices or enabling unnecessary services increases your risk.
Lack of segmentation
Without segmentation, a breach in one area of your network can give attackers unrestricted access to the rest. Segmenting your network limits the impact of breaches and enhances overall security.
Insufficient monitoring and logging
Inadequate monitoring allows attackers to remain undetected for extended periods. Implementing robust monitoring and logging practices ensures that suspicious activity is identified and addressed quickly, reducing potential damage.
How can businesses benefit from network penetration testing services?
Network penetration testing helps businesses stay one step ahead of cybercriminals by finding vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. By simulating real-world attacks, it highlights weaknesses in your system, so you can fix them before they become a problem. This proactive approach strengthens your overall security and reduces the risk of a costly breach or disruption.
Penetration testing also helps ensure your business is meeting important industry regulations, like ISO 27001 or GDPR, avoiding penalties and keeping your customers' trust.
Most importantly, it protects sensitive data. By identifying potential entry points, penetration testing lets you tighten security where it matters most. With the insights gained, you can be confident that your business is better prepared to handle evolving cyber threats, giving you peace of mind that your systems are secure.
How does network penetration testing differ from internal penetration testing?
While both network penetration testing and internal penetration testing aim to find vulnerabilities, they focus on different aspects of your organisation's security.
Network penetration testing simulates an attack from outside your organisation, trying to breach your firewall and access your systems remotely. The goal is to find weaknesses in your network’s perimeter, like open ports or poorly configured devices, that could be targeted by cybercriminals.
Internal penetration testing, on the other hand, takes a look at what could happen if an attacker or insider gains access to your network. It focuses on identifying vulnerabilities within your internal systems, devices, and processes. This type of testing checks whether your internal controls can keep sensitive data and systems secure once someone is already inside.
Both types of testing work together to give you a complete view of your security. While network penetration testing protects you from outside threats, internal penetration testing makes sure your systems are safe even if an attacker gets past the perimeter.
What are the potential consequences of not performing network penetration testing?
Neglecting network penetration testing can expose your business to serious risks and consequences. Without regular testing, vulnerabilities in your network go unnoticed, increasing the likelihood of a data breach. Cybercriminals constantly search for weaknesses to exploit, and if your systems are untested, you're more likely to be targeted. A breach could result in stolen sensitive data, financial losses, and damage to your reputation.
In addition to the immediate impact of an attack, failing to conduct penetration testing can lead to regulatory penalties. Many industries have strict compliance requirements. Therefore, if your organisation doesn’t meet these standards, you could face fines or legal consequences.
Ultimately, skipping network penetration testing leaves your business vulnerable to both external attacks and regulatory risks, which can harm your financial stability, trustworthiness and long-term growth.
Are there other ways to enhance network security?
Here are some practical steps to improve your network security:
- Implement strong access controls to ensure only authorised users can access sensitive data.
- Regularly update passwords and use multi-factor authentication for added protection.
- Use network segmentation to limit access between different parts of your network.
- Deploy robust firewalls to block malicious traffic and monitor your network.
- Conduct routine security audits to identify and fix vulnerabilities before they become a threat.
These strategies can significantly strengthen your network’s overall security.
At OnSecurity, our network penetration testing helps safeguard your network by identifying vulnerabilities before they can be exploited, ensuring business continuity and protection against cyber threats. Don’t wait for a breach - get a free instant pentest quote today to strengthen your security and keep your business safe from evolving risks.
