Source URL: https://www.schellman.com/blog/penetration-testing/dont-buy-a-network-pen-test-until-you-ask-these-questions
Source: CSA
Title: Questions to Ask Before Network Pen Tests
Feedly Summary:
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: The text outlines critical considerations for organizations when selecting a penetration testing provider, emphasizing the need for rigorous assessment routines in network security. It introduces key questions that can help ensure the chosen pen test is thorough and genuinely reflective of an organization’s security posture.
Detailed Description:
The text provides a comprehensive guide for companies looking to engage penetration testing (pen test) services, with a focus on network security. It highlights the importance of choosing the right provider and understanding their methodologies to ensure a robust security evaluation. Key points from the analysis include:
– **Importance of Penetration Testing**:
– Organizations must undergo regular pen tests to adapt to continuously evolving network environments, including shifts towards cloud and on-premises integrations.
– **Questions to Ask Pen Test Providers**:
1. **Testing Duration**:
– A provider’s timeline should align with the scope; a very short duration could signal poor quality.
– Typical expectations: 1-week for small/medium external scopes; 2 weeks for internal scopes.
2. **Port Scanning**:
– Ensure all ports are scanned. Understand limitations related to certain protocol scans (like UDP).
– Best practice: Scan as many ports as feasible, using confirmation scans for likely missed ports.
3. **Tools and Methodologies**:
– Providers who rely on outdated tools or automated systems may not offer thorough pen tests and risk performing mere vulnerability assessments.
– Reference the provider’s tool list as a benchmark to gauge modernity and effectiveness.
4. **Exploitation of Vulnerabilities**:
– Authentic pen tests must include attempts to exploit identified vulnerabilities; avoidance may indicate a focus on vulnerability assessments.
5. **Active Directory Inclusion**:
– Essential for internal assessments, as AD misconfigurations can facilitate unauthorized access.
– Organizations should provision at least one AD user account for effective testing.
6. **Encountering Web Applications**:
– Network tests should include consideration of web applications, which often present additional vulnerabilities.
– Testing approaches should cover default credential checks and deeper manual testing where applicable.
– **Maximizing Pen Test Effectiveness**:
– The text encourages maintaining a proactive approach in questioning the testing provider, focusing on scope definition, tool usage, and testing methodology to ensure comprehensive security evaluations.
This guide is particularly invaluable for security practitioners and compliance professionals looking to enhance their organization’s defenses through effective penetration testing. It underscores the necessity of comprehensive testing frameworks within modern network architectures to adequately address evolving security threats.