Pentesting describes that detailed review of a software or web service for security vulnerabilities. In many cases, the Tools used by hackers, but in recent years specialists in this field have even put together their own operating systems for this purpose.
Is pentesting just legal hacking?
No, this comparison falls short. In a hack, you try to find a vulnerability that you can exploit to harm a companyto loot information or steal money. A hacker only needs a vulnerability in the System search until he finds it. After that, the robbery can be carried out and the hacker's "job" is over.
On the other hand, with a Penetration test systematically checks all known vulnerabilities and gaps that are known to ensure that they are closed. The work of a pen tester does not end as soon as a gap has been found, but goes far beyond that. Also, in most cases new pen tests are periodically carried out, as systems change and new potential vulnerabilities are constantly being found that need to be checked and closed.
Benefits of Pentesting
A pentest offers a company several advantages. The most obvious advantage is the high level of security. With a routine and standardized procedure the system or platform always stays on the currently safest position, as new security gaps found by other security experts are also quickly closed. In many industries with particularly sensitive data work, such as fintechs or authorities, this is even the case a legal requirement.
But even if a company is not subject to such regulations, it is always better to be safe than sorry. In many cases, companies can be held liable for damages caused when personal information is stolen and used for fraud.
On top of that, security gaps can result in fines that can quickly amount to several tens of thousands of euros. Pentesting can protect a company from such damage. In addition, security is a particularly important point for many users today, so that Platform penetration testing as a effective selling point has proved.
Pentesting to prevent damage
Companies often think that pentesting sounds good in principle, but is far too expensive and therefore does not justify the effort. However, pentesting is allowed in a company don't look at it like an asset, but has to think a lot more about insurance. Insurance initially costs money without directly generating a profit, but regulates damage and in this way distributes the profit, so to speak.
Auch a pentest distributes profit indirectly through avoided costs and damages. In addition to the fines mentioned above, which can be averted in this way, you should also think about damage caused by production downtime. Because if a company cannot make a profit, very high costs arise very quickly. The benefit of pentesting lies in avoiding such damage.
Prejudices & false assumptions
Pentesting can only be done by former hackers: This assumption is wrong. Today there are already separate courses on this topic, as well as many good further training courses for IT specialists and IT employees. Training in this field is now easier than ever.
Hacking is always illegal: No. In the case of a penetration test, "hacking" is often carried out, however, this is done on behalf of and with the knowledge of the company and therefore no criminal activities take place. Nor is “hacking” done with the intention of making a profit.
