Find out how robust your IT security systems are with pen testing!
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If you want to find out how robust your IT security systems are, penetration testing is one way to rigorously test your cybersecurity.
Our businesses rely on IT systems and infrastructure that work without interruption, yet they are under constant threat from cyber criminals; this means they must be protected. Penetration testing is one way that organisations can thoroughly test for any vulnerabilities in their IT security so that measures can be taken to deter potential cyberattacks.
Penetration testing, which is also known as “pen testing” and “ethical hacking” is defined by the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre as “A method for gaining assurance in the security of an IT system by attempting to breach some or all of that system’s security, using the same tools and techniques as an adversary might.”
In effect, this is purposeful and controlled hacking on behalf of the target organisation, using the same tools and techniques that criminals attacking your systems may use to probe for vulnerabilities that they can exploit.
Penetration testing matters because if finds vulnerabilities in your IT defences. Once these weaknesses have been identified you can take steps to remove them so that attackers can’t exploit them.
The vulnerabilities that penetration testing can discover include:
Ensuring that systems are secure is an essential part of meeting your GDPR obligations and complying with relevant regulations around data protection, privacy and industry-specific standards.
Being proactive about your IT security will reassure employees, customers and partners that you are taking the protection of their data seriously.
A number of penetration tests can be employed:
It’s important to understand the different types of penetration testing available because they each test different aspects of your security system and in different ways. To ensure your IT security is up to the job, you need to know where all the weaknesses lie.
Apart from testing your IT security generally, penetration testing brings its own specific benefits. It is so thorough that it can identify specific vulnerabilities and more risks through the different types of techniques it uses.
It also provides a much more realistic test of your systems, as testers behave as hackers would, giving a more valuable insight that reflects the real world.
Penetration tests are also conducted by specialists, so organisations using their skills benefit from their experience and knowledge to deliver deeper insights into systems, so that more specific remedies can be implemented to combat threats and deliver greater business continuity.
The threat from cyber-criminals is expanding and evolving all the time, and so must your IT defences.
While penetration testing is recommended once a year, there’s much more you can do to build the robustness and depth of your cyber security – we find that a multi-layered approach to IT security is the most effective.
At Syn-Star we work closely with many businesses in different sectors to help them build their defences against cyber-criminals, whether through gaining cyber essentials accreditation, cyber security training or by using our broader IT consultancy services.
If you are concerned that your IT security isn’t as resilient as it should be, putting your business at risk, then contact Syn-Star today for a consultation with one of our team of experts and we can explore how we can support your business through safer, more efficient and productive IT.
Want to learn more about IT security here are a few other blogs that might be of interest to you,
Anne-Marie Blazdell is a Marketing & Communications Manager with expertise in digital marketing, content creation, and IT solutions. With a strong foundation in graphic design, she trained at Farnborough College of Technology and Southampton Solent University before advancing into marketing and business IT support.
Since joining Syn-Star in 2022, Anne-Marie has specialised in crafting SEO-optimised website content, managing social media, and helping businesses navigate the complexities of IT. Her work bridges the gap between technology and business, making IT more accessible and effective.
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