Network penetration testing, also known as ethical hacking, is a process of evaluating the security of a network by simulating real-world attacks to identify potential vulnerabilities and security weaknesses. The goal of network penetration testing is to discover and report any vulnerabilities that could be exploited by an attacker, and to provide feedback on how to improve the network’s security posture.
During network penetration testing, a team of security professionals, known as ethical hackers, use a variety of techniques and tools to simulate attacks on a network’s devices, systems, and applications. This can include testing for vulnerabilities in firewalls, routers, switches, servers, and other network devices, as well as testing for vulnerabilities in web applications, databases, and other network-based services.
The testing process may also include attempting to gain unauthorized access to the network or its resources, such as sensitive data or systems. The ethical hackers will use a range of techniques, including social engineering attacks, network scanning, and penetration testing tools to identify potential vulnerabilities and security weaknesses.
The process or methodology of network penetration testing typically involves the following steps:
The methodology of network penetration testing typically involves several phases to ensure a comprehensive and effective testing process. These phases may vary depending on the specific organization or project, but generally include the following:
Planning and reconnaissance: This involves gathering information about the target network, such as IP addresses, operating systems, network topology, and any other relevant details. This phase helps to identify potential attack vectors and plan the testing approach.
Scanning: In this phase, network scanning tools are used to identify potential vulnerabilities in the network, such as open ports, weak passwords, and other network weaknesses. This helps to identify potential entry points for attacks.
Enumeration: This phase involves gathering more detailed information about the network, such as user accounts, network shares, and other sensitive information. This information can be used to identify potential attack vectors and test the network’s security defenses.
Vulnerability assessment: In this phase, automated tools and manual testing techniques are used to identify potential vulnerabilities in the network, including software and hardware vulnerabilities. This helps to identify potential security risks and prioritize remediation efforts.
Exploitation: This phase involves attempting to exploit identified vulnerabilities to gain access to the network or its resources. This helps to identify potential attack vectors and test the network’s security defenses.
Post-exploitation: In this phase, the ethical hackers attempt to maintain their access to the network and gather more information about the network and its resources. This helps to identify potential vulnerabilities and assess the network’s ability to detect and respond to attacks.
Reporting: Finally, the results of the network penetration testing are documented and reported to the organization’s IT security team. The report includes an overview of the testing methodology, a summary of the findings, and recommendations for improving the network’s security defenses.
Why Network Penetration Testing?
Why Senselearner for Network VAPT?
At Senselearner, best system safety services are provided –
We aim to detect the exploitable vulnerabilities in hosts, systems, networks, and network devices before the hackers invade them for exploitation
Senseleaner leverages its extensive experience in supporting systems, hosts, and network for zeroing in on relevant issues and providing actionable remediation guidance. As a result of their network penetration tests, you will get to see your system through the eyes of both a trained network safety expert and a hacker for discovering where is the improvement required for your protection posture. The consultants here produce their network pen test findings in the written reports and offer your team with the relevant guidance to quickly solve the uncovered issues.
Standards for Network Penetration Testing?
There are several industry standards and guidelines for network penetration testing, including: