Penetration test

What is a penetration test?

A penetration test, often referred to as a pentest, is an authorized and planned simulation of an attack on an IT system. The aim is to uncover vulnerabilities in the systems, networks, web applications or other IT components that potential attackers could exploit. The test is carried out in a controlled environment in order to simulate realistic attack scenarios without disrupting normal processes. A successful penetration test helps to identify potential gateways and provides concrete measures to close security gaps.

What is the difference between a penetration test and a vulnerability analysis?

A vulnerability scan is an automated process in which systems are examined for known vulnerabilities. A database of already documented vulnerabilities is often used to check whether they exist in the target system. A penetration test goes far beyond this. Here, the tester actively attempts to exploit the vulnerabilities and penetrate the system. This involves manual techniques, special tools and the tester’s specialist knowledge. While a vulnerability analysis only identifies potential problems, a penetration test shows whether and how these gaps can actually be exploited.

What types of penetration tests are there?

There are several categories of penetration tests, which differ according to the tester’s knowledge of the target system:

• Black box pentest: Here, the tester does not know any details about the system being tested. This simulates the approach of a real attacker from outside, who can only use public information.
• White box pentest: With this variant, the tester is given full access to the system, including source code, network infrastructure and access points. This enables a very thorough analysis and helps to discover even deeply hidden vulnerabilities.
• Gray box pentest: Here, the tester has partial information, such as user access or a basic understanding of the system architecture. This type of test simulates attacks by insiders or external attackers with privileged access.

Penetration tests can also be carried out at various system levels:

• Network penetration tests (internal or external networks),
• Webanwendungstests,
• Cloud-Umgebungen,
• Mobile applications,
• IoT-Geräte.

Why should my company carry out a penetration test?

A penetration test is one of the most effective ways to ensure the security of your company. There are several reasons for this:

1. Identify vulnerabilities: You get a detailed overview of the vulnerabilities in your IT systems before a real attacker finds them.
2. Testing the defenses: Even if you have firewalls, antivirus programs and other security measures in place, you won’t know if they’re actually effective until you perform a penetration test.
3. Protection of sensitive data: A successful attack can put confidential customer data, intellectual property or business information at risk. A penetration test helps to minimize these risks.
4. Fulfillment of compliance requirements: Regular penetration tests are required in many industries, e.g. by the GDPR, PCI-DSS, ISO 27001 and other standards.
5. Risk minimization: A penetration test helps you to assess your cyber risk and take targeted measures to improve IT security.

How often should a penetration test be carried out?

This depends heavily on the type and size of your company, the industry and the IT systems you use. Generally speaking:

• Regularly (at least once a year): This ensures that new vulnerabilities arising from updates or new implementations are detected.
• After significant changes: Whenever you add new applications, infrastructures or networks or make major changes to existing systems, a test should be carried out.
• After security incidents: If you have been the victim of an attack, a penetration test is crucial to ensure that the attack has not exposed any further vulnerabilities.
• Industry-specific requirements: In highly regulated industries (finance, healthcare), more frequent testing may be necessary to meet compliance requirements.

Which systems can be tested?

Penetration testing can be performed on a wide range of systems, including:

• Networks: Internal and external networks to find vulnerabilities in the network architecture, firewalls or VPNs.
• Web applications: This is where websites, APIs and cloud applications are tested for attacks such as SQL injections, cross-site scripting (XSS) or security gaps in authentication.
• Mobile applications: Mobile apps are also frequently the target of attacks. Penetration tests at this level check the security of the app and its communication with the backend servers.
• Cloud environments: Cloud systems come with their own security risks, particularly due to misconfigurations or unsecured APIs.
• IoT devices: Internet of Things devices (smart home devices, sensors, etc.) often offer additional gateways for attackers.

What does a penetration test cost?

The costs can vary greatly depending on the scope, complexity of the target system and the expertise of the tester. Typically, the costs can range between 5,000 and 50,000 euros. Factors that influence the costs:

• Size of the network or application to be tested:
  • A smaller web application pentest could be cheaper than an extensive network pentest with hundreds of devices.
• Depth of the test: A black box test is often more complex and therefore more expensive than a white box test, as the tester has to spend more time gathering information.
• Experience and certification of the tester: Highly qualified penetration testers, especially those with certificates such as OSCP or CEH, charge higher fees, but also offer more in-depth and reliable analyses.

How long does a penetration test take?

The duration of a penetration test depends on several factors:

• Size and complexity of the system: A simple test of a web application could be completed within a few days, while a complex test of an entire company network could take weeks.
• Type of test: Black box tests often require more time, as the tester has to find out information himself, whereas in white box tests this information is already available.

Typically, a comprehensive test takes between one and four weeks, depending on the objective and requirements.

What happens after a penetration test?

After completing a penetration test, the tester will create a detailed report. This contains:

• A summary of the weaknesses found.
• The severity assessment of each vulnerability: Critical gaps are highlighted so that they can be prioritized for remediation.
• Recommendations for remedying the weaknesses: Specific steps that can be taken to close the gaps.
• Proof-of-concept: Examples are often given of how the vulnerabilities can be exploited in order to demonstrate to those responsible the urgency of remedying them.

This report serves as a basis for optimizing safety measures and is often used to demonstrate the measures taken to auditors or supervisory authorities.

Are penetration tests required by law?

Depending on the industry and region, there are specific regulations that prescribe penetration tests. Examples:

• GDPR (EU General Data Protection Regulation): Companies that process personal data must take technical and organizational measures to protect this data, which may include regular security checks.
• PCI-DSS: Companies that process credit card data are obliged to carry out regular penetration tests.
• ISO 27001: This standard for information security management also requires regular audits to ensure the security of information systems.

What qualifications should a penetration tester have?

A qualified penetration tester should have the following skills and certificates:

• Technical knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of networks, web applications, operating systems and IT infrastructures.
• Security certificates: Important certifications include:
  • OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) – Considered one of the most demanding certifications in the field of penetration testing.
  • CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) – Provides in-depth knowledge of the most common attack methods.
  • CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) – This certification is broader and covers security management and strategies.
• Experience in various industries: The specific requirements vary depending on the industry. It is therefore important that the tester has experience in different sectors.

Are penetration tests risky for my IT infrastructure?

Yes, penetration tests involve a certain risk, as they simulate real attacks. But:

• Professional pentesters take all necessary precautions to ensure that the test does not cause any serious damage. This can be achieved through the use of test environments or consultation with the IT managers.
• Worst case scenario: If a system crash occurs, the tester should be able to rectify the circumstances quickly. Reputable pentesting companies have contingency plans to minimize damage.

What is the difference between an external and an internal penetration test?

• External penetration test: This test simulates an attack from outside the company network. The tester acts like an external attacker trying to gain access via the public internet.
• Internal penetration test: This tests a scenario where the attacker already has access to the internal network – for example, a malicious employee or someone entering the network via an infected laptop. Internal tests are crucial for detecting insider threats.

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