Penetration testing

Technology is evolving rapidly. The slightest mistake in a complex security system can be catastrophic. There is always a risk that an architecture that is well thought out today could become a critical vulnerability tomorrow.

Cyberattack simulation is an effective methodology for identifying security vulnerabilities. Penetration testing uncovers gaps in defenses, vulnerabilities in networks, and weaknesses in applications and devices.

IT companies often order comprehensive testing of hidden vulnerabilities in programs and applications they develop. Emat company performs dynamic code analysis, simulates cyberattacks, scans vulnerabilities and assesses application architecture. To conduct high-quality and large-scale testing, Emat EOOD connects additional resources and outsourcers. What penetration testing methods do we use most often? Let's get to the bottom of it.

How does penetration testing work?
A penetration test consists of five stages: preparation, reconnaissance, penetration, report and recovery. Before testing begins, Emat specialists discuss the object and goals of testing with the customer, and coordinate their actions with the counterparties' objectives. With their help, we strengthen the cyberattack. The testers scrutinize the security system of the customer's enterprise and start looking for vulnerabilities. Having discovered something, they will try to penetrate the network by imitating the actions of attackers.

Port scanning
Using this method, you can determine which ports and services are open or closed on Internet-connected devices. Conditional “hackers” send messages to gather information about which network services are affecting a particular computer. Port scanning identifies potential points of failure and weaknesses related to the integration of different systems.

Analyze network protocols
Vulnerabilities in network infrastructure can compromise data integrity, jeopardize data confidentiality, and limit availability. Network protocol analysis is the process of capturing, decrypting, and analyzing network data packets. It is used in the reconnaissance phase, in penetration testing, to gather information about network devices and network traffic. To analyze network protocols, Emat EOOD Bulgaria performs blind and double-blind testing, simulating a real cyberattack from two sides (from the user side and from the company side). In the first case, the testers have no information about the system they are trying to hack. In the second case, the employees are unaware of the test. This tests the security of the system and the response time of the employees.

Vulnerability Scanning
Vulnerability scanning identifies the most security weaknesses in your network and applications: unapplied patches, vulnerable software versions, misconfigurations, application vulnerabilities, gaps in firewalls and other security controls, finding network entry points.

Web application penetration testing
Penetration testing verifies the level of protection of sensitive information and identifies weaknesses in the web application as well as flaws related to the configuration of the infrastructures on which the services are hosted (servers, cloud environments).

Cross-Site Scripting (Cross-Site Scripting) and SQL injection are used to gain access to the system through vulnerabilities in the web application. For example, XSS attacks use malicious scripts to modify a website, while SQL injection modifies database queries, allowing unauthorized access.

Password cracking
These are brute force, dictionary brute force, credential substitution and rainbow table attacks. The testing company looks for unencrypted login protocols and password hijacking. This approach allows potential attack vectors to be identified early in the development process and security flaws discovered to be addressed quickly.

Recommendations for improving security
When assessing risks, Emat uses a risk matrix and analyzes the probability of vulnerabilities and their potential consequences. The customer receives a prioritized list of vulnerabilities that require immediate attention.

Penetration testing is not a one-time action, but a vital tool to assess the level of cybersecurity. It needs to be conducted on a regular basis. It's not enough to simply find a weakness and disclose the vulnerability. It's important to assess the risks associated with it, determine how critical the vulnerability is, and understand how to fix it.