External Infrastructure Penetration Testing
What is External Infrastructure Penetration Testing?
External infrastructure penetration testing is a critical cybersecurity practice designed to evaluate the security of a company’s external-facing assets, such as networks, servers, and firewalls.
This type of penetration testing involves simulating cyber-attacks from outside the organisation to identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious actors.
By rigorously assessing the security of these external systems, businesses can uncover potential entry points for hackers, thereby preventing data breaches and other cyber threats. Understanding what external infrastructure penetration testing entails is vital for companies looking to bolster their defences, ensure regulatory compliance, and protect sensitive information from external threats.
Benefits of an External Infrastructure Penetration Test
External infrastructure penetration testing is essential for any company aiming to fortify its cybersecurity posture. By simulating real-world cyber-attacks, this comprehensive security assessment identifies vulnerabilities in your network perimeter that could be exploited by malicious actors.
Conducting regular external infrastructure penetration testing not only helps in uncovering security flaws but also ensures compliance with industry regulations, safeguarding your company’s sensitive data. Investing in this proactive measure enhances your organisation’s resilience against cyber threats, reduces the risk of data breaches, and maintains customer trust.
Ultimately, external infrastructure penetration testing is a critical step in achieving robust cybersecurity and protecting your company’s reputation.
Common External Infrastructure Vulnerabilities
During an external infrastructure penetration test, several common vulnerabilities are often identified, including:
- Unpatched Software: Outdated applications and operating systems that have not received the latest security updates can be exploited by attackers.
- Weak Passwords: Simple or commonly used passwords can be easily guessed or cracked, granting unauthorized access to systems.
- Open Ports: Unnecessary open ports can provide entry points for cyber attackers to exploit and gain access to the network.
- Misconfigured Firewalls: Improperly configured firewall rules can allow unauthorized traffic to enter the network, bypassing security controls.
- SQL Injection: Vulnerabilities in web applications that allow attackers to execute malicious SQL queries, compromising the database.
- Default Credentials: Using default usernames and passwords set by manufacturers, which are often well-known and easily exploited by attackers.
- Insecure Network Services: Services running on the network that are inherently insecure or configured without proper security measures.
- DNS Configuration Issues: Misconfigured DNS settings that can lead to domain hijacking or unauthorized redirection of traffic.
- Vulnerable Web Servers: Web servers with security flaws that can be exploited to gain control over the server or to launch further attacks.
- Exposure of Sensitive Data: Publicly accessible files or directories that contain sensitive information, such as configuration files, backup files, or proprietary data, that can be exploited by attackers to gain insights into the network structure and launch more targeted attacks.
Identifying and addressing these vulnerabilities through external infrastructure penetration testing is crucial for strengthening your company’s cybersecurity defences and protecting sensitive data from potential breaches.
Why HubbleSec?
Our Infrastructure Penetration Testing experts are CyberScheme SST certified to provide the best service to your company. We strive to work with you to deliver the best quality work in the industry at competitive prices.