Name: Software Product Development Company
Brand: TechMagic
Rating: 4.8 (46 reviews)

External vs. Internal Penetration Testing

Both internal and external penetration testing are essential to a comprehensive security assessment strategy. Internal penetration testing focuses on identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities from within the organization's network, protecting against insider threats and breaches from compromised internal systems.In contrast, external penetration testing targets internet-facing assets, identifying weaknesses that external attackers could exploit. It helps ensure a robust security posture and safeguard your assets from a wide range of potential threats.

External Penetration Testing

The main focus is on internet-facing assets such as web servers, email servers, and other external systems.

Identify and exploit vulnerabilities the external attackers could target.

The scope of external pen testing includes publicly accessible systems and services.

Penetration testers conduct it remotely, simulating real-world external attacks outside the organization.

Protects against unauthorized access from outside the organization.

Identifies vulnerabilities in systems exposed to the internet.

Enhances the security of the organization's perimeter defenses.

Internal Penetration Testing

Focuses on the security of internal networks and systems within the organization.

Identify and exploit vulnerabilities that could be targeted by internal threats or attackers who have breached the perimeter.

The scope of internal pen testing includes internal servers, workstations, network devices, and other internal infrastructure.

Pen testers conduct it on-site or via remote access, simulating attacks from within the organization.

Protects against insider threats and breaches from compromised internal systems.

Identifies vulnerabilities in internal processes and configurations.

Enhances the overall security of the organization's internal network.

TechMagic's Approach to External Pen Testing

Step 1

Preparation

The preparation stage of an external penetration test is crucial for setting the foundation of the testing process. This phase involves defining the scope, objectives, and methodologies for pen testing. This stage includes discussing the objectives, understanding the desired outcomes, defining the scope of testing engagement, and developing a detailed roadmap for the penetration test. It is critical to ensure that the client and the testing team are on the same page regarding expectations and goals. We carefully gather information to make the pen test thorough, targeted, and aligned with your security needs.

Step 2

Penetration test

Here, the pen tester actively probes the target system for vulnerabilities and attempts to exploit them. We choose the proper external penetration testing tools and techniques suited to your specific needs. Our certified penetration testers analyze your security posture using both automated (vulnerability scanning) and manual techniques. They actively attempt to breach the system to understand the potential impact of these weaknesses and the scope of damage they could cause.

Step 3

Reporting and Remediation

This phase is crucial for translating the external penetration test findings into actionable steps to enhance your organization's security posture. Here, our tester compiles a detailed and concise report documenting all the findings. In most cases, it includes a list of all vulnerabilities discovered during the test, Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) scores, sensitive information that the tester was able to access, the duration for which the tester remained undetected within the system, etc. If the vulnerabilities are fixed within the engagement period, the security team can retest your system to ensure the fixes are effective.

Step 4

Results overview

We can verify the fixes and patches that have been implemented. We will give you the letter of attestation with the information about the conducted penetration test results. You can demonstrate it to your users and stakeholders to show your commitment to security.

Benefits of External Penetration Testing

Identifying critical vulnerabilities

External penetration testing helps uncover security weaknesses in your systems that might otherwise go unnoticed. These could include misconfigurations, outdated components, or code bugs that attackers could exploit.

Preventing data breaches and mitigating risks

External pen test helps identify and address weaknesses that can cause data breaches, Denial-of-Service (DoS), or ransomware attacks. Such a proactive approach is crucial for protecting sensitive information, maintaining customer trust, and avoiding costly legal repercussions. We provide every client with an external penetration testing checklist to ensure that all the insights are documented.

Enhancing security posture

Regular penetration testing allows you to assess the state and efficiency of external perimeter security controls (firewalls, remote access systems, etc.). We provide recommendations to improve security policies and update protections based on the insights we receive.

Cost-effective security improvement

Investing in such proactive and well-planned assessments is more cost-effective than fixing the consequences of a security breach. At TechMagiс, we guarantee that every our external pentest gives a clear idea of where to allocate resources for maximum protection and risk mitigation, ensuring effective use of security budgets.

Meeting compliance requirements

Many industries have strict regulatory requirements for security. External penetration testing helps companies meet these requirements by documenting their security and compliance efforts. In most cases, compliance requires a pentest (PCI); in others, an external pentest is the essential step on your way to achieving compliance (GDPR, ISO 27001, HIPAA, etc.).

Preventing reputational damage

We use best practices and external penetration testing tools so that our clients can immediately fix security gaps. This allows necessary precautions to be taken before threats to compromise systems and data arise. So the reputation of your company and brand is also protected from damage.

FAQs

What is External Penetration Testing?

External penetration testing is a security assessment that simulates the tactics and techniques of real-world attackers to identify vulnerabilities in external systems and networks. In this case, pen testers access external systems remotely. They work with assets such as web servers, mail, shared files, and FTP servers. External penetration testing is also essential for understanding your company's security posture from an outsider's perspective. By identifying and addressing vulnerabilities in your external systems, you can better protect yourself against potential cyber-attacks.

What are the typical steps involved in an external penetration testing engagement?

We are quite flexible in our approach to each client, so in each specific case, the process may differ depending on the needs and requirements of a particular business. However, in general, external pen testing engagement includes the following steps:

Preparation. Defining the scope and objectives and gathering the necessary information, including data on the target systems.
Scanning. Identifying potential vulnerabilities through automated and manual scans.
Exploitation. Attempts to exploit identified vulnerabilities to assess their impact.
Reporting. Documenting findings in a detailed report with remediation recommendations.
Remediation. Assisting with fixing the identified vulnerabilities.
Retesting. Verifying that the fixes have been successfully implemented.

How long does an external penetration testing assessment typically take?

The duration of an external penetration testing assessment can differ depending on the scope and complexity of the systems involved. Generally, it can take anywhere from several weeks.

Will external penetration testing disrupt my business operations?

We design the whole process in a way that minimizes disruption to your business operations. Our team works with you to schedule tests during low-traffic periods and ensures critical services remain unaffected. In addition, we implement rigorous external network pen test protocols that prioritize your systems' stability and availability. Our penetration testing team uses noninvasive techniques and real-time monitoring to ensure that the process does not interfere with your day-to-day operations. Our goal is to thoroughly assess your cyber security posture while maintaining the seamless continuity of your business activities.

How can external penetration testing help improve our overall cybersecurity posture?

External penetration testing identifies security vulnerabilities in your internet-facing systems before attackers can exploit them. This allows you to address these weaknesses, strengthen your defenses, and prevent data breaches, which, in turn, greatly improves your overall cybersecurity posture. Moreover, regular external penetration testing ensures that your security measures remain robust and up-to-date. This way, you can quickly adapt them to new threats and evolving cyberattack techniques. This continuous improvement cycle is crucial for maintaining a strong and resilient security framework. Finally, external penetration testing provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of your current security policies and controls. Simulation of real-world attack scenarios highlights areas where your defenses are strong and where they need improvement. This comprehensive security assessment enables you to make informed decisions about resource allocation, focusing efforts on the most critical vulnerabilities. Consequently, this strategic approach not only enhances your security posture but also optimizes the efficiency of your cybersecurity investments.

How does TechMagic ensure the confidentiality and security of our sensitive data during testing?

At TechMagic, we prioritize the confidentiality and security of your data. We sign Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) and adhere to strict security protocols throughout the whole testing process. You can be sure that we handle and store all data with the utmost care. In addition to NDAs, we use advanced encryption methods to secure your data. We utilize isolated environments for testing, so your sensitive information is never exposed to unauthorized parties. Our certified professionals follow a robust set of procedures aligned with international standards such as ISO/IEC 27001, which governs information security management systems (ISMS).

Can external penetration testing be customized to suit the specific needs and infrastructure of my organization?

Of course. Moreover, as a part of our personalized approach, proven by years of experience, we tailor the penetration testing process to meet the unique requirements of the client’s organization. We work closely with you to understand your specific needs and customize our approach accordingly. We trust in the power of transparent communication and close collaboration with clients. It allows us to deliver a thorough and effective external network penetration testing service that aligns perfectly with your goals and infrastructure.

What deliverables can we expect to receive at the end of the external penetration testing engagement?

Our clients receive a comprehensive set of deliverables that include:

A detailed report outlining all identified vulnerabilities, along with their CVSS scores. Detailed instructions on how each security vulnerability was discovered and exploited during the pen testing process.
Remediation recommendations.
Letter of attestation (upon request).

These will help you to get valuable insights into your organization's security vulnerabilities and take proactive steps to strengthen your defenses against potential cyber threats.

What sets TechMagic's external penetration testing apart from other providers?

First of all, our main asset is our team of certified security specialists with years of experience in the security industry and pen testing, in particular. We provide comprehensive and actionable reporting to cover all your security needs. Working with TechMagic, you can get professional assistance with vulnerability remediation and customized approaches to meet your specific needs. We are also committed to maintaining the confidentiality and security of client data.

How do I get started with TechMagic's external penetration testing?

To get started with TechMagic’s pen testing services you can just contact us. We will schedule an initial consultation to discuss your specific requirements, goals, and any concerns you may have. During this consultation, our team will provide you with all the necessary information about our penetration testing process and answer any of your questions. Once we have a clear understanding of your needs, we will work with you to develop a tailored testing plan and schedule. As one of the top penetration testing companies, our goal is to make the onboarding process smooth and efficient, ensuring that you receive the comprehensive security assessment you need to protect your digital assets.