Penetration Testing Overview

Comprehensive guide to penetration testing requirements and standards

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What is Penetration Testing?

Penetration testing (pen testing) is a simulated cyberattack against your computer system to check for exploitable vulnerabilities. It involves the practice of testing a computer system, network, or web application to find security vulnerabilities that an attacker could exploit.

Penetration testing is a critical component of cybersecurity that helps organizations identify and address security weaknesses before malicious actors can exploit them. It provides an objective assessment of your security posture and helps prioritize remediation efforts.

Key Benefits:

  • • Identifies security vulnerabilities before attackers do
  • • Validates security controls and configurations
  • • Provides actionable remediation guidance
  • • Helps meet compliance requirements

Types of Penetration Testing

External Penetration Testing

Tests your organization's external-facing systems from an outsider's perspective.

  • • Internet-facing applications and services
  • • Network perimeter security
  • • DNS and email security
  • • Remote access vulnerabilities

Internal Penetration Testing

Simulates attacks from within your network, such as from a compromised workstation.

  • • Internal network segmentation
  • • Privilege escalation opportunities
  • • Internal application security
  • • Data access and exfiltration

Web Application Testing

Focuses specifically on web applications and their security vulnerabilities.

  • • OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities
  • • Authentication and session management
  • • Input validation and injection attacks
  • • Business logic flaws

Wireless Penetration Testing

Tests wireless networks and devices for security vulnerabilities.

  • • WiFi security configurations
  • • Bluetooth and IoT device security
  • • Wireless access point security
  • • Wireless protocol vulnerabilities

Standards Requiring Penetration Testing

PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry)

Requires penetration testing for organizations that process, store, or transmit credit card data.

  • • Requirement 11.3: External penetration testing annually
  • • Requirement 11.3.1: Internal penetration testing annually
  • • After significant infrastructure or application changes
  • • Must be performed by qualified personnel

SOC 2 (Service Organization Control)

SOC 2 Type II requires penetration testing as part of the security criteria.

  • • CC6.3: Logical and physical access security
  • • CC7.1: System operations and monitoring
  • • Annual penetration testing required
  • • Documentation of testing results and remediation

ISO 27001 (Information Security Management)

ISO 27001 requires regular security testing as part of the information security management system.

  • • Control A.12.6.1: Management of technical vulnerabilities
  • • Control A.12.6.2: Restrictions on software installation
  • • Regular penetration testing recommended
  • • Risk-based testing approach

NIST SP 800-53 (Cybersecurity Framework)

NIST 800-53 includes controls for penetration testing and vulnerability assessments.

  • • CA-8: Penetration Testing
  • • RA-5: Vulnerability Scanning
  • • SA-11: Developer Security Testing
  • • SI-3: Malicious Code Protection

Standards Recommending Penetration Testing

HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability)

  • • Administrative Safeguards (164.308)
  • • Physical Safeguards (164.310)
  • • Technical Safeguards (164.312)
  • • Risk assessment requirements

GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)

  • • Article 32: Security of processing
  • • Data protection by design
  • • Regular security testing
  • • Breach prevention measures

CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model)

  • • Level 2: Vulnerability scanning
  • • Level 3: Penetration testing
  • • Regular security assessments
  • • Continuous monitoring

HITRUST (Health Information Trust)

  • • Control 09.m: Penetration Testing
  • • Vulnerability management
  • • Security testing requirements
  • • Risk-based approach

FedRAMP (Federal Risk and Authorization)

  • • CA-8: Penetration Testing
  • • RA-5: Vulnerability Scanning
  • • Annual testing requirements
  • • Continuous monitoring

IEC 62304 (Medical Device Software)

  • • Software safety requirements
  • • Security testing protocols
  • • Risk management
  • • Quality assurance

Penetration Testing Process

1

Planning and Reconnaissance

Define scope, gather information about target systems, and plan the testing approach.

2

Scanning

Use automated tools to scan for vulnerabilities and identify potential attack vectors.

3

Gaining Access

Attempt to exploit identified vulnerabilities to gain access to systems or data.

4

Maintaining Access

Test persistence mechanisms and determine how long access can be maintained.

5

Analysis and Reporting

Document findings, assess business impact, and provide remediation recommendations.

Penetration Testing Best Practices

Planning and Preparation:

  • • Define clear scope and objectives
  • • Obtain proper authorization and documentation
  • • Establish communication protocols
  • • Set realistic timelines and expectations

Execution and Reporting:

  • • Use multiple testing methodologies
  • • Document all findings thoroughly
  • • Prioritize vulnerabilities by risk
  • • Provide actionable remediation guidance

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