Preparing for External Network Penetration Testing

Introduction

With the rapidly developing technologies in the digital world, the security measures of organizations are constantly evolving. This evolution makes proactive security measures such as “external network penetration testing” more important, especially to ensure the security of external networks and systems. In this article, we will focus on a critical phase of this type of testing: the preparation phase. This phase lays the groundwork for cybersecurity experts to securely test an organization’s external networks.

External network penetration testing is performed to assess how resilient organizations are to attacks. However, this assessment must be carefully planned before it begins. The preparation phase includes steps such as determining the scope of the test, obtaining permissions, reviewing security controls, and coordinating the testing process. This phase gives the cybersecurity team the opportunity to understand the purpose of the test and perform it effectively.

In this article, we will examine the preparation phase of external network penetration testing in detail. We will focus on what steps should be taken, why this phase is critical, and how organizations can strengthen their cyber defenses.

This article covers in detail the preparation phase of an external and web application security penetration test. The balanced approach and level of knowledge between the steps clearly reflect that this is a gray-box penetration test. Sharing information about the overall architecture of the applications to be tested provides the test team with an inside view, but does not disclose all the details.

Explanation

This process requires a detailed preparation phase. Steps such as setting objectives, obtaining permissions, defining the test scope, and evaluating security controls ensure that a penetration test can be conducted in an effective and controlled manner. However, the needs of each organization are different, and therefore this preparation process must be tailored to specific requirements. To carry out a planned penetration test, it is crucial to address the key steps here. Recommended steps:

  1. Goal Setting and Scope Definition: Clearly define the test scope. Determine which IPs, domains, and services will be included in the test.
  2. Determine the Attack Surface Completely: IT employees may give incomplete coverage and ignore critical points. Enrich the attack surface detection with your technique and master the complete coverage.
  3. Permission and Notifications: Obtain the necessary permissions for the penetration test. Some IP addresses or domains may be riskier than average. Do not underestimate the attack power and functional risks in API testing.
  4. Collection of Sources: Gather detailed information about the applications. This includes the architecture of the application, the architecture of the services, the purpose of the active external services, etc.
  5. Application Mapping: Map web applications to understand page structures, entry points, and data flows. Identify critical points within the application, considering how an attacker can reach the target.
  6. Identify Security Audits and Controls: Identify the existing security controls of the applications. Classify and identify applications where WAF (Web Application Firewall) systems are not identified. Using vulnerability scanning tools directly may miss protected applications.
  7. Preparing the Test Environment: Prepare your working environment for testing and work actively and efficiently. Isolate your test environment well to minimize the risk of damage to the production environment. If necessary, position a product in the operating system for source code analysis of the organization’s product. Open the source code with the help of an IDE.
  8. Collaboration with the Security Team: Communicate regularly with application owners and the security team. Share potential issues and expectations in a coordinated way. Applications can become unresponsive, and the application can go into maintenance; it is important to reactivate them.
  9. Defining a Test Account: In external applications, an authorization system may be available. By defining accounts with authorizations such as Moderator, Admin, and User, prepare to check the authorizations of each of them.
  10. Create a Penetration Test Plan: Create a detailed plan for the test. Determine the steps of the penetration test to be performed, this can be a checklist. Make a copy of this checklist and expand it by adding it to your methodology plan. Prepare the necessary penetration test tools. Entering the API keys of the tools is turning the tool from gold to diamond. Remember to integrate API keys for efficient testing.
  11. Move Forward With Notes: Even in a penetration testing process or zero-day research, it is of utmost importance to constantly take notes. Don’t you want to know where your path might lead?
  12. Note Critical Security Vulnerabilities: prepare a list to immediately report critical security vulnerabilities with an immediate risk level. this risk is intended for the organization to proactively close the vulnerability and mitigate the risk.
  13. Reporting Process and Deadline: Develop a reporting plan for test results, identify the information required, ensure that it is communicated accurately to the organization, and determine and communicate the end date of reporting and testing to the client.

Conclusion

External and web application security penetration tests are an essential step in building a proactive defense strategy against cyber threats. These tests are designed to assess security controls, identify existing vulnerabilities, understand attack vectors, and make the organization’s digital assets more secure. However, taking the right preparatory steps is critical for this process to be carried out effectively.

The steps detailed above include the key elements that should be followed prior to an external and web application security penetration test. Each step provides an opportunity to identify and remediate vulnerabilities. However, this process is just the beginning; a truly effective cybersecurity strategy should include continuous monitoring, updating and training.

It should not be forgotten that cyber threats are constantly evolving and developing. Therefore, pen-testing processes should also be dynamic and flexible, allowing organizations to continuously revise their security strategies and make improvements. This will make organizations better prepared for future cyber threats and allow them to manage their digital assets more securely.

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