DIY Penetration Testing: Can Businesses Do It Themselves?

Penetration testing, often shortened to pen testing, is a crucial tool for identifying and addressing security weaknesses in your systems and strengthening network security.

Understanding DIY Penetration Testing

Penetration testing is a simulated cyberattack against your computer systems, networks, or web applications to check for exploitable vulnerabilities. DIY penetration testing refers to businesses conducting penetration test assessments internally, using both manual testing and automated tools like Metasploit Unleashed and SQLmap, without the aid of external security firms.

The Viability of DIY Penetration Testing for Businesses

The feasibility of DIY pen testing largely depends on the size and resources of a business:

Large Enterprises

Many large organisations have dedicated internal security teams with the expertise to conduct pen tests. However, even for these well-resourced companies, third-party testing offers valuable external assurance and a fresh perspective that can uncover overlooked vulnerabilities.

Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)

For SMEs, DIY pen testing is generally less advisable. These businesses typically lack the in-house expertise, tools, and resources required for thorough testing. Relying solely on automated vulnerability scanning software often falls short of a comprehensive security assessment. Experts recommend vulnerability assessments and caution against DIY pen testing as a replacement for professional services, and they do not recommend diy pen testing over professional services.

What Businesses Can Do Themselves

While full-scale penetration testing may be beyond the capabilities of most businesses, there are some preliminary steps organisations can take to assess their security posture:

Vulnerability Scanning

Businesses can utilise automated vulnerability scanners to identify elemental security weaknesses. Tools like Wireshark can be used to capture and analyze network traffic, helping to identify potential vulnerabilities. These tools are accessible and relatively straightforward, providing a starting point for security assessments. However, it’s crucial to understand their limitations—they may miss complex vulnerabilities that require human expertise to detect.

Security Policy Review

Regularly reviewing and updating security policies and procedures is an essential practice that businesses can and should do internally. Larger organisations also employ tools to conduct source code reviews and other checks.

Employee Training

Implementing basic security awareness training for staff can significantly improve an organisation’s overall security hygiene. A thorough test is also essential to identify and address all potential issues.

What Requires Professional Expertise

Certain aspects of penetration testing require specialised skills and experience that DIY penetration testing can’t offer:

Simulating Real-World Attacks

Professional pentesters employ various sophisticated techniques to gain access to systems, mimicking real-world attacker behaviour. This requires a deep understanding of hacking methodologies and tools that most businesses lack.

Interpreting Results

Understanding the severity and potential impact of identified risks is crucial. This requires expertise in security assessments and risk management, which comes with years of experience in the field.

Developing Remediation Strategies

Professional pentesters identify vulnerabilities and provide detailed, actionable recommendations.

Validating Security Controls

You can’t mark your homework, Can you? This is where professional penetration testing service providers bring professionally trained and sector-specific context.

The Value of Professional Penetration Testing

While DIY efforts can form part of a broader security strategy, professional penetration tests offer several distinct advantages:

1. Comprehensive Methodology: Professional testers follow established, thorough methodologies that ensure all aspects of your security posture are evaluated.
2. Specialised Expertise: Pen testing firms employ experts with in-depth knowledge of the latest attack vectors and defensive strategies.
3. Advanced Tools: Professional testers can access sophisticated tools and techniques that may be out of reach for many businesses.
4. Objective Perspective: External testers provide an unbiased view of your security posture, free from internal assumptions or oversights.
5. Compliance Requirements: Many regulatory standards require penetration testing by qualified third parties.

How third-party penetration testers can help?

Professional pen-testing firms such as Cyphere offer a wide range of specialised services:

Network penetration testing

Evaluate the security of your network infrastructure for vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit to gain access to your systems. It includes a basic scan to probe operating systems for misconfiguration and vulnerabilities that can be exploited.

Web application penetration testing

Identify vulnerabilities in web applications and API endpoints that could allow attackers to steal data, inject malicious code, or disrupt functionality.

Cloud security pentesting

Assesses the security of your cloud environment for vulnerabilities specific to cloud platforms.

Social engineering pen test

Evaluate your employees’ susceptibility to social engineering attacks, such as phishing emails.

Wireless network penetration testing

Evaluate the security of your wireless networks for vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit to intercept data or gain unauthorised access to your network.

Mobile application penetration testing

It focuses on identifying vulnerabilities in mobile applications that could allow attackers to steal data, bypass security controls, or take control of devices through a comprehensive penetration test.

Physical security testing

Assesses the physical security of your facilities and IT infrastructure for weaknesses that attackers could exploit to gain physical access to your systems.

Internal penetration testing

Simulates an attack from a compromised insider with access to your internal network.

Security posture assessment

It provides a high-level overview of your security posture and identifies key risk areas.

Red teaming exercises

Simulates a complex attack scenario involving multiple attackers and techniques.

By offering a more comprehensive range of services, third-party pen testing companies can cater to each organisation’s needs, helping them effectively identify and address security vulnerabilities.

How DIY Penetration Testing Works?

DIY penetration testing involves simulating cyberattacks on your systems to identify vulnerabilities. The process typically includes:

1. Planning and scoping
2. Information gathering
3. Vulnerability scanning
4. Basic exploitation attempts
5. Reporting and analysis

While DIY efforts can be valuable, they often lack the depth and expertise of professional assessments. For a detailed penetration testing process, read this in-depth article here.

DIY Pen Testing Tools

Several tools can assist in basic DIY pen testing and security assessments:

1. Metasploit Framework: An open-source platform for vulnerability testing
2. Kali Linux: A security-focused OS with pre-loaded testing tools
3. Burp Suite: A tool for detecting web application vulnerabilities and conducting manual application and API pen testing.

It’s crucial to use these tools ethically and only authorised. Check out our in-depth article on penetration testing tools for a detailed guide on using these tools safely and effectively.

Let us do the hard work.

Even if you’re leaning towards a DIY approach, Cyphere can still be a valuable resource. We offer a wealth of free information and educational content to empower you to take control of your security posture.

Stepping Up Your Security Game

Perhaps you’ve dipped your toes into DIY testing and realised the limitations. There are a few advantages of trusting a security partner such as:

• Experience: We have a proven track record of helping businesses of all sizes improve their security posture.
• Expertise: Our team is comprised of highly skilled and certified security professionals.
• Methodology: We are a CREST-accredited penetration testing company that follows industry-standard methods to ensure a thorough and practical assessment.
• Communication: We believe in clear and concise communication, keeping you informed throughout the process.
• Peace of Mind: Let us handle the complexities of pen testing, allowing you to focus on your core business. Our plan includes unlimited retests for up to 12 months, risk remediation support, and no cancellation charges.

Don’t go it alone! While DIY tools can be a starting point, Book a call and see how partnering with Cyphere gives you access to the expertise and resources needed for a comprehensive security assessment.