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What Is Penetration Testing – Methodologies and Tools
As almost everything has shifted online, malicious people can use the internet to attack and steal essential pieces of data. So, it’s essential to ensure that our computer programs and systems remain safe from these attacks.
In all such cases, some people intentionally try to break into our systems to find the weak spots before the malicious intruders do. This is called penetration testing.
Conducting penetration testing means hiring skilled data analytics to execute a controlled facility security breach to determine how it could be accomplished by real-world criminals.
The insights received from such testing are used by businesses and organizations to fortify their systems and enhance data security. Keep reading if you wish to dig deep into the world of penetration testing.
Top Penetration Testing Methodologies
Penetration testing is referred to as the practice of utilizing security vulnerabilities in computer programs to identify and exploit them, carried out by information security experts.
These ethical hackers play a crucial role in identifying potential attacks by cyber criminals in today’s highly competitive globe. Some of the most common methodologies of penetration testing are listed below. Let’s explore!
1. OSSTMM
The OSSTMM, or Open-Source Security Testing Methodology Manual, is a well-known and respected guide for testing computer security. It’s a methodical approach to testing that includes helpful tips for testers. By following the OSSTMM, you can do a thorough and precise evaluation of the security.
- OWASP
OWASP is short for Open Web Application Security Project. It’s a well-known standard that’s made by a community of people who stay up-to-date with the latest threats to computer security.
This methodology covers not just problems with computer programs but also inevitable mistakes in how the programs are used. It ensures that applications remain safe from possible attacks and errors.
- PTES
PTES, which stands for Penetration Testing Execution Standards, is a methodology made by a group of computer security experts. Its primary objective is to make a complete and current standard for doing penetration testing and to help businesses understand what to expect during such testing.
- NIST
By carefully following the detailed guidance on penetration testing provided by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), pen testers can easily boost their performance. This framework primarily comes into use when conducting penetration tests by companies of all sizes and across a variety of industries.
Common Penetration Testing Tools
Penetration testers tend to employ a plethora of tools to help them perform their tests more efficiently. Various types of penetration testing tools are available, and the majority of them are free or open-source software. Some of the most common ones include:
- MetaSploit
This tool is one of the most widely used systems for improving vulnerability assessments globally. Technical experts get their hands on Metasploit to track safety assessments, boost visibility and arm, and encourage defenders to continue playing even when they are ahead.
- Wireshark
Wireshark is a popular tool for mapping computer networks, which has been recognized with multiple awards and has benefited from contributions from more than 600 people. This program, also known as Ethereal 0.2.0, makes it simple to capture and analyze data packets.
- Aircrack NG
Aircrack NG is a tool that captures packets of data transmitted over wireless connections, which can be examined in Word documents. By analyzing the data integration, the tool can expose any vulnerabilities in the wireless network’s security. Although it seemed to be inactive in 2010, Aircrack made a comeback in 2019.
Wrapping Up
Penetration testing techniques should be flexible enough to accommodate the requirements of various businesses. But, it needs to have a strong foundation in order to include all of the important topics and viewpoints.
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