The Pen Test Checklist: 10 Must-Do Steps Before Hiring a Penetration Testing Company

Alright, let's get straight to it. You're thinking about hiring a penetration testing company – a smart move in today's digital world where cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated. But before you dive in, there are a few crucial steps you need to take to ensure you get the most out of the experience and find the right pen testing partner for your needs. Consider this your essential checklist.

Why Bother with Penetration Testing Anyway?

In the simplest terms, penetration testing (or pen testing as it's often called) is like a controlled attack on your systems. Ethical hackers, the good guys in this scenario, try to break into your networks, applications, or devices to find weaknesses before the bad guys do. Think of it as a fire drill for your cybersecurity, allowing you to identify and fix vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. This proactive approach saves you money, protects your reputation, and keeps your data safe. [1]

It's important to note that manual penetration testing is often more effective than automated vulnerability scanning. While automated scans can quickly identify common vulnerabilities, they may miss more complex or unique weaknesses that a skilled human tester can uncover. Manual testing allows for a deeper dive into your systems, simulating real-world attack scenarios and providing a more comprehensive assessment of your security posture. [2]

10 Steps to Pen Testing Success

Here's the lowdown on what you need to do before picking up the phone and hiring a pen testing company:

1. Define Your Objectives

What exactly are you hoping to achieve with this pen test? Are you primarily concerned about your web application security, worried about your network's resilience against external attacks, or perhaps wanting to test the security of a new mobile application? Having a clear objective from the outset helps you choose the right company with the relevant expertise and ensures the pen test focuses on your specific security concerns.

2. Scope It Out

Decide what systems and applications you want to include in the test. Be specific! Do you want them to look at your entire network, or just a specific part of it? Perhaps you only want them to focus on your customer-facing web application. Clearly defining the scope helps to focus the pen test and ensures that the testers concentrate their efforts on the most critical areas.

3. Understand Your Compliance Needs

Are there any specific industry regulations or compliance standards you need to meet? For example, if you handle sensitive financial data, you'll need to comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). If you're in healthcare, HIPAA compliance will be a major concern. Make sure the pen testing company you choose is familiar with the relevant standards and can provide you with a report that meets your compliance requirements.

4. Do Your Homework

Not all pen testing companies are created equal. Look for companies with a proven track record, relevant certifications (like CREST or OSCP), and experience in your industry. Check out their websites, read reviews, and ask for references from previous clients. [2]

5. Ask About Methodology

Different companies use different methodologies for penetration testing. Some common ones include the Open Source Security Testing Methodology Manual (OSSTMM), the Penetration Testing Execution Standard (PTES), and the OWASP Testing Guide. [3] [4]

6. Get Clear on Deliverables

What will you get at the end of the pen test? A detailed report? A summary of findings? A presentation? Make sure you understand what's included and how the information will be presented. A good report should clearly outline vulnerabilities, their potential impact, and recommendations for remediation.

7. Discuss Communication

How will the pen testing company communicate with you during the engagement? Will they provide regular updates? Will they have a dedicated point of contact? Establish clear communication channels and expectations upfront to avoid any surprises.

8. Consider Legal and Ethical Aspects

Ensure the company has appropriate liability insurance and that they will conduct the test ethically and legally. You don't want any unintended consequences or legal issues arising from the pen test.

9. Don't Forget the Budget

Penetration testing can vary significantly in price depending on the scope, complexity, and methodology. Get a clear understanding of the costs involved and make sure it aligns with your budget.

10. Plan for Remediation

Once the pen test is complete, you'll need to fix the identified vulnerabilities. Have a plan in place for addressing the findings and ensure you have the resources to implement the necessary fixes.

Wrapping It Up

And there you have it – your 10-step checklist for pen testing success. By following these steps, you can find a reputable pen testing company that meets your needs and helps you improve your security posture.

References

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