The Cyber Threat Perspective Episode 120: Demystifying Pentests: What Every Organization Needs to Know
Jan 17, 2025
Dive into the fascinating world of penetration testing! Discover how it differs from vulnerability assessments and why manual testing is essential. Learn about the communication dynamics that improve client relationships and ensure effective remediation. Explore specific risks, like those associated with OneDrive, and the importance of staying updated with evolving methodologies. Finally, uncover the value of post-engagement discussions that enhance understanding of vulnerabilities and guide better security investments.
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Pen Testing vs Vulnerability Assessments
- Pen testing is fundamentally different from vulnerability assessments and this distinction is crucial for compliance and audit purposes.
- Many organizations mistakenly think vulnerability scanning equates to pen testing, but manual testing is required for true pen tests.
Usernames Are Publicly Discoverable
- Usernames and email addresses inevitably become public information due to enumeration flaws.
- Organizations should accept this and protect accounts accordingly rather than trying to hide them.
Choose Providers Who Communicate Well
- When selecting a pen test provider, ensure they maintain constant communication.
- Clients should always know what the testers are doing and be promptly alerted to movements or findings.