Episode 109: Current State of Pentesting - Internal and External
Sep 25, 2024
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Spencer and Tyler dive into the thrilling world of penetration testing, sharing what they love and loathe about the field. They discuss the crucial balance between vulnerability scanning and thorough pen tests, touching upon the role of cloud security and AI. Communication emerges as key, enhancing partnerships for better assessments. The duo emphasizes continuous improvement in standards and the importance of client feedback. They also share excitement about an upcoming cybersecurity conference and a workshop on Active Directory hardening.
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Quick takeaways
The transition to cloud infrastructures necessitates comprehensive security assessments to address unique vulnerabilities and cost implications.
Continuous research and effective communication with clients are vital for enhancing penetration testing practices and fostering collaborative security efforts.
Deep dives
Current Trends in Pen Testing
The podcast discusses the current state of penetration testing, highlighting the increasing demand for these services. A significant shift towards cloud security is noted, as organizations migrate from on-premises to cloud infrastructures. This transition has led to a rising necessity for comprehensive cloud security assessments to address unique vulnerabilities present in these environments. As businesses become aware of the cost implications of hosting on the cloud, there is also a push for understanding the balance between cloud and on-premise solutions.
The Value of Research and Development
The essential role of research and development in penetration testing is emphasized, with insights into the challenges faced during busy seasons. When workloads increase, the opportunity for dedicated research often decreases, which can limit the ability to innovate and develop new techniques. Engaging in research not only reinforces the team’s skills but also enhances the quality of the services they provide. Embracing continuous learning and experimentation is crucial for pen testers to remain effective and deliver maximum value to clients.
Collaboration and Communication in Engagements
Effective communication and collaboration during engagement with clients are highlighted as key aspects of delivering quality pen testing services. By fostering an open dialogue about vulnerabilities and misconfigurations, pen testers can ensure that clients are informed and engaged in the process. This collaboration helps clients understand their security posture and facilitates better remediation efforts. The aim is to create a partnership where both the testing team and the client work together to enhance the overall security of the organization.
Emerging Technologies and Future Directions
The podcast explores the implications of emerging technologies, particularly AI, on the future of penetration testing. While there is excitement surrounding AI's potential, the conversation indicates that it may not fully replace human pen testers due to the complexities of security assessments. AI can enhance operational efficiency, especially in coding and routine tasks, but human insight remains invaluable. As the field evolves, understanding how to integrate AI effectively while maintaining the critical human element will be essential for the advancement of pen testing practices.
In this episode, Spencer and Tyler share what they love and hate about the current state of penetration testing, they discuss current and future trends, and what it means to be a true cybersecurity partner. We hope you enjoy this episode!