Almost every day, companies are hacked and lose valuable assets or are held hostage for their own data. To keep your business safe and running smoothly, penetration (pen) testing is used to prevent possible cyberattacks.
“Penetration testing is critical for businesses to proactively identify and address vulnerabilities in their IT infrastructure before malicious actors exploit them,” says Technology Advisory Services Manager Eric Eisenbraun.
Control risk
But what exactly is pen testing? Essentially, it is a controlled cyberattack. Just as controlled burns are used to avoid catastrophes, pen tests are safe ways to avoid a disastrous possibility of a cyberattack.
By simulating real-world cyberattacks, companies can evaluate the effectiveness of their security measures, ensure compliance with industry regulations, and safeguard sensitive data.
“Regular penetration testing helps organizations reduce the risk of financial loss, reputational damage, and legal liabilities,” says Eric.
Compliance benefits
Businesses that conduct regular penetration testing not only benefit from increased cyber-safety, but it also helps some organizations meet cybersecurity insurance requirements. While regulations can be a pain, up-to-date security measures avoid potentially costly fines.
There are a few different ways to conduct pen tests. Testers perform black-box tests with no information about the targeted system. In a white-box test, testers know all about the target system. In a gray-box test, testers only know some information.
You can proactively protect your organization or business against potential cyberattacks by incorporating penetration testing into your security routine. When combined with Golden West Technologies’ managed services, you ensure that your systems are secure, compliant, and ready to face evolving cybersecurity threats.
Organizations that are part of the Golden West Technology Leadership program will get the benefit of an external pen test on an annual basis, starting at the end of 2024.
Sources: IBM