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Penetration testing is a crucial aspect of ensuring business security, especially in times of continuous software and infrastructure development. Whether it's about a software product developed and released by an organization or the infrastructure of a large company with multiple branches worldwide.
So, how can penetration testing be integrated with an organization's security policy and strategy? Let's explore in this article.
A security policy is the glue that binds together all key assets and operational aspects of an organization, defining how they should be protected. It classifies the data processed in business operations and the assets used. The policy categorizes their sensitivity and identifies the potential threats they face. Based on this, security measures can be established to protect them from unwanted consequences.
The policy includes a set of guidelines, recommendations, and internal regulations defining the rules for security measures. It first outlines the organization's cybersecurity goals, then specifies the scope to which the policy applies. It sets security standards for specific topics like password policies, backups, physical security, and vulnerability management. The security policy also identifies risks and determines their likelihood.
In short, the security policy is a key document that provides a solid foundation for an organization's threat protection strategy. Regular updates and alignment with the organization's growth, alongside enforcement, are crucial. Various resources, including human, technological, and specialized security services, can help achieve this.
In this article, we will focus on how penetration tests can effectively complement and integrate with a security policy.
For the sake of this discussion, let's consider penetration testing as a supplement to the security policy of a product-based company. This means a company that has its own product, such as business software that performs well in its field. The company's development is promising, opening up new opportunities. It has human resources to maintain the programming and administrative infrastructure of its applications. There are also several business processes in place, such as accounting, sales, customer support, and marketing.
The company plans to conduct penetration tests in areas such as software, IT infrastructure, and protecting the organization from external threats. The security policy, based on identified risks for specific threats and the probability of their occurrence, mandates that each of these areas undergo penetration testing at least once a year.
For the product, the goal of the tests is to identify vulnerabilities in the software, which could lead to financial losses through unauthorized access or data leakage. Infrastructure penetration testing aims to verify how well it is secured and whether it could be exploited as an attack vector for data theft or destruction. The risk of destabilizing the software provided to clients is also considered.
Tests focused on the organization and its employees are equally important in assessing the company's security. Here, the goal is to identify weaknesses in the implemented security measures. The simulated attack mirrors potential real-world incidents such as phishing, malware infection, or unauthorized network access.
These are just examples of the objectives an organization should define before planning such tests. This makes it easier to assess the company's readiness for these threats. The results of penetration tests should be seen as a status check on security, but even the best results don't guarantee that a company is "100% secure." Security is a continuous process, and penetration testing is just one method of pragmatic assessment.
Penetration testing requires organizational involvement each time it’s conducted. Clearly defined goals, continuous risk analysis, and threat identification with likelihood assessment are essential. Preparing the testing environment, such as the infrastructure, ensures that the testers' work and any potential vulnerabilities found don't disrupt the company's operations. Additionally, the timeline for mitigating identified vulnerabilities and implementing recommendations must be planned. Based on completed tasks, conclusions must be drawn to update security procedures and policies, supporting risk management.
The larger and more complex the infrastructure or business processes, the more challenging penetration testing becomes. However, the demand for such tests also increases proportionally in these cases. It's important to note that defining goals, planning, and preparing for penetration testing often involves multiple teams, who may be engaged in the process for an extended period. Teams may also be required to address vulnerabilities and implement recommendations.
A security policy enriched with mechanisms and approaches that pragmatically assess the security of selected organizational areas is a valuable asset. This ensures that the security strategy is progressively implemented and continuously improved. It's also a guarantee that the policy will address the ever-changing threats proportional to the company's technological development. Well-planned, annual penetration tests help the involved teams maintain alignment with product and infrastructure development, as well as keep security policies up to date.