What is Network Protection Testing
Network Protection Testing is exactly what it sounds like, a test to make sure that all the various protections you have in place on your network are working properly and are not vulnerable to hackers. This includes but is not limited to your firewalls, anti-virus, anti-malware, endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions and more.
Network Protection Testing includes 2 main parts, the first being a vulnerability scan that will look at all of the devices on your network and make sure of the following:
- They are not out of date or in end of life where there is no longer support for those systems.
- They are properly updated to make sure that any known vulnerabilities are patched.
- That you get a list of all known exploits and vulnerabilities which your systems are currently at risk for.
The second important piece of Network Protection Testing is a penetration test. A penetration test is when a 3rd party tries (knowingly) to hack into your network. They will simulate a real attack, using the same exploits and vulnerabilities largely known by hackers and try to gain access to as much of your data as possible. If the penetration test is successful, you know that it would not be hard for a criminal to get into your systems and steal your sensitive information.
Why Regular Testing is Necessary
Regular network assessments are vital for identifying your cybersecurity readiness since hackers continually seek new vulnerabilities. While initial scans may indicate security, they can’t account for newly discovered threats, leaving your system vulnerable to attack if left unchecked. Because we can only scan for vulnerabilities known at the time of the scan, and threats are constantly evolving, it is impossible to stay secure having performed these assessments only one time.
Here are some of the key benefits you will get from performing Network Protection Testing not just one time, but regularly:
- Simulation of real-world attacks. Penetration tests simulate a cyberattack to assess your security measures.
- Vulnerability identification. Exposes security vulnerabilities to reveal potential entry points.
- Risk Prioritization. Prioritizes vulnerabilities by degree of risk, addressing critical issues first.
- Comprehensive security assessment. Evaluates current security controls to ensure systems can withstand cyberthreats.
- Risk mitigation. Enables effective prioritization and mitigation of potential cyber-risks.
- Compliance with regulations. Many compliance standards require regular vulnerability and pen testing.
- Customer data protection. Addresses vulnerabilities that lead to breaches, identity theft, or unauthorized access.
- Proactive offense. Proactively reduces attack vectors through regular assessments.
- Threat defense. Identifies vulnerabilities missed by traditional security measures.
Your business may not have all the resources necessary to perform regular network protection testing and may need to outsource this part of your security. That’s where Bizcom Global comes in. We use top-of-industry tools to perform vulnerability and network assessments as well as regular penetration testing. Plus, our experts are here to ensure that you understand the impact of the results and can help to create remediation plans.
Let us help you figure out where your network security needs work and show you what you can do to fix it.
