Definition
Advanced penetration is a cybersecurity test that helps detect and remove vulnerabilities and security weaknesses in IT systems. An ethical hacker performs a simulated attack or breach on front-end and back-end servers to discover any security risks and areas for improvement.
Types of Advanced Penetration Testing
- Black box penetration testing: It involves assessing a system without knowing its inner workings. Testers are only aware of the desired outcomes and do not scrutinize programming code.
- White box penetration testing: It is a more intricate process in which testers are furnished with extensive information about the system, including schema, source code, IP addresses, and OS details. They scrutinize the code coverage and perform data flow testing, path testing, and loop testing.
- Grey box penetration testing: Simulates external attacks that might originate from attackers with unauthorized network or system access. Testers do not require access to the source code for this evaluation.
Stages of Penetration Testing
The stages of penetration testing are divided into:
- Reconnaissance: Involves uncovering possible vulnerabilities within the target environment. It entails collecting publicly available data regarding the target.
- Scanning: It identifies how a system will react to various threats and is carried out using both manual and automated techniques.
- Vulnerability assessment: Experts explore the potential weaknesses identified in the first and second stages. The process involves uncovering common vulnerabilities and reviewing the security protocols.
- Exploitation: Testers exploit the weak points discovered within the target system. They then probe for sensitive data or exploit previously identified security weaknesses for further access.
- Reporting: It involves compiling a report of all findings of penetration testing.