penetration testing

Expert-led web, mobile, API, and network penetraiton testing

DEFINITION

What is penetration testing?

Penetration testing, or pen testing, is a method in ethical cybersecurity assessment designed to detect and safely exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems, applications, and websites. It mimics real cyber threats by utilizing similar tools and tactics, offering invaluable insights for effective remediation.

"It’s one of the primary means by which organizations can build a list of documented vulnerabilities and risks."

David Bisson

TYPES

Types of Penetration Testing

Network (Internal & External) Testing

Satius conducts thorough investigations of your network to detect and exploit various security vulnerabilities extensively. This process helps us determine if assets, such as data, are susceptible to compromise, assess the risks to your overall cybersecurity, prioritize vulnerabilities for resolution, and suggest actions to mitigate identified risks.

Web Application Testing

Web applications are crucial for business success and are prime targets for cybercriminals. Satius offers ethical hacking services, including penetration testing for websites and web applications, to pinpoint vulnerabilities such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting, and flaws in application logic and session management processes.

Cloud Penetration Testing

Cloud penetration testing presents complexities due to the unique rules of engagement set by each provider. Our tailored cloud security assessments assist your organization in navigating these challenges by identifying and resolving vulnerabilities that may jeopardize critical assets.

Wireless Testing

Unsecured wireless networks provide entry points for attackers to infiltrate your network and pilfer valuable data. Wireless penetration testing detects vulnerabilities, assesses potential damages, and outlines necessary remediation steps.

Social Engineering

Individuals remain a persistent vulnerability within organizational cybersecurity. Satius offers a social engineering penetration testing service, incorporating various email phishing scenarios to evaluate the capability of your systems and staff to identify and react to simulated attack simulations.

Mobile Security Testing

The utilization of mobile apps is increasing steadily, as companies increasingly offer customers access to their services through tablets and smartphones for added convenience. Satius conducts comprehensive evaluations of mobile applications, utilizing the latest development frameworks and security testing tools.

WHY PENTESTING

Why your organization needs a pen test

With threats constantly evolving, it’s recommended that every organisation commissions penetration testing at least once a year, but more frequently when:

VULNERABILITIES

Common security vulnerabilities

By proactively identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities and providing clear help and advice to remediate issues, our ethical hacking and security penetration testing services enable you to understand and significantly reduce your organisation’s cyber security risk.

An award-winning and CREST-approved pentest will help you identify vulnerabilities including:

Insecure configurations

We look for open ports, use of weak password credentials and unsafe user privileges, as well as deep configuration issues that can be exploited to achieve network access.

Flaws in encryption

We check that the encryption methods being used to protect and transmit data are secure enough to prevent tampering and eavesdropping.

Programming weaknesses

We examine software source code to identify code injection and memory flaws that could lead to the exposure of data.

Session management flaws

We test whether cookies and tokens used by software applications can be exploited to hijack sessions and escalate privileges.

REPORTING AND REMEDIATION

Reporting you can trust

We won’t leave you hanging with just a list of vulnerabilities. Here’s what you can expect to receive post-assessment:

Our penetration testing process

Satius’s security penetration testing services are based on a systematic approach to vulnerability identification and reporting. Our advanced pentest methodology includes:

01

Scoping

We work with you closely to define all assets that fall within the scope of the pen test.

02

Reconnaissance and intelligence gathering

We gather publicly available information using open source techniques (OSINT) to build intelligence that could be used to compromise your organisation.

03

Active scanning and vulnerability analysis

We conduct a full assessment of network infrastructure and applications to obtain a complete picture of your organisation’s attack surface.

04

Mapping and service identification

We research and gather detailed information about target systems.

05

Application analysis

We perform an in-depth audit of applications residing on target hosts to identify security vulnerabilities to exploit.

06

Service exploitation

We attack identified vulnerabilities to gain access to target systems and data.

07

Privilege escalation

We attempt to compromise a privileged account holder, such as a network administrator.

08

Pivoting

We use compromised systems as a mechanism to attack additional assets.

09

Reporting and debrief

We provide a manually-written pentest report that includes an executive summary and recommendations about how to effectively address identified risks.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between a pen test and vulnerability scan?

In some regions, the terms are used interchangeably, or combined into a single offering as VAPT, but it there are important distinctions between the two services. While a vulnerability scan uses only automated tools to search for known vulnerabilities, a penetration test is a more in-depth assessment. Pen testing utilises a combination of machine and human-driven or even physical approaches to identify hidden weaknesses.

Who performs a penetration test?

Pen testing is conducted by Satius’s experienced red team of CREST accredited ethical hackers who possess an in-depth understanding of the latest threats and adversarial techniques.

What are the steps involved in a pen test?

CREST penetration testing services use a systematic methodology. In the case of a blackbox external network pentest, once the engagement has been scoped, the pen tester will conduct extensive reconnaissance, scanning and asset mapping in order to identify vulnerabilities for exploitation. Once access to the network has been established, the pen tester will then attempt to move laterally across the network to obtain the higher-level privileges required to compromise additional assets and achieve the objective of the pentesting engagement.

How is a penetration test conducted?

Penetration testing as a service (PTaas) utilises the tools, techniques and procedures used by genuine criminal hackers. Common blackhat pentesting methods include phishing, SQL injection, brute force and deployment of custom malware.

What penetration testing tools are typically used?

Satius’s pen testing team don’t rely on automated scanning applications. To detect hidden and complex vulnerabilities, they leverage a range of open source and commercial pentesting tools to manually perform tasks such as network and asset discovery, attack surface mapping and exploitation.

How long does a pentest take?

The time it takes an ethical hacker to complete a pentest is dependent upon the scope of the test. Factors affecting pentesting duration include network size, if the test is internal or external facing, whether it involves any physical penetration testing and whether network information and user credentials are shared with Satius prior to the pentesting engagement.

How often should pen testing be carried out?

All businesses are advised to conduct a penetration test at least once a year, as well as after any significant upgrades or modifications to the company network. Given the rapid rate at which new exploits are discovered, Satius recommends that quarterly tests are performed. Regular penetration tests are often required for compliance with regulations such as PCI DSS.

For organisations looking to accelerate the development of secure software and applications, agile penetration testing is another option, providing a structured way to find and address potential risks in alignment with the existing timelines and schedules of product releases, ensuring that newly added or updated features are tested in real time, as they are added or updated.

What is penetration testing as a service (PTaas)?

Penetration testing as a service (PTaaS) is a continuous penetration testing approach that combines manual and automated procedures to provide ongoing assessment. Pen testing as a service can be performed alongside an organisation’s existing testing programme to ensure fixes are working as intended and security improvements are being made on a continuous basis.

Why is it important to use a CREST penetration testing company?

Redscan is a member of CREST, an international certification body for information security and penetration testing services. By choosing our CREST pen testing services, you can be sure that all assessments will be carried out to the highest technical and ethical standards. Our CREST certified penetration testers hold a range of cyber security certifications, demonstrating their ability to perform many types of penetration testing. Learn more about the benefits of CREST-accreditation.

What happens after pen testing is completed?

After each engagement, the ethical hacker(s) assigned to the test will produce a custom written report, detailing and assessing the risks of any weaknesses identified plus outlining recommended remedial actions. A comprehensive telephone debrief is conducted following submission of the report.

Should I use the same penetration testing supplier?

Working with a single pentesting supplier can have its pitfalls, as over-familiarity with an IT environment can mean that some exposures may be overlooked. Choosing a penetration testing as a service (PTaas) partner like Satius, that invests in offensive security and employs ethical hackers specialising in a wide range of penetration testing types, can help to significantly reduce this risk while offering the added benefit of being a long-term, go-to, partner for support and advice.

Will a pen test affect business operations?

A Satius penetration test is conducted in accordance with the strictest legal, technical ethical standards. Tests are designed to identify and safely exploit vulnerabilities while minimising the risk of disrupting business operations.

How much does a pen test cost?

The cost of a pentest is based on the number of days our ethical hackers need to achieve an agreed objective. To receive a pen test quotation, you will need to complete a pre-evaluation questionnaire, although Redscan’s experts can help you with this.

OUR SERVICES

Our award-winning security services

Satius’s security services are designed to provide the vital assistance needed to make tangible improvements to your organisation’s cyber security posture.

Managed Security Services

Expert help to manage and monitor your choice of security technologies

ASSESSMENT SERVICES

Specialist engagements to uncover and address hidden cyber security risks

Turn Key Solutions

Complete solution delivery on cloud or SaaS with world-class support

Ready for Cyber Resilience?

Learn more how our Managed Service can help you achieve Cyber Resilience and be an extension of your team without breaking the budget.

TESTIMONIALS

What our clients say about us

Basheer Altayeb

Head of IT Risk-Cybersecurity

We have been working with Satius for years to understand and minimize risks. The team performed multiple projects from vulnerability management to security controls validation. very satisfied with the value received.

Tedd Long

CSO

Partnering with Satius Security has been a game-changer for our organization. Their expert team and proactive approach have provided us with unmatched peace of mind in today's cyber landscape.

Steve Jablonski

VP of IT

Working with Satius Security has been instrumental in bolstering our company's cybersecurity defenses. Their proactive solutions and round-the-clock support have significantly enhanced our resilience against cyber threats. I highly endorse their services to any IT team looking to elevate their security posture.

Elie Hamouche

CTO

Satius is a professional IT Security Company that always gives the best value. We benefited from their recommendations and expertise to mitigate findings.