Preparing Your Organisation for a Pen Test
- johnkillilea
- Jul 25, 2024
- 4 min read
At System Bypass, we know that a penetration test (pen test) is a game-changer in keeping your cybersecurity tight. A pen test mimics real-world hacker moves to spot your system’s weak spots before the bad guys do. Nailing the prep for a pen test means the whole thing goes smoothly, giving you solid results. Here’s some info on getting your organisation ready for a pen test, including:
A prep checklist to prepare for a pen test
Why clear communication and scope definition matter
Tips to keep things chill during the test.
A Checklist for Companies to Prepare for a Penetration Test
Prepping for a pen test involves ticking off some key tasks to make sure the test is slick and effective. Here’s your go-to checklist:
Define the Objectives and Scope
Determine Goals: Get crystal clear on what you want out of the pen test. Are you zeroing in on certain systems, meeting compliance needs, or beefing up overall security?
Select Systems and Networks: Pin down which systems, networks, and apps are getting tested. Don’t forget the critical stuff and data goldmines.
Scope Limitations: Spell out any no-go zones to avoid accidental mess-ups.
Choose the Right Type of Pen Test
Black Box Testing: Testers know nothing about your system, mimicking an outside attack.
White Box Testing: Testers have the full scoop on your system, including the source code, leading to a thorough check.
Gray Box Testing: A blend of both, where testers have some insider info. (most common)
Prepare Your Internal Team
Inform Key Stakeholders: Make sure everyone who needs to know, from IT to senior management, is in the loop about the test and its goals.
Assign Roles and Responsibilities: Pick points of contact within your crew to liaise with the pen testing team.
Educate Your Team: Give your team the heads-up on what to expect during the test and how to handle any findings.
Backup Critical Data: Backup all the crucial stuff to dodge data loss in case of any unexpected hitches during testing.
Schedule the Test Appropriately
Avoid Peak Times: Plan the pen test during off-peak hours or maintenance windows to keep disruption low.
Coordinate with IT: Ensure your IT crew is geared up to support the test and handle any issues that pop up.
The Importance of Clear Communication and Defining the Scope
Clear communication and a solid scope definition are key to a successful pen test. Without these, you’re looking at misunderstandings, half-baked assessments, and potential chaos.
Clear Communication
Nailing communication between your team and the pen testing crew is crucial. Here’s why:
Alignment on Objectives: Clear talk ensures everyone’s on the same page about the test goals and expectations. This focus helps hit the most critical areas.
Transparency: Keeping the comms open throughout the test allows for real-time updates and quick fixes for any hiccups.
Building Trust: Regular updates build trust between your crew and the pen testers, crucial for a smooth and successful test.
Defining the Scope
Laying out the test scope is just as important:
Focused Testing: A well-defined scope zeros in on the most critical and vulnerable parts of your system, making the test more effective.
Avoiding Overreach: Outlining what’s off-limits helps prevent unintentional disruptions to sensitive or critical systems.
Resource Allocation: A clear scope helps allocate the right resources, both from your team and the pen testers, ensuring a thorough and efficient test.
Best Practices for Minimising Disruption During the Testing Process
Pen testing can be pretty invasive, but following these best practices can keep your operations running smoothly:
Schedule Wisely
Off-Peak Hours: Plan the pen test during off-peak hours or maintenance windows to reduce the impact on daily operations.
Staggered Testing: If possible, stagger the testing across different systems and networks to avoid overloading any single component.
Consider Implementing a Change Freeze
Limit Changes: Avoid making major changes to your systems or apps during the test period. Keeping things stable helps ensure the test results are consistent and reliable.
Monitor and Respond
Active Monitoring: Keep a close watch on your systems during the test to quickly spot and respond to any issues.
Incident Response: Have your incident response team ready to jump on any disruptions or security incidents that pop up during the test.
Regular Updates from the Testing Team
Status Reports: Request regular updates from the pen testing team to stay in the loop about progress and any early findings.
Immediate Notification: Make sure the testing team knows to notify you ASAP about any critical vulnerabilities or issues that could affect your operations.
Post-Test Review and Follow-Up
Detailed Report: After the test, go through the detailed report from the pen testing team. This report should include findings, recommendations, and actionable insights.
Remediation Plan: Create a plan to fix the identified vulnerabilities, starting with the most critical ones.
Follow-Up Testing: Consider scheduling follow-up tests to ensure the vulnerabilities have been patched effectively.
Conclusion
Prepping for a pen test is a detailed process that needs careful planning, clear communication, and well-defined goals. Following the steps in this guide ensures the pen test is done right, gives you valuable insights, and keeps disruptions to a minimum.
At System Bypass, we’re all about helping businesses in Ireland to up their cybersecurity game with thorough pen testing services. Our expert team will guide you through every step, making sure your systems are locked down and secure against threats.
Ready to beef up your security? Hit up System Bypass today to book a consultation and learn more about our penetration testing services. Your security is our priority, and together, we’ll keep your business safe from the bad guys.