Organizations cannot just use firewalls and antivirus programs in the era of continuous cyberattacks. Not only are hackers using the external applications but also internal networks. In order to avoid this, companies must conduct web application penetration testing and internal network penetration testing. These two layers of testing are complementary to each other and highlight weaknesses both external and internal to the organization making it resilient in terms of vulnerabilities being detected.

Web Application Penetration Testing: An Explanation

Web application penetration testing is an elaborate security audit that mimics methods of hackers on web platforms, API as well as databases. It is aimed to reveal weak points which may result in data leakage, unauthorized access or service failures.

Some of the common weaknesses identified are:

SQL Injection: It is an attack that hackers use input fields to crack databases or manipulate them.

• Cross-site Scripting (XSS): It involves injecting malicious codes into trusted web pages.

• Broken Authentication: The attacker is able to take over accounts because of poor session controls.

• Insecure Direct Object References: The attackers read or edit files or records they are not authorized to access.

• Server Misconfigurations: Old software or inappropriate permissions exposing data.

Detailed testing gives the business an understanding of the actual resilience of their application to actual attacks.

What is Internal Network penetration Testing?

Internal network penetration testing presumes that an attacker has already gained restricted access to your network which could be a phishing breach or a device of an infected employee. This is the simulation of testers to find the inner weaknesses that may result in more exploitation.

The assessment targets:

• Weak Credentials: Active Directory passwords and default passwords.

• Privilege Escalation Paths: Higher-level access via misconfigurations.

• Unpatched Systems: Systems that are running older software or firmware.

• Interdepartmental Opportunity: Unapproved interdepartmental access among servers.

• Sensitive Data Exposure: Information that is not encrypted and stored in shared drives.

Internal controls can be increased, and detection mechanisms can be enhanced by identifying these vulnerabilities in their initial stages.

The relationship between the Web and Internal Testing

Once the intruder has navigated through your systems, it is usually turned into an internal threat. This is the reason why it is necessary to conduct both tests.

Together, they:

• Eliminate Gaps: Chevron the entire attack chain.

• Improve Compliance: Conform to ISO 27001, PCI DSS and GDPR requirements.

• Enhance Incident preparedness: Train IT Teams on possible intrusions.

• Increase Customer Trust: Demonstrate your active interest in cybersecurity.

The Strategy of Aardwolf Security

Our certified testers at Aardwolf Security have frameworks that have been tested like OWASP and NIST. Automation is used together with expert manual testing to give precise and realistic results.

Our methodology includes:

1. Scoping: Application and network definition

2. Reconnaissance: Collection of systems and attack surface intelligence

3. Exploitation: Exploring the vulnerability by controlled simulation

4. Post-Exploitation: Examining the extent to which an attacker may penetrate

5. Reporting: Providing the remediation plans in detail and in order of priority

Advantages of Combinations of Tests

• Identifies the weaknesses that automated tools miss.

• Strengthens the response capabilities and patch management.

• Regulatory conformity by detailed reporting.

• Guarantees brand name and consumer loyalty.

Conclusion

Current attacks exploit external and internal vulnerabilities. The web application penetration testing and the internal network penetration testing are necessary to carry out the full-spectrum defense. Collaborating with Aardwolf Security entails detection, resolution, and avoidance of vulnerabilities prior to their exploitation of your organization ensuring your business is secure on all fronts.