Protection against cyber attacks is one of the biggest concerns that all companies have or should have today. With an increasing volume of data browsing the Internet, businesses are responsible for a large amount of this, and to keep hackers at bay, one of the most used tactics is pentesting. In this article you will learn everything you need to choose the perfect equipment to do Pentesting step by step.
Penetration testing (or pentesting) has become an essential tool for identifying vulnerabilities before hackers do. If you want to learn how to choose the ideal equipment for Pentesting, keep reading.
What is pentesting for computer security?
Penetration testing is like simulating a controlled attack to find flaws in systems. These simulated attacks help strengthen cybersecurity, and the team in charge of carrying them out, known as pentesters or ethical hackers, becomes your first line of defense against possible threats. But how to choose a team that is competent and meets the specific needs of your company?
- Define what you need: Before starting to look for equipment, it is important that you are clear if you want to evaluate a web application, internal networks or even test cloud security. This will define the approach to pentesting, as there are different types of tests (black box, white box, gray box) depending on what you want to evaluate.
- Check their methodology: Not all pentesting companies or teams work in the same way. Make sure the team follows an industry standard methodology, such as OWASP, NIST, or PTES. This ensures that testing is thorough and covers all critical security aspects.
- Evaluate the team’s experience: A good pentesting team must have demonstrable experience in projects similar to yours. Review their previous jobs and see if they have worked in the same sector as your company. This will allow them to better understand the specific risks you face.
- Protect your information: Since the team will have access to sensitive data, you will need to ask how they ensure the confidentiality of the information. Make sure they have security measures in place to protect data during and after the process.
- Communication is key: Choosing a team that maintains fluid communication is essential. A good pentester should inform you about each stage of the process and make you understand the risks encountered. There is no point in receiving an incomprehensible report full of technicalities.
- Ask for report examples: A good report is clear and easy to understand, even if you are not a technical expert. Ask the team to show you a previous pentesting report (without sensitive data) so you can evaluate the quality and clarity of their results.
- Verify certifications: Check that the team’s pentesters are certified in ethical hacking. Some important certifications are CEH, OSCP, and LPT. These accreditations are a guarantee that the professionals you choose have the necessary knowledge to do the job correctly.
- Make sure they have insurance: Any professional pentesting team should have liability insurance. This way, you will be insured in case something goes wrong during the tests.
- Compare prices, but don’t just look at cheap: Price is important, but it shouldn’t be the only criterion to take into account. Sometimes cheap is expensive, especially if the service does not cover all the needs of your company. But, obviously, always try to get the best quality-price ratio.
- Sign a clear contract: Finally, make sure that all the conditions are well detailed in a contract. This should include the scope of work, methodology, deadlines, costs and any other responsibilities that have been agreed.
Choosing the ideal pentesting equipment is not just a matter of prices or certifications. It’s about finding professionals who understand your company’s needs, offer a complete service and maintain clear communication. By following these 10 steps, you can ensure that your system is protected in the best way possible.
