Penetration testing (also known as pen testing) is a simulated cyber attack where professional ethical hackers try to gain access to systems and data to find security vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious hackers.

Penetration tests can be used to test both the external and internal security of a system or network. External Penetration Testing focus on testing from outside the network, simulating an attack from an external malicious actor. Internal penetration tests focus on testing from inside the network, simulating an attack from an internal malicious actor.

The importance

Penetration tests are an important part of a comprehensive security program. They can help identify security vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers to gain access to systems and data. Penetration tests can also help assess the effectiveness of security controls, such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems.

Penetration tests should be conducted by experienced and certified ethical hackers. The ethical hackers should have a thorough understanding of hacking techniques and tools, as well as a good understanding of the systems and data they are testing.

Penetration tests should be conducted on a regular basis to ensure that systems and data are protected from the latest security threats.

External penetration testing is a type of security testing that is performed from outside of an organization's network. It is also known as black box testing. The goal of external penetration testing is to simulate the actions of a real-world attacker and to identify security vulnerabilities that could be exploited by an attacker.

External penetration testing can be used to test the security of any type of system, including web applications, infrastructure, and networks. It is an important part of any organization's security program and can help identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers.

Bottom Line

External penetration testing is different from internal penetration testing in several ways. First, external penetration testing is performed from outside the network, while internal penetration testing is performed from inside the network. Second, external penetration testing focuses on the perimeter of the network, while internal penetration testing focuses on the internal systems and applications.

External penetration testing can be performed using a variety of methods, including manual testing, automated testing, and social engineering. Manual testing is the most common type of external penetration testing. It is performed by security professionals who manually test for vulnerabilities. Automated testing is performed using specialized tools that automate the testing process. Social engineering is a type of attack that relies on human interaction to obtain information or access to systems.

External penetration testing can be an important part of any organization's security program. It can help identify vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit. External penetration testing can also help organizations to understand the risks associated with their systems and to develop mitigation strategies.