DEV Community

Cover image for 4 Best Practices Of Security Penetration Testing Services You Must Follow
Alisha Henderson
Alisha Henderson

Posted on

4 Best Practices Of Security Penetration Testing Services You Must Follow

Penetration testing is one of the most common actions for today’s security-aware businesses. Self-defense being the number 1 element, there are many reasons for executing a pen-test, including better security defenses, decreased risk levels and meeting strict compliance requirements. Let us understand the 4 best practices of Security Penetration Testing Services.

1.Define the type of pen-test your organization needs

Before choosing a penetration testing company, it is important to define what type of testing you are looking for. Whether a web application pen-test, a mobile application pen-test or a network infrastructure pen-test. Once the scope of your penetration testing services is defined, the organization will have to specify how they want the pen-test to be performed.

2.Evaluate the skills of the penetration testing team

Additionally to evaluating the pen-testing company completely, it is recommended to take a close look at the actual pen-testers who will perform the process. It is important to identify the expertise of the penetration testing team to demonstrate their technical knowledge.

3.Find out how your data will be secured

Pen-testers certainly recognize how to get access to your private data, but their pen-testing company will have to prove that they will handle and store this data securely before, during and after the penetration test. In the end, you are assigning a third party with the most critical data assets and should obtain an proper explanation about data handling before sharing anything private.

4.Clarify the methodology and process

While choosing your security penetration services company, ensure to confirm that the resources follow an industry-recognized pen-testing methodology. It is important to identify how exactly the pen- testing will be performed and which steps will be followed.

Usually, this level of detail is comprised in the sales proposal or in the statement of work (SOW). Lest, one should not be afraid to ask the pen-testing company to proceed with the methodology they follow during the ethical hacking process. If they follow a similar kind of methodology for all their penetration testing engagements, there are chances that their work quality is good and their level of meticulousness in the engagement is also good.

Conclusion

While assessing a penetration testing company, there are several best practices that you be should keep in mind other than how much the pen-test actually costs. At minimum, ensure that the organization properly evaluates the potential pen-testing vendor and validates their methodology and deliverables, data security practices and capabilities. You may also want to search about the authorizations of the pen-testers who will perform the job.

Penetration testing is a mandate for all organizations who want to comply with the security regulations set by the government. Penetration testing should only be executed by skilled consultants with the essential technical skill set and qualifications.

Top comments (3)

Collapse
 
lewisblakeney profile image
lewisblakeney

Great article! Emphasizing crucial aspects of Penetration Testing Services. Implementing these practices ensures robust cybersecurity. #PenetrationTestingServices

Collapse
 
voidp34r profile image
Matheus Rafael

muito interessante o artigo especialmente a abstração dos processos e a visão dele como um 'todo' :)

Collapse
 
testingxperts profile image
Alisha Henderson

@ Matheus Rafael thanku.