Benefits of Pen Tests and Ethical Hacking For Small Businesses

Cybersecurity is essential for businesses of all sizes, including small businesses that may think they’re too “under the radar” to be targeted. In fact, nearly half of cyberattacks target small businesses, making it crucial to adopt effective cybersecurity measures. A key component of a robust security strategy includes third-party penetration tests and ethical hacking, both of which help businesses proactively identify and address vulnerabilities. This blog will explain what third-party penetration testing and ethical hacking involve, how they’re used to enhance cybersecurity, and how small businesses can integrate them into their security plans.

What Is a Third-Party Penetration Test?

A third-party penetration test, or “pen test,” is an authorized simulated cyberattack conducted by an outside cybersecurity expert. The purpose is to evaluate the security of a system by uncovering vulnerabilities that an attacker could exploit. Penetration tests are a proactive way to identify weaknesses in a business’s defenses, providing valuable insights into areas that need improvement.

What’s Included in a Third-Party Penetration Test?

1. Network Scanning and Vulnerability Identification: Pen testers use automated tools and manual techniques to identify weaknesses within a network, such as outdated software, insecure configurations, and unpatched systems.
2. Application Testing: If a business has web or mobile applications, the pen test often includes testing for security flaws within these applications, like cross-site scripting or SQL injection.
3. Social Engineering Tests: In some cases, penetration tests can include social engineering, where testers attempt to trick employees into revealing sensitive information.

What Isn’t Included?

1. Remediation: Pen tests reveal vulnerabilities but do not fix them. It’s up to the business, often with the help of IT professionals, to implement the fixes.
2. Certain Types of Social Engineering: Full-scale phishing simulations are typically outside the scope unless specifically requested.

How Often Should Small Businesses Do Pen Tests?

For small businesses, conducting a penetration test at least once a year is a good starting point. In industries with high security requirements, such as finance or healthcare, semi-annual or quarterly testing may be more appropriate. Major system changes, like adopting a new application or expanding the network, should also trigger a test.

Real-World Example: In 2021, Colonial Pipeline suffered a major ransomware attack that disrupted fuel supply in the U.S. This incident highlighted the importance of regular security assessments, as a pen test could have uncovered vulnerabilities in the system before they were exploited. (1)

Who Are Ethical Hackers?

Ethical hackers, sometimes called “white hat hackers,” are cybersecurity professionals who use hacking techniques to identify security weaknesses in a company’s system. Unlike malicious hackers, ethical hackers are authorized to test a business’s defenses and work with a clear goal: to enhance security and prevent criminal activities. They often hold certifications such as CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) and use the same tools and tactics as cybercriminals to simulate real-world attack scenarios.

Real-World Example: Ethical hackers played a role in uncovering vulnerabilities within Microsoft Exchange servers in 2021, preventing potentially widespread data breaches for companies around the world. (2)

Benefits For Small Businesses

1. Proactive Threat Identification: Penetration testing and ethical hacking reveal potential threats before they can be exploited, which is key to preventing costly security breaches.
2. Data Protection: Testing ensures that sensitive data is protected, building trust with customers and protecting the business’s reputation.
3. Regulatory Compliance: Many industries have data protection requirements that call for regular security assessments. Pen tests can demonstrate compliance and provide documentation if audits are required.

Real-World Example: The Target breach of 2013 resulted in millions of compromised customer records. If regular penetration testing had been part of Target’s cybersecurity plan, the breach might have been prevented. (3)

Implementing Pen Tests In Your Cybersecurity Strategy

1. Small businesses should consider integrating third-party penetration testing into their cybersecurity plans to bolster defenses and manage cyber risks proactively. Here’s a quick guide to doing it effectively:
2. Choose the Right Provider: Opt for a reputable third-party provider with a proven track record and ethical standards. Verify their credentials and ensure they have experience in your industry.
3. Define the Scope and Frequency: Depending on the nature of your business, you might conduct annual, semi-annual, or quarterly tests. Setting a clear scope can also help you focus on the most critical assets.
4. Review the Results and Take Action: Once testing is complete, work with your provider to understand the results. Address vulnerabilities immediately and prioritize fixes based on risk.

Real-World Example: IBM reported that companies with regular security assessments experienced fewer incidents, highlighting the importance of continuous monitoring and testing. (4)

Conclusion

Penetration testing and ethical hacking are invaluable tools for small businesses striving to enhance their cybersecurity posture. Regular testing can prevent devastating attacks and demonstrate a proactive approach to cybersecurity that builds customer trust. As the cybersecurity landscape evolves, small businesses must prioritize security by incorporating these assessments into their strategic plans. With the right third-party provider and regular testing, businesses of any size can achieve a higher level of security, protecting their data, assets, and reputation.

Real-World Example: A case study from Cisco demonstrated that small businesses with proactive security strategies are better equipped to handle threats, as shown by lower recovery times and fewer breaches. (5)

Dynamic Edge Can Help

Since 1999, Dynamic Edge has helped hundreds of small and mid-sized businesses maximize the return on their technology investment. Contact us today for a free network assessment, so that we may help you implement cost-effective security solutions to keep your organization and its clients safe and productive. Our Help Desk features friendly, experienced engineers who answer calls live and solve more than 70% of issues on the first call.