CyberSecurity

Definition:

A simulated, controlled cyberattack performed by ethical hackers to find and exploit vulnerabilities in systems, networks, or applications — before real attackers do. 

Purpose:

• Identify & fix security weaknesses.\

• Validate effectiveness of existing security controls.

• Test response & recovery processes.

• Support compliance (e.g., PCI DSS, ISO 27001, NIST).

Types:

1. 🌐 Network Pen Test

• Firewalls, servers, routers, internal & external networks.

• Can be partially automated 

2. 📱 Application Pen Test

• Web, mobile, APIs — logic & technical flaws.

• Can be partially automated, but not business scenarios

3. 👥 Social Engineering

• Test human awareness & susceptibility (e.g., phishing).

• Can't be automated, Need human

4. 🖥️ Physical Pen Test

• Assess physical access & controls.

• Can't be automated, Need human

5. 🔗 Cloud & Hybrid

• Test SaaS, IaaS, PaaS environments.

• Can be partially automated, in misconfiguration

Process:

Here are the key Pen Testing practices summarized:

1️⃣ Planning & Scoping

• Define objectives, scope, rules of engagement, legal approvals, timeline.

• Deliverables: Scope document, NDA, risk acceptance.

2️⃣ Reconnaissance (Information Gathering)

• Collect info about targets (passive & active).

• Deliverables: Asset inventory, DNS/WHOIS, open ports, tech stack.

3️⃣ Threat Modeling & Vulnerability Identification

• Map attack surface, identify potential vulnerabilities.

• Deliverables: Vulnerability scan results, threat map.

4️⃣ Exploitation (Attack)

• Attempt to exploit identified vulnerabilities safely.

• Deliverables: Proof-of-concept screenshots, exploited paths.

5️⃣ Post-Exploitation & Impact Analysis

• Assess what could be achieved after compromise.

• Deliverables: Data accessed, privilege escalation evidence.

6️⃣ Reporting & Debriefing

• • Document findings, risk rating, recommendations, and present to stakeholders.

  • Executive summary + technical report + mitigation plan.

7️⃣ Remediation & Re-test

• Support fixing issues and validate fixes by re-testing.

• Validation report, closure summary.