STONES of PHILLY

Technological advancements have made our world more accessible and interesting but have also increased cybercrimes. Hacking through a company’s security data and information which used to require time and skill, has become a cakewalk. 

That is one good reason there is a surge in demand for network security in Australia. In fact, the city is going through a shortage of people with cyber security skills. Further, as per Australian employment projections, demand for cyber security services is bound to grow at least 21% by May 2023. 

Cyber-attacks are undoubtedly rising and becoming sophisticated with each passing year. 

However, don’t worry! There is a way out of it – Penetration Testing Australia.  

What is Penetration Testing?

Over the last few years, technology has tapped into every area of life, with its impact particularly notable in the Business sector. 

Innovations such as cloud computing, Big Data, Data Science, and AI/ML completely reshaped how enterprises conduct business. Also, the pandemic and remote working further accelerated their digital transformations. 

However, technological advances have made it easier for hackers to find a company’s vulnerable points and use them for their gains. The purpose of penetration testing is to help businesses figure out the loopholes where an attack is possible. With the information gathered, they can shore up these weaknesses before anyone can exploit them. 

A penetration test uses the same tools and techniques that attackers may employ for hacking to test your computer systems, networks, and web applications.

Before we learn how it helps businesses prevent hacking, let’s discuss why in the first place, companies suffer from cybercrimes. 

• A flaw in the design of hardware and software
• Poor system configuration
• Insecure network
• System complexity
• Human errors

How Does Penetration Testing Help Businesses Face Cybercrime?

When done right, penetration testing Australia goes beyond preventing unauthorised access to a company’s systems. It creates real-time scenarios that show businesses how their current defenses perform when faced with a full-scale cyber-attack. 

To help you out, it typically involves a plan divided into four phases:

1. Reconnaissance: The first phase focuses on gathering information about the vulnerabilities and weaknesses featured in your applications and infrastructure.
2. Exploitation: In this phase, the penetration testers exploit the information gathered to prove a compromise.
3. Analysis & Reporting: It is time to create reports outlining the steps taken during the penetration testing process, including findings, risks, and recommendations.
4. Monitor: In this phase, security companies monitor your business’s health with regular testing over time.

How Often Should a Business Conduct Penetration Tests?

Now, you may wonder how often you are supposed to perform penetration testing.

Well, the answer depends on your company’s risk level. If you believe your organisation has no sensitive data, go for a monthly test. At the same time, if your company features high-risk information and data, it is best to limit tests to a weekly or daily basis. 

The main thing is to find what works best for your business. 

If you are still unsure, you can seek help from the professional network security companies that provide penetration testing Australia. 

You can also go for this test when the following changes occur in your organisation. 

• Adding to network infrastructure
• Applying security patches
• Updating applications or software
• Changing end-user policies
• Opting for new office locations

The Bottom Line

With businesses rising dependability on technology, penetration testing should become a comprehensive part of their cybersecurity plan. Using it, they can improve their security position and remove any loopholes that are open to attack. 

It is the perfect way to ensure your business’s optimum stability, security, and functionality. 

So, don’t wait and take charge of your company’s security posture before a significant cyber-attack threatens and destroys your hard work of years beyond repair.