Cloud penetration testing refers to the automated or manual exploitation of vulnerabilities identified by a vulnerability assessment scanner or a security expert that mimics hacker behavior to find weaknesses. Identifying these vulnerabilities allows cloud providers and customers to remain security conscious and prevent the damage that a data breach could inflict.
Cloud storage is one of the most convenient data processing options today, with both large and small companies opting in. Therefore, data security in the cloud should be prioritized to proactively prevent incidents like the February 2024 23andMe data breach, which exposed the private information of over 700 million users.
Choosing the right tool, decoding the shared responsibility model, and understanding the benefits of a cloud pentest are crucial steps. To simplify this process, our security experts have hand-picked these 14 cloud penetration testing tools to safeguard your cloud environments.
What Are The Best Cloud Penetration Testing Tools?
- Astra Pentest
- Intruder
- Nessus
- Scout Suite
- Pacu
- Nmap
- AWS Inspector
- CloudBrute
- MicroBurst
- SkyArk
- BurpSuite
- Qualys
- Sophos
- Guidepoint Security
Why Astra is the best in Cloud Pentesting?
- We’re the only company that combines artificial intelligence & manual pentest to create a one-of-a-kind pentest platform.
- Runs 180+ test cases based on industrial standards.
- Integrates with your CI/CD tools to help you establish DevSecOps.
- A dynamic vulnerability management dashboard to manage, monitor, assign, and update vulnerabilities.
- Award publicly verifiable pentest certificates which you can share with your users.
- Helps you stay compliant with SOC2, ISO27001, PCI-DSS, HIPAA, etc.
- Trusted by the brands you trust like Agora, Spicejet, Muthoot, Dream11, etc.
Cloud Pentesting Tools: Comparison Table
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Factors In Choosing The Right Cloud Pentesting Tool
Cloud security companies are aplenty; thus, choosing the right third-party cloud testing tools for pentests can be difficult. Here are some factors to keep in mind and why you must do so:
- CI/CD Integration: The cloud pentesting tool should be easily integrated into your system for automated scanning after every update.
- Experience and Reputation: The company’s expertise in conducting the pentest is very important, as the skill of the pentesters and the range of tests conducted by the company are determined by it.
- Additional Features: Features like scan-behind-login, customizable reports, and business logic error detection are not offered by every company but are required for high-quality pentesting.
- Tailored Requirements: Cloud pentest companies should be able to tailor the pentest according to your organizational demands and its assets.
- Compliance Checks: What compliances do you want to achieve, and does the pentest service provide compliance-specific scanning?
- Pricing and Scalability: Are the prices offered affordable and within budget? Does it provide an option to scale up its services based on your growing demands?
14 Best Cloud Penetration Testing Tools: Features, Pros, And Cons
1. Astra Pentest
Astra Pentest is a leading provider of continuous cloud pentesting services, incorporating both manual and automated pentesting solutions, with over 9300 tests being conducted to find any vulnerabilities plaguing your system.
Astra Pentest Services
Astra’s services are applicable for Azure, GCP, and AWS and aid in cloud vulnerability management. This tool ensures a seamless penetration testing experience with zero false positive assurance as results are double-checked by expert pentesters.
Intuitive Dashboard And Detailed Reports
This tool boasts an extremely user-friendly, easy-to-navigate interface that displays the vulnerabilities found in real-time. Once the pentest is completed, a report lists and explains all the vulnerabilities found, along with their CVSS scores and remediation steps.
Compliance Specific Scans
It helps achieve and maintain compliance with GDPR, ISO 27001, SOC2, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS. It does this through compliance-specific scans and a dedicated dashboard that displays any areas of non-compliance found.
Pros
- Carries out scans-behind-logins and detects business logic errors.
- Has a comprehensive vulnerability scanner with an option to rescan once vulnerabilities are fixed.
- It provides gap analysis for companies to find gaps in their security measures.
- All-around customer care is provided, and queries are answered via email or phone if necessary.
- Astra Pentest Certificate provided upon remediation of found vulnerabilities.
- CI/CD integration is possible, allowing the move from DevOps to DevSecOps.
Cons
- Does not provide a free trial.
- Has more scope for integrations.
2. Intruder
As one of the cloud security testing tools, Intruder is available for Azure, GCP, and AWS. It continuously performs incredibly thorough scans that can identify weaknesses.
Organizations may take action on vulnerabilities depending on their severity rating and monitor their attack surfaces for any changes or flaws that can expose them online.
Pros
- Helps with cloud vulnerability management in Azure, GCP, and AWS.
- Provides real-time intruder alerts.
Cons
- The reports could be more detailed.
- The Integrations could be widened.
3. Nessus
Nessus is a cloud-based security and security testing tool that aids businesses in finding gaps in their security systems. This vulnerability assessment tool provides point-in-time analysis, simplifying and expediting detection and treatment.
Pros
- Notifies users in real-time when a new vulnerability is discovered
- A vulnerability scan’s configuration can be greatly altered to meet the demands of the target.
- Aids in maintaining PCI compliance.
Cons
- Several customization options with very minute differences make it difficult to choose based on needs.
- Time-consuming scans.
- It’s expensive when compared to other options.
4. Scout Suite
This open-source multi cloud penetration testing tool can conduct security tests on cloud platforms. Scout Suite looks for configuration data and provides an overview of the attack surface and cloud-specific vulnerabilities.
This data can be perused for manual inspection to develop detailed remediation plans.
Pros
- Provides free trials.
- Easy-to-use interface.
- Provides a free version with good features for cloud penetration testing.
Cons
- The paid version has more specifications.
- Services can be a bit slow.
5. Pacu
Pacu is an open-source cloud testing platform available for free on GitHub. It automates vulnerability detection in the AWS cloud platform. This framework allows penetration testers to find and target configuration flaws in an AWS environment, such as privilege escalation.
Pros
- Capable of detecting AWS vulnerabilities
- It helps in quick scanning of the AWS cloud environment for user permissions.
Cons
- Does not offer as many features as its commercial counterparts.
6. Nmap
Nmap is an open-source vulnerability scanner and one of the most popular ethical cloud hacking tools that helps with cloud network discovery, management, and monitoring. It is designed to scan large cloud networks, but it also works fine against singlet networks.
Pros
- Shows open ports, running serves, and other critical facets of a network
- Freely available.
- Usable for large and small networks alike
Cons
- The user interface can be improved.
- Might show different results each time.
7. AWS Inspector
This automated vulnerability management service helps by continuously scanning the automatically detected AWS workloads for vulnerabilities and unintentional exposures.
After a few easy steps to enable its services, AWS Inspector can be used across all your AWS accounts.
Pros
- Discovers EC2 instances and images.
- Assess the plastic container registry for flaws and areas of exposure.
- Contextualized risk scores
Cons
- Does not provide a classification of individual findings.
- Billing can be a bit tricky
8. CloudBrute
CloudBrute helps you find key elements like open buckets, apps, and data by performing brute-force attacks on cloud environments. It targets the company’s infrastructure and files, making black box cloud pentesting easier.
CloudBrute looks for vulnerabilities like incorrect file storage, outdated endpoints, and lack of proper concurrency.
Pros
- It works with multiple service providers like Amazon, Windows, and more.
- Brute force attack based on a pre-defined word list.
- Black-box cloud penetration tests were provided.
Cons
- It’s not as extensive as its commercial counterparts.
9. MicroBurst
This freely available tool kit, created by Karl Fosaaen, can be used to carry out cloud-based penetration tests for the Azure cloud platform. It aims to identify weak configuration audits and allows for post-exploitation steps like credential dumping.
Pros
- Open-source penetration testing tool.
- Offers Azure Services discovery and weak configuration auditing.
- Post-exploitation actions like credential dumping.
Cons
- Does not offer many features like commercial tools.
10. SkyArk
Available for Azure and AWS, this cloud infrastructure testing tool is useful for identifying additional attack surfaces and specializes in combating the risk of cloud shadow admins. It helps detect these shadow admins that could be present in any cloud environment and safeguards companies against them.
Pros
- Detects the presence of shadow cloud admins.
- Helps in assessing entities in AWS and Azure.
Cons
- Not available for the Google Cloud platform.
11. BurpSuite
BurpSuite is a constantly evolving vulnerability scanning tool that provides integrations for easy ticket generation. Now, it also provides scope for testing out cloud environments and testing for misconfigurations in S3 buckets.
Pros
- Provides advanced automated pentesting services.
- Provides step-by-step advice for every vulnerability found.
- Can crawl through complex targets with ease based on URLs and content.
Cons
- Advanced solutions are commercialized and can be expensive.
- Does not provide expert customer service and assistance.
12. Qualys
Qualys provides continuous monitoring and compliance solutions and manages vulnerabilities in web application firewalls, making it a top contender in the best cloud security remediation software.
Pros
- Well-designed and easy-to-navigate user interface.
- Constant updates ensure the current security measures for the cloud environment.
Cons
- Limited scheduling options.
- Scans do not apply to all applications.
13. Sophos
Sophos Cloud was founded in 1985 and offers enterprise-level cloud security architectural solutions, such as native protection, security automation for DevOps, and round-the-clock threat detection.
Pros
- Available for GCP, AWS, and Azure.
- Helps with automating security by employing DAST, SAST, and SCA code analysis.
- Intuitive, user-friendly dashboard.
Cons
- It can be expensive.
- Difficult to set up.
- Customer support could be better.
14. Guidepoint Security
Guidepoint Security offers detailed cloud security assessments that assess security strategies, migration readiness, and cloud health checks to determine any issues. They provide AWS, Microsoft, Google, and Oracle cloud security services.
Pros
- Provides customized, innovative solutions.
- Examines cloud environment against standard frameworks.
Cons
- It can be more expensive compared to other options.
- Could have a better user interface.
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Features Of Good Cloud Penetration Testing Tools
1. Zero False Positives
A zero false positive assurance with vulnerability detection refers to automated scans being vetted by security experts to ensure that the scanner isn’t flagging any vulnerabilities that either aren’t there or aren’t relevant to the company/industry. Every vulnerability found should be legitimate.
2. CI/CD Integrations
Ensure that the cloud penetration testing tools you have narrowed down can be integrated into your organization’s CI/CD pipeline. Such integration allows your organization to shift from a DevOps model to a DevSecOps model, thus giving more priority to security.
It should offer integrations with applications like Slack, Jira, GitHub, and GitLab, to name a few important project-building applications that can use cloud pentesting tools integration into the development phase.
3. Comprehensive Vulnerability Scanner
A vulnerability scanner that detects business logic errors, conducts scans behind login pages, and features customizable reports should be chosen for high-quality pentesting.
Such vulnerability scanners should be capable of detecting all known vulnerabilities based on intel, CVEs, and vulnerabilities mentioned in other standards, such as OWASP, NIST, and SANS Top 25.
4. Compliance-Specific Scans
The cloud pentesting tool should also provide compliance-specific scans so that the cloud platform and the organizations that store their confidential data can comply with various industry-specific regulatory standards for data protection.
Compliance-specific scans help find areas of non-compliance, if any, for standards like GDPR, SOC2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS. These flaws should be listed in a special compliance report, which facilitates quick remediation and thus helps avoid penalties.
5. Detailed Reports
The hallmark of good cloud penetration testing tools is the detailed report generated once the penetration test is complete. The report should explain in detail the scope of testing, the assets scanned, the vulnerabilities found and exploited, and the methods used to carry out the attacks.
Reports that can be customized to different levels of detail (for instance, a bird’s-eye view report for a CEO/CXO vs. a technical and detailed report for a security engineer) are also a bonus.
Once the various factors are illustrated and the vulnerabilities are listed based on their severity of risk or CVSS score, exhaustive remediation steps should be included in the post-audit report so that the organizations can take quick actions for remediation based on that.
6. Pentest Certificate
The pentesting company should provide a penetration testing certificate upon completing a penetration test and successfully remedying the flaws found. This can be double-checked by conducting a re-scan.
Providing a publicly verifiable pentest certificate can be extremely useful for customers, increasing their reliability and trustworthiness. This can also boost sales and act as a hook for potential cloud customers.
7. Customer Support
A good penetration testing company provides 24/7 customer service through calls and emails to clear any queries arising during the penetration testing process. Customer support should be provided by knowledgeable experts to ensure a seamless query clearance.
Benefits of Cloud Penetration Testing
Organizations with sensitive data and apps in the cloud and cloud service providers might benefit from tools for cloud penetration testing. Cloud penetration testing supports the shared responsibility framework that most cloud providers impose between their clients and themselves by:
1. Finding Vulnerabilities
Identifying vulnerabilities by carrying out cloud penetration tests ensures quick fixing. Comprehensive scanners can pick up even the most minute vulnerabilities, which is crucial as they help in the immediate remediation before hackers exploit them.
2. Enhancing Security
Another benefit of cloud penetration testing is that it helps constantly update security measures. If any security gaps are found, it helps improve the existing security measures.
3. Improving Reliability
Carrying out periodic cloud pentests increases the reliability and trustworthiness attributed to the cloud providers. This can bring in more clients owing to the security-conscious nature of the cloud provider while keeping the existing clients happy with the level of protection available for their data.
4. Maintaining Compliance
Carrying out cloud pentests helps find vulnerabilities and areas of non-compliance with various regulatory standards. Thus, these identified areas can be remedied to meet the compliance requirements and avoid fines for non-compliance.
What Is The Shared Responsibility Model?
The shared responsibility model is a cloud security model in which the cloud provider and customer are equally tasked with upholding and maintaining the cloud security in which their data and applications are stored.
With this model, if a security breach or hack occurs, it becomes easy to identify who is liable for the damages, as such a breach can only happen due to neglect in security testing by either party.
This is available for Azure and AWS, where the cloud providers take care of the holistic security of the cloud while their customers are charged with maintaining its security.
The type of shared responsibility model applicable changes based on the type of cloud service model opted for. Generally, the customer’s share of the responsibility increases from SaaS to PaaS and IaaS.
Final Thoughts
Cloud computing is taking over the business by storm due to its ease of use and storage. Therefore, it becomes the responsibility of users and providers to ensure that their customers’ data is always safe, as even the cloud is prone to getting hacked.
Choose the right cloud penetration testing tools based on their features, pros, and cons. Look for features like CI/CD integration, compliance-based testing, affordable pricing, customization, and pentesting company reliability.
Our top three picks to keep your cloud safe and sound include Astra Pentest, Intruder, and Nessus. Opt for the right tool to suit your needs!
Astra Pentest is built by the team of experts that helped secure Microsoft, Adobe, Facebook, and Buffer
FAQs
1. What are the top three cloud platforms?
The top 3 well-known and used cloud platforms are AWS by Amazon, Azure by Microsoft, and GCP by Google.
2. Top 3 cloud penetration testing methodologies?
The top 3 cloud penetration testing methodologies are:
1. Black box: In this pentesting methodology, the pentester is unaware of any target details and has to start to exploit from scratch—true hacker-style testing.
2. White box: In this type of pentesting, the testing knows all the relevant information about the exploitation. Also known as clear-box testing.
3. Gray Box: In this type of testing, details regarding the system are divulged partially.
3. What is AWS penetration testing?
This refers to exploiting the AWS platform service you use to find vulnerabilities within its security. AWS penetration testing is subject to its policies.
