{"id":12700,"date":"2020-11-10T13:22:43","date_gmt":"2020-11-10T07:52:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.getastra.com\/blog\/?p=12700"},"modified":"2026-06-01T09:54:35","modified_gmt":"2026-06-01T04:24:35","slug":"network","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.getastra.com\/blog\/penetration-testing\/network\/","title":{"rendered":"Network Penetration Testing: Everything You Need To Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

While emphasizing the need to secure and test web or mobile applications and APIs is widespread, network security isn\u2019t as commonly discussed, although it should be. Target\u2019s 2013 network security breach<\/a>, which proved very expensive, is an apt example. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hackers exploited vulnerabilities in Target’s network, gaining access through a third-party vendor. The breach compromised over 41 million consumers\u2019 private data, including debit and credit records, resulting in Target having to pay $18.5 million as compensation.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can prevent data breaches like these by continually employing network penetration testing. A network pentest involves a security expert conducting simulated attacks against your network assets to detect and exploit vulnerabilities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>What is the Importance of Network Pentesting?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Identifying Hidden Vulnerabilities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While vulnerability scanners are adept at testing for CVEs in a set of test cases, penetration testing<\/a> goes beyond that. Professional pentesters exploit vulnerabilities from a hacker\u2019s point of view to find weak entry points and create a detailed plan to remediate these vulnerabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pentesters also look for business logic vulnerabilities and combinations of non-critical vulnerabilities that, when combined, could cause disastrous data loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Simulation of Real Attacks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Internal penetration tests offer unique input by simulating attacks within your organization. This approach uncovers vulnerabilities external reviews might miss, such as insider threats or business logic errors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, external pentests adopt a hacker’s perspective, exposing weaknesses in firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and other perimeter defenses. By using a combination of both internal and external pentests, you can strengthen your security inside out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Improved Security Posture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Network penetration testing is a crucial part of a complete security strategy. While vulnerability scanning<\/a> is great as an initial base for in-depth testing, pentesting is more targeted toward improving security. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moreover, the rate of false positives and missed vulnerabilities is reduced drastically by combining manual and automated methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Addressing Common Misconceptions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many organizations rely solely on vulnerability scanners, but this approach falls short as scanning is helpful for initial and maintenance checks. Pentesting, however, is essential to study the effectiveness of your security controls and identify exploitable weaknesses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understanding how these two security measures complement each other empowers organizations to make informed decisions about protecting their assets.<\/p>\n\n\n