In a time when high-profile security breaches continue to dominate the headlines, businesses of all sizes need to be aware of their cybersecurity efforts. This is particularly true as malicious hackers continue to find new and more sophisticated ways to attack systems and databases, posing an ever-growing threat to the safety of your organization.
And while it’s all well and good installing the basics such as anti-virus software and a firewall, this is no longer enough to secure your systems and protect your business from potentially devastating consequences.
The good news is, there is also an ever-growing list of solutions that you can apply to help bolster your cybersecurity and protect your business – one of these being penetration testing.
This authorized, simulated cyberattack on your computer systems can have a number of benefits, which is why this technique has become an integral part of lots of company’s security efforts.
But if you’ve never employed a penetration testing service provider before, this guide is for you. Below, we’ve outlined six reasons why this should be the next step you take on your cybersecurity journey.
1. To uncover system vulnerabilities
One of the key aims and benefits of a penetration testing (also referred to as pen testing) service provider is to uncover any vulnerabilities that could be lurking within your systems and applications. By getting in the mind of a hacker and running a simulated attack on your systems, pen testers can highlight any areas of weakness that criminals could exploit.
For example, you might find that your systems have become vulnerable as a result of software bugs, unsecured settings, code mistakes, or weak passwords. And these are just a few reasons your systems could be at risk.
So, by hiring a service provider to run a penetration test on your systems, you can address any problems that might emerge and get stronger security measures in place to fix these vulnerabilities before they become exploited by the wrong people.
2. Because you could save yourself money in the long run
In today’s data-driven world, data protection has become a hot topic and one which businesses need to concern themselves with. In the time of General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and other data protection laws, businesses that fall victim to a breach could see themselves facing huge fines.
Not only this, but if the customer or third-party data is lost, stolen or tampered with, this could cost your business its reputation too. So, though you may have to shell out on the initial cost of hiring a penetration testing service – and this is by no means expensive – it could save you a lot of money and stress in the long run.
3. To help build your reputation
Following on from our last point, not only can penetration testing reduce the risk of a data breach and damaged reputation, but it can actually help to boost your brand in the eyes of customers and clients.
Nowadays, as we become more aware of our online behavior, people are also becoming more aware of data protection rules and best practices. As such, when signing up with a new company or parting with their personal data, lots of people want to know what steps your business is taking to protect their information.
So if you can outline the different ways, including regular penetration testing, in which you are bolstering your cybersecurity, this could actually help to boost your reputation as a business.
4. To get an overview of your cybersecurity hygiene
Another benefit of using a pen testing service provider to highlight any vulnerabilities in your systems is that it gives you a wider view of your overall cybersecurity hygiene. By highlighting areas of weakness, you can identify the areas where your security systems fall down and the areas that you need to invest more time and resources in.
For example, if weak user passwords are leaving your systems vulnerable, you can highlight this as an area of focus and ensure that you get a new password policy in place. This could mean adding conditions for setting up passwords and possibly two-factor authentication.
But whatever the case may be, being able to put your cybersecurity hygiene under a microscope can give your security team more direction and let them know where they need to focus their efforts next.
And with each penetration test conducted, you’ll be given a full report and breakdown of the results, so once your team has addressed any immediate concerns, they can move on to the other weaker areas until you have a strong and sturdy security strategy in place.
5. To enable compliance with data protection and security regulations
We’ve already briefly mentioned GDPR and the data protection regulations that you must follow, but these guidelines can be extremely strict, and you need to do all you can to stay compliant. Otherwise, you increase the risk of a large fine.
As such, regular penetration testing is not just a great tool for highlighting and addressing vulnerabilities, but it can also be used to prove that you are staying compliant with data protection guidelines.
This is something that could come in very handy if you were ever the victim of a data breach and your business had to prove what cybersecurity measures it had taken to help protect your systems.
6. Because you don’t want to do it yourself
Ultimately, one of the biggest reasons to hire a penetration testing service provider is because you don’t want to run these tests in-house yourself.
These service providers can be particularly useful for smaller businesses and those who don’t have their own IT or security team. They can take control of the testing stage and talk you through the results, making it perfect for those who need a little extra guidance when it comes to cybersecurity best practices.
So is it time you hired a penetration testing service for your business?
Whether you’re new to the world of penetration testing or it’s just been a while since your last test, these are just six reasons why you should hire a penetration testing service for your business. And remember, cybercriminals aren’t selective and every business can be a target, so don’t leave it until it’s too late – employ a pen testing service provider right away!
