Cyber security testing methods range from vulnerability scans to penetration tests (pen-tests) and so many more. It is up to the organization to determine what types of tests to use and when to use them.
Cyber security requires consistent attention in order to keep your business protected. Security companies know this and have come up with many ways to test and evaluate cyber security strategies. Cyber security testing methods range from vulnerability scans to penetration tests (pen-tests) and so many more. It is up to the organization to determine what types of tests to use and when to use them.
For instance, cloud-based pen-testing tools can be used to test the strength of a cloud-based security infrastructure by trying to exploit and identify vulnerabilities. This is the function of any general cyber security test. To poke and prod a system’s defenses to determine weak points and give data on how to reinforce the weaker aspects.
While there are many website security testing tools online, the extent of a security system extends beyond the website itself. Utilizing the variety of testing tools available will help ensure that your security is thoroughly tested and capable of adequately protecting your company’s most vital data.
One of the key aspects of cyber security is employee training and awareness. This brings about a totally different type of cyber security test. Making use of a quiz on cyber security for your employees can give you a foundation for how far your team has to go in order to meet security standards. Implementing a regular training program with an evaluation at the end will help your organization stay on top of an often overlooked aspect of cybersecurity.
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How To Perform Security Testing
Security testing can be a lengthy process, especially if you aren’t familiar with the many different tests and what information they deliver. When it comes to small and mid-sized businesses, many don’t even know how to perform security testing. This can leave your organization vulnerable to any number of attacks. Below is a network security testing checklist:
1. Monitor Access Control Management
Access control management is a vital aspect of security. Without proper management, applications can be at risk of attack from hackers and inside threats. Access control management consists of two parts. The first is authentication. The system determines who is using the application and at what times. The second is authorization. This informs the system what the user can do and what information they have access to.
Testing this manually requires the creation of many different user accounts, all with different roles and access levels. Then, the tester switches between users to ensure that different users are only able to view data and forms related to their roles.
2. Penetration Testing
Pen testing is essentially simulating cyber attacks on your company to identify the areas of your security that are the weakest. Hackers want to get in and out quickly, so they work to identify their easiest point of entry and exploit that. This is exactly what pen test scanners do. Running a penetration test usually follows these steps:
- Data collection – Software configurations, third-party plugins, databases, etc.
- Vulnerability assessment – an evaluation of data that helps the team determine what is most vulnerable to attack.
- Launch simulated attacks – controlled attacks are launched to gain more insight into the vulnerabilities and how best to prepare for attacks.
- Reporting – teams will compile their findings and report to the decision-makers of the organization.
3. Static Code Analysis
Flaws in code can lead to easy access for hackers. Static code analysis, or code review, is a method of checking the code for vulnerabilities without actually running the code.
4. Check Server Access Controls
Many cyber security testing tools are built for checking server access controls. These controls are in place to ensure that only authorized users can access the server and retrieve data. Outdated or inadequate access controls can lead to costly breaches.
5. Entry Points and Password Management
Any device that operates on the system is considered an entry point. More often than not, these are employee devices that they need to work. These are hopefully password protected. The strength of a password is key to protecting entry points in an organization. Keeping employees trained on cyber security awareness will keep things like passwords on their minds, and keep your data safe.
Application Security Testing
These days, companies run most of their operations through applications. In recent years, web applications have become a vital part of daily business. Web application security testing is a crucial step in today’s cyber security landscape. As hackers begin to find new vulnerabilities in web applications, the companies utilizing these tools need to be vigilant in their maintenance.
When it comes to application security testing, companies need to actively update their security strategy to keep up with the applications themselves and the cyber landscape as a whole. There are many ways to get these security testing tools. Security testing open source tools options are available and can provide everything a company needs to test its application security.
Security testing tools for mobile apps are also becoming more and more available as organizations begin to use mobile devices for off-site operations. Mobile applications are quickly becoming more and more essential to business operations. Even apps that aren’t business-related can be a potential risk if the mobile divide is connected to the network.
Security testing for mobile applications should be factored into any cyber security testing regiment. Testing regularly is important. The methods used by attackers are always changing, so consistent monitoring and testing are essential. Utilizing the methods and tools mentioned here will keep you ahead of the curve and keep your vital information safe and secure.
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Best Cybersecurity Training For Employees
As stated above, one of the most overlooked components of cyber security is employee awareness. Hackers are constantly looking for the easiest way to break into a company’s security. As it turns out, human error is usually the weakness they choose to exploit. This is why cybersecurity awareness training for employees is so important.
Most employees don’t think about cyber security on a daily basis. They trust in their firewalls and ad blockers and focus most of their brain power on their actual work tasks. That is good, we expect our security to work without much intervention from individual employees. The real threat comes from social engineering attacks.
Phishing emails and scareware can trick employees into giving out login credentials or other personal information that hackers can use to wreak havoc on a network. The best cyber security training for employees is based on identifying and mitigating social engineering attacks. There are a number of training programs available online that employees can use for free or for a relatively reasonable price. These training modules will often offer a cyber security quiz for employees upon completion to ensure that the message was truly received.
There are also a number of organizations that offer in-person or virtual training for businesses that prefer an expert to train their employees in real-time. This allows employees to ask questions and get answers right away. These instructors will also offer a cyber security quiz for employees to gauge the retention of their lessons.
If you want to determine how informed your employees are on cyber security trends and best practices, consider a cyber security mock test. This will give you a general idea of what your employees’ awareness level is as a whole.
Cybersecurity Test Questions
When it comes to cybersecurity test questions, the publishing date is of utmost importance. Cyber trends are always changing, so any test you use to gauge employee awareness needs to be updated and current. There are a number of tests and training programs available online. Some are free and some cost a bit of money. The paid programs will often come with a cybersecurity quiz with certificate of completion as well.
If you are interested in creating your own test for employees, you can find cyber security test questions and answers online also. There are many resources available so you can mix and match the questions to avoid any attempts at cheating. Building an effective test can be difficult without the current knowledge and data of cyber security trends.
For this reason, it can be best to hire professionals or to find accredited programs online. A cybersecurity awareness quiz can be the difference between keeping your data safe and losing millions of dollars. A ransomware attack cost up to $4.62 million on average in 2021. Small and mid-sized businesses are especially vulnerable as the hackers know they have fewer resources available for protection.
Employee awareness for small and midsized businesses is one of the most important forms of security. When the company as a whole is actively looking out for signs of an attack, the likelihood of catching them early enough to avoid massive damage increases greatly.
To test your system itself, Trava has a range of tools to help determine where your security is the most vulnerable and how to fix it. From vulnerability scanners to risk assessments, Trava has the solutions you need to pinpoint security lapses. Contact Trava today to book a demo and see just how much you have to gain.