Cybersecurity threats are some of the most pressing issues businesses and organizations worry about nowadays. As data (personal, financial, or of any other type) increases in value, companies and organizations all over the world must find ways to avoid the horror of a data breach at all costs.
This is why having a proper-running and powerful cybersecurity system is now a must-have. And this involves running a series of ongoing tests and procedures, like penetration testing. This is a method of actively assessing the security of IT systems by simulating an attack from a malicious outsider or insider.
The main job of a pen test is to identify vulnerabilities in the system and inform decision-makers about the steps to take to plug the gaps. However, there’s more to know about the benefits of this testing method, which is why we listed the top four reasons why penetration testing should be an integral part of any IT system.
1. Identify Security Vulnerabilities
Security vulnerabilities vary from hidden back doors to out-of-date software tools, which is why you need to know which ones could impact your systems the most. For instance, if your company uses IoT systems, the level of risk can increase since these are some of the most overlooked networked devices when it comes to cybersecurity.
IoT devices are sometimes mobile and can connect and disconnect at any given moment. Therefore, security teams may lose track of their usage and even avoid mentioning them in reports.
Of course, this doesn’t mean your company or organization should not use IoT systems or devices. The use of IoT devices in healthcare, for instance, has brought a wide range of benefits. However, it also came with a need for enhanced cybersecurity measures.
Luckily, you can use pen testing in combination with AI-powered security tools to determine if any of your users are engaging in risky or malicious behavior.
2. Improve Security Posture
The great thing about pen testing is that there’s no one single way to do it. There are different types of testing you can apply, and specialists recommend combining several different methods to get the best results.
In fact, this diversity of penetration testing methods is what will keep your company data secure and help improve your company’s security posture. That’s because different methods produce different results, which, when combined, provide decision-makers with a well-detailed map of the company’s weak areas.
3. Complying with Regulations
Cybersecurity regulations help companies understand different security standards and push for a more secure business environment. This is why many of these regulations require organizations to undertake regular penetration testing and audit their IT systems to ensure compliance.
Failure to comply will often lead to a data leak, which may also lead to a fine and an investigation into your business’s cybersecurity practices.
4. Reduced Costs
Penetration testing can help reduce costs in the long term as any identified vulnerabilities can be addressed before outsider ill-intended entities will discover and exploit them. It’s also a good way to get your employees used to the idea of always being on the lookout for suspicious activity and taking everything with a grain of salt when it comes to dealing with people online.
Of course, this shouldn’t be used as an excuse to forgo cybersecurity training sessions, which also need to be an ongoing occurrence. When you combine a good security system with well-trained employees, your security posture will improve significantly.
Wrap Up
In today’s fast-moving and hyper-connected world, businesses and organizations that fail to understand the importance of penetration testing and a proper cybersecurity system will end up paying a steep price in both money and loss of reputation.
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