How can you ensure network security testing is safe and controlled?

Before starting, clearly define the goals of the security testing. Understand what you are testing for, whether it's vulnerabilities, performance under stress, or compliance with certain standards. Always get written permission from the appropriate authority before conducting any security tests. Prevents legal issues and ensures everyone is aware of the testing. Clearly define the scope of the test. This includes specifying which networks, systems, and applications will be tested, and more importantly, which ones will not be. Helps in avoiding unintended disruptions. Before starting, conduct a risk assessment to understand potential impacts on network performance and business operations. Helps in planning to mitigate any negative effects.

adopting zero trust consept along with periodically auditing and reviewing after aligning the scope with the business strategy with a clear vision on the purpose of the mission and what is the current status of the maturity level and associated risks and the support of the top management to deliver the requirements for enhancing/deploying the required artifacts based on VA Reports,penetration testing and risk assessment of KRIs and having a clear KPIs in place to measure the progress.

Remember to involve key stakeholders, including network administrators and security managers, to ensure alignment with broader security goals. Also, another valuable tip: convert verbal discussions into written formats, like emails or meeting recaps. This ensures that important details aren't lost and provides a reference point for future actions.

Les tests de sécurité réseau ne sont pas uniquement une affaire de technologie et d'outils. Ils impliquent également les personnes qui utilisent et gèrent le réseau au quotidien. D'après mon expérience, il est essentiel d'impliquer activement le personnel dans les tests de sécurité réseau. La formation et la sensibilisation des employés aux bonnes pratiques de cybersécurité sont cruciales. En les informant sur les risques, les signes de piratage, et les mesures préventives, ils deviennent une ligne de défense supplémentaire. Des simulations d'attaques et des ateliers réguliers aident à renforcer la sécurité du réseau en créant une culture de vigilance au sein de l'organisation.

Defining scope and Objective is very important to have a controlled Network security assessment. This gives a clear understanding of the area to cover for the pen-testing and what to expect as output for the stakeholders. Defining the scope also helps in managing the network performance by agreeing on the timeslots for pen-testing so as to have least affect on the network traffic, system availability etc.

Adhering to established frameworks, such as OWASP for web applications or NIST for overall cybersecurity, provides a systematic and standardized approach. Choose tools with a proven track record, ensuring they align with the testing goals and compliance requirements. Regularly update and patch these tools to mitigate potential risks.

Prior to security tests, secure explicit consent from stakeholders and define the test's scope, outlining included systems and applications. Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory standards, and NIST guidelines. Perform risk assessments to anticipate impacts and prevent unforeseen consequences. Continuously monitor the test environment to detect and address vulnerabilities. Thoroughly document all test activities, methodologies, and identified vulnerabilities. Maintain transparent communication with stakeholders throughout the process.

Choosing the appropriate tool means you've completed half of the work. This domain pertains to your comprehension of the extent and your intended goals. If your goal is to detect loopholes and achieve compliance, opensource technologies are most beneficial if your budget is limited.

Use reputable and well-tested security testing tools and methodologies to minimize the risk of unintended consequences. Break down network security testing into phases or stages, with each phase building on the previous one. This allows for gradual and controlled testing, reducing the likelihood of widespread issues.

Network and Security collaboration is important from the compliance point of view. Of helpful information and advice on budgets, skill levels, standards too is required to be compliant.

Ensure you are testing the correct systems through name registrars and DNS, customers occasionally make mistakes. Ensure the right parties have signed-off the test such as hosting companies, cloud providers and others who share access. Where possible implement local firewalls/proxies to ensure test activities remain in scope - not just targets but also acceptable times. Agree acceptable actions in the event of potential exploitation - info gathering, data retrieval, safe exploitation or potential unsafe exploitation (system/service may fail). Are DoS attacks allowed? When accessing individuals accounts/data, this may breach data privacy / human rights laws. Consider retrieving all accounts, only system accounts to mitigate victimisation.

Begin with non-intrusive techniques before progressing to more advanced methods. Regularly communicate with relevant stakeholders to ensure alignment with security objectives and minimize surprises. Consider engaging ethical hacking practices, collaborating with skilled professionals to simulate real-world scenarios while maintaining a safe testing environment.

Ensure that network security testing complies with legal and regulatory requirements. Consult with legal and compliance experts as needed.

Remember to validate the requirements of your hosting / cloud provider as some tests could impact other customers if conducted improperly, or cause spurious alerts. Most providers today have clear rules available for their customers. Depending on the tests, some providers may require prior notification of testing date and type of test(s) being employed.

Think of network security testing ethics as the rules of the road. Just as you follow traffic laws to keep yourself and others safe, adhere to ethical and legal guidelines to ensure your testing doesn't cause harm or break any laws.

Store your commands in a file, along with timestamps. This data acts as a trail of breadcrumbs that you can follow in case issues arise. Also, don't forget to maintain a constant line of communication with your network team and stakeholders. Transparency is key, especially when incidents or findings crop up. Sharing insights, progress, and potential concerns helps everyone stay informed and ready to react if anything comes up.

Continuously monitor network traffic during testing to detect any abnormal behavior or signs of compromise. This can help identify and mitigate potential security incidents. Have a well-defined incident response plan in place, specifying how to react in case a security incident is triggered during testing. If using third-party penetration testing or security assessment services, ensure they follow best practices for safe and controlled testing and have proper agreements in place.

Monitoring and controlling your testing is like driving carefully and staying alert on a busy highway. It's about staying in control and being prepared to react to unexpected situations. Traffic Lights: Monitor like obeying red lights, control at yellow, proceed safely at green. Dashboard Alerts: Use real-time dashboard and alerts for anomalies. Traffic Flow Analysis: Track data flow for unexpected patterns. Resource Utilization: Watch system resources like fuel consumption. Simulated Attacks: Execute attacks carefully, adjust tactics as needed. Emergency Plan: Have an incident response plan, like a car emergency kit. Testing Time Windows: Restrict testing to off-peak hours, like obeying speed limits.

Obtain permission and authorization from relevant stakeholders. Clearly define the scope of the testing and identify systems that are off-limits for testing. Document testing plan, specific tools, techniques, procedures and inventory of systems and assets that will be used. Use a testing environment that mirrors the production environment. Establish channels for communication during testing. Monitor network traffic, system performance, and other metrics. Use testing tools that are reliable. Configure testing tools correctly. Back up critical data and configurations before testing. Have a well-defined incident response plan. Ensure that the testing process complies with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.

Imagine you're a detective solving a mystery. When you find clues, you need to report them to the authorities and help solve the case. Similarly, report your security findings responsibly and work with the relevant teams to fix vulnerabilities. Document Findings: Record all discoveries. Prioritize Findings: Focus on critical issues. Prepare Detailed Reports: Create clear, evidence-based reports. Notify Relevant Teams: Inform IT and security teams. Collaborate for Remediation: Work together on fixes. Monitor Progress: Keep track of fixes. Verify Remediation: Confirm issues are resolved. Share Knowledge: Share findings and lessons. Continuous Improvement: Adapt to new threats.

As companies improve their overall cybersecurity hygiene and get better at deploying layers of defenses, simulating adversaries in a more sophisticated manner can take you to the next level. Unlike a scheduled penetration test, incorporating adversarial simulations can rapidly identify blind spots in your infrastructure monitoring. An example company in this space is Scythe. [I'm an investor in this company and serve on the board because I believe in the value they offer.]

It's worth considering the idea of making your test controlled but unsafe. If an adversary can do something unsafe to your network, it could be to your advantage to perform that dangerous scan yourself under controlled circumstances, allowing you to learn from and possibly remediate your discovery under your own terms rather than when an intruder dictates.

Training and equipping the team for effective use of tools and techniques. Efficient communication with stakeholders for expectation alignment. Assessment and management of risks associated with the tests. Detailed documentation of all testing activities. Post-test analysis to identify causes of vulnerabilities. Updating security policies based on test outcomes. Developing resilience and recovery plans for emergencies.

Define scope and objectives, choose right tools and methods, follow ethical and legal guidelines, monitor and control testing, and report and remediate findings.

Communicate transparently with stakeholders about the testing scope, methods, and potential impact. Avoid using DDoS attacks, as they can disrupt services and cause unintended consequences. Additionally, refrain from employing scripts from untrusted sources, prioritize the use of reputable security tools, and obtain explicit consent for penetration testing activities. Regularly update security protocols and establish clear guidelines to maintain a secure testing environment and minimize risks.