What is the best way to develop a vulnerability assessment and penetration testing plan?

In the UK, a detailed VAPT plan includes: Scope Definition: Clarify testing limits, ensure legal compliance with the GDPR and Data Protection Act. Information Gathering: Use Nmap, Nessus, and Wireshark for reconnaissance. Vulnerability Analysis: Combine automated scans with manual checks for a thorough assessment. Exploitation: Within legal scope, use tools like Metasploit to test vulnerability impacts. Post-Exploitation: Evaluate data and system access, mindful of UK data protection laws. Reporting: Document risks and remediation steps, aligning with NCSC guidelines. Remediation: Patch and adjust configurations, following UK cybersecurity frameworks. Retesting: Verify the resolution of issues to ensure robust security.

1. Gather as much detail as possible about the system or application you want to assess. 2. Identify potential vulnerabilities and security risks by conducting a thorough analysis of the system. 3. Define the scope and objectives of the assessment to ensure a focused and effective testing process. 4. Determine the testing methodologies and techniques that will be used, such as network scanning, vulnerability scanning, and manual penetration testing. 5. Create a detailed plan that outlines the testing activities, timelines, and resources required. 6. Execute the plan by conducting the vulnerability assessment and penetration testing activities.

? Clearly outline the scope and objectives of the vulnerability assessment and penetration testing. Identify the systems, networks, or applications to be tested, and articulate specific goals to align with organizational security objectives. ? Choose suitable tools and techniques based on the identified vulnerabilities and testing goals. Consider both automated scanning tools for vulnerability assessment and manual testing methods for penetration testing. ? Develop a comprehensive reporting structure that includes findings, risk assessments, and recommended remediation steps. Establish clear procedures for addressing identified vulnerabilities and ensuring that necessary security measures are implemented.

Whoever develops a vulnerability assessment plan should answer 3 questions. 1. Why do the test? To reveal the state of the security system or to show staff that there is lot to work on. The cost of tools that the hired specialist will use depends on the answer to this question. 2. How deep will the pentester is to penetrate and what tools will help to keep they at this level? If there is doubt on the possibility of leakage of sensitive data, then it is better to conduct the test in a sandbox with the same protection measures that are used in a real system. 3. What will be the indicator of the end of the test: obtaining a certain level of data, overcoming barriers built by in house IT department, or a map of the entire infrastructure?

- Realizar testes internos de tentativa de viola??o de usuários e rede. - Há varias ferramentas de verifica??o de vulnerabilidades como OpenVAS, Burp Suite... - Realizar verifica??o diária de acessos na rede, lembrando que o ideal e criar redes separadas para acesso da empresa e de colaboradores, também realizar bloqueio de sites indesejados. -Registrar cada venerabilidade, e registrar para que realize os ajustes e mapeamento de risco.

When crafting a VAPT strategy, it's pivotal to tailor your methodology and tools to the task at hand. Frameworks like OWASP for web applications or PTES for broader assessments offer valuable blueprints. Pair these with the latest tools — scanners for vulnerabilities, exploit kits for breach simulation. Ensure they align with your objectives, are up-to-date, and compatible with your systems to support thorough and effective testing.

On the forefront gahering data from the sources . Performing a Vul scan with Nesses or OpenVas , validate authentication mechanicisms , perform penetration testing with with Burp Suite , Review the outcome and check if the real time Stack is ready to roll.

The next step is selecting the appropriate methodology and tools for the VAPT. The method refers to the structured framework and approach used for testing, such as the guidelines outlined in the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) Testing Guide or the Penetration Testing Execution Standard (PTES). Tools are the software and hardware resources utilized in the testing process, like scanners, exploit kits, and proxies. The choice of methodology and tools should be based on the testing team's defined scope, objectives, and skill level. It's also essential to ensure that these tools and methods are current, reliable, and compatible with the tested systems.

Crafting your VAPT schedule and marshalling resources is essential. Set your testing timeline with clear start and end points, and periodic intervals. Allocate your resources, which encompass personnel such as testers and budget considerations, in line with your objectives. Also, factor in the potential impact and disruptions to daily operations and stakeholder relations.

This part of the plan is very crutial and could be time consuming but depends how the review was performed and how feasible your team is . From the place i come from on a outsourced project we had challenges as it was a small team with a limited budget . So unless operations is inline , that cuts it.

Another step is planning the schedule and allocating the resources for the VAPT. The schedule includes setting the timeline and frequency of the testing, including start and end dates, duration, and intervals. Resource planning involves assigning the required personnel and budget, including testers, consultants, and managers. This planning should consider the availability of these resources and the potential impact and disruption of the testing on the organization's operations, customers, and partners. A well-planned schedule and well-allocated resources are crucial to conducting thorough and effective VAPT without disrupting business processes.

Executing your VAPT involves carrying out tests like scanning and exploiting vulnerabilities, followed by analysing these actions to identify risks. Your testing should be in line with the selected methodology and tools, respecting ethical standards such as consent, confidentiality, and harm prevention.

We worked this flawlessless without a problem as we spent most time on the review , Analysing is the key part of the progress , Tools was just a part of the fix but Plan of Action is always crutial . I worked most of the scanning in detail via Openvas

After testing and analysis in VAPT, report your findings and offer recommendations. Detail identified vulnerabilities and suggest improvements to your security stance, like remediation and preventive measures. Present this information clearly, tailoring it to the technical understanding of your audience, be it technical staff or executives.

Plan of Action involves extracting from right/real time resources ,analysing and reviewing it on a scheduled routine so everything falls in place . Organizing via epic goals on Jira , setting up a POA and provinding information on a highlevel during discussions has always helped .

Developing an effective vulnerability assessment and penetration testing (VAPT) plan is crucial for identifying and addressing security weaknesses in an organization's systems and networks. Organizations can develop a robust vulnerability assessment and penetration testing plan that aligns with their security goals, regulatory requirements, and risk tolerance. Regularly updating the plan and incorporating lessons learned from each assessment will contribute to ongoing improvement in the organization's security posture.

It’s start by identifying assets, define scope, prioritize targets, conduct a thorough assessment, simulate attacks, and analyze results. Regularly update the plan, involve skilled professionals, and ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards.