What are the best practices for preventing damage during a penetration test?

1 Scope the test

Before you start a penetration test, you need to define the scope and objectives of the test. This means agreeing with the client or the system owner on what systems, services, and data are in scope and out of scope, what types of attacks are allowed and not allowed, what tools and techniques are acceptable and unacceptable, and what are the expected outcomes and deliverables of the test. You also need to obtain written permission and authorization from the client or the system owner to conduct the test, and follow any legal and ethical guidelines that apply to the test. Scoping the test will help you avoid targeting systems or data that are not relevant, sensitive, or critical, and prevent any unwanted consequences or liabilities.

3 Backup the data

Before you launch any attacks on the target system, you need to backup the data. This means making a copy of any data that is in scope or might be affected by the test, and storing it in a secure and separate location. You also need to verify that the backup is complete and functional, and that you can restore it if needed. Backing up the data will help you prevent any data loss, corruption, or leakage that might occur during the test, and ensure that you can recover the data in case of any damage.

4 Monitor the impact

During the test, you need to monitor the impact of your actions on the target system. This means measuring and observing the performance, availability, and functionality of the system, as well as the behavior and response of the system users and administrators. You also need to check for any signs of instability, errors, or anomalies that might indicate a problem or a risk. Monitoring the impact will help you detect and mitigate any negative effects or issues that might arise during the test, and avoid causing any unnecessary or excessive damage.

5 Restore the system

After the test, you need to restore the system to its original state. This means removing any traces, artifacts, or changes that you made on the system during the test, such as files, tools, accounts, passwords, logs, or configurations. You also need to verify that the system is functioning normally and securely, and that no vulnerabilities or threats remain. Restoring the system will help you ensure that the system is clean and safe, and that no residual or potential damage persists.

6 Review the test

Finally, you need to review the test. This means analyzing and evaluating the results, findings, and outcomes of the test, as well as the process, methods, and tools that you used. You also need to report and document your findings and recommendations, and present them to the client or the system owner. You also need to solicit and provide feedback, and identify any lessons learned or improvements that can be made for future tests. Reviewing the test will help you demonstrate and communicate the value and benefits of the test, and improve your skills and knowledge as a penetration tester.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?