How can you optimize your penetration testing program to maximize cost-effectiveness?

Prioritization is key. You'd target the most critical assets first, ensuring the biggest threats are addressed with hyper-focus. And let's not forget the "plethora" of tools at your disposal—embracing open-source tools can really save your budgets. Finally, I saved the hardest for last ;-): convincing the C-Suite and higher-ups of the value of pen testing is crucial. With strategy, training, and the right tools, your pen-testing program can be as effective and enigmatic as the Dark Knight himself!

Optimizing a penetration testing program is crucial for cost-effectiveness and robust security. One key aspect is defining clear objectives and scope, ensuring resources are focused where they matter most. Additionally, leverage automation tools for routine tasks, allowing your skilled team to focus on intricate vulnerabilities. Regularly update your testing methodologies to stay ahead of emerging threats. Collaborating with cross-functional teams enhances communication and ensures a holistic approach. Remember, continuous improvement is the key to staying resilient in the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape

you can do that by putting focus on prioritizing high-risk assets, leveraging automated tools, and regularly updating testing methodologies to optimize cost-effectiveness in your penetration testing program.

These are the essentials of penetration testing. Those who don't follow these practices are either not true penetration testers or are desperate ones likely to mishandle the entire procedure, thereby endangering their clients (whether external or internal) and, of course, their own careers as penetration testers, as they won't be able to endure the pressure for long. Therefore, it is crucial to adhere to the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle.

Para optimizar un programa de pruebas de penetración, se pueden tener en cuenta los siguientes consejos: Realizar pruebas de forma constante. Destacar las pruebas más relevantes a utilizar. Hacer una identificación de vulnerabilidades desde todos los flancos Las pruebas de penetración, o pentesting, son evaluaciones técnicas que realizan las empresas para probar las fortalezas y debilidades de sus sistemas de seguridad. Estas pruebas pueden incluir ataques cibernéticos simulados.

Choosing the appropriate tools is contingent upon your specific goals, and incorporating automation is often essential for efficiency and accuracy in the process.

I absolutely love the idea of 'Bug Bounty' as pentesting programs. It means that you actually test on a continues basis instead of a yearly test on a limited scope. By leveraging the community of ethical hackers, you immediately cover your external range, which is also the first thing real hackers will explore. Of course it's important to also perform additional focused internal pentests to cover your full 360 attack surface.

I think it’s important to point out which techniques and tools we focus on. Evidently, many professionals are far too focused on protocol and governance, but completely neglect the skills that the “other side” is proficient in. Too often do we depend on penetration testers, but we will remain helpless unless we are as good if not better at the malicious techniques our adversaries are using. In short, defenders should become proficient at darkweb research, malware, social engineering, fraud, etc. etc. to quote Omar Little from the wire: “How you expect to run with the wolves come night when you spend all day sparring with the puppies?"

Choosing the right tools or methods depends entirely on the decision-maker, who needs to determine the amount of time and money they are willing to invest. For instance, the choice between using more automated tools or more manual tools depends on this decision. Therefore, a proficient penetration tester delivers what their clients, whether internal or external, require.

Combine manual and automated testing for efficiency and depth. Select tools based on needs, budget, and objectives, considering both open-source and commercial options. Choose a testing methodology that aligns with your objectives, like OWASP for web applications.

Afin d'assurer la qualité et la fiabilité des résultats de vos tests de pénétration, il est essentiel d'adopter une démarche structurée et répétable. Cela implique de s'appuyer sur une méthodologie standardisée, telle que la norme PTES (Penetration Testing Execution Standard) proposée par OWASP. En suivant cette approche rigoureuse, vous pourrez garantir que chaque pentest est réalisé de manière systématique, ce qui facilite la reproduction des tests pour des évaluations cohérentes et la comparaison des résultats au fil du temps.

Following a consistent and repeatable process in penetration testing is undoubtedly correct. However, this principle is often misunderstood by many penetration testers. Due to an indifferent attitude, they repeatedly use the same tools for penetration testing. Despite knowing that they failed to find vulnerabilities previously with these tools, they don't make an effort to discover new vulnerabilities, which is their actual job. It's unfortunate, but it is the reality.

Develop a standardized methodology to ensure consistency. Utilize templates, checklists, and automation for repetitive tasks. Maintain thorough documentation for replicating and refining tests.

Automate repetitive tasks: Automate tasks such as vulnerability scanning and reporting to free up resources for more critical activities. Leverage cloud-based solutions: Cloud-based penetration testing platforms can offer scalability and cost-effectiveness compared to on-premise solutions. Benchmark your program: Regularly compare your program's performance and cost-effectiveness against industry standards.

A structured and repeatable process ensures that each test is thorough and covers all necessary aspects. This standardization helps in comparing results over time and identifying trends or recurring issues. It also allows for quicker setup and execution, as the process becomes more streamlined with repetition.

Embed security testing throughout the development lifecycle: This allows for earlier detection and remediation of vulnerabilities, saving costs in the long run. Develop a vulnerability management program: Effectively track, prioritize, and remediate identified vulnerabilities to maintain a strong security posture. Utilize penetration testing results for ongoing improvement: Continuously analyze results and adapt your security controls and processes to address identified weaknesses

The more specific a client can be before an engagement as to what they want to achieve with a pen test, the greater a team’s ability to deliver results with the skills they are allowed to deploy. I see pen tests primarily as an objective tool to measure the effectiveness of a given security program. A client may want to bring attention to known weaknesses, test newly implemented people/processes/products, or just get a temperature check on the overall security program. These things need to be dialed in and understood by all parties before the pen test starts in order to deliver the most value to both the client and the pen test team.

Engage stakeholders in planning and keep them regularly updated. Build relationships with internal teams for effective remediation. Work closely with IT and security teams to understand their challenges.

Effective communication with all relevant stakeholders, including management, IT staff, and any affected departments, is critical. This ensures that everyone understands the purpose of the testing, the expected outcomes, and any potential impact on operations. Collaboration can also provide valuable insights and support, improving the overall effectiveness of the program.

It's simple: - daily wash ups - regular SMT notification each day giving them an overview of how testing went - ensuring advanced summarys are shared and presented ASAP after the test.

Focus and give priority to critical vulnerabilities first and provide clear, concise recommendations.Rank findings based on risk, impact, and likelihood.

Focus on critical vulnerabilities and provide clear, concise recommendations. Tailor reports to different audiences, with technical details for IT and summaries for executives. Rank findings based on risk, impact, and likelihood.

The end goal of penetration testing is to improve security, so reports should be clear, actionable, and prioritize findings based on risk. This helps decision-makers understand the most critical vulnerabilities and how to allocate resources effectively for remediation.

The reports should not only detail the vulnerabilities but also provide prioritized recommendations for remediation. This helps the organization focus its resources on fixing the most critical issues first.

Pay attention to latest tech on pentest. Automated pentest is gaining it's ground with the help of AI/ML. This will drastically change in the next few years, and will be more advanced in minimizing pentester intervention, with the most cost-effective solution.

Stay updated with the latest security trends and tools. Ensure legal compliance and perform regular cost-benefit analyses. Integrate penetration testing with the overall security strategy. Use automation where appropriate and consider external expertise for specialized testing.

Something not addressed in this question is that CISOs or clients should provide a simulation of the network which the company uses. Penetration testing should never be conducted directly on the main working environment, as doing so might eventually crash the entire system. I have observed that many penetration testers are not given a choice, leading to clients, whether internal or external, blaming the penetration testing team. Therefore, penetration testing should not be conducted on the main environment.

Don't always just think about technology: good contract management is also part of convincing cost efficiency. Especially in the field of pentesting, there is no room for self-cobbled-together contracts that are of no help in the event of a dispute. Contracts and data protection agreements must be coordinated with each other: In the worst case, time is lost because the necessary texts first have to be coordinated between the parties, which can take weeks in the worst case and tie up resources.