
Pentesting & Ethical Hacking Objectives
Penetration testing or pentesting is an offensive security test that simulates a real cyber attack in a controlled environment. The objective is to identify weaknesses that could be exploited by an attacker and thus complete threats such as information theft, improper access, causing service outages, installing malware, etc. Pentesting is the discipline that covers this type of exercise. The cybersecurity team is in charge of executing advanced intrusion tests according to the agreed parameters, scope, objectives, modality, and depth required. At the end of the pentesting service, we will have a report that will include the vulnerabilities identified and prioritized according to their impact and complexity of remediation, as well as detailed recommendations to help mitigate the risks detected.
Pentesting Types
Reconnaissance
The initial phase focuses on gathering as much information as possible using various techniques.
Identification
This stage involves analyzing the collected data to discover potential weaknesses.
Exploitation
Identified vulnerabilities are tested to determine if they can be exploited, potentially granting access to systems that can then be used for post-exploitation objectives.
Post-Exploitation
Specific objectives are defined in this phase, such as persistence, lateral movement, or data exfiltration.
Pentest Reporting
The final step provides a detailed report outlining the penetration test process, scope, discovered vulnerabilities, evidence, and security recommendations for remediation teams.
Pentesting Methodology
The penetration test is conducted strictly in accordance with a pre-established agreement and defined scope. This ensures that all activities are authorized, targeted, and aligned with the client's objectives, while adhering to ethical and legal standards.