Businesses face many security threats that can harm their data and reputation. One effective way to protect your organization is by conducting penetration testing.
According to the 2024 Penetration Testing Report by Fortra, more organizations are starting to see the importance of pen testing, especially for compliance purposes. In fact, 74% of organizations reported that pen tests help prove they follow their internal mandates, while 82% said these tests support their vulnerability management programs.1
This is a considerable increase from previous years, showing that businesses are becoming more aware of how pen testing can help them meet regulatory requirements and bolster their security.
What Is Penetration Testing
Penetration testing, often called “pen testing,” is like a security check for your business’s computer systems. Imagine you have a strong lock on your door, but you want to make sure it’s really secure. A penetration test does just that—it tests your defenses to see if they can hold up against Cyberattacks.
During a penetration test, experts, known as penetration testers or ethical hackers, try to break into your systems. They use the same tools and techniques that real hackers might use, but with your consent. The goal is to find any vulnerabilities in your networks and systems before someone else does.
Why Is Penetration Testing Important For Businesses
Today, when threat actors are always looking for ways to break in, understanding why pen testing is important can help protect your company and its data.
Let’s look into the reasons why you should consider making pen testing a regular part of your business strategy.
1. Find Vulnerabilities Before Threat Actors Do
One of the main reasons to conduct a pen test is to find holes in your security. Just like a burglar might look for an open window or a flimsy lock, hackers search for vulnerabilities in your systems. By having pen testers attempt to break in, you can discover these weaknesses and resolve them before a real attacker can exploit them.
2. Safeguard Sensitive Information
If your business handles sensitive information—like customer credit card details or employee personal data—keeping this information safe is a top priority. Pen testing helps ensure that your defenses can protect this critical data from theft. By identifying vulnerabilities, you can strengthen your security measures and prevent potential data breaches that could harm your customers and your reputation.
3. Validate Your Security Measures
You may have various security tools in place, such as firewalls and antivirus software, but how do you know they are working effectively? A penetration test evaluates these security measures by simulating real-world attacks. This way, you can see if your defenses can withstand attempts to breach your systems and make necessary improvements where needed.
4. Prepare For Real Attacks
Just like a fire drill helps employees know what to do in an emergency, pen testing helps prepare your business for real cyberattacks. If a vulnerability is found during testing, you can develop a response plan to address it. This preparedness means that if a hacker does try to attack, your team will know how to react quickly and effectively, minimizing damage.
5. Build Customer Trust
In today’s marketplace, customers are increasingly concerned about the security of their personal information. By investing in penetration testing and demonstrating a commitment to protecting data, you can build trust with your customers. When they know you take security seriously, they are more likely to do business with you and recommend your services to others.
6. Meet Legal & Regulatory Requirements
Many industries have specific laws and regulations about protecting data, including penetration testing. Failing to do so can lead to fines and legal troubles, which can be costly and damage your business’s reputation. For example, The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Safeguards Rule, under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA), requires penetration testing for systems that store, process, or transmit nonpublic personal information while The Proactive Cyber Initiatives Act of 2022 (H.R. 8403) promotes penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
7. Train Your Team
Penetration testing isn’t just about finding technical vulnerabilities; it can also reveal areas where your staff might need more training. If the testing shows that employees are falling for phishing scams, you can implement training programs to educate them on how to determine and dodge such threats. An informed team is a strong defense against cyber threats.
8. Get Ahead Of These Threats
Cyber threats are always changing, with hackers constantly coming up with new techniques. A report from Kaspersky found that 73% of successful breaches in the corporate sector were due to vulnerabilities in web applications. By regularly conducting penetration tests, you can anticipate and mitigate security risks before they can do real damage to your business and allow you to adjust your defenses accordingly.
9. Save Money Over Time
While penetration testing does involve costs, it can save you money in the long run. Fixing vulnerabilities before they lead to a data breach can help you skip the high costs associated with recovery, legal fees, and damage control. Check out one of our case studies involving a jewelry business, where all its workstations were affected. An estimated $275,000 was spent on indirect costs, and $25,000 was paid directly to the attackers. Investing in pen testing can be a smart financial decision that pays off by preventing expensive incidents.
10. Create A Culture of Security
When you prioritize penetration testing and Cybersecurity in general, you foster a culture of security within your organization. This means that everyone, from top management to entry-level employees, understands the importance of protecting data and systems. A strong security culture helps reduce risks and encourages everyone to be vigilant defenders of your organization.
| Protect your business like the hedge fund with over $21 billion in assets! Learn how the 2Secure Team discovered vulnerabilities in their public-facing web application during a penetration test. |
FAQ
How Does Penetration Testing Affect Business?
Penetration testing is an important part of your Cybersecurity defense that helps your business by identifying vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them. This solution protects sensitive data, improves your security measures, and ensures you comply with regulations, ultimately leading to a safer and more reliable business.
Why Do Organizations Need Penetration Testing?
Organizations need penetration testing to help protect sensitive data, ensure business continuity and regulatory compliance, and build trust with clients and customers. 2Secure can help by conducting internal and external vulnerability assessments and offering simulated attacks that mimic real-world threats to address system vulnerabilities and toughen up your security posture.
Source:
- (n.d.). 2024 Penetration Testing Report [Review of 2024 Penetration Testing Report]. In Fortra. Fortra. https://static.fortra.com/core-security/pdfs/guides/fta-cs-2024-pen-testing-report-gd.pdf
