5 Benefits of Regular Penetration Tests
by Sarah Harvey / July 7th, 2016
Undergoing regular penetration testing is key to your overall security posture.
It’s an important practice that gives organizations visibility into real-world threats to your security. As part of a routine security check, penetration tests allow you to find the gaps in your security before a hacker does by exploiting vulnerabilities and providing steps for remediation.
The pros of having regular penetration tests performed far outweigh the cons.
Here are the main 5 benefits of penetration testing regularly:
Benefit #1: Identify and Prioritize Risks
Performing regular penetration tests allows your organization to evaluate web application, internal, and external network security. It also helps you to understand what security controls are necessary to have the level of security your organization needs to protect its people and assets. Prioritizing these risks gives organizations an advantage to anticipate risks and prevent potential malicious attacks from happening.
Benefit #2: Prevent Hackers from Infiltrating Systems
Penetration tests are much like practicing for a real-life hack by a real-life hacker. Performing regular penetration tests allows you to be proactive in your real-world approach of evaluating your IT infrastructure security. The process uncovers holes in your security, giving you a chance to properly remediate any shortcomings before an actual attack occurs.
Benefit #3: Mature your Environment
Continuing to mature the security posture within your organization’s environment is a great way to maintain a competitive advantage against other organizations in your industry. It not only demonstrates to your clients that information security and compliance are paramount for your organization, but also that you’re continuously dedicated to striving towards holistic and optimum security.
Benefit #4: Avoid Costly Data Breaches and Loss of Business Operability
Recovering from the aftermath of a data breach is no doubt expensive.
Legal fees, IT remediation, customer protection programs, loss in sales, and discouraged customers can costs organizations upwards of millions of dollars. According to the Ponemon Institute, the cost of a data breach in 2016 in the US is $158 per record containing sensitive information. Regularly scheduled penetration tests is a proactive way to stay on top of your security and can help prevent the financial loss of a breach while protecting your brand and reputation.
Benefit #5: Comply with Industry Standards and Regulations
Penetration tests help address the compliance and security obligations that are mandated by industry standards and regulations such as PCI, HIPAA, FISMA, and ISO 27001. Having these tests performed regularly helps to demonstrate due diligence and your dedication to information security, all the while helping you to avoid the heavy fines that can be associated with non-compliance.
If you’re not already undergoing regular penetration test, why not?
The first step is easy: find a certified penetration testing professional and, together, decide which type of pen test is right for your organization.
KirkpatrickPrice’s certified Penetration Testers can help walk you through the process, answer any questions you may have, and provide a detailed remediation plan following testing. For more information on the importance of regular penetration testing and how to get started, contact us today.
We even offer continuous penetration testing to ensure your organization is up-to-date on best practices.
More Penetration Testing Resources
Testing Physical Security Measures Through Penetration Testing
What Should You Really Be Penetration Testing
Validating Fixes 30 Days After Your Pen Test – Our Retesting Policy
