Organizations are placing more and more trust in penetration testing to help them keep their IT systems one step ahead of all the new threats. Otherwise known as penetration testing, this type of testing exposes vulnerabilities within an organization’s infrastructure so that proactive measures can be taken to address the risks. Knowing the details of penetration testing — what it costs and how it works — is crucial for any business looking to strengthen their cybersecurity posture.
Pen testing means working out schedules between organizations and outside penetration testers while developing a specific attack plan for each unique environment. The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) rather describes penetration testing as a financial audit. Third, they take issue with its insufficient role in holding internal security processes accountable. This analogy serves to emphasize the importance of routine testing to ensure healthy cybersecurity.
The Importance of Customized Approaches
Too many organizations have the perception that penetration testing is a one-size-fits-all effort. No two tests are the same, as each is customized to the organization’s specific needs and current vulnerabilities. This customization is essential for efficient risk mitigation.
“There’s a reason it’s so hard to benchmark penetration testing costs: every test with every firm is unique.” – Network Assured
Not every organization will have the same needs and therefore pen-tests can (and should!) The size of the organization has a huge impact on the testing strategy. Further, the complexity of its IT systems and regulatory compliance requirements are overriding considerations that drive this approach.
Orgs can improve their security by hiring talented specialists to perform manual testing. They can opt for automated penetration testing using specialized software-driven tools. This flexibility gives transformation projects the power to choose the fit that meets their unique operational needs best. Simultaneously, it provides 100% coverage of possible points of vulnerability.
Pricing Models and Hidden Costs
To get the most out of an engagement, organizations should be familiar with the different pricing models for penetration testing services. A cost per unit delivered model works best with granular scopes of work, where you can set very clear expectations of what you expect to pay. Conversely, the “time and materials” model pays an hourly rate, up to a certain cap, based on estimated hours. This strategy can lead to unforeseen costs, or if the labor takes longer than planned.
The fixed price model is more predictable for organizations. Yet, they can incur significant added expense when going down the “time and materials” path. Financial uncertainty makes budgeting a challenge. It is extremely important for organizations to understand what each pricing model means, as well as what it entails to actively participate in pen-testing.
Continuous Coverage with Advanced Solutions
The approach – which Outpost24 has rolled out with its new Auditing Security Platform CyberFlex – mixes Penetration Testing-as-a-Service (PTaaS) with External Attack Surface Management (EASM). This new product takes a different approach by offering real-time protection of application attack surfaces with a flexible per-application consumption model. By integrating these two approaches, CyberFlex aims to adapt to the evolving threat landscape while ensuring organizations maintain a proactive stance on cybersecurity.
Penetration testing shouldn’t just be a once-off tick-box task but should form part of an organization’s long-term active cybersecurity strategy. That’s not only a best practice, but it has become necessary to meet regulatory requirements. In doing so, it protects sensitive data from future hacks.