While there are specific techniques for each environment, it's important to determine the type of attack before executing the test. A zero-knowledge attack , performed by testers who have no real information about the target environment, is designed to provide the most realistic penetration test possible. It usually includes gathering a significant amount of information about the target system before launching an attack. A full-knowledge attack, on the other hand, is performed with the tester having as much information about the target environment as possible. It's designed to simulate an attacker who has intimate knowledge of the target organization's systems-such as a real employee.
Penetration testing can be a valuable tool in any organization's information security program.
However, be aware of the risks that could undermine the benefits yielded by an intrusion exercise. Only skilled, experienced professionals who use clearly defined parameters and objectives should perform penetration testing. The hiring of ill-equipped or inexperienced testers could have disastrous results for your organization. There are numerous examples of amateur or malicious hackers crashing networks, disclosing confidential information and destroying valuable digital assets. While third-party testing can provide objective results, organizations could fall prey to unscrupulous testers who will use a simulation to find vulnerabilities for their own purposes.