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Net Pen Testing Overview

Content Guide

Introduction

In an age where digital infrastructures are as critical as physical ones, network penetration testing is one of the pillars of cybersecurity. Often known as ethical hacking, network penetration testing is testing a computer system, network, or web application to find vulnerabilities that an attacker could exploit. This simulated attack provides valuable insights, allowing businesses to strengthen their cyber defenses proactively.

The Need for Network Penetration Testing

Cybersecurity threats evolve rapidly, and penetration testing is crucial in keeping up with the pace of change. The process helps organizations:

  • Detect vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.

  • Ensure the security of their network infrastructure.

  • Comply with regulatory requirements.

  • Safeguard customer data and maintain trust.

  • Avoid costly breaches and downtime.

Network penetration testing isn’t just about finding weaknesses; it’s also about verifying the effectiveness of existing security measures and the organization’s response to ongoing threats.

How Network Penetration Testing Works

Network penetration testing is methodical. It begins with planning, followed by reconnaissance to collect data. The next steps involve identifying vulnerabilities, exploiting them to understand the real-world implications, and then reporting the findings. Effective penetration testing uncovers a range of security issues, from software bugs to system misconfigurations, and provides a roadmap for remediation.

Types of Network Penetration Testing

  • External Testing – Targets external-facing assets like public websites and servers, identifying vulnerabilities that could be exploited by external attackers.

  • Internal Testing – Mimics an inside attack. It’s crucial for understanding what damage a disgruntled employee could do.

  • Blind Testing – Only limited information is provided to the testers beforehand, simulating an attack from a typical external hacker’s perspective.

  • Double-Blind Testing – Both the penetration testers and the organization’s security teams are unaware of the planned simulated attack, providing a real-time assessment of both the security monitoring and response capabilities.

  • Targeted Testing – Both the organization’s IT team and testers are fully aware and work together. This is often used for training and improving security response procedures.

Tools for Wireless Penetration Testing

Several specialized tools aid in wireless penetration testing, such as:

  • Aircrack-ng – A complete suite of tools to assess WiFi network security.

  • Kismet – A network detector, packet sniffer, and intrusion detection system for 802.11 wireless LANs

  • Wireshark – network protocol analyzer that can capture and interactively browse the traffic running on a computer network.

The primary goal is to identify and document the risks associated with wireless networking, ensuring that the wireless infrastructure is as robust as its wired counterpart.

Network Penetration Testing Frameworks

  • Open-Source Security Testing Methodology Manual (OSSTMM) -The OSSTMM is a peer-reviewed methodology for performing security tests and metrics. It provides a comprehensive outline for testing the operational security of physical locations, communication, and data networks. The framework emphasizes the importance of understanding and measuring the operational impact and harm potential.

  • NIST Special Publication 800-115 – The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) provides guidelines for network security testing. The framework is designed with flexibility to be applicable across different organizations and technologies. It covers test preparation, execution, and reporting.

  • OWASP Testing Guide – The Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) has a testing framework that, while primarily focused on web application security, also includes aspects applicable to network penetration testing. It provides a comprehensive checklist of test cases for various security controls.

  • Cyber Kill Chain – Although not a testing framework per se, the Cyber Kill Chain model developed by Lockheed Martin describes the phases of a cyber-attack. Pen testers often use this model to simulate attacks during the testing process, helping them think like attackers.

  • MITRE ATT&CK Framework – MITRE’s Adversarial Tactics, Techniques, and Common Knowledge (ATT&CK) framework is a globally accessible knowledge base of adversary tactics and techniques. It is used for preparing security improvements and verifying defenses as expected.

Network Penetration Testing Credentials/Certifications

  • Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) – The OSCP certification from Offensive Security is one of the most respected certifications for penetration testing. It demonstrates the certificate holder’s ability to conduct a penetration test using a comprehensive toolkit and methodologies, as well as their ability to document and report the findings. The OSCP exam is practical and hands-on, requiring candidates to successfully attack and penetrate various live machines in a safe lab environment.

  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) – Offered by the EC-Council, the CEH certification is designed for professionals who want to demonstrate their skills in ethical hacking. It covers a wide array of topics including scanning networks, enumeration, system hacking, viruses, and worms, among others. The CEH certification is often recognized by employers as a key qualification for cybersecurity roles.

  • GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN) – The GPEN certification is offered by the Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) and is aimed at professionals who want to demonstrate their ability to conduct penetration tests against enterprise networks. It covers advanced password attacks, exploitation techniques, and the penetration testing process.

  • Licensed Penetration Tester (LPT) – The LPT certification is another advanced credential offered by the EC-Council. It is designed to test the knowledge and skills of penetration testers in real-world scenarios. The certification process includes going through a rigorous, multi-layered process that requires the demonstration of hands-on penetration testing skills.

  • Certified Penetration Testing Consultant (CPTC) – The CPTC by the Information Assurance Certification Review Board (IACRB) is designed for senior-level penetration testers. The certification process involves a hands-on exam in which candidates must perform a professional security test and then submit a report that is reviewed by a board of professionals.

  • Certified Penetration Testing Engineer (CPTE) – This certification, also by the IACRB, is designed to certify the ability of security engineers to perform penetration testing and vulnerability assessments. It focuses on the five key elements of penetration testing: information gathering, scanning, enumeration, exploitation, and reporting.

  • CompTIA PenTest+ – CompTIA’s PenTest+ certification is relatively new compared to other certifications but has quickly gained respect in the industry. It is focused on the most current and up-to-date penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and management skills.

  • Certified Red Team Professional (CRTP) – The CRTP certification focuses on the methodologies used during red teaming assessments. Professionals holding this certification have demonstrated the skills to assess and exploit enterprise network infrastructures and bypass security controls.

  • Continuing Professional Education (CPE) – In addition to obtaining certifications, it is important for penetration testers to engage in continuous learning to stay up to date with the latest tools, techniques, and security vulnerabilities. Many of the certifications require a certain number of CPE credits to maintain the certification.

Ethical and Legal Considerations

Ethical and legal considerations are fundamental to network penetration testing (net pen testing). These guidelines ensure penetration testers conduct their activities without overstepping moral boundaries or breaking the law. Here are some of the key considerations:

Ethical Considerations

  • Permission and Authorization – Before testing begins, it is crucial to obtain explicit, written permission from the owner of the network. This permission should outline the scope of the test, including which systems can be tested, what methods can be used, and any other limitations or expectations.

  • Scope of Work – Ethical penetration testers must adhere strictly to the agreed-upon scope of work and avoid probing systems or networks that are not explicitly included in the permission agreement.

  • Professional Conduct – Testers should conduct themselves professionally, maintaining respect for the client’s data, privacy, and business operations. Any data accessed during the test should be handled confidentially.

  • Non-Disclosure—Penetration testers often encounter sensitive information. They should sign non-disclosure agreements to ensure that any information discovered during the testing process is kept confidential and not disclosed to unauthorized parties.

  • Data Handling – Ethical testers must responsibly handle data they come across. This includes not leaving any payloads or data that could be used maliciously on the client’s systems and ensuring all traces of the testing are removed after the exercise is complete.

  • Respect for Individuals – In cases where individual user data or activities might be encountered, ethical considerations dictate that testers respect the privacy and rights of those individuals.

Legal Considerations

  • Compliance with Laws – Testers must know and comply with all relevant laws and regulations. This includes laws related to privacy, data protection (such as GDPR, HIPAA, etc.), and computer misuse (such as the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act in the United States).

  • Legal Boundaries – Even with permission, testers must understand that certain types of attacks may be illegal. For example, launching denial-of-service (DoS) attacks against a third-party service provider used by the organization may be against the law.

  • Jurisdictional Issues – Since network infrastructures can span multiple legal jurisdictions, it is important to understand how laws in different regions affect what can and cannot be done legally during a penetration test.

  • Intellectual Property – During a penetration test, testers may come across proprietary or intellectual property. It is vital to ensure that such information is neither copied nor misused.

  • Contracts and Agreements – Before conducting a pen test, there should be a clear contract in place that outlines the responsibilities and limitations of the testing party, including what happens in the event of an accidental breach or downtime caused by the test.

  • Reporting Obligations – Depending on the findings and the nature of any uncovered vulnerabilities, there may be legal obligations to report these to the appropriate authorities or affected parties.

Tools and Techniques in Network Penetration Testing

Network penetration testing relies on tools ranging from simple network scanners like Nmap to complex suites like Metasploit. Automation aids in covering broad areas quickly, while manual testing provides deep dives into specific concerns. Each tool and technique has its place, and expert testers are adept at selecting the right ones for the job.

Service Locations:

Tanner provides net pen testing services remotely to organizations in the following cities including Atlanta (GA), Bangor (ME), Billings (MT), Boise (ID),  Boston (MA), Bozeman (MT), Buffalo (NY), Charleston (SC), Charleston (WV),  Charlotte (NC), Cheyenne (WY), Chicago (IL),  Cincinnati (OH), Cleveland (OH), Colorado (CO),  Concord (NH),  Dallas (TX)

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