As more business organizations are operating both on-premises and cloud infrastructures, attackers are currently targeting internet-facing assets as well as cloud environments. A wrongly configured server or an open port might serve as the gateway that results in a complete-scale attack. In an attempt to fight this, organizations are advised to perform both external network penetration and AWS pen test.
This integration will see that every vulnerability, which has been identified through perimeter protection to cloud-based configurations, is identified and mitigated before it can be abused.
External Network Penetration Testing
External network penetration testing is testing of the security of systems that are accessible via the public internet. Testers are external hackers that search the vulnerabilities that may enable intrusion.
The assessment includes:
- Port Scanning: This is detection of open ports or poorly secured ports.
- Firewall Assessment: Assessment of inappropriate rules and filtering holes.
- Service Enumeration: Determining old software and poorly configured servers.
- Exploit Simulation: Trying safe breaches to check exposure levels.
- Reporting: Reporting priority steps of remediation.
- This testing enhances the security of your perimeter giving it hardened services that are only essential.
What Does AWS Penetration Testing mean?
AWS pen test is aimed at identifying vulnerabilities in the Amazon Web Services setup, where important business information is frequently stored.
Testing areas include:
- IAM Review: The review of excessive permissions or inactive accounts.
- S3 Bucket Security: No sensitive data is left in the open.
- Network Controls: Authenticating Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) segmentation and firewall regulations.
- EC2 Instance Set-up: Identification of the old software and the poor quality of SSH credentials.
- API Security: Testing leakage, insecure endpoints.
Through AWS pen testing, within the accepted specifications of Amazon, organizations would be in a position to test the security of all services hosted without breaching the terms of service providers.
The reason why these two tests are necessary?
A robust cloud system cannot make up a vulnerable external network and the reverse. Attackers are using the vulnerable connections between on-prem and cloud features. Integrating the external network penetration testing and AWS pen test will provide:
Single Visibility: Visibility into both local and hosted assets.
- Complete Threat Mitigation: Determining and remedying overlapping exposures.
- Regulatory Assurance: In line with the ISO 27001, SOC 2, and GDPR.
- Operation Continuity: Lessening downtime due to cyber-attacks.
Testing Framework at Aardwolf Security
In Aardwolf Security, validated testers work in line with industry standards like NIST SP 800-115 and OWASP Cloud Security Testing Guide.
Our workflow includes:
1. Planning and Scoping: Decision to know targets and permission of safe testing.
2. Reconnaissance: Mapping of all network and AWS assets available.
3. Exploitation: The simulated realistic attack attempts.
4. Impact Analysis: This is the measurement of possible loss of data or system compromise.
5. Extensive Reporting: Providing concise technical and executive reports.
This bi-layered test determines the linkages between vulnerabilities at your whole digital perimeter.
Key Benefits
- Early identification of risk susceptibilities.
- Better adherence to international security regulations.
- Enhanced protection against ransom and intrusion attacks.
- Growing confidence of partners and clients.
Conclusion
Contemporary cyberattacks cross through vulnerable networks to improperly configured clouds in several minutes. External network penetration testing, as well as AWS pen testing, will provide organizations with the knowledge that is required to avoid breaches and stay constantly protected. The professional approach of Aardwolf Security will make sure all components of your digital perimeter whether its data centres or the cloud is reliable, compliant, and secure.
