Eight Reasons for a Penetration Test

Rarely does a week pass without reports of attacks on sensitive systems. This results in financial losses , and the reputation and trust of customers and partners crumble. In some cases, those responsible, such as managing directors of GmbHs, are also held liable because they did not sufficiently secure their systems. In the event of damage, substantial fines are threatened.

To protect yourself sufficiently from attacks, adequate countermeasures must be taken at different levels. Well-trained employees and processes that also take IT security into account are indispensable for effective protection. Above all, however, a security audit by an independent third party through a penetration test is a proven means. In this process, the vulnerability of systems is determined using the tools and methods of malicious hackers, after which appropriate protective measures can be taken.

Why do you need a penetration test?

Former FBI Director Robert Mueller believes that "there are two types of companies: those that have already been hacked, and those that will be". To effectively protect against hacker attacks, penetration tests can provide a clear picture of a system's security situation. We provide eight further reasons why organizations need regular pentests.

1. Protection of data and intellectual property

A penetration test uncovers vulnerabilities and checks how vulnerable a system is. Together with the customer, security measures are then implemented that protect data in the event of an actual attack by malicious hackers.

2. Protection against loss of reputation

The consequence of successful attacks on companies is often embarrassing appearances in the press, where the company must justify the data theft. Sufficient security, checked by an independent third party through a penetration test, reduces the risk of an attack and thus protects against a possible loss of reputation.

3. Fulfilling legal obligations

Sensitive data requires special protection. In the context of IT governance, there are numerous legal requirements from BDSG, HGB, TMG and TKG, which require the introduction and operation of an information security management system. Anyone who suffers a so-called 42a case is obligated under the BDSG to "immediately inform the competent supervisory authority and the affected persons" of the incident. Anyone who violates these information obligations commits an administrative offense or even a criminal offense. In reality, however, it is not trivial to determine whether a successful attack has taken place. For this reason, it is necessary to take sufficient protective measures and have systems checked by pentests .

4. Current threat landscape

With IT systems becoming increasingly complex, it has become a challenge to control them fully and ensure security. Criminals have also discovered this and regularly search for vulnerabilities in systems. In addition to targeted attacks on a specific system, automated tests by so-called bots are common. These scour the worldwide web for vulnerabilities and exploit victims for further criminal activities. Therefore, let a pentest find and close vulnerabilities before you are found by criminals.

5. Recommendations for security measures

Anyone who has a penetration test performed receives a detailed report , which enables management to assess the current situation and provides IT specialists with recommendations for concrete security measures.

6. Certifications and Compliance

For certain industries and processes, it is necessary to fulfill standards. For example, companies that process credit card transactions must fulfill the PCI data security standard. To achieve compliance, it is required to have systems sufficiently checked by an independent third party. But not only official bodies demand pentests. Before concluding a contract, companies in the B2B business like to be assured that the partner has well-established IT systems. A security level proven by a penetration test is a clear competitive advantage here.

7. Quality management

Many companies build up internal QM systems to ensure the quality of services and products. In addition to code reviews for software products, the reliability of information technology can be checked and measured through penetration testing .

8. Lower premiums for Cyber Risk insurance

Those who have implemented sufficient control and protection measures for their systems reduce the risk of a successful attack by hackers. Providers of Cyber Risk insurance also see it this way and calculate their insurance premiums accordingly. Some insurers only offer their products if a minimum level of IT security is present.