How often should we conduct penetration testing?
Penetration testing is one of the most valuable tools for combatting cyber crime. By simulating cyber-attacks, it provides a robust way to uncover potential weaknesses and evaluate the security posture of your organisation’s overall IT infrastructure.
Penetration Testing Frequency
As well as the type of penetration testing you should conduct, the frequency of penetration testing is also crucial to maintaining effective Cyber Security. The required ISO 27001 penetration testing frequency is annually, but this is a recommended baseline. Many organisations and sectors opt for a twice-yearly testing framework, with businesses in some industries conducting quarterly tests.
Read on to find out:
- How often should you pen test?
- What determines pen test frequency?
- What are the best practices to follow when considering when to conduct penetration testing?
Certified by CREST and Offensive Security, our qualified testers employ real-world hacking techniques to uncover profound insights.
Adopting a risk-based approach: How does this affect frequency?
A risk-based approach takes account of a range of factors to assess the threats that an organisation may be facing. Organisations working in particularly vulnerable environments or who handle large amounts of sensitive data may opt for more frequent penetration testing.
What factors determine the frequency of penetration testing?
1. Industry Regulations
- Different industries have varying compliance requirements they must adhere to. Sectors that deal with large amounts of sensitive data, such as finance, require regular penetration testing. It’s important to align your testing frequency with the applicable regulations.
2. Size of IT Infrastructure
- The more complex the IT infrastructure, the more prone it may be to potential attack. Uncovering and rectifying any vulnerabilities through regular testing is essential.
3. Previous Security Incidents
- If an organisation has experienced security incidents in the past it could indicate particular vulnerabilities. Frequent testing can prevent recurrence by identifying problems before they can be targeted.
4. Technology Changes
- New technology potentially introduces new vulnerabilities into your network. Changes to an organisation’s technological set-up should be accompanied by changes to pen testing frequency.
5. Emerging Threats
- As new threats emerge, organisations need to adapt their testing frequency to take them into account.
What are penetration testing best practices?
Every organisation will have its own risk profile and potential vulnerabilities that will determine the frequency of pen testing it conducts. Some best practices include:
- Annual testing for baseline security: Every organisation should test its security at least annually, even if it is operating in an industry with a lower overall risk profile.
- Quarterly testing for organisations with higher risk: Organisations with previous vulnerabilities, or those who handle large amounts of sensitive data should aim for quarterly penetration testing. In the event of a security breach, organisations may choose to have more regular penetration testing until all potential vulnerabilities have been addressed.
- Continuous testing for highly sensitive environments: Some sectors, such as those in government, finance or the defence sector, may conduct continuous penetration testing to reduce the pronounced risk of cyber-attack.
The advantages of a regular penetration testing schedule
Setting up a regular penetration testing schedule is the best way to ensure that penetration testing isn’t overlooked. A regular schedule can also help with budgetary considerations, making it easier to budget for regular testing throughout the year.
The costs of dealing with a cybersecurity breach far outweigh the cost of regular penetration testing so it’s important that it isn’t overlooked in an attempt to cut costs.
Regular penetration testing with Equilibrium Security
Regular penetration testing ensures that your Cyber Security is as robust as possible. At Equilibrium Security, we use our expertise and the latest testing methodologies to help prevent the likelihood of suffering an avoidable security breach.
To find out more about regular penetration testing and our comprehensive range of services contact your local UK Cyber Security Specialists today.
- Identify unknown zero-day attack vulnerabilities
- Prioritise vulnerabilities and understand their risk.
- Enhance ability to handle security incidents effectively
- Valuable recommendations for enhancing security