What is the CREST penetration testing method?
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.
CREST Penetration Testing
CREST (Council of Registered Ethical Security Testers) is a globally recognised accreditation organisation that sets rigorous standards for penetration testing and Cyber Security. As a not-for-profit accreditation and certification body, they represent and support the technical information security market and provide a gold standard for penetration testing best practices.
The primary aim of CREST is to establish and maintain high standards across the Cyber Security industry by enhancing technical capabilities and improving the professional conduct of its members. CREST certification ensures that companies offering Cyber Security services meet rigorous standards, providing clients with confidence in the services they receive.
Certified by CREST and Offensive Security, our qualified testers employ real-world hacking techniques to uncover profound insights.
CREST Penetration Testing Methods
CREST accredited companies will usually deploy a range of methods of penetration testing. The key principles of the CREST penetration method are designed to ensure high-quality, ethical, and comprehensive testing.
CREST requires stringent standards for accreditation with companies required to undergo a thorough assessment process. Throughout this, they must demonstrate their adherence to best practices, their technical proficiency, and quality assurance protocols.
Testing companies are also required to adhere to a strict code of ethics, including principles such as integrity, responsibility, and transparency. This is to ensure that all testing activities are conducted in a legal and ethical manner that safeguards client interests.
What is the CREST Penetration Testing Process?
The CREST penetration testing method involves comprehensive testing procedures encompassing a wide range of tools and techniques to identify vulnerabilities, assess risks, and provide actionable recommendations. This ensures that all potential security weaknesses are uncovered and effectively addressed.
There are several critical stages to CREST penetration testing methods. These include:
1. Pre-Engagement
- Clear communication is established between the client and the testing team to ensure that client requirements are understood. Objectives will be set and the scope of the test will be defined.
2. Scope Definition & Risk Assessment
- Understanding the risks and then defining the scope of the test is key to ensuring that the testing process is focused as well as relevant to the client’s security needs.
3. Information Gathering
- The testing team will collect all of the pertinent information about the target systems. This may involve active as well as passive reconnaissance techniques to gather critical data about the network, system, and its potential vulnerabilities.
4. Vulnerability Analysis
- Collected information is analysed to identify any security vulnerabilities. The security postures of the target systems are assessed using automated tools and manual techniques,
5. Exploitation
- Once vulnerabilities have been identified the testing team will then attempt to exploit them to determine the potential impact of an attack. This helps build an understanding of the implications of vulnerabilities as well as the effectiveness of existing security measures.
6. Post Exploitation
- This step looks beyond the immediate vulnerability to explore the potential consequences of a security breach and the risks it could pose to the organisation.
7. Reporting
- During the final phase, a detailed report is compiled that outlines the findings, including any identified vulnerabilities, exploitation methods, and actionable recommendations to strengthen the organisation’s security posture.
Why use the CREST Penetration Testing method?
Choosing CREST methods of penetration testing assures rigorous testing standards and quality throughout underpinned by ethical practices. It provides a comprehensive assessment, detailing security vulnerabilities and providing actionable insights. The CREST Penetration Testing method is trusted globally, giving you and your stakeholders confidence in the process, while ensuring regulatory compliance.
Equilibrium Security provides threat-led CREST Penetration Testing Services that go beyond tick-box security assessment. Our comprehensive services thoroughly test your digital infrastructure, uncovering hidden vulnerabilities that may be overlooked.
Our CREST accredited services ensure your security posture is maximised in a world of evolving digital threats.
- Identify unknown zero-day attack vulnerabilities
- Prioritise vulnerabilities and understand their risk.
- Enhance ability to handle security incidents effectively
- Valuable recommendations for enhancing security