Ethical hackers attempt to gain access to a company’s computer systems without causing harm. The purpose is to discover and report network security issues so they can be fixed.
The widespread use of WANs, LANs, wireless networks, and multiple endpoints (for example, servers, workstations, mobile, and IoT devices), as well as security measures such as firewalls and intrusion prevention systems (IPS), have resulted in enormous network complexity. Any of these could be Security flaws exploited by malicious actors.
Network penetration testing simulates an external attack by finding security weaknesses and exploiting them to indicate business compromise.
Cybersecurity and the dangers of cyberattacks
Penetration testing services (may check for the following common hazards:
1. Malware
Malware, or malicious software, is designed to cause harm when installed on a computer. Malware comes in many forms, the most popular of which are Trojan horses, ransomware, and spyware. Malware is used by hackers to steal or copy data, block access to files, corrupt or damage operating systems and databases, and more.
2. Phishing
In a phishing attack, an attacker masquerades as a trusted source of information via email or other electronic means. Phishing emails are often used by attackers to spread malicious links and files that can be used to achieve their goals. Links or attachments from questionable sources may lead to harmful websites or automatically install malware. Phishing seeks sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and bank account data from unsuspecting victims.
While email used to be the main vehicle for phishing attempts, the use of social media, text messages and even phone calls has increased in recent years.
3. Denial of service attack
A distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack occurs when multiple infected computers attack a single target simultaneously. Distributed denial of service attacks may target servers, websites, and other network resources. It involves flooding a targeted system with a flood of fake connection requests, corrupted packets, or other forms of malicious traffic in an attempt to slow it down, crash it, or even shut it down entirely.
4. Advanced Persistent Threat (APT)
The goal of an APT is to gain access to a network and remain hidden there for an extended period of time. In most cases, the goal of an APT attack is not to disable a targeted business’ network, but to steal sensitive information.
The goal of most APT attacks is to remain permanently on the target network after gaining access. Given the time and effort required for APT attacks, hackers often target high-value targets such as governments or large corporations, from which they may collect data over time. APT attacks are often launched by nation-states or well-organized cybercriminal gangs.
5. Autoplay download
Download by drive Unintentionally installing malware on a PC or mobile device can lead to an attack. Even careful users can get infected without clicking anything or downloading malicious files.Drive-by downloads exploit vulnerabilities in software, operating systems, and browsers
6. Attempt to enable denial of service
DNS attacks can be used to breach DNS security. DNS is a powerful tool, but its design prioritizes usability over security. DNS attacks abound. Certain exploits modify DNS client-server interactions. Someone else could break in to your DNS provider’s website by using compromised credentials to get in and modify DNS records.