• gethacked.ca
• January 5, 2023
• No Comments

In today’s digital age, data breaches and ransomware attacks are becoming increasingly common. According to the 2020 Cybersecurity Ventures Report, the average cost of a data breach is $3.86 million, and the cost of ransomware attacks is expected to exceed $11.5 billion by 2027. These figures highlight the importance of implementing strong security measures to protect against cyber threats.

One way that companies can safeguard against data breaches and ransomware attacks is by conducting external penetration tests. An external penetration test is a simulated cyber attack on a company’s external-facing systems, such as its websites, web applications, and network infrastructure. The goal of this type of test is to identify vulnerabilities that an attacker could exploit to gain unauthorized access to the company’s systems.

There are several reasons why companies should run external penetration tests:

1. Identify vulnerabilities in external-facing systems: As mentioned above, an external penetration test can help a company identify vulnerabilities in its external-facing systems that an attacker could exploit. By identifying these vulnerabilities and taking steps to address them, a company can reduce the risk of a cyber attack.
2. Simulate a real-world attack: External penetration tests are designed to simulate a real-world attack as closely as possible. This means that the team conducting the test will use the same tools and tactics that an actual hacker might use. This gives companies a realistic assessment of their defenses and helps them understand how vulnerable they are to cyber threats.
3. Improve overall security posture: By identifying and addressing vulnerabilities in its external-facing systems, a company can improve its overall security posture. This can help the company reduce the risk of a data breach or ransomware attack and protect its sensitive data from being accessed by unauthorized individuals.
4. Meet compliance requirements: Depending on the industry a company operates in, it may be required to conduct regular penetration tests to meet compliance requirements. For example, companies in the financial industry may be required to conduct annual penetration tests to ensure that their systems are secure.

In conclusion, external penetration tests are an important tool for companies looking to protect against data breaches and ransomware attacks. By simulating a real-world attack and identifying vulnerabilities in external-facing systems, companies can improve their overall security posture and reduce the risk of a cyber attack. Conducting regular external penetration tests can also help companies meet compliance requirements and ensure that their systems are secure.