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ASSIGNMENT INTRODUCTION
There is a considerable amount of confusion in the industry regarding the differences between vulnerability scanning and penetration testing, as the two phrases are often used interchangeably. However, their meaning and implications are very different. A vulnerability assessment simply identifies and reports noted vulnerabilities, whereas a penetration test (Pen Test) attempts to exploit the vulnerabilities to determine whether unauthorized access or other malicious activity is possible.
Penetration testing typically includes network penetration testing and application security testing; it also has controls and processes around the networks and applications and should occur from both outside the network trying to come in (external testing) and from inside the network.
Given this information, review the two links on how Kali Linux is often used in penetration testing, the tools it contains, and how it can assist a penetration tester in identifying vulnerabilities in the network:
https://linuxhint.com/penetration_testing_kali_lin…
https://tools.kali.org/
Once you have done that, answer the following questions as though you were an internal or external penetration test firm assisting a Saudi company in strengthening its systems, framework, and network.
How does the penetration test differ from other types of security testing—such as a vulnerability assessment?
What is your process for performing the penetration test?
Discuss the process and tools that would be used.
How will you protect the data during and after testing?
How will you ensure the availability of the systems and services while the test is taking place?
These last two will be key. Unless you are performing the penetration test when their users are not active, it will be necessary to catalog how you will do this without disrupting business or destroying data.
HOW TO WORK ON THIS ASSIGNMENT ( EXAMPLE ESSAY/ DRAFT)
In the field of cybersecurity, vulnerability scanning, and penetration testing are often used interchangeably, leading to confusion. While both terms involve identifying vulnerabilities, the purpose, and approach are different. A vulnerability assessment involves scanning systems and applications for known vulnerabilities and reporting them. On the other hand, a penetration test attempts to exploit the vulnerabilities to assess the risk and impact of a potential attack.
When assisting a Saudi company in strengthening its systems, framework, and network, our penetration testing process starts with initial reconnaissance, which involves gathering information about the company’s infrastructure and systems. We then move to vulnerability identification, using tools like Kali Linux to discover potential weaknesses in the network and application security. Exploitation follows, where we attempt to exploit the vulnerabilities discovered to simulate a potential attack. Post-exploitation activities involve analyzing the results and providing recommendations for remediation.
In performing the penetration test, we use various tools, including Kali Linux, which contains various penetration testing tools for network mapping, vulnerability scanning, password cracking, and web application testing, among others.
To protect the data during and after testing, we use secure connections and limit access to sensitive information. We also sign non-disclosure agreements and ensure that all data is destroyed or returned to the Saudi company at the end of the engagement.
Ensuring the availability of systems and services during testing is critical to avoid disruption to business operations. We work with the Saudi company to schedule testing at a time that minimizes disruption, uses controlled testing methods, and follows a defined scope of work. We take measures to avoid causing damage or disrupting services during testing.
In conclusion, a penetration test differs from a vulnerability assessment in that it involves exploiting vulnerabilities to assess risk and impact. Our process for performing the penetration test involves initial reconnaissance, vulnerability identification, exploitation, and post-exploitation activities. We use a range of tools, including Kali Linux, and take extensive measures to protect the data during and after testing and ensure the availability of systems and services during the test.
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