Undergoing regular penetration testing is key to your overall security posture.
It is an important practice that gives organizations visibility into real-world threats to your
security. As part of a routine security check, penetration tests allow you to find the gaps in your
security before a hacker does by exploiting vulnerabilities and providing steps for remediation.
Identify and Prioritize Risks
Performing regular penetration tests allows your organization to evaluate web application,
internal, and external network security. It also helps you to understand what security controls
are necessary to have the level of security your organization needs to protect its people and
assets. Prioritizing these risks gives organizations an advantage to anticipate risks and
prevent potential malicious attacks from happening.
Prevent Hackers from Infiltrating Systems
Penetration tests are much like practicing for a real-life hack by a real-life hacker. Performing
regular penetration tests allows you to be proactive in your real-world approach of evaluating
your IT infrastructure security. The process uncovers holes in your security, giving you a
chance to properly remediate any shortcomings before an actual attack occurs.
Mature your Environment
Mature your Environment
Continuing to mature the security posture within your organization’s environment is a great way
to maintain a competitive advantage against other organizations in your industry. It not only
demonstrates to your clients that information security and compliance are paramount for your
organization, but
also that you are continuously dedicated to striving towards optimum security.
Avoid Costly Data Breaches and Loss of Business Operability
Recovering from the aftermath of a data breach is no doubt expensive.
Legal fees, IT remediation, customer protection programs, loss in sales, and discouraged
customers can cost organizations upwards of millions of dollars. According to the Ponemon
Institute, the cost of a data breach in 2016 in the US is $158 per record containing sensitive
information. Regularly scheduled penetration tests are proactive way to stay on top of your
security and can help prevent the financial loss of a breach while protecting your brand and
reputation.
Comply with Industry Standards and Regulations
Penetration tests help address the compliance and security obligations that are mandated by
industry standards and regulations such as PCI, HIPAA, FISMA, and ISO 27001. Having these tests
performed regularly helps to demonstrate due diligence and your dedication to information
security, all the while helping you to avoid the heavy fines that can be associated with
non-compliance.