Internal VS. External Penetration Testing: What is the Difference?

Summary

This video explains the differences between internal and external penetration testing, highlighting their importance in securing business networks. External penetration testing simulates cyberattacks from outside a business to assess vulnerabilities in public-facing infrastructure, while internal testing focuses on identifying weaknesses within a company’s internal network. Both tests help businesses improve their security posture, identify risks, and comply with certifications like SO2 or HIPAA. The video also offers guidance on when to choose each type of testing based on factors like the business's needs and the technology in place.

Takeaways

• 😀 Penetration testing helps identify security weaknesses before they are exploited by malicious actors.
• 😀 External penetration testing simulates an attack on a business's public-facing infrastructure, like websites and firewalls.
• 😀 Internal penetration testing assesses vulnerabilities within a business’s local network after external security breaches.
• 😀 Both internal and external penetration testing are important for assessing a business’s defense against cyber threats.
• 😀 Ethical hackers conduct simulated attacks to test the strength of security controls and identify weaknesses.
• 😀 External penetration testing is useful when reviewing perimeter security or when new technology components are added.
• 😀 Internal penetration testing is ideal for evaluating IT infrastructure, access controls, and employee readiness.
• 😀 Penetration testing can support compliance readiness for certifications such as SO2 or HIPAA.
• 😀 Businesses are encouraged to perform both internal and external penetration testing to maximize data and asset security.
• 😀 Choosing between internal and external penetration testing depends on factors like security goals and business needs.
• 😀 The results of internal penetration testing can improve the overall maturity and effectiveness of a business’s security program.

Q & A

What is penetration testing?

Penetration testing involves ethical hackers simulating cyber-attacks to assess the security of systems and identify vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them.

Why should businesses perform penetration testing?

Businesses perform penetration testing to assess the strength of their security controls, support compliance readiness for certifications like SOC 2 or HIPAA, and identify security weaknesses that need remediation.

What is the goal of external penetration testing?

The goal of external penetration testing is to simulate an attack from outside the organization, focusing on identifying vulnerabilities in the wide area network, such as public-facing websites, applications, and firewalls.

How does external penetration testing work?

External penetration testing evaluates a business's public-facing infrastructure to identify weaknesses that could be exploited by cyber criminals to gain unauthorized access to the internal network.

What is internal penetration testing?

Internal penetration testing simulates an attack from within the organization's local area network, aiming to assess the vulnerability of internal systems and infrastructure once external security measures have been breached.

What types of devices are tested in internal penetration testing?

In internal penetration testing, ethical hackers evaluate devices like servers, workstations, printers, VPN devices, and network switches within the internal infrastructure.

When should a business choose external penetration testing?

External penetration testing is recommended if a business has never performed penetration testing, if new technology components like websites have been added, or if the focus is on reviewing perimeter security.

When should a business choose internal penetration testing?

Internal penetration testing is beneficial when assessing the security of internal IT infrastructure, employee readiness, and the validity of access controls and security policies within the organization.

Should businesses perform both internal and external penetration testing?

Yes, performing both internal and external penetration testing is recommended to ensure comprehensive security. External testing checks perimeter vulnerabilities, while internal testing helps assess the effectiveness of internal security measures.

How do compliance requirements affect the choice between internal and external penetration testing?

Compliance requirements, such as those for certifications like SOC 2 or HIPAA, may influence the choice of penetration testing. These certifications often require specific security assessments, which may involve both internal and external tests.