What is Network Security Testing?
Network testing is a broad means of testing security controls across a network to identify and demonstrate vulnerabilities and determine risks. While the testing medium can change (wireless, ethernet, hardware/IoT, phishing emails, physical access, Dropbox placement), the end result is usually network access to protected data or systems.
The goals of testing differ depending on overall objective but also the organization's maturity. Network testing can help validate security defenses, meet compliance mandates and test the security controls of any type of electronic data. Typical tests include:
- Vulnerability Assessment
- Penetration Testing
- Specific network tests, including Wireless Network Penetration Testing
- Red Team Testing
- Application Security Testing
What is Evolving with Network Security Testing?
As new technology platforms raise new security complexities (e.g., out of the perimeter, into the cloud), IT and security teams must gain new expertise and tools, but also seek out independent testers to perform reviews.
Additionally, growing threat sophistication and increased business risk dictates heightened security postures. Adapting compliance mandates and the increasing sophistication of adversaries means that your testing program should increase as well. In response, IT teams are testing with less scope restrictions and partnering with highly skilled vendors.
