Asking “What can go wrong during a penetration test?” before initiating an assessment is both wise and prudent. This blog post outlines the risks associated with penetration testing and strategies to mitigate these risks.
Downtime or Disruptions
One of the top concerns client’s have about what can go wrong during a penetration test is downtime or disruptions, fearing significant revenue loss. However, a competent security vendor will carefully conduct tests to avoid such outcomes. They will avoid exploiting vulnerabilities that could trigger denial-of-service conditions. Lucid Security advises clients to highlight particularly sensitive systems during the pre-engagement kickoff call to prevent downtime.
Missing Findings
Missing findings represent another potential issue during penetration tests. A good security vendor aims to uncover every vulnerability. However, the pursuit of quick wins at the expense of thorough examination is a hallmark of inferior vendors. Lucid Security commits to comprehensive testing to identify all possible vulnerabilities, acknowledging the variability of results due to human factors. Annual penetration tests and rotating engineers ensure fresh perspectives and comprehensive coverage.
Generate Alerts
Penetration tests often generate numerous alerts, potentially overwhelming IT teams. While generating alerts is generally positive, it’s important for tests to be noticeable to IT and security operations centers (SOCs). Security engineers might use tools like Nessus, Nikto, and BurpSuite, generating alerts. The testing vendor should provide a list of their IP addresses to help adjust alert settings accordingly.
Account Lockouts
Account lockouts are a risk during penetration testing, especially during password attack simulations. Lucid Security employs methods to avoid account lockouts, but discussing unique account lockout policies with the engineers during the planning phase is crucial for making necessary adjustments.
Summary
Several factors can complicate a penetration test. Effective communication between the security vendor and the client organization beforehand can address concerns and preempt potential issues. Lucid Security prioritizes preventing problems during penetration tests by gathering extensive pre-test information.
How Lucid Security Can Help
Lucid Security is ready to assist with your next penetration test, addressing any concerns to ensure a smooth process. Contact us today for collaboration.
