Penetration Testing Checklist

The bad guys are getting smarter. Every day, they come up with new ways to hack computers and take money. These threats can be stopped with penetration testing. For your computers, it’s like a fire drill.

You can test your security with this blog’s step-by-step list. Get ready to make your computer safer.

Checklist for High-Level Penetration Testing

A high-level security testing plan shows testers the important steps they need to take. This list helps make sure that security checks are complete and finds weak spots in systems.

Describe the goals and scope

A good security test starts with clear goals and boundaries. Teams need to know what to check and how far to go. This step helps make sure the test fits the goals of the business. It tells users what they can and can’t do during the test as well.

Scope tells you which apps, networks, and systems to try. It also sets rules and time limits. The test stays on track and on budget when the scope is clear. It makes sure that testers pay attention to the most important security issues for the business.

Pick a team to do penetration testing.

It’s important to choose the right team for security testing. You need professionals from a range of backgrounds who know how to hack in an acceptable way. Find experts who have top certifications like CISSP, OSCP, or CBBH.

These show that they are good at computer apps, network security, and other things. A good team looks at things from different points of view to find flaws that aren’t obvious.

Pen testers for you should know how to use programs like Nmap and Aircrack-ng. They also need to understand things like SQL hacking and gaining more privileges. The best teams do everything for you during the test and then help you afterward.

This makes sure that the whole process is worth it. Be smart about what you pick to keep your systems safe from online dangers.

Get Authorization

A very important part of security testing is getting permission. Before they start any tests, ethical hackers must get writing permission from the client. This official permission keeps everyone safe and makes it clear what the limits of the evaluation are.

It spells out the test’s scope, time, and methods that can be used.

Getting the right permissions before you do API attack testing can help lower the legal risks. Testers should check that users have the right abilities and write them down correctly. Other than that, they need to take certain steps to look for Broken Object Level Authorization (BOLA) problems.

These steps make sure the test stays within the law’s limits and gives useful information for making security better.

Getting information

A very important part of security testing is getting information. To get information about the target system, testers use tools such as Nmap, Netcat, and DNS lookups. They use Google Dorks to look for information and do OSINT research.

By fingerprinting web sites, you can find out what kind of server it is and what version it is.

Information is the key to getting power, and knowledge is the key to getting it.

Pen testers look for useful information in metafiles like robots.txt, sitemap.xml, and security.txt. They find possible input points and application entry points, mainly GET and POST ways.

This thorough process sets the stage for a good attack test, which finds any holes in the system’s defenses.

Assessment of Vulnerability

A key part of security testing is figuring out what vulnerabilities there are. It uses tools like SQLmap and Hackbar to look through systems for known security holes. There are weak spots in networks, apps, and gadgets that testers look for.

Some of the problems they look for are in the OWASP Top 10, like injection bugs and cross-site scripting.

Scan often to find problems early. This process finds holes in security before hackers can use them. It helps pen testers figure out what to do next. They select places that are likely to be attacked and focus on those areas.

Next is the attack practice phase, where testers try to get into systems.

Making threat models

Making models of threats is an important part of security testing. Teams can find weak spots in IT systems with its help before hackers do. The first step is to make a list of assets and possible risks.

Then, teams think about how these threats could hurt the business. They use the OWASP Top 10 and other similar tools to learn about common computer risks. This method helps make it clear what needs to be protected.

Defense plans are always up to date when danger modeling is done regularly. When things change, new risks can appear. This helps pen users make better tests. They pay attention to the most likely ways to fight.

This smart method cuts down on time and finds more problems in the real world. Bosses who make security decisions can also learn more about risks from good threat models.

Training for an Attack

A big part of security testing is simulating attacks. Testers use strategies from real life to find holes in the defenses of a system. They could use networks, apps, or even workers to try to get in.

This step helps show how real hackers could hurt a business.

At times, pen testers use Metasploit or Burp Suite to help them with their tests. They might try social engineering, cross-site programming, or SQL hacking. The goal is to find flaws before bad people can use them.

Security stays strong with annual exercises or after big changes.

Getting and analyzing data

Tools like Kali Linux, WireShark, and NMAP are used by penetration testers to collect data. They look at this data to see where systems are weak. The Common Vulnerability Scoring System helps figure out how bad each bug is.

Testers go through all the information they gather to find trends and threats. This helps them give good advice on how to fix issues.

Pen tests are only useful if they are analyzed well. Testers don’t just write down problems. They talk about what each one means for the company. They show how these weak spots could be used by attackers.

Firms can then figure out which problems to fix first. Regular checks are also very important. There are always new threats, so testers are always on the lookout for them.

Reporting and keeping records

A very important part of vulnerability testing is reporting and documentation. It’s up to testers to write reports that are clear, to the point, highlight the most important findings, and suggest ways to fix them. Technical language should not be used in the Executive Summary. This will make it easy for people who are not technical to understand.

Separate parts should be used for more detailed scientific results, supporting proof, and methods.

Reports that work set priorities for security changes and give step-by-step instructions on how to fix problems. They back up their claims with photos, logs, and other forms of proof. Pentesters should keep their notes up to date with new information and solved problems.

After reporting, the next step is to focus on making things right.

Cleaning up

It’s important to fix security holes after a pen test. Teams need to fix any holes found quickly by testers. They should put problems in order of how dangerous they are and fix the most dangerous ones first. There needs to be a clear plan with due dates for this process.

Some fixes are adding new safety tools, updating software, or changing settings.

Testing systems often helps keep them safe over time. Every test finds new problems and checks to see if old ones are gone. Test, fix, and test again. This process makes security better over time.

Teams that are smart connect these tasks to business goals. This makes sure that the company’s goals and budget are met by safety work.

Communication with Stakeholders

It is very important to communicate clearly with everyone involved in security testing. Testers should always talk about their work and results. They need to use easy language to explain the risks and how to fix them.

This helps everyone involved understand how important it is to make protection better. Good communication builds trust and support for the testing process.

Different stakeholders should have their needs met in reports and other papers. Executives like high-level outlines more than thorough data for technical teams. Customized information helps each group act in the right way.

Testers can make sure that security fixes get the attention and resources they need by involving partners.

Checklists for detailed penetration testing

During a pen test, detailed plans help testers make sure they cover all the bases. They show professionals the exact steps they need to take for different types of tests, such as checking networks or web apps.

Testing for Network Penetration

During network breach testing, weak spots in computer systems are looked for. This process helps find and fix security holes before they can be used by bad people.

1.If you want to find network devices with open ports, you can use tools like Nmap. This step shows where attackers might be able to get in.

2.List: Get information about people, shares, and network resources. This information helps experts figure out how the network is set up.

3.When you run tools like Nessus, you can look for known security holes. These scans find old software and settings that aren’t set up right.

4.Authentication testing: Use weak passwords or bugs in the login process to try to break into systems. This test looks at how safe user accounts are.

5.Utilization: To make the most of flaws found, use tools such as Metasploit. This step shows how real attackers could get in.

6.Privilege escalation means trying to get higher-level access to systems that have already been hacked. This test checks to see if the right controls are in place for entry.

7.Network mapping: Make a thorough plan of how the network is set up and how the links are made. This map helps you find possible attack routes.

8.When trying a wireless network, look for weak Wi-Fi security options and SSIDs that are hidden. In this step, risks in wireless setups are found.

9.Social engineering: Use fake phishing emails or phone calls to test how aware your staff is. This shows how well workers follow the rules for security.

10.Data exfiltration means trying to get private information from systems that have been hacked. This checks to see if the security steps are good.

11.Reporting: Write down in a clear report all the results, risks, and solutions that were offered. Clients can then figure out how to fix their security problems.

Penetration testing for web applications

Online programs have security holes that are found by web application penetration testing. This process helps keep private information safe and stops cyberattacks.

1.Draw the foundation of the program. Testers look around the web app to get a feel for how it works and how it is laid out.

2.Find the entry points. Testers look for places like search bars and forms where users can add information.

3.Look out for SQL attack. Hackers could use this to get into databases and change information.

4.Have a look for XSS and CSRF problems. This kind of hack can trick people or take their info.

5.Check out the ways of verification. Hackers try to get past login screens and take over users’ experiences.

6.Look at how session control works. Attackers can’t take over user accounts if the sessions are handled well.

7.You should try to get around the Web Application Firewall (WAF). A strong WAF stops a lot of common types of attacks.

8.Look for mistakes in how the parameters are being. If you change the URL or form data, you might find a secret message.

9.Try out the tools that let you change your password. Attackers can take over accounts if the restart process isn’t strong enough.

10.Look for info leaks. Sensitive information shouldn’t be shown in mistake messages or logs by apps.

11.Look into how HTTPS is used. Safe links keep data safe as it goes from users to computers.

12.Check for the input of commands. Attackers can use this flaw to take over the computer and run system orders.

13.Check the safety of cookies. Cookies that are secure help keep user sessions safe from being stolen.

14.Find URLs that are open. These holes can be used to help phish attacks happen on users.

15.Try out the file uploading tools. When malicious files are uploaded, the computer can become vulnerable.

Testing for Wireless Penetration

Testing for wireless access makes sure that Wi-Fi networks are safe. This method helps fix weak spots in wireless devices by finding them.

1.Testing tools like Aircrack-ng are used to find all the wifi networks that are in range. Some of the things they write down are network names and signal power.

2.Without Permission: Pen testers try to get into networks without being allowed to. They could break passwords or take advantage of security holes.

3.Testers look at the current safety steps to see how well they work. This means looking at things like firewalls, encryption, and access limits.

4.Rogue Access Point Detection: The team looks for fake Wi-Fi hotspots that hackers have set up. People can connect to dangerous networks by clicking on these.

5.Cracking Passwords: Testers can try to guess or crack network passwords with the help of tools like Hashcat. This is proof of how strong the passwords are right now.

6.Wireless Traffic Analysis: Testers record and look at data that is going through the network. They want to find private data that was sent without being encrypted.

7.It’s possible for testers to make a fake network that looks like the real one. This checks to see if users can tell the difference between networks that are safe and ones that are not.

8.There are flaws in Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS), which is tested for by the team. Hackers use this trait a lot to get into networks.

9.When testers check for Bluetooth security, they also look at Bluetooth devices that are linked to the network. In this case, they look for risks like listening in or matching without permission.

10.Report Writing: The team writes a full report after tests. It shows all the problems that were found and gives ideas on how to fix them.

11.Help with Fixing Issues: Testers often help fix the issues they find. They might work with IT groups to make networks safer.

Testing for social engineering

People who work for you are tested on how well they can spot and stop tricks. In these tests, fake attacks are used to find places where a company’s human defenses are weak.

1.Emails that look like real ones: Testers send fake emails to get people to give up information. They might try to get people to click on bad links or ask for passwords.

2.Phone Calls: Testers call workers and say they are someone else. In order to get secret information, they might act like IT aids.

3.Dropping USBs: Testers leave USB drives in public places. They check to see if employees plug them in, which could make malware spread.

4.Entry to the Building: Testers try to sneak into buildings without ID. This checks how well the staff and guards follow the rules.

5.Testers dress up as delivery people or repair workers to trick people. They try to get into places that are supposed to be safe.

6.On-line scams: Testers make fake websites or social media accounts. They try to trick workers into giving them private information.

7.Tailgating means that testers go into safe places after authorized staff. This tries whether workers will face strangers or let them in.

8.As a lure, testers give away free stuff like software. They check to see if employees fall for tricks that could cost the business money.

9.Writing up: Testers write up what happened after tests. When workers are trained, they can spot future tricks.

10.Staff Training: Based on test scores, businesses teach their employees how to spot and stop social engineering. This makes a strong shield of people.

Testing for Physical Infection

Penetration testing looks at how well a business protects its buildings and private areas. This kind of test looks for weak spots in alarms, locks, and other safety measures.

1.Access Controls: Testers try to get around card readers, fingerprint scanners, and other systems that let people in. To get inside, they might use fake IDs or follow behind.

2.Check the Locks: Professionals try to pick locks or find master keys that let them open doors. They also look for weak spots in windows and other places where people can get in.

3.Check Surveillance: The team checks where the cameras are placed and where the weak spots are. They try to get from place to place without being seen or caught.

4.Social engineering means that testers may pretend to be delivery people or workers in order to get in. They check to see how well employees follow the rules for safety.

5.Find Sensitive Data: Once the team is inside, they look for papers or computers that are open and can be read. They check to see if private data is simple to get to or steal.

6.Test Alarm Systems: Professionals try to turn off or get around alarms without letting security know. When alarms do go off, they check how long it takes for people to get there.

7.Test the Security Staff: The testers watch how the guards react to strange behavior. They might set up events to see how ready people are.

8.Check Perimeter Security: The team looks for places around buildings that aren’t watched, don’t have enough light, or have weak walls. They look for ways to get on the property without being seen.

9.Check Security After Hours: Tests are often done at night or on the weekend to look for holes that might be open during off-hours. Experts are looking for fewer employees or less strict rules.

10.Report Findings: Once testing is done, the team makes a full report of all the security holes they found. They give advice on how to fix issues and make things safer.

Penetration testing for mobile apps

Mobile app penetration testing finds holes in the security of apps for smartphones. Hackers could use this process to find weak spots in apps.

1.Testers look at the app’s architecture to see how it’s put together. They check how information goes from the app to the computers.

2.Code Review: Professionals read the app’s code line by line. They look for mistakes in the code that could cause security issues.

3.Testers try to get into user accounts as part of authentication testing. They check to see if the app will not let other people steal user sessions.

4.Data Storage Check: The team checks the phone for any private data that might be saved there. They make sure that CVV or passwords are not saved in plain text in the app.

5.People who test apps keep an eye on the data that is sent back and forth between the app and computers. If this information is protected and can’t be read by others, they make sure.

6.How to Use a Tool: To take apart Android apps, professionals use special tools like APKTool. They keep an eye on Frida while the app is going to see how it works.

7.Scanners that look for known weak spots are used by testers to run the app through. These tools can quickly find problems that happen a lot.

8.Custom Attack Creation: Testers make unique strikes based on what they find. These hacks try to take advantage of one or more flaws in the app.

9.For iOS apps, testers check to see if the app works differently on devices that have been hacked. This can show risks or traits that were hidden.

10.Report Writing: The team writes a full report after each test. There are problems found, and this study tells you how to fix them.

Different Kinds Of Penetration Tests

Pen testers check the security of a system in a number of different ways. There are three types of testing: black-box, gray-box, and white-box. Each type gives testers different levels of access to the target system.

Black box

Black-box testing acts like an attack would happen in the real world. Like real hackers, testers don’t know much about the system they’re working on. This method takes longer and costs more, but it gives a more accurate picture of outside weaknesses.

Attacks like brute force, DNS scanning, and fuzzing are used by testers to find weak spots.

Pros in security like black-box tests because they are realistic. These tests show how well a system can protect itself from threats from outside. Syntax testing and experimental testing are two common methods.

Web pages, cloud services, and entry points are all checked for bugs by testers. Their goal is to find cross-site scripting (XSS) and other holes in security.

Gray-box

Gray-box testing is a middle ground between black-box and white-box testing. People who are going to test the network and tools learn more about them. This mix can help find weak spots that other tests might miss.

A lot of the time, network scans, weakness checks, and social tricks are used in gray-box tests.

Pen testers can find security holes even if they only know a little about them. They test routers more thoroughly and look at the source code. The shared responsibility model and rapid development work well with this method.

Gray-box tests find bugs early in the development process, which saves time and money.

White-box

White-box testing lets testers see how a system really works on the inside. This includes passwords, source code, and the design of the system. This helps testers do deep checks and find bugs that are hidden.

It saves time and money because they can find problems early on in the software development process.

This method has a lot of advantages. It makes processes go faster and allows for more thorough testing. Testers can look at code directly, use “fuzzing” methods, and do full checks of all ports.

These steps lead to better design and ease of use. White-box tests can find bugs that other tests might miss.

Black-Box Penetration Testing Methods That Are Used Often

Black-box security testing looks for flaws in a system in a number of important ways. These methods help testers find weak spots in a system even if they don’t know much about it beforehand. Do you want to know more about these ways? Find out how they work in the real world by reading on.

Fuzzing

One important part of vulnerability testing is fuzzing. Random data is fed into a computer to find bugs in it. With the help of machine learning, this method is now stronger. Between 2014 and 2018, fuzzing helped find a lot of new software bugs.

Fuzzing is used by testers in several steps. They make test cases, run the program, and look at any crashes to figure out what went wrong. Some fuzzing tools change the input files so they can try more code paths.

Others work on making code coverage better. These methods help find security holes that might not be found by checking by hand.

Testing for Syntax

Using certain patterns of data, syntax testing looks for bugs. Cross-site scripting (XSS) and SQL injection are the main threats that testers look for. They make inputs that trick systems into showing where they are weak.

This way of doing things helps find holes in the way apps handle data.

Testers use tools to quickly make and send these tricky inputs. There is a chance that a strange answer will show a flaw. Bugs can be found before hackers do by using good grammar tests. Next, we’ll talk about fuzzing, which is another important penetration testing method.

Testing for Exploratory

Exploratory testing finds bugs in software that are hard to find. Without a plan, testers use their skills to find problems. They mess around with the system and do different things to see what goes wrong.

A lot of the time, this method finds problems that planned tests miss.

In exploratory testing, different tools are used by testers. They might scan ports to see if there are any free spots on the network. They could also use devices that look for holes to find weak spots. You have to think like a hacker and come up with new ways to get in.

This method helps find flaws that attackers don’t know about before they do.

Studying the Data

When you do vulnerability testing, you need to look at data. Testers record and look at network data with tools like WireShark. Patterns, strange data, or signs of weak protection are what they look for.

This step helps find flaws that automatic scans might miss.

During research, pen testers also look at logs, system files, and user data. They use this information to find places where strikes might be possible. The CVSS is used to rate how bad flaws are.

Testers move on to attack scenario after they look at the data.

Check the scaffolding

Testers often move on to test scaffolding after looking at the data. It is possible to run automatic tests on software after this step. Test scaffolding is a way to find major bugs in systems. It makes it possible to test how software works when it’s under a lot of stress.

Test staging checks software in a number of different ways. Random data is sent to a program to see if it breaks. This is called “fuzzing.” Syntax checking makes sure that the computer can handle wrong data properly.

Exploratory testing looks for problems that were not expected. Testers can use these tools to find and fix problems before hackers can.

Watching how programs work

Test staging makes it possible to watch how programs work. In this important part of security testing, you watch how software responds to different commands. Testers look for answers that don’t make sense, which could mean there are security holes.

They keep track of changes to the system, network data, and program activities with tools.

Monitoring finds flaws in software that were not obvious. It helps testers find weak spots that hackers could use. Security experts can find and fix problems before hackers do by watching how programs work.

Automated checks are often used in this process to find problems faster. It’s an important part of thorough security checks and spy tests.

In conclusion

Lists for penetration testing are very useful for security professionals. They help systems find weak spots before bad people do. From network scans to social engineering tests, a good plan has everything you need.

It also changes with the times and new threats. Teams can improve their security and keep data safe with a good plan. Using these lists on a regular basis helps any organization build a strong security mindset.