Penetration Testing Halle (Saale)

A penetration test, or "pentest" for short, is a security check that emulates an attack by a malicious party on a network or application to identify security vulnerabilities. This test is coordinated in advance and conducted in such a way that no system is damaged. At the end of the test, you will receive a report that includes the problems and vulnerabilities found, along with suggestions on how to fix them.

Both penetration testing and automated vulnerability scanning are useful tools for identifying technical risks and security vulnerabilities. Although they are different testing methods, they complement each other and should both be performed.

A vulnerability scan is an automated, low-cost method for testing common network and server vulnerabilities. This is sometimes referred to as automated pen testing. There are many automated tools available, and most can be easily configured by the end user to scan for published vulnerabilities on a scheduled basis. While an automated vulnerability scan is very efficient and cost-effective at identifying common vulnerabilities such as missing patches, service misconfigurations, and other known vulnerabilities, they are not as accurate at verifying the correctness of vulnerabilities, nor do they fully determine impact through exploitation. Automated scanners are more prone to reporting false positives (falsely reported vulnerabilities) and false negatives (unidentified vulnerabilities, especially those affecting web applications). Automated vulnerability scanning is mandated by the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).
Well-known vulnerability scanners include and OpenVAS. Examples of scanners that specialize in finding web application vulnerabilities are Netsparker Security Scanner and Acunetix Vulnerability Scanner.

A penetration test focuses on the environment as a whole. In many ways, it picks up where scanners leave off to provide a comprehensive analysis of the entire security posture. Although scripts and tools are used by a penetration tester, their use is largely limited to reconnaissance activities. The majority of a penetration test is manual in nature. A penetration test identifies vulnerabilities that scanners cannot detect, such as vulnerabilities in wireless systems, vulnerabilities in web applications, and vulnerabilities that have not yet been disclosed. In addition, a penetration test involves attempts to securely exploit vulnerabilities, escalate privileges, and ultimately demonstrate how an attacker could gain access to sensitive information assets. Penetration testing also often involves the use of company-specific "test scenarios."

Penetration testing and automated vulnerability scans both serve a purpose, and both types of tests belong in a comprehensive vulnerability assessment program. Automated vulnerability scans should be performed at regular intervals, ideally at least weekly, while network penetration tests should be scheduled quarterly or when significant changes to the environment are planned.

Admittedly, this is not so easy - if someone tells you that they only work with the best pentesters, this may be difficult to verify. that they only work with the best pentesters, it may be difficult to verify. Pentesters with more experience and more extensive training are often more expensive. Just remember that you get what you pay for. Beware of pentesters who offer prices that are too good to be true. They are probably not doing a thorough job. I suggest looking for penetration testers who have one or - better - several recognized Pentester certifications.

Among the most respected (and costly) certifications in security circles in the in the field of penetration testing are the certifications of Offensive Security (esp. OSCP - Offensive Security Certified Professional, OSCE - Offensive Security Certified Expert) and SANS/GIAC.

Similar to cost, the duration of penetration testing depends on several factors. Penetration testing is a hands-on assessment that does not lend itself to short, quick sprints. At Redlings, we tend to have pentesting projects start at week or so, but many projects can extend over a much longer period of time. extend over a significantly longer period of time.

As with any business service, the cost of a penetration test varies significantly depending on several factors. significantly depending on several factors.

Scoping details such as network IP addresses, complexity and number of (web) applications and employees for social engineering are key factors in determining project size. Taking these variables into consideration, our team works diligently to, align the scope details with your organization's security requirements.

Nevertheless, some empirical values that can serve as an initial guide can be mentioned. A high-quality, professional pentest performed by experts usually costs usually from about €10,000, but can be for large projects also significantly above this amount.

Redlings also offers discounts for multi-year contracts ("continuous pentesting") to ensure, that your company has a consistent pentesting partner, and can can stretch the security budget further.

The terms "penetration tester" (also "pentester" for short), "white hat hacker" and "ethical hacker" are often used interchangeably. The terms "ethical hacker" and "white hat hacker" cover all hacking activity aimed at improving IT security. What they all have in common is that activities that are illegal or do not comply with the Code of Ethics are refrained from.
Formally, a penetration test is only an "ethical hack" with very clearly agreed rules, a formal procedure as well as a defined goal.