Did you ever see someone trying to communicate with a person who speaks a different language from them by speaking louder? They don’t attempt the other person’s language. No, they simply speak their own language, but they increase the volume. If you have ever seen this, then you know that the success rate is zero.
In many ways this is similar to trying to convey the critical nature of robust security measures by simply giving your client a copy of an AI-generated penetration test. There’s no depth, no insight, and no connection to the real dangers.
The value of penetration testing is undeniable, and emerging open-source AI tools, including those like ChatGPT, offer intriguing alternatives for cybersecurity testing. However, they come with significant limitations.
Are you using open-source AI tools for penetration testing?
Open-source AI tools can automate the process of scanning systems for known vulnerabilities. For instance, by configuring an AI to systematically probe networks and systems, businesses can identify weak points. However, this process lacks the depth and insight provided by human-led penetration tests. This means that your clients are missing out on context to help them understand, and guidance on how they can adapt tactics in real-time.
So, what can AI tools accomplish? They can help create and manage phishing campaigns. These simulations can train employees to identify suspicious emails. This practice encourages a security-focused mindset among staff but falls short of testing how security measures react to actual sophisticated attacks.
AI can be leveraged to analyze the strength of user passwords across an organization’s network. By employing techniques such as brute force attack simulations, AI tools can provide insights into the vulnerability of passwords.
There’s no doubt that AI has benefits, but like the person yelling in an effort to overcome a language barrier, it’s not getting the job done. The AI analysis simply does not encompass other security layers or the potential damage from compromised credentials.
Your Limitations of DIY Pen Testing with AI Tools
While the above examples showcase AI's capabilities in enhancing certain security tasks, there are critical limitations when relying solely on these tools for penetration testing:
- AI-driven tests do not accurately simulate the user experience or the nuanced ways an attacker might maneuver within a system. This lack of realism can result in a false sense of security.
- DIY tests using AI do not provide third-party validation, which is crucial for compliance with many insurance policies and regulations. Such validation is often required to demonstrate due diligence and adherence to industry standards.
- Oh and let’s not forget the legal complications. In cases of security breaches, organizations relying solely on internal AI-driven tests may face increased legal jeopardy. Courts are increasingly recognizing the importance of comprehensive, professionally conducted penetration tests. An internal AI test might not hold up as evidence of due diligence in mitigating cybersecurity risks.
So, why do you need a third party to validate your penetration testing?
It’s all about truly communicating risks with your clients. The goal is not just to identify vulnerabilities but to help clients understand and mitigate risks effectively. Professional penetration testing offers a credible user experience simulation that DIY tools cannot match. These tests are conducted by experts who think like hackers and can adapt to uncover deep-seated vulnerabilities.
Third-party validation needs to comply with regulatory requirements and can be instrumental in legal defenses against negligence claims. It also plays a critical role in communicating risk to decision-makers, influencing security posture changes, and aligning security behaviors across the organization.
So, if you want to protect your clients...I mean truly protect your clients, you need to advocate for and invest in professional penetration testing services. This approach not only ensures compliance and reduces legal risks but also deeply ingrates a culture of security within the client’s organization.
Would you like a simple step to get you started?
Schedule some time to see how our third-party penetration testing services can help you communicate risk effectively and secure buy-in for necessary changes in security strategy. Then you’ll know how to speak your client’s language. No yelling required!
For more information on how this works visit: www.galacticscan.com/third-party
