Risk. Who cares? Let’s roll the dice and just see how things play out. Sound like fun?
NO.
In a world where once every 39 seconds a cyberattack occurs, and 30,000 websites are hacked every day, EVERYONE cares.....or at least they should.
And that’s where things get FRUSTRATING! You know about risk, but how do you communicate it to the executive who is willing to roll the dice because they have a false sense of security?
A realistic penetration test. Yes, one of the most effective tools in a cybersecurity professional's arsenal is the penetration test—a simulated cyberattack against a computer system to check for exploitable vulnerabilities.
Sure. You’ve heard of penetration testing. What’s that got to do with that stubborn CEO who says he doesn’t have time for you?
Well, let’s talk about the difference between traditional penetration testing and realistic penetration testing. The traditional approach to penetration testing often relies on installing devices and running scans and might not fully communicate the tangible risks and business impacts to decision-makers.
Realistic penetration testing goes further. It mirrors actual cyberattack scenarios like phishing. It can bridge the gap left open by traditional approaches by illustrating the severity of potential breaches and fostering investment in robust security programs.
The Limits of Conventional Penetration Testing
Conventional penetration tests, while invaluable, often fall short in conveying the real-world implications of vulnerabilities.
These tests typically involve ethical hackers deploying various tools and devices to identify weaknesses in the network's defenses. While effective in uncovering technical flaws, this method may not translate the business impact of such vulnerabilities to non-technical stakeholders.
Business leaders might find it challenging to grasp the severity based on a report listing technical vulnerabilities alone, leading to underestimation of the risks and delayed action in strengthening security measures.
Bridging the Gap: Realistic Simulated Pen Testing
Effective communication with business leaders lies in demonstrating not just that vulnerabilities exist, but how they can be exploited to cause significant harm to the organization. A realistic penetration test, simulating actual attack vectors such as phishing emails, offers a vivid picture of the threat landscape. By illustrating a scenario where an attacker gains access to the network, data, passwords, and other sensitive information through something as simple as a clicked link, stakeholders can visualize the direct implications on the business.
This is completely demonstrated by the process of clicking a link, evaluating the security and data at risk on a network, then reporting out a business impact report of what is at stake. And you know what? This is exactly what we do day in and day out at Galactic.
This approach to penetration testing moves beyond the technical realm, making the risks palpable for those responsible for strategic decision-making. It underscores not just the possibility of a breach, but its potential to disrupt business operations, erode customer trust, and incur substantial financial losses.
Identifying Problems and Crafting Action Plans
A realistic penetration test does more than highlight vulnerabilities; it serves as a catalyst for developing comprehensive action plans. By demonstrating how easily an attacker could infiltrate the system and the extent of the possible damage, it prompts an immediate response. This response is not limited to patching specific vulnerabilities but extends to evaluating and enhancing the overall security posture of the organization.
Another significant point in the process is that it involves educating employees about cybersecurity best practices, as human error often plays a critical role in successful cyberattacks. With more than 90% of all attacks involving human error, this is an extremely significant point.
Securing Buy-in for Security Investments
Perhaps the most significant advantage of realistic penetration testing is its ability to secure executive buy-in for necessary investments in cybersecurity programs. Yes, we’re talking about the CEO who’s always too busy for you. By effectively communicating the risks and potential business impacts, realistic penetration testing aligns the perception of cybersecurity with the organization's broader risk management strategies.
When business leaders understand the real-world consequences of cyber threats, they are more likely to support the allocation of resources towards cybersecurity initiatives. This support is crucial not only for acquiring advanced security solutions but also for fostering a culture of security awareness throughout the organization.
Need a way to really communicate cyber risk to your team or stakeholders? Consider seeing how Galactic’s simulations work in action.
