Keep Intruders Out Of Your Business With Penetration Testing
Penetration testing involves hiring an ethical hacker who attempts to break into your company network to find vulnerabilities that would allow genuine hackers to gain access to your valuable business data. It’s currently the most common form of cybersecurity validation and can spell the difference between a prosperous company with a secure network and a failing company reeling from the aftereffects of a data breach.
It’s not hard to understand why companies throughout the nation are looking for experienced yet honest hackers who are willing to comprehensively assess corporate networks to ensure there are no “back doors” unauthorized third parties could use to breach a company network. The FBI recently reported that cybercrimes reports have skyrocketed by a whopping 300% since COVID-19 started. It is estimated that the average cost of a data breach is $3.9 million for a small business but an eye-popping $116 million for a publicly-traded company. The infamous Equifax data breach cost the credit firm $4 billion; three years later, the company is still working towards paying off its bill. The cost of paying an experienced IT expert to see if your business can be breached is minuscule compared to the cost of dealing with a genuine attack.
How Penetration Testing Works
Most companies that want comprehensive penetration testing coupled with IT services that address vulnerabilities found during testing partner with an IT managed service to get the job done efficiently, quickly, and easily. IT managed services that specialize in this form of cybersecurity will have several experts on hand to assess your company’s cybersecurity and look for ways to break in.
Vulnerability scanning is one of the main tools IT experts use to see if your system can be breached. These scans, which specialize in looking for weaknesses in your system, can detect common yet potentially deadly vulnerabilities such as:
- Weak usernames and passwords
- Unsecured data or data that is accessible to employees who don’t need access to it
- Unencrypted data in transit to and from your company’s cloud server
- Failure to regularly update company software programs
- Inexperienced employees who either aren’t familiar with a company’s IT cybersecurity guidelines or fail to abide by them
- Vulnerable personal IT equipment that is being used for company work purposes by employees working remotely
At the same time, penetration testers don’t just rely on software to ensure your company is safe from cybercriminals. They personally assess your network, looking for ways to use the information they have found to gain unauthorized access to your firm’s network. This is an important part of the testing process because vulnerability testing can expose potential weak areas but only a human IT expert can explore these weak areas and see how they can be used in conjunction with each other to bring your business down.
Once the test is over, an IT managed service will provide your business with a report outlying your weak areas and what can be done to fix vulnerabilities. Common solutions include:
- 24/7 IT network monitoring
- Endpoint security
- Next-generation firewall software
- VPN usage
- Use of two-factor authentication
- Updating business software on time
- IT cybersecurity training for all staff members
It’s important to note that penetration testing is not a one-time job. It should be conducted periodically to ensure your company network is fully secure and in compliance with local, state, and federal industry regulations. It’s especially important to conduct testing after major IT upgrades such as transitioning to a cloud server or purchasing new IT hardware or software.
Essential Solutions Penetration Testing and Specialized Cybersecurity Services
Essential Solutions LLC is an IT managed service provider that partners with Baton Rouge and New Orleans business owners to boost IT cybersecurity and efficiency. We offer both general and specialized cybersecurity services, including:
- Advanced and proactive managed security services
- Endpoint management
- Security assessments
- 24/7/365 cybersecurity monitoring
- Free dark web scans to ensure your business data hasn’t been breached and put up for sale on the dark web by hackers
- Customized programming and cybersecurity procedures to suit the needs of any industry and individual business owner
- Ongoing IT training for employees
- IT consulting to help your company make needed yet affordable cybersecurity upgrades
What’s more, we also offer services that will help you use IT technology to its full potential so you can work smarter, save money, offer improved customer services, analyze your data in order to make data-driven decisions, and boost employee morale by giving your staff members the tools they need to do their jobs. Our managed services, helpdesk services, network design services, website development services, and software development services can help you reach your business goals faster than would have otherwise been possible by providing you with the tools and expertise you need to stay ahead of the competition.
Would you like to rest assured that your company’s IT set-up is safe from hacks, breaches, and ransomware attacks? Are you interested in new tools and technologies that could propel your business forward and ensure your long-term success? If so, reach out to us at your convenience. We’d love to learn more about your business to see how we can partner with you to improve your IT cybersecurity while keeping your IT network running smoothly and efficiently long-term.
