What is a Pentest?
A pentest, short for penetration test, is a method used to assess the security of an information system.
A company voluntarily asks specialists to test its systems in order to determine whether they are effective.
These specialists put themselves in the position of an attacker and attempt to break into the system, just like a malicious person would. The difference is that everything is done with the company’s permission, within a legal and controlled framework. The goal is not to cause damage, but to understand where the weaknesses are.
A pentest can involve different elements: a website, an internal network, computers, servers, or connected devices. This provides a global view of the security level.
How is a pentest conducted?
A pentest is carried out in several stages.
First, the company defines what needs to be tested and authorizes the actions to be performed. The specialists then begin by observing the system to understand how it works.
They test different entry points, such as user access, connected devices, or services accessible from the Internet. They try to determine whether it is possible to gain unauthorized access, access sensitive information, or take control of certain parts of the system.
Once the tests are completed, all actions are analyzed. The results are compiled into a clear report that explains the vulnerabilities discovered, their level of severity, and the recommended solutions to improve security.
Why conduct a pentest?
The main objective of a pentest is to prevent attacks. By identifying vulnerabilities before a real attacker can exploit them, the company can fix its weaknesses and strengthen its defenses.
A pentest also helps avoid serious consequences such as data theft, service outages, or financial losses. It helps the company protect its customers, employees, and reputation.
Finally, conducting regular pentests shows that the company takes security seriously and meets its obligations. It is an essential tool for continuously improving the security of the information system.
What to do after a pentest?
Final pentest report
At the end of the penetration test, a detailed report is written to present all the results in a clear and structured way. This report contains the identified vulnerabilities, classified by criticality level (low, medium, high), as well as the necessary evidence and screenshots to support the findings.
It also includes specific recommendations to fix or mitigate the discovered vulnerabilities, with the aim of improving the overall security of the tested system. The report allows the technical team to prioritize corrective actions and anticipate potential future attacks.
Finally, the report serves as an official follow-up document for management and security teams, ensuring traceability of the actions taken and the improvements implemented after the pentest.
(Wikipedia)
(CNPP)
(Atlas System)