What is Pen Testing?

Introducing TAZ Networks' New Line of Defense for SMBs in Southeast Michigan

Here at TAZ Networks, we aim to be your go-to resource for all things IT in Southeast Michigan, especially for small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs). Today, we're excited to discuss a topic that's been making waves in the world of cybersecurity: Penetration Testing, also known as Pen Testing. But what exactly is Pen Testing, and why is it crucial for your business? Let's dive in!

The Rise of Cyber Threats

In recent years, we've seen a disturbing trend: data breaches are becoming alarmingly commonplace. This rise in cyber threats has made it crucial for organizations to understand and mitigate their risks. Unfortunately, many SMBs are often in the dark about where to start. The reality is, you can't safeguard against risks you're not aware of.

Cybersecurity is constantly evolving, with attackers growing more sophisticated by the day. As small business adopt new technologies like AI, cloud computing, and IoT, they often overlook the security implications of these advancements. This oversight can leave them vulnerable to cyber threats, including theft, scams, and extortion. In fact, two-thirds of SMBs have suffered a security breach in the last year alone, with the average cost per incident exceeding $380,000. These statistics show the importance of making cybersecurity a top priority.

Why Penetration Testing is Essential

This is where Penetration Testing comes into play. Pen Testing is a simulated cyber attack against your computer system, network, or web application to identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers. Think of it as a comprehensive health check-up for your IT security.

Here are some compelling reasons why Penetration Testing with TAZ Networks is invaluable for your business:

• Flexible Scheduling: We understand that your time is precious. That's why we offer flexible scheduling for your Pen Testing needs. You decide when the test happens, and we make it happen – no delays, no fuss.

• Real-time Notifications: Stay in the loop with notifications at the start and end of your Pen Test. This not only keeps you informed but also helps in coordinating with any alerts that may be triggered during the test.

• Actionable Reports: Our reports don't just list vulnerabilities; they provide insights. You'll understand how these risks affect your business, see where you stand relative to your peers, and learn how you've improved since your last assessment.

• Affordability: High-quality service doesn’t have to break the bank. Our pricing is competitive, yet we offer more value compared to traditional Pen Testing firms.

• Reduced Detection and Response Time: By tracking all activities, including manual ones by our consultants, we help you fine-tune your controls, reducing the time it takes to detect and respond to future incidents.

Penetration Testing vs. Vulnerability Testing

It's important to understand the difference between a Penetration Test and a Vulnerability Assessment. While a Vulnerability Assessment identifies potential security weaknesses, a Pen Test takes it a step further. It not only finds the unlocked door but also tells you what was accessible through that door, like sensitive data lying around, and provides guidance on securing it next time.

TAZ Networks' Approach to Pen Testing

Our Pen Testing service is comprehensive, covering both external and internal aspects of your network. We use a blend of advanced tools and techniques to identify, and exploit vulnerabilities, which gives a thorough assessment of your security. Here's a glimpse into our process:

1. Information Gathering: We collect extensive data about your environment using publicly accessible sources and in-depth analysis techniques.

2. Host Discovery: Utilizing expert tools, we identify active systems within your network.

3. Enumeration: We analyze the information from the discovered hosts to find potential vulnerabilities.

4. Exploitation: If vulnerabilities are found, we attempt controlled exploitation to assess the impact.

5. Post-Exploitation: We delve deeper into your network, seeking further access and sensitive data.

6. Vulnerability Analysis: Alongside Pen Testing, we perform vulnerability scans to identify known weaknesses in your systems.

Cyber Security Facts & Statistics

You can see the importance of Pen Testing when you look at recent cyber security statistics. Data breaches exposed over 4.1 billion records in the first half of 2019 alone. SMBs are increasingly targeted, with 43% of data breaches involving small to mid-sized businesses. Moreover, a lack of expert IT staff is a major challenge for these businesses. (Source: 2019 Risk Based Security Report)

Final Thoughts

In a world where cyber threats are constantly increasing and evolving, Pen Testing is not just a luxury; it's a necessity. At TAZ Networks, we are committed to providing SMBs in Southeast Michigan with top-notch cybersecurity solutions. Our Pen Testing service is designed to give you peace of mind, knowing that your business is fortified against the ever growing number of digital threats out there.

Interested in learning more about how Pen Testing can protect your business? Reach out to us at TAZ Networks. Let's work together to safeguard your digital assets and ensure your business thrives in this digital age. Contact us today.