PenTest Prep: Improving PenTest ROI and Enhancing Security for SMBs
Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are increasingly seeking penetration tests in response to cyber threats. However, many of these companies are opting for penetration testing long before their security maturity is sufficient. This premature approach is often a reaction to breaches or ransomware attacks, but is a penetration test the proper reaction?
The Reality of Penetration Testing for SMBs
Penetration testing has become a popular measure among SMBs to identify information security risks. The Verizon 2024 Breach Investigations Report highlights that SMBs are frequently targeted due to their relatively weaker security measures, making them easier and more lucrative targets. Social engineering and ransomware attacks are particularly prevalent, with social engineering accounting for 27% of breaches and ransomware involved in 25% of all incidents affecting SMBs. Of these attacks, 75% of SMBs could not continue operating if they were hit with a successful ransomware attack.
However, many SMBs seek penetration tests prematurely, often as a reaction to a cyber incident. This reactive approach might not yield the best results if foundational security measures are not in place. Penetration tests can be incredibly valuable, but only if the organization is adequately prepared to handle and act on the findings.
Are SMBs Ready for Penetration Testing?
Before conducting a penetration test, it’s crucial to assess the security maturity of the organization. Indicators that an SMB might not yet be ready for a penetration test include a lack of basic security measures, poor patch management, inadequate access controls, ineffective backup practices, and insufficient employee security awareness training.
Understanding CIS Benchmark Group 1 Controls
Implementing CIS Benchmark Group 1 controls is a fundamental step for SMBs to enhance their cybersecurity defenses. These controls are designed to be straightforward and practical, focusing on the basics that significantly improve security. At NextGen Cyber Solutions, we believe that information security is simpler than many people make it out to be. There are really only five categories of attacks that a Red Team or real adversary use to breach defenses:
Vulnerable Public Facing Software: Attackers exploit vulnerabilities in software that is exposed to the internet and often not patched to the latest version.
Abusing Internet Facing Authentication: Threat actors target weak or improperly configured authentication mechanisms, typically lacking MFA.
Social Engineering for Malware Execution: Social Engineering attacks trick users into downloading and executing malware.
Gaining Physical Access: Unauthorized physical access to facilities or devices can lead to significant breaches.
Supply Chain Attacks: Compromising third-party vendors or services to gain access to a target organization.
While MITRE ATT&CK provides detailed Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) for each attack vector, the essence of effective information security lies in addressing these fundamental risks. By focusing on these areas and implementing CIS Benchmark Group 1 controls, SMBs can build a strong security foundation and reduce attack proliferation in and around their systems.
The Role of Penetration Testing
Penetration testing plays a critical role in a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. It involves simulating real-world attacks to identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited by threat actors. The benefits of penetration testing, when conducted at the right time, include identifying weaknesses, testing defenses, and improving the overall security posture.
What if you could improve your security against real world threat actors and pentesters at the same time, thereby squeezing more value out of your penetration tests? Effectively utilizing the pentesters skill to identify shortfalls in your best practices rather than identifying if best practices are implemented or not.
NextGen Cyber Solutions’ Approach
At NextGen Cyber Solutions, we help SMBs prepare for penetration testing through a comprehensive methodology that includes:
Conducting Detailed Interviews: We conduct detailed interviews with key personnel to understand security posture and identify potential areas of improvement.
Inventory and Assessment: We inventory the current security stack and assess maturity in comparison with CIS Benchmark Group 1 controls.
Light Technical Testing: We perform light technical testing to identify easily remediated risks and misconfigurations.
Asset Identification: Cataloging all critical assets within your environment.
Vulnerability Assessment: Conducting thorough assessments to pinpoint common themes within the environment.
Risk Analysis: Evaluating the potential impact and likelihood of identified vulnerabilities.
Remediation Strategy Development: Developing actionable recommendations to address risks and vulnerabilities and enhance security posture.
Following our penetration test preparation report recommendations vastly improves security. Many common and easily exploitable risks will be collaterally remediated as a side effect, enhancing your overall security posture and squeezing more value out of your penetration tests.
Conclusion
As cyber threats continue to evolve, SMBs must take proactive measures to protect their operations. Implementing CIS Benchmark Group 1 controls and preparing for penetration testing can significantly enhance an SMB’s security defenses. At NextGen Cyber Solutions, we are committed to helping SMBs mitigate risks, protect their data, and ensure long-term business continuity.
Secure your business against cyber threats with NextGen Cyber Solutions. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive security services and how we can help protect your critical infrastructure.