Internal Pen Test: What It Is and Why Your Business Needs It

Internal pen testing is a crucial aspect of ensuring the security of an organisation’s network and systems. It involves simulating an attack by an internal user or an attacker who has already breached the network. The goal of internal pen testing is to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses in the network and systems before they can be exploited by malicious actors.

Internal pen testing is different from external pen testing, which focuses on identifying vulnerabilities from an external perspective. Internal pen testing is necessary because internal users, such as employees, contractors, and vendors, have access to sensitive information and systems. If an internal user’s account is compromised, it can lead to a significant data breach. Additionally, internal pen testing can help organisations meet compliance requirements and avoid costly fines.

Overall, internal pen testing is an essential component of a comprehensive security strategy. By identifying vulnerabilities and weaknesses in the network and systems, organisations can take proactive measures to mitigate the risk of a breach and protect sensitive information.

Planning the Internal Pen Test

Scope and Objectives

Before conducting an internal pen test, it is important to define the scope and objectives of the test. This includes identifying the systems, applications and networks that will be tested, as well as the goals of the test. The scope and objectives should be clearly defined and agreed upon by all stakeholders, including the IT team, management and any external consultants.

To ensure a comprehensive test, it is recommended to include a range of attack scenarios that reflect real-world threats. This may include social engineering, phishing attacks, and attempts to exploit vulnerabilities in software and hardware.

Legal and Compliance Requirements

It is important to ensure that the internal pen test is conducted in compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements. This includes obtaining the necessary permissions and approvals from management and any relevant authorities.

Additionally, the test must be conducted in accordance with any relevant industry standards, such as ISO 27001 or PCI DSS. This may include ensuring that all data is securely stored and that any vulnerabilities identified during the test are promptly addressed.

Team and Resource Allocation

To ensure a successful internal pen test, it is important to allocate the necessary resources and personnel. This includes identifying the members of the testing team, as well as any external consultants or vendors that may be required.

It is also important to ensure that the testing team has access to the necessary tools and resources, such as testing software and hardware. The team should be adequately trained and experienced in conducting pen tests, and should be able to work effectively with other stakeholders, such as the IT team and management.

Overall, careful planning and preparation are essential for a successful internal pen test. By defining the scope and objectives, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and allocating the necessary resources, organizations can help to identify and address vulnerabilities before they are exploited by malicious actors.

Conducting the Internal Pen Test

Information Gathering

The first step in conducting an internal pen test is gathering information about the target system. This includes identifying the scope of the test, the systems and applications to be tested, and the potential vulnerabilities. The tester should also gather information about the organization’s security policies and procedures to ensure that the test is conducted in compliance with these guidelines.

Threat Modelling

Threat modelling involves identifying potential threats and attack vectors that could be used to compromise the system. This includes identifying potential attackers, their motivations, and the methods they might use to gain access to the system. The tester should also consider the impact of a successful attack and the likelihood of it occurring.

Vulnerability Analysis

The next step is to conduct a vulnerability analysis to identify potential vulnerabilities in the system. This involves using a range of tools and techniques to identify vulnerabilities in the system, including vulnerability scanners, network sniffers, and manual testing methods. The tester should also assess the severity of each vulnerability and prioritize them based on the level of risk they pose to the system.

Exploitation

Once potential vulnerabilities have been identified, the tester can begin the exploitation phase. This involves attempting to exploit the vulnerabilities to gain access to the system or data. The tester should use a range of techniques to attempt to exploit the vulnerabilities, including social engineering, phishing, and brute force attacks. The goal is to determine whether it is possible to gain access to the system using these methods.

Post-Exploitation

After gaining access to the system, the tester should conduct a post-exploitation analysis to determine the level of access they have and what actions they can perform. This includes identifying any sensitive data that can be accessed and any further vulnerabilities that can be exploited. The tester should also attempt to maintain access to the system to simulate a real-world attack scenario.

Reporting and Communication

Finally, the tester should prepare a detailed report outlining the findings of the test and any recommendations for improving the security of the system. The report should be presented to the relevant stakeholders, including IT and security teams, and should include a summary of the vulnerabilities identified, the level of risk they pose, and recommended actions for mitigating these risks. The report should also include a detailed description of the testing methodology used and any limitations or constraints that were encountered during the test.