Ethical hackers attempt to get into a company’s computer system but don’t cause harm. The purpose is to discover and report network security problems, so they may be fixed.
Extreme network complexity results from the widespread usage of WANs, LANs, wireless networks, and a multiplicity of endpoints (e.g., servers, workstations, mobile devices, and IoT devices), as well as security measures like firewalls and intrusion prevention systems (IPS). Any of these might be a security flaw that malevolent actors exploit.
A network penetration test mimics an outside attack by hunting for security weaknesses and exploiting them to indicate corporate harm.
Dangers to Network Security and Cyberattacks
Penetration testing services (https://www.dataart.com/services/security/penetration-testing-services) may check for the following frequent dangers:
1. Malware
Malware, or malicious software, is designed to do harm when installed on a computer. Malware comes in many forms, the most popular of which being Trojan horses, ransomware, and spyware. Malware is used by hackers to steal or copy data, prevent access to files, compromise or harm operating systems and databases, and more.
2. Phishing
When conducting a phishing assault, attackers pose as a trusted source of information through email or other electronic means. Phishing emails are often used by attackers to spread malicious links and files that may be used to achieve their objectives. Links or attachments from suspicious sources can lead to harmful websites or automatically install malware. Phishing seeks sensitive information from unsuspecting victims, such as usernames, passwords, and bank account data.
While email was formerly the primary vector for phishing attempts, recent years have seen an uptick in the use of social media, text messaging, and even telephone calls.
3. DoS Attacks
A distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack occurs when several compromised computers simultaneously launch an assault on a single target. Distributed denial of service attacks may be directed against servers, websites, and other network resources. It involves flooding a target system with a huge volume of bogus connection requests, corrupted packets, or other forms of malicious traffic in an effort to slow it down, crash it, or even completely shut it down.
4. Superior Persistent Dangers (APTs)
The goal of an APT is to obtain access to a network and stay hidden there for an extended length of time. In most cases, the goal of an APT assault is not to disable the network of the target business but rather to steal sensitive information.
Most APT attacks aim to stay on the target network forever after gaining access. Given the time and effort necessary for an APT attack, hackers frequently target high-value targets like governments or large companies from whom they may gather data over time. Nation-states or well-organized cybercrime gangs often launch APT attacks.
5. Autoplay Downloads
Download-by-drive Inadvertently installing malicious software on a PC or mobile device causes attacks. Even careful users might be infected without clicking on anything or downloading a malicious file. Drive-by downloads take advantage of holes in software, OSes, and browsers
6. Attempts to Launch a Denial-of-Service
DNS attacks may be used to undermine DNS security. DNS is a powerful tool, but its design puts usability above security. DNS attacks abound. Certain exploits modify DNS client-server interaction. Others may compromise your DNS provider’s website by getting in with compromised credentials and modifying DNS records.