A network security breach can be costly for a business, both in terms of money and reputation. As a result, it's critical to evaluate your network security in order to identify any flaws that may be exploited by hackers. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss the different types of network security testing, as well as the tools and techniques used to perform these tests. We will also provide tips on how to conduct a network security assessment, and how to improve your cybersecurity posture using the results of the assessment.

Network Security Testing: Understanding What It Is

Network testing is a form of vulnerability and risk assessment in which the network is actively monitored to discover and demonstrate flaws. The tool itself may vary (wireless, ethernet, hardware/IoT, phishing emails, physical access, Dropbox (News - Alert) placement), but the goal is generally to gain access to sensitive data or systems via the network.

Testing may be used for a variety of purposes, depending on the overall objective. Testings can be utilized to ensure security protections are effective, fulfil legal requirements, and assess cybersecurity controls of any sort of electronic data.

Why is Network Security Testing important?

• Network vulnerabilities can lead to data breaches and the loss of confidential information.
• Network security testing can help organizations to comply with industry regulations, such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI (News - Alert) DSS) or the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
• Network security testing can help organizations to improve their overall cybersecurity posture and reduce the risk of cyber attacks.

Techniques for performing Network Security Testing

There are several techniques that can be used for network security testing including —

• Vulnerability Scanning: A vulnerability scan is a type of network security test required for the identification of vulnerabilities in network systems and applications. Vulnerability scanners can be used to scan for known vulnerabilities, such as those listed in the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) database.
• Ethical Hacking: Ethical hacking, also known as penetration testing, is a type of network security test in which hackers attempt to gain access to sensitive data or systems by exploiting weaknesses in the system.
• Password Cracking: Password cracking is a type of network security test that is used to recover passwords from password-protected files. Brute force, rainbow table assaults, and dictionary attacks are some of the most popular password cracking techniques.
• Penetration Testing: Penetration testing is a type of network security test in which testers attempt to gain access to systems or data by exploiting vulnerabilities. There are two ways in which a penetration test can be conducted, namely, a manual test or a test with the aid of automated tools.

Top Network Security Testing Tools

?Astra Security

Astra Security is a cybersecurity company that provides a complete Astra Pentest to protect your internet-facing apps and network infrastructure from current cyber threats. The suite correctly detects hundreds of applications and networks for security flaws, preventing data breaches and network damage.

Astra Pentest offers vulnerability assessment and penetration testing for website/web apps, mobile apps, SaaS (News - Alert), APIs, cloud infrastructure (AWS/Azure/GCP), network devices (firewall, router, server, switch), blockchain/smart contract, and other technologies.

Key Features of Astra Pentest Suite Include the following

1. A beautiful bright dashboard that shows conducted automated and manual testing
2. Login Behind Scan (Google (News - Alert) Chrome Extension) for Automated Vulnerability Scanning
3. On-the-go access to your dashboard using a Progressive Web App (PWA)
4. Detailed Vulnerability Scanning & Reporting
5. Streamlined remediation via integrations like GitLab, GitHub, Slack, & Jira
6. Easy Risk-based Vulnerability Management
7. Industry Recognized Verifiable VAPT Certificate

?NMAP

Nmap is, by far, the most widely used network security software for over a decade. The TCP layer may be accessed with this Nmap scanner, which allows you to create and execute SYN and ACK scans. It includes built-in signature verification routines that utilize network responses such as the TCP handshake to determine the operating system and version.

In most cases, Nmap is capable of correctly identifying firewalls, routers, and their brand and model. Network administrators may use Nmap to determine which ports are open and whether they can be attacked in a simulated setting. The output is straightforward text with a lot of data; as a result, this software may be automated to perform time-consuming activities as well as gather evidence for an audit report.

?OpenVAS

The OpenVAS scanner and manager are two separate components that work together to provide an open-source vulnerability management solution. If the scanner is present, it will transmit vulnerability findings to the manager. The manager integrates data from several scanners to create a report based on their own expertise.

OpenVAS is regarded as a highly secure and dependable vulnerability scanner in the security industry, not just for detecting current vulnerabilities but also for reporting and inputting recommendations to fix them. A built-in Greenbone security helper includes a user-friendly dashboard with lists of flaws as well as the network's impacted machines.

How to Perform Network Security Testing?

In order to test the security of a network, there are several steps that need to be taken.

First, take inventory of all resources that are available on the network. This includes both physical and logical assets. Once you have an inventory of all assets, determine which ones have the most value in terms of information.

After you have determined which assets are most valuable and vulnerable, you will need to assess the vulnerability of your IT infrastructure. This can be done by conducting a vulnerability scan using one of the tools mentioned earlier. Once you have identified any vulnerabilities, it is time to test your defence against these threats.

Once you have tested your network security, it is important to document the results in a network security assessment report. This report should include all of the steps taken during the testing process as well as any vulnerabilities that were found. It's also critical to use security measures to enhance cybersecurity.

Finally, it is important to continuously monitor for issues and changes in order to ensure that your network remains secure.

Conclusion

Network security testing is an essential element of network security maintenance. By taking the time to test your network, you can help prevent data breaches and protect your assets. Remember to take inventory of all assets, assess vulnerabilities, test defences, and document results in a network security assessment report. Implementing security controls and continuously monitoring for changes will also help improve network security.