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In a world where even the smallest of network or infrastructure vulnerabilities could leave companies open to malicious attacks, security controls such as penetration testing are a must. Penetration testers work hard to assess security posture with internal and external attacks.
Automated penetration testing allows experts to detect flaws and make recommendations for security remediation in a matter of minutes.
Instead of using manual tools, automated pen testers run programs that attack infrastructures on their behalf. In many ways, it can be cost-effective and highly efficient.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the basics of automated pen testing, how it works in practice, and why you might consider using it to bolster your data security.
What is Automated Penetration Testing?
Automated penetration testing is a technique used by cybersecurity experts to scan and assess networks and infrastructures for vulnerabilities.
Using integrated security tools and services, pen testers can launch simulated attacks on client systems to find hidden security weaknesses that could lead to data leakage or hacking.
As the name suggests, automated pen testing delegates much of the vulnerability scanning and security assessment to technology. It’s used by many experts and their clients as an efficient and cost-effective way to find security flaws and start putting plans into action.
Automated penetration tools come in an array of varieties and scopes. Many are highly customizable for different needs, ultimately aiming to make scanning and reconnaissance as painless as possible.
Automated pen tests aim to rigorously apply the same techniques that hackers use to access systems regularly.
What’s more, business operators can run automated penetration testing to:
- Keep on top of new and evolving threats
- Run further scans ad hoc with a few clicks
- Produce plans and actionable reports in minutes
- Fine-tune security posture across various network and data storage points
- Stay competitive against slower, less proactive rivals
Naturally, there are pros and cons to running automated pen testing and manual pen testing, and we will cover those in more detail below.
Guidelines for Successful Automated Penetration Testing Implementation
Although running automated network penetration testing may sound simple, executing an effective testing process does still take careful planning.
Unlike running a virus scanner on a home computer, you can’t simply expect to set an automated pen test running without some adjustments.
Security professionals recommend the following series of steps to ensure automated vulnerability scanners are optimized to spot even the most concerning security vulnerabilities:
Research effective automated pen testing tools
It’s important to choose an automated pen testing tool that can offer as broad a coverage as you need. Can your chosen tool simulate real-world attacks in real-time? Does it specialize in certain network elements, or can you customize it?
It’s also wise to look for penetration testing software to schedule and set priority scans with. During your planning, you should ideally consider which assets and elements of your infrastructure are of highest priority, and which should be scanned most regularly.
On top of this, look out for automated scanners that minimize false positives. A zero false positive system is even better – after all, you need complete reassurance that misconfigurations and weaknesses found are legitimate.
Cybersecurity experts can help you narrow down your choice of tool(s) and consider attack vectors that are high priority for your particular setup. In fact, it might be prudent to run manual vulnerability scanning before investing in an automated process!
Set a clear scope for scanning and testing
Setting a clear scope means you cover all the bases you need your pen testing assessment to attack. Have you considered your firewall, your password security, or any IoT devices you have communicating with each other?
Again, it pays to invest in an automated pen testing tool that covers broad ground, and which you can customize (with the help of a cybersecurity expert).
Learn the standard pen testing process
It’s easy to simply let automated tests run. However, it’s worthwhile learning how the standard process works, so that you can keep track of progress and make changes later on if needed.
Generally, you can expect an automated penetration tester to:
- Run initial vulnerability scans
- Thoroughly scan network ports and hosts
- Test scripting, coding, and web application processes in full
- Look for DDoS and SQL injection opportunities
- “Fuzz” form and program inputs to test their limits
- Produce automated, detailed reports and breakdowns to take action
Build regular schedules and prioritize certain tasks
Continuous monitoring is a must, even when you run automated pen testing scans. Threats are always evolving, which means you need to keep on your toes with regard to security enhancements and recommendations.
You can prioritize automated testers to analyze specific areas of your infrastructure more often than others. Even better, you can arrange for tools to scan and report to you without the need for your input.
Again, it’s wise to seek advice from cybersecurity experts on how to adjust automated tests so they fit your needs.
Consider compliance needs as a priority
When setting up automated pen testing schedules and prioritizing certain assets, consider compliance first. For example, if you are running cloud penetration testing, are there any areas where PII (personally identifiable information) is most at risk?
Ask for support from a professional cybersecurity expert who can recommend which areas most likely affect your compliance requirements.
Produce reports and follow recommendations to the letter
At the end of any automated pen testing process, you will receive a detailed report with a series of recommendations to follow.
These recommendations should be highly accurate if you have customized your pen testing plan effectively. They will establish what a hacker is capable of should they try to access your network, web app, and/or data – listen to what testers have to say!
Pros and Cons of Automated Penetration Testing
Although the benefits of automated pen testing are fairly clear by now, it’s worth us quickly balancing out some pros and cons. After all, there may be circumstances where you prefer or even require manual security testing instead.
Here is a short cheat sheet to help you make an informed decision:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Automated testing offers instant, real-time insight into potential weaknesses and how to fix them | Some tools flag false positives depending on their scope and how you customize them |
| It’s a solid choice if you want to address some of the more basic weaknesses and threats you’re at risk from | Automated testing isn’t always reliable for discovering rare threats or those that are just emerging |
| It’s an ideal process for regular, quick checks to keep you protected against most threats | It’s not an ideal choice if you have a complex setup that’s regularly evolving |
| This type of testing is great for simple needs and scenarios where you don’t need to make much customization – and it’s often cheaper than manual testing | Manual pen testing is often more creative and can be stealthier – automated processes are standardized and might be easy to spot |
| You don’t need to hire a security team to manage and monitor testing – it’s quite user-friendly | You might expect standard feedback and recommendations, whereas manual testing offers customized, insightful responses |
| It offers simple scalability, and you can easily adjust what you need in a few clicks | You might not benefit from catch-all scans and solutions, and need something a little more customizable if you have very specific compliance needs |
How does Automated Penetration Testing Differ From Manual Testing?
Beyond the obvious distinctions, there are a few key differences between manual and automated testing:
- Automated pen testing uses a range of tools and software to emulate what manual testers do. Manual testers and ethical hackers still use tools to carry out attacks, but do so meticulously one by one.
- Manual pen testing also requires extensive planning and exploration. Manual testers dig deeper into highly specific, unique areas that automated processes might miss.
- Automated pen testing relies on set parameters (with some customization scope), whereas manual testers execute specific attacks based on client needs.
- When producing manual test reports, experts can easily validate findings and understand nuances and contexts – thus reducing false positives that automated testing can fall prey to.
- Both methods offer rapid responses to weakness detection, however, manual penetration testing is a longer, more intensive process.
FAQs
Before you take advantage of penetration testing services or use automated tools to identify vulnerabilities, let’s run through a few commonly asked questions.
How Frequently Should Automated Penetration Testing be Performed?
You should run automated penetration testing regularly, though the exact regularity will vary depending on your specific needs. Some firms run tests rolling in the background, meaning they are consistently protected.
Does Automated Pen Testing Deliver Effective Reports?
Yes, automated pen testing can deliver effective reports. However, with manual testing, you benefit from human analysis, meaning there’s less chance of false positives arising.
Does Automated Pen Testing Offer Enough Protection?
Automated pen testing can offer companies fantastic protection against cyber threats. However, it is not infallible – meaning it’s wise to balance it with manual tests wherever possible.
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