There are several types of cyber testing but which one is right for your business? You understand that taking the initiative to invest in cyber security and improve employee security awareness is vital for defending a business from cyber attacks. However, it may be necessary for businesses to re-evaluate their efforts on occasion to make sure their security measures are effective. Vulnerability scans, penetration testing and red team exercises are three types of cyber testing that businesses can use to assess their cyber security.
Vulnerability Scans
Vulnerability Scans Vulnerability scans and assessments are a type of cyber testing that uses automated tools to identify cyber weaknesses. They’re typically used to find known or common vulnerabilities, such as those used in past breaches and those that provide paths of least resistance for attackers trying to enter the network. Vulnerability scans are most useful for small and mid-sized organizations with limited cyber security resources.
Penetration Tests
Penetration tests are simulated attacks that use information acquired from vulnerability scans in an effort to access or penetrate the enterprise network. When a penetration test occurs, enterprises and security professionals may or may not know of the test in advance. Penetration tests can be performed by internal staff or external vendors. They’re most beneficial for organizations of medium maturity looking to uncover gaps in security.
Red Team Exercises
When using a red team to assess security, employees assume the exercise is a real-life situation and do not know about it in advance. Red team exercises help organizations gauge realistic responses to attempted attacks by mimicking attackers and attempting to break into the organization in any way possible. Mature organizations with specialized cyber security skills would benefit most from red teaming exercises, which can uncover security gaps both inside and outside of the network. Red team exercises can be conducted by internal staff or by external vendors.
Once an organization identifies which type of cyber testing is appropriate, it should also assess the frequency of the testing. Ultimately, every new or updated technology should be subjected to thorough cyber testing to detect and address new vulnerabilities before outside attackers find them.
Protecting Your Business
When cyber attacks happen they can result in devastating damage. Businesses have to deal with business disruptions, lost revenue, and litigation. As a result, cyber liability insurance has become an essential component to any risk management program. These policies offer a host of benefits including:
- Data breach coverage
- Business interruption loss reimbursement
- Cyber extortion defense
- Forensic support
- Legal support
For more information on cyber risks, cyber liability insurance, and how to protect your business contact The Flanders Group at 800-462-6435. Our full service agency can assist with educational materials and insurance advice to make sure your cyber risks are limited.