Penetration Testing

Penetration testing, also known as ethical hacking, is a simulated cyberattack on a computer system, network, or application to identify and exploit vulnerabilities. The goal is to evaluate the security of the system by discovering weaknesses that could be exploited by malicious attackers. Penetration testing helps organizations understand their security risks and improve their defenses by addressing any vulnerabilities found before they can be exploited in a real-world attack.

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Which Businesses Need Penetration Testing?

HIPAA / Healthcare

While HIPAA does not explicitly require annual penetration tests, it does require healthcare organizations to regularly assess their security posture. Penetration testing is often considered a best practice for meeting HIPAA's requirements.

PCI DSS

Any organization that processes, stores, or transmits credit card data must comply with PCI DSS. Requirement 11.3 of PCI DSS mandates that a penetration test be conducted at least annually and after any significant changes to the network or systems.

SOX (Sarbanes-Oxley Act)

Publicly traded companies are required to ensure the security of financial data and systems. Annual penetration testing is often performed as part of the broader SOX compliance efforts.

Financial Services

Banks and financial institutions are often required by regulators and industry standards to conduct regular penetration tests to protect sensitive financial data.

Energy Sector

The energy sector, particularly companies involved in critical infrastructure, may be required to perform regular penetration testing as part of broader cybersecurity regulations, such as those enforced by NERC CIP (North American Electric Reliability Corporation Critical Infrastructure Protection).

Legal and Law Firms

Law firms manage confidential client information, including legal strategies, contracts, and intellectual property. The sensitive nature of this data makes them a target for cybercriminals, necessitating regular security assessments.

Manufacturing and Industrial Control Systems (ICS)

Manufacturing companies, especially those using Industrial Control Systems (ICS), are increasingly targeted by cyberattacks. Penetration testing is crucial to protect operational technology (OT) and prevent disruptions in production.

Hospitality

The hospitality industry, including hotels and resorts, collects and processes large amounts of customer data, including payment information. Ensuring the security of these systems is essential to prevent breaches.

Education

Educational institutions manage a wealth of sensitive information, including student records, financial data, and research. The growing digitization of educational services makes regular security testing vital to protect this data

Legal and Law Firms

Logistics and Transportation

Companies in this sector rely on complex IT systems to manage supply chains, transportation, and logistics. Penetration testing helps protect these critical systems from disruptions that could have widespread impacts.

Insurance

Insurance companies manage extensive personal and financial data. Regular penetration testing helps safeguard this data against breaches and ensures the integrity of their IT systems.

Government and Public Sector

Government agencies handle a wide range of sensitive information, from personal data to national security details. Regular penetration testing is vital to protect this data and ensure the continuity of government services.

Energy and Utilities

Energy companies, including those in utilities and critical infrastructure, must protect their systems from cyberattacks that could cause widespread service disruptions or even physical damage. Regular penetration testing is essential to maintain security.

Nonprofits and NGOs

Nonprofits often manage sensitive donor information and may work in politically sensitive areas, making them targets for cyberattacks. Regular testing is important to protect their data and operations.

Other Businesses

Even when not explicitly required, many organizations adopt annual penetration testing as a best practice to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively, particularly if they handle sensitive data or operate in high-risk industries.

Overview

LUMO uses several techniques to determine the security of your organization. These techniques do not interrupt business operations, but may trigger security software or appliances you may have on premises. We will also inform you and your technical staff of our findings and what is required for remediation.

Host Discovery

Host discovery includes several tasks, including port scanning and ping sweeps, to identify the active systems within the environment.