Network Penetration Testing Methodology

Cyberflame's network penetration testing is conducted meticulously using universally recognized and industry-standard techniques. Our fundamental framework draws from the Penetration Testing Execution Standard (PTES) and even extends beyond the initial methodology.

Cyberflame's Network Penetration Testing Methodology

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Our experts can simulate an attack on your network to demonstrate your weaknesses and guide you on how to reinforce them.

Our network penetration testing methodology is rooted in the PTES framework, blending outcomes from top-tier testing tools with manual testing to enumerate and verify security vulnerabilities, uncover attack vectors, configuration mistakes, and business logic errors. While automated tools scan for familiar vulnerabilities, they fall short in assessing genuine business risk or gauging the extent of potential exploitation. Our network security testing aims to strengthen your security stance by minimizing the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches, bolstering productivity, safeguarding your brand against cyberattacks, and optimizing your network devices' ROI.

While automated testing boosts efficiency, it is only truly effective during the early stages of a penetration test. At Cyberflame, we're firm believers that rigorous manual testing techniques result in a comprehensive and practical network pen test.

Our methodology evaluates targeted Internet-facing and internal systems via a layered approach: Information Gathering, Threat Modeling, Vulnerability Analysis, Exploitation, and Reporting.

In the pre-engagement phase before the network pen test security assessment begins, Cyberflame gathers essential information required to launch the project, including testing windows, testing dates, IP addresses, and other pertinent data. This phase is vital as it establishes the overall rules of engagement for the network security assessment.

After the kick-off meeting, we verify the necessary details to ensure the assessment is executed efficiently, effectively, and in alignment with the overarching objectives.

Information Gathering

The process kicks off with the information-gathering phase, which includes Google search engine reconnaissance, server fingerprinting, network enumeration, and more. The result is a compiled list of metadata and raw output that reveals as much about the network's makeup as possible. The aim is to map the in-scope environment and prepare for collectively identified vulnerabilities.

During the Information Gathering phase, Cyberflame will:

Leverage discovery tools for passive information gathering about the network
Perform network fingerprinting and enumeration to identify components, devices, operating systems, etc.
Actively scan for available services and vulnerabilities, and develop a test plan for the subsequent phases in the security assessment

Threat Modeling

Using the information from the previous step, we transition to identifying vulnerabilities in the network. We start with automated scans and quickly move on to manual testing techniques. During this phase, assets are categorized into threat categories, such as sensitive information, trade secrets, financial documents, etc.

During this phase, Cyberflame penetration testers will:

Use a mix of open-source, commercial, and internally developed tools to identify and confirm known vulnerabilities
Develop a map of the network device(s) in scope, including operating systems, open ports and services, and areas of interest
Establish threat categories for more manual/rigorous testing based on discovered sections, features, and capabilities
Create the network's threat model using the information gathered in this and the previous phase to plan for later stages of the assessment

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability analysis phase involves documenting and analyzing identified vulnerabilities discovered through previous network penetration testing steps. This step includes studying various security tools and manual testing techniques, and creating a list of attractive vulnerabilities and items worth researching further.

Exploitation

Unlike a vulnerability assessment, network penetration testing goes a step further with exploitation. Exploitation involves carrying out the exploit of the vulnerability to determine if it's genuinely exploitable.

During the Exploitation phase, Cyberflame's pen testers will:

Attempt to manually exploit identified security weaknesses to determine the level of risk and possible level of exploitation
Capture evidence to provide proof of exploitation Immediately notify the client of any critical findings

Reporting

The reporting phase aims to compile, document, and risk rate findings, generating a clear and actionable report for the project stakeholders, complete with evidence. The report will include detailed descriptions and screenshots of vulnerabilities, as well as recommendations based on best practices to remediate those vulnerabilities.

Tools

For a comprehensive real-world assessment, Cyberflame utilizes commercial tools, internally developed tools, and the same tools used by ethical hackers. We aim to assess systems by simulating a real-world cybersecurity attack, leveraging the many tools at our disposal to carry out that task effectively.

Free Retesting of Remediated Findings

Our ultimate goal is to help our clients remedy vulnerabilities, not just identify them. Therefore, we provide retesting at no additional cost for up to six findings, within six months of project completion. If a significant number of findings need to be re-examined, or if additional remediation retests are required, please contact your representative who can assist you in determining a solution that suits your needs.

Cyberflame – Always at Your Service

We view the reporting phase as the beginning of our relationship. Cyberflame strives to deliver the highest level of customer experience and service. Our report only forms a small part of our deliverables. We provide clients with an online remediation knowledge base, dedicated remediation staff, and a ticketing system to bridge the gap in the remediation process after the reporting phase.

At Cyberflame, we appreciate that your network's security is crucial to maintaining your organization's overall cybersecurity strategy. Network penetration is an in-depth process of identifying any potential vulnerabilities. When it comes to your network, we will rigorously test all known exploits and go beyond to uncover potential vulnerabilities. From gathering intelligence to identifying potential exposures to offering solutions, Cyberflame is committed to ensuring your network's security is at its strongest. To learn more, contact Cyberflame today.