Cybersecurity testing is critical because your website is one of your most precious assets, containing sensitive data and information. This testing uses multiple tactics to measure how effective your cyber security strategies are against a potential cyber-attack, using tools that an adversary uses. This testing identifies vulnerabilities and weaknesses in your processes, identifies assets, and the risk to those assets, along with guidance for remediating those vulnerabilities. Testing will also address your compliance and security obligations through the regulations and industry standards of PCI, HIPAA, FISMA and others.
Types of cybersecurity tests
- Cybersecurity audit
- Penetration tests (Ethical Hacking)
- Red team assessment
- Cybersecurity risk assessment
- Bug bounties
- Vulnerability scanning
- Web application security testing
- API security testing
- Configuration scanning
- Security audit
- Security Posture Assessment
- Software Composition Analysis (SCA)
It is important to test your cyber security regularly. A cybersecurity testing is a “moment in time” assessment. The threat landscape is constantly changing and widening, so these tests should be done frequently and by a cybersecurity expert. You should test as often as your team can resolve the discovered vulnerabilities. More mature organizations Incorporate continuous testing into their programs.
Is cybersecurity testing expensive?
The cost of cybersecurity testing is much less expensive than a data breach and the consequences of that breach on your organization’s reputation and success. No organization is too small to disregard the need for cybersecurity testing. A Ponemon Institute study reported that 76% of small to medium-sized businesses in the United States have been targeted by a cyberattack. A recent IBM report states that an average cost of a healthcare breach is approximately 7.1 million. Financial losses can be huge for any size company if data is compromised.
By hiring experienced cybersecurity experts to do testing on your website, you are improving your organization’s security posture and discovering the vulnerabilities that expose it to cyber-attack and examining whether your current security policies are effective.
Benefits of cybersecurity testing
There are constant threats to the security of your organization. By hiring a cyber security professional, you can identify and prioritize the risks. You can gain an understanding of what security controls are necessary to protect your organization. Testing helps to see if hackers can infiltrate your system with its proactive approach. The process will uncover the holes in your security system and give you the chance to fix issues before a real attack occurs. This will help you avoid costly data breaches, fines from lack of compliance, loss in operations, and damage to your organization’s reputation. Recommendations made by your cyber security expert will also help you comply with industry standards and regulations.
If you need more information about cybersecurity testing, contact a seasoned professional, Cyber Assurance, for a consultation. We can determine what type of testing your organization needs and make sure your organization is up-to-date on all regulations. Don’t hesitate- get started today.