A Simple Guide to Vulnerability Assessment And Penetration Testing

Vulnerability Assessment And Penetration Testing

Many new systems or applications are developed with the advancement of time and technology. Whenever a new system is developed, it is important to check that for its proper functioning. One of the types of testing done on this system is vulnerability testing. Vulnerability assessment and penetration testing are the two sub types of vulnerability testing. These tests are most commonly done in combination with each other to determine the flaws or the problems in the system.

Need to do the vulnerability assessment and penetration testing:

The main aim of the vulnerability assessment test is to find the gaps in the security of the application while penetration testing aims to exploit the gaps that are discovered during the assessment. These two assessment tests are different and give different results but they focus on the same area. These tests play a crucial role in the designing of the website application and its security assessment. If the website passes the vulnerability assessment and penetration testing, then there are fewer chances of hacking or breaching.

When to do the vulnerability assessment and penetration testing:

Ideally, whenever the organization is ready with the new application, they carry out this Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT). But it is recommended that the organization does this VAPT periodically to strengthen its security system. This periodic VAPT will also warn them of the development in the threats and provide early warnings. This helps the organization safeguard its application.

Benefits of vulnerability assessment and penetration testing:

The use of this vulnerability assessment and Penetration testing helps the organization to get a clear view of what kind of threats their application can face in the coming future and then accordingly they can make the necessary changes to prevent the threats. The different benefits of VAPT include:

1. It helps to identify the different risks and prioritize them based on the importance. With this, they can come up with a solution to remove this risk at the earliest.
2. It helps in minimizing the chances of a data breach.
3. It helps to protect sensitive data.
4. VAPT can also help to safeguard intellectual property.
5. Periodic VAPT removes the threat of upcoming frauds and breaches so there is increased confidence of the customers. Their confidence in the organization increases.
6. The reputation of the organization is built and this helps to enhance their business.
7. Following the VAPT helps the organization to improve their compliance and this testing helps the organization to comply with the regulatory and industrial requirements.
8. It helps to validate the effectiveness of the security programs used by the organization.
9. VAPT helps in the quantification of the internal systems and helps to protect confidential information.
10. VAPT also gives an idea to the organization when there is a need to upgrade their security systems.
11. It helps in the protection of the integrity of assets in the case of any serious malicious hidden code.

Considering all the above-mentioned benefits, it is suggested that any organization that gives security as their priority, should undertake vulnerability assessment and penetration testing.