10/21/24
Penetration testing – Planning and Scoping Planning and scoping are crucial phases in the penetration testing process as they set the foundation for the entire assessment. These initial steps help define the goals, objectives, and boundaries of the test, ensuring that the testing team and the organization being tested are aligned in terms of expectations and objectives • Define Objectives: • Clearly articulate the objectives of the penetration test. This may include identifying vulnerabilities, testing specific security controls, evaluating incident response procedures, or assessing the overall security posture. • Identify Stakeholders: • Determine the key stakeholders involved in the penetration test. This includes IT, security teams, management, legal, and any other relevant departments. Establish communication channels and ensure that all stakeholders are aware of the testing goals. • Scope Definition: • Clearly define the scope of the penetration test. Specify the systems, networks, applications, and other assets that are in scope for testing. Determine any out-of-scope areas that should not be tested to avoid unintended disruptions.
company confidential
23
Penetration testing – Planning and Scoping
• Rules of Engagement: • Establish rules of engagement that outline the boundaries and limitations of the penetration test. Define what actions are permissible and what actions are prohibited. Specify the testing team's approach to exploiting vulnerabilities, interacting with systems, and handling sensitive information. • Testing Methods and Techniques: • Discuss and agree upon the testing methods and techniques to be used during the assessment. This may include automated scanning tools, manual testing, social engineering, and other tactics. Tailor the approach to the organization's risk tolerance and the desired depth of the assessment. • Communication Plan: • Develop a communication plan to keep stakeholders informed throughout the penetration test. Establish reporting timelines, methods of communication, and escalation procedures for critical findings. Regular updates help manage expectations and address concerns. • Documentation Requirements: • Clearly outline the documentation requirements for the penetration test. This includes reports, logs, and any other records that will be generated during the assessment. Ensure that all documentation complies with the organization's policies and regulatory requirements.
company confidential
24
12
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs