Application Security Testing is a key element of ensuring that web applications remain secure. Various tools and managed services exist to provide continuous testing, besides application security platforms that include app testing as part of their functionality. Penetration Testing (Pen Testing) Tools provide means to conduct authorized, ethical hacking of applications in production, to locate vulnerabilities that may be exploited by hackers.
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Penetration Testing (Pen Testing) Tools provide means to conduct authorized, ethical (white-hat) hacking of applications in production. These simulated attacks by testers help organizations locate vulnerabilities that may be exploited by hackers and determine the possible risk associated with said vulnerabilities. The tools then report the exploited vulnerabilities to the organization for remediation. They are usually used either as part of a comprehensive security assessment, or part of the QA process in application or system development.
Penetration testing tools are closely related to the Application Security Testing space. Application Security Testing is a key element of ensuring that web applications remain secure. Various tools and managed services exist to provide continuous testing, besides application security platforms that include app testing as part of their functionality. Penetration testing can extend beyond applications by testing networks, services, or social engineering vulnerabilities.
Penetration testing is a broad field, with a wide range of tool types and penetration methods. Some of the most common testing types supported by these tools include:
White box tests
Blind tests
Double-blind tests
External tests
Internal tests
There are several key benefits of penetration testing tools. Primarily, they automate much of the testing process, allowing for more efficient and comprehensive security testing. This reduces the risk of malicious breaches on the organization’s networks, services, or applications. Penetration testing tools also provide testers the assurances and data to remain compliant with various regulatory requirements.
Penetration testing is often confused with vulnerability scanning or management. They are closely related, but with important distinctions. Vulnerability management focuses on identifying and reporting on vulnerabilities within various systems. They can continuously scan networks and systems. However, they only focus on identifying vulnerabilities, rather than following through on triggering the identified exploit.
Penetration testing complements these vulnerability management tools. Penetration testing fully exploits the found vulnerabilities to better understand the extent and impact of a given vulnerability. Penetration testing is usually not a continuous function, but can provide more thorough intelligence to security administrators. Penetration testing tools are usually used together with other vulnerability management tools.
When comparing different penetration testing tools, consider these factors:
Testing Flexibility: What range of features and capabilities can each tool be configured to use? For instance, does each tools specialize in network testing, application security, or even people hacking? Many leading tools will offer some capabilities to serve each use case, but will vary in their comprehensiveness.
Standalone Penetration Testing vs. Application Security Solution: Does the organization need a specific tool just for penetration testing, or is a broader application security solution more appropriate? Solutions will also come with code analysis tools and integrate with development cycles, but will also require more management and higher up front costs.