When I first started in the industry, I remember thinking that a vulnerability test and a penetration test were the same thing. Both methods are designed to identify weaknesses in your system, but they are quite different when we look at what they are intended to achieve. You need to make sure that you are getting what you've asked for and we've heard many stories where a company has sold a 'Penetration Test' only to be found that it was a 'Vulnerability Test' during a crucial audit.
There are various methods for securing your digital assets, and two of the most commonly used methods are vulnerability scans and penetration tests.
We're here to explain the key differences and why'll you need one or the other, OR Click here for the TL:DR.
Vulnerability Scan
A vulnerability scan is an automated process that checks your system for known vulnerabilities. It's a systematic review of your system's security posture, and it identifies potential vulnerabilities and weaknesses. The scan is typically conducted by a vulnerability scanner, which is a software tool that automates the process, such as Nessus or Qualys.
The scanner looks for vulnerabilities such as outdated software, weak passwords, and unsecured ports. Once the scan is complete, the scanner generates a report that lists all the vulnerabilities it found, along with a risk rating for each vulnerability. This report can be used to prioritise security measures and address the vulnerabilities found.
Vulnerability scans are a good way to identify the most common vulnerabilities and provide a baseline for your security posture. However, they are limited in scope, as they only identify known vulnerabilities and do not test the effectiveness of your security controls. A vulnerability scan undertaken by us would also include our interpretation of the results, as the automated process can't interpret the context in which a vulnerability is found.
Penetration Test
A penetration test, or "pen test" for short, is a more comprehensive test of your system's security. Unlike a vulnerability scan, which is automated, a pen test is conducted by a security professional (us) who attempts to exploit vulnerabilities in your system. The purpose of a pen test is to prove the existence of vulnerabilities that might be identified by a vulnerability scan, to identify vulnerabilities that may not be detected by a vulnerability scan, and to test the effectiveness of your security controls.
During a pen test, the tester attempts to exploit vulnerabilities in your system by simulating a real-world attack. This could involve attempting to gain access to sensitive data, taking control of your system, or launching a denial-of-service attack. The tester may use a combination of automated tools and manual techniques to exploit vulnerabilities. By doing this, the pen tester can prove the existence of the vulnerabilities and demonstrate what the potential impact could be to you, helping you to understand where to focus your efforts
Once the pen test is complete, the tester generates a report that details the vulnerabilities that were identified, the methods used to exploit them, and recommendations for improving your security posture.
Penetration tests are more comprehensive than vulnerability scans, as they test the effectiveness of your security controls and identify vulnerabilities that may not be detected by a vulnerability scanner. They are also more expensive and time-consuming than vulnerability scans, as they require the expertise of a skilled security professional.
Why Wouldn't I Just Get a Pen Test?
It's that old age adage of it depends. As mentioned, penetration test have a greater cost to them and may not be required by the client or the certification that you're aiming to achieve. Additionally, you should consider the risk appetite of the organisation. It may be deemed that a vulnerability test is sufficient enough to mitigate the risk to the organisation.
The Difference
What we have covered here is that vulnerability scans and penetration tests are two different methods for identifying weaknesses in your systems' security posture. Both methods are valuable tools for improving your security posture, and they should be used in conjunction with each other.
Vulnerability scans provide a baseline for your security posture and identify the most common vulnerabilities, while penetration tests identify vulnerabilities that may not be detected by a vulnerability scanner and test the effectiveness of your security controls. By using both methods, you can ensure that your system is as secure as possible.
The TL:DR
Vulnerability Scan | Penetration Test |
+ Automated process + Good for baseline for Cyber Security + Quick and effective + Overview of known vulnerabilities + | + More comprehensive test against your controls + Vulnerabilities can be identified manually + Prove existence of vulnerabilities + Written detailed report |
- No manual confirmation of vulnerabilities - Not in-depth | - More expensive than a vulnerability scan - Longer process overall |
Get in touch with us today and we can help you decide which solution is the best for you.
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