Description: External penetration testing is a security assessment conducted from outside an organization’s network, aimed at identifying vulnerabilities that could be exploited by an attacker. These tests simulate a real attack, allowing security experts to evaluate the security posture of the network infrastructure, web applications, and other systems exposed to the Internet. During this process, various techniques and tools are used to discover weaknesses in systems, such as port scanning, configuration analysis, and exploitation testing. The importance of these tests lies in their ability to provide a clear view of the risks an organization faces, allowing for corrective measures to be implemented before a real attacker can exploit these vulnerabilities. Additionally, external penetration testing is a fundamental part of a proactive approach to cybersecurity, helping organizations comply with regulations and security standards, as well as protecting sensitive information.
History: Penetration testing has its roots in the 1970s when researchers began exploring the security of computer systems. With the rise of the Internet in the 1990s, the need to assess network security became critical, leading to the formalization of penetration testing as a professional practice. As cyber threats evolved, so did the techniques and tools used in these tests, becoming an essential component of the security strategy for many organizations.
Uses: External penetration testing is primarily used to identify vulnerabilities in systems exposed to the Internet, assess the effectiveness of existing security measures, and comply with security regulations. They are also useful for conducting security audits, training security personnel, and raising cybersecurity awareness within the organization.
Examples: An example of external penetration testing could be a security analysis conducted on a web application, where attempts are made to exploit vulnerabilities such as SQL injection or exposure of sensitive data. Another case could be the evaluation of the security of a server exposed to the Internet, looking for misconfigurations that could allow phishing attacks.
