Network Security Tests: What You Need to Know

Network security is a critical aspect of any business, large or small. Without proper protection, your confidential data could be exposed to attacks from hackers that could result in costly damage. In order to ensure the security of your network, you need to perform regular network security tests. This article is going to be of great assistance to you in terms of understanding the many kinds of tests and what you need to know before undergoing them. We’ll also suggest some of the greatest testing tools available.

What is Network Security?

The term “network testing” refers to a range of activities aimed at revealing and demonstrating security flaws, as well as assessing risks. While the testing platform may vary (wireless, ethernet, hardware/IoT, phishing emails, physical access), the end goal is nearly always to network access to secure data or systems.

The purpose of a network security test is determined by a number of criteria, including the organization’s overall goal. Network testing may be used to verify security defences, satisfy regulatory standards, and test the security mechanisms of any type of electronic data.

Types of Network Security Tests

• Vulnerability Scanning

Vulnerability scanning is a type of network security that searches for and analyzes computer and system vulnerabilities and transmits the information to administrators. This data aids in the preparation of security patches or upgrades. It can also be used to assess the protection status of a network. 

Vulnerability scanners have been enhanced by the use of sophisticated methods such as fuzzing, which are now recognized as an important tool in meeting regulatory requirements. 

• Ethical Hacking

The term “ethical hacking” was initially used to describe the process of examining a computer system, network, or web application for security flaws before they are discovered by a malicious hacker. It is the process of testing a system, network, or web application’s surface area. Before a malevolent hacker finds them, ethical hackers attempt to discover security vulnerabilities first.

• Password Cracking

Password cracking is divided into two categories: Dictionary Attack & Brute Force Attack

Dictionary Attack: This approach utilizes a word list (a dictionary) to decrypt passwords. The password list includes all of the feasible passwords. As a result, the computer compares the user’s password to the word list in order to determine whether or not it is correct. 

Brute Force Attack: This technique utilizes automated software to break passwords. The program tries all possible character combinations until it locates the proper password. Brute force attacks are laborious and time-consuming. 

• Penetration Testing

In order to assess computer security, a penetration test mimics an active attack on a computer system or network. Penetration testing is frequently done by white hat hackers, also known as ethical hackers, or by security experts attempting to assess the extent of damage or risk before an actual assault. 

Things to Do Before Conducting A Network Security Test

• Determine your goals: What are you attempting to accomplish with your tests? Or are you looking to see how well your system would stand up under an assault?
• Get help: It’s a difficult job to conduct a network security test. Do not refrain from hiring the services of a professional or consultant to assist you.
• Choose the right tools: There are several distinct types of security testing tools available. Do your research and pick the ones that are most suited to your requirements.

Best Network Security Testing Tools

• Astra’s Pentest

Astra’s Network Security Solution is a ground-breaking product from Astra Security, which can assist you in finding and fixing security vulnerabilities. Astra’s solution aids in the identification of network vulnerability and closure. 

Astra’s pentest is one of the most comprehensive solutions to conduct a full network security check is the Astra Network Security Solution. The solution examines and validates your network devices, ports, and protocols to identify potential vulnerabilities and help you fix them promptly.    

• NMAP

The Nmap scan engine breaks down IP packets in innovative ways to figure out which computers are up and running on a network, what services (name and version) they provide, what operating systems (and OS versions) they have installed, and so on. 

Nmap runs on a wide range of operating systems, including Windows. There are versions available for most major operating systems, as well as variants for UNIX-based systems. 

• Nessus

Nessus is now a closed-source program, but it is still free for home users. It’s thought to be the most popular vulnerability scanner in the world, with over 75,000 organizations worldwide employing it. 

The most typical vulnerabilities Nessus discovers are those that would allow a remote attacker to take over or access a system, such as an unsecured network setup, failure to alter default passwords, and common passwords and missing passwords.

• OpenVAS

OpenVAS is a vulnerability assessment tool that can scan the entire network infrastructure for vulnerabilities. OpenVAS is a far-reaching collaboration that has been used by organizations all around the globe. It’s completely free and may be utilized with commercial software.

3 Key Focuses of Network Security that You Need to Know

When it comes to network security, there are three key focuses that you should keep in mind: confidentiality, integrity, and availability. 

• Confidentiality refers to the secrecy of data. You want to make sure that only authorized individuals have access to sensitive information.
• The term integrity refers to the data’s quality. You want to make sure your data isn’t tampered with without your permission.
• Availability refers to the availability of data. You need to make sure that authorized people can get access to data when they need it.

Conclusion

Network security is a critical issue that all businesses need to address. By understanding the types of tests available and choosing the right tools, you can ensure that your network is secure. You can build a secure network that will safeguard your organization from potential dangers if you keep these concerns in mind.