Overview
Uncovering weaknesses before the bad guys do
Modern cybercriminals are persistent, determined and well-resourced. In an attempt to compromise networks, systems and applications they use a wide range of tactics and techniques. Ethical hacking is a key way to understand how good organisations are at preventing, detecting and responding to the latest attack methods.
Definition
What is ethical hacking?
Ethical hacking is the identification and exploitation of security vulnerabilities for the purpose of improving an organisation’s cyber security. Ethical hacking helps organisations improve their security status by uncovering exposures that are beneath the surface and providing support to address them.
An ethical hacker, also commonly referred to as a white hat hacker, is a cyber security professional entrusted to perform ethical hacking assessments. Certified ethical hackers possess a comprehensive understanding of the tactics and techniques that malicious ‘black hat’ attackers use and leverage this knowledge to ensure that ethical hacking assessments accurately reflect real-life adversarial approaches.
Types
Types of ethical hacking assessments
The term ethical hacking is used to describe a broad range of assessment types. From penetration tests performed over a matter of days, to red team operations conducted over weeks and months, ethical hacking engagements vary significantly in scope, duration and price.
Types of penetration test
Network infrastructure testing
Redscan rigorously investigates your network to identify and exploit a wide range of security vulnerabilities. This enables us to establish if assets such as data can be compromised, classify the risks posed to your overall cyber security, prioritise vulnerabilities to be addressed, and recommend actions to mitigate risks identified.
Wireless testing
Unsecured wireless networks can enable attackers to enter your network and steal valuable data. Wireless penetration testing identifies vulnerabilities, quantifies the damage these could cause and determines how they should be remediated.
Application and API security review
Vulnerabilities contained within software are commonly exploited by cybercriminals and are easily introduced by under-pressure programmers. Redscan’s ethical hackers conduct automated and manual penetration tests to assess backend application logic and software and API source code.
Remote working assessment
If your organisation is embracing mass remote working for the first time, it’s important to ensure that it is doing so securely. Ensure your networks, applications and devices are protected and fully secured with a custom remote working security assessment.
Web application security testing
Web applications play a vital role in business success and are an attractive target for cybercriminals. Redscan’s ethical hacking services include website and web app penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities including SQL injection and cross-site scripting problems plus flaws in application logic and session management flows.
Social engineering
People continue to be one of the weakest links in an organisation’s cyber security. Redscan’s social engineering pen test service includes a range of email phishing engagements designed to assess the ability of your systems and personnel to detect and respond to a simulated attack exercise.
Mobile security testing
Mobile app usage is on the rise, with more and more companies enabling customers to conveniently access their services via tablets and smartphones. Redscan carries out in-depth mobile application assessments based on the latest development frameworks and security testing tools.
Firewall configuration review
Firewall rule sets can quickly become outdated. Redscan’s penetration testers can detect unsafe configurations and recommend changes to optimise security and throughput.
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When to conduct ethical hacking
With threats constantly evolving, ethical hacking assessments should be performed regularly. Penetration testing, for example, should be conducted at least annually, as well as after any significant infrastructure changes and before new product or service launches. Testing can also be timed to coincide with audit checks required for compliance with:
Accreditation
The importance of accredited ethical hackers
Redscan is a member of CREST, an international certification body for information security. By choosing our CREST-accredited ethical hacking services, you can be confident that all our assessments are conducted in accordance with the strictest legal, technical and ethical standards. Our CREST-certified ethical hackers hold a range of certifications and are qualified to perform many different types of security testing.
Expertise
Our security qualifications
Why choose Redscan?
A trusted partner for pen testing
- One of the highest accredited UK pentesting companies
- A deep understanding of how hackers operate
- In-depth threat analysis and advice you can trust
- Complete post-test care for effective risk remediation
- Multi award-winning offensive security services
- Avg. 9/10 customer satisfaction, 95% retention rate
Get in touch
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