OSINT or Open-source Intelligence is one of the most used penetration testing methods by Penetration Testers.
It can identify new vulnerabilities that are commonly exploited, remove information before a threat can exploit them, fix weaknesses found in an organization, and utilize efficiency to save resources while preparing for major or significant threats.
For OSINT gathering, it is essential to have a detailed penetration testing method and strategy.
Let us learn more by defining and discussing penetration testing, methodology, and the importance of OSINT in the process.
Penetration Testing
Penetration Testing or Pen-testing is a cybersecurity exercise where ethical hackers use hackers’ methods to seek and identify potential weaknesses and vulnerabilities in your network and computer systems.
This can be done manually or by an automated software application. This will enable you to identify risks and mitigate them before an attack can happen. By doing so, you can prepare preventive, protective, and solution plans.
Penetration Testing Methodology
Pen-testing Methods are instructions, procedures, strategies, and technologies that allow penetration testers to execute an adequate test, fitting for a specific company to find potential threats and risks.
Here are some of the Pen-testing methods used by professionals or companies.
External Testing
An external testing is any test done outside of the company’s network like visible assets, email, company website, and DNS.
Internal Testing
Internal testing is tests done using the company’s internal computer or network system. Testers have access inside the company’s firewall.
Blind Testing
This is a testing method where you have no information about the company you want to assess. This will give you a real-time experience of how an attack could happen.
Targeted Testing
Targeted testing is done by a well-coordinated effort of a cybersecurity team and a penetration tester. Testers attack while the cybersecurity team defends and mitigate.
Double Blind Testing
The company is not aware that a test attack would happen. Only two within the company are told about the test so that defenders have no time to prepare for an assault.
Different Types Open-Source Penetration Testing Methodology
Here are some of the Open-source Pen-testing Methods.
OWASP
Open source web application security project is a standard protocol that helps companies identify and control web and mobile applications vulnerabilities.
NIST
The National Institute of Standards and Technology are detailed guidelines for a penetration test to further the company’s strategy.
OSSTMM
Open-source security testing methodology is a vulnerability and network penetration test following a complete and comprehensive guide given to penetration testers.
PTES
Penetration testing methodologies are standard guidelines placed for penetration testers through phase testing. It will allow them to detect areas that are prone to attacks.
Importance of OSINT
The importance of open-source intelligence is that it plots the basic understanding of work classified materials, can store history, has less demand in the process, it protects assets, and it helps with your penetration testing.
It supports your penetration tests by using effective and updated guidelines of recorded cyber threat situations. It also allows you to prepare preventive measures by assessment and evaluation, enabling your company to select the best security protocols to implement and use.
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