Computer Security and Safe Management Practices

Stealth penetration testing is a vital method for allowing organizations to determine how exposed their networks are to real world threats by showing how well corporate security processes, procedures and technologies hold up against authorized but unannounced attacks by veteran security specialists using advanced hacking techniques.

Progent’s security experts can perform extensive in-depth penetration testing without the knowledge of internal IT resources. Such testing uncovers whether existing security monitoring tools such as intrusion detection alerts and event log monitoring are correctly set up and actively monitored.

Penetration testing can encompass any or all of the following areas:

• Running a series of port scanning tools to identify open network access vectors and to identify and characterize a customer's network environment and overall security level.
• Running a series of exploit identification tools that test all open access vectors against a large database of known vulnerabilities resulting from servers that are not up to date on security patches, out of date firmware/software, poorly configured servers and devices, and default or common installation passwords.
• Evaluation of wireless network security by attempting on-site access from publicly accessible locations including parking lots, hallways, bathrooms, and physically adjacent spaces or floors. Identification of security methods utilized by wireless infrastructure and running known exploit tools to gain access
• Attempt to determine remote access capabilities of network and perform exploit and brute force attack methods to gain access through remote access infrastructure.
• Perform remote office security evaluation and testing, and determine whether remote sites can be used as a vector into the corporate network through VPNs or other private network infrastructure.
• Performing brute force account and password attacks using a database of over 40 million possible passwords
• For devices and servers that are successfully penetrated, Progent security experts will manually use assorted hacker techniques to extend such exploit vectors to gain an understanding of the full network environment and see how many internal systems can be accessed and compromised. This type of security testing can expose the full scope of the vulnerability of a network environment.
• Determination of internal and external network addressing configuration through email beaconing techniques
• Performing various Denial of Service attacks, coordinated with internal senior management to determine whether it is possible to stop or hinder network productivity. Once proof of impact is reported, such testing can be immediately ceased to avoid impact to actual business productivity.
• Perform PBX remote access and voice mail security testing

For larger companies, Progent can perform anonymous physical security penetration testing, including attempts to gain unauthorized/unchecked access to physical premises by pretending to be authorized personnel, with proof of success from copying of confidential information and accessing internal network resources behind all perimeter firewalls.

Progent experts can use social engineering techniques and public information to attempt customized password penetration testing utilizing information such as employees’ family member names, birthdates, home addresses, and phone numbers. Progent team members can often quickly uncover this information through Internet online search and public records. Progent can uncover employee names/email addresses through publicly accessible information on the Internet, from PBX voice mail directories, public records filings, marketing materials and press releases, web sites, and receptionist.

Progent will provide a complete report of methods used and vulnerabilities uncovered during stealth penetration testing, along with a detailed list of recommended remediation steps. Progent can then work with internal IT staff to perform an audit and evaluation of the actual security protection, configuration, tools, and processes and help your company develop a comprehensive security plan.

For network security consulting expertise, telephone Progent at 800-993-9400 or send email to security-help@progent.com.