Year-Round Pen Testing: A Smart Defense Against Hackers

Automated Network Penetration Testing: A Game-Changer for Cybersecurity

IT leaders face increasing pressure from regulators and cyber insurers to conduct regular network penetration testing. However, cyber threats don’t adhere to scheduled compliance checks. In today’s digital landscape, relying solely on infrequent testing can leave networks vulnerable to attacks. This article explores why adopting automated network penetration testing is essential for organizations aiming to enhance their cybersecurity measures.

Understanding the Frequency of Network Penetration Testing

According to the Kaseya Cybersecurity Survey Report 2024, organizations typically conduct network penetration testing on a set schedule. The survey revealed:

• Twice a year: 29% of companies
• Three to four times a year: 23%
• Once a year: 20%

While compliance-focused testing can identify vulnerabilities at the time of the test, it often falls short in proactively shielding against evolving threats.

Why Frequent Testing is Crucial for Cybersecurity

Increased frequency of network penetration testing can significantly bolster an organization’s security posture. The Kaseya survey highlights key drivers for conducting these tests:

• Cybersecurity Control and Validation (34%): Ensuring security controls are effective and vulnerabilities are minimized.
• Regulatory Compliance (19%): Adhering to industry standards.
• Cyber Insurance Requirements (15%): Meeting insurer expectations for coverage.

Despite the pressing need for more frequent testing, traditional methods are often hindered by high costs and cumbersome scheduling. Fortunately, automated network penetration testing offers a solution that can cut costs by over 60%, making regular testing not just feasible but also practical.

The Drawbacks of Traditional Testing Methods

Traditional network penetration testing typically involves hiring consultants who utilize manual processes and specialized tools. This approach can be both time-consuming and expensive. Here are some drawbacks:

• High costs: Consultant fees can quickly add up.
• Extended timelines: Testing can take weeks, delaying critical insights.
• Stale reports: By the time results are delivered, new vulnerabilities may have emerged.

Given the rapid evolution of digital environments, the limitations of annual compliance-focused testing become clear.

The Benefits of Automated Network Penetration Testing

Automated network penetration testing presents a robust solution to the challenges posed by traditional methods. Key advantages include:

• Cost-effective: Automated testing can reduce expenses by over 60%.
• Rapid results: Assessments are completed in days rather than weeks.
• On-demand capabilities: Tests can be scheduled as often as required, allowing organizations to stay ahead of threats.

With automated testing, companies can quickly respond to real-time vulnerabilities, enhancing their security defenses without the hassle of managing consultant schedules.

Conclusion: Adopt a Year-Round Cybersecurity Strategy

In a constantly changing threat landscape, relying on annual network penetration testing is inadequate. Organizations need to adopt a proactive, year-round cybersecurity mindset. Frequent automated testing transitions network security from a mere compliance checkbox to a genuine defensive strategy.

Discover vPenTest for Enhanced Network Security

vPenTest by Vonahi Security is a leading automated network penetration testing platform designed to simplify and scale your pentesting efforts. Key features include:

• Compliance-ready: Meets requirements for PCI, HIPAA, SOC2, and cyber insurance.
• On-demand scheduling: Perform tests whenever necessary.
• Budget-friendly: High-quality testing at a fraction of traditional costs.
• Fast results: Complete assessments and reports in just days.
• Real-time tracking: Live monitoring and logging of all activities.

Ready to elevate your network security with continuous and proactive testing? Explore vPenTest today!

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