With an increasing number of digital threats and attacks in the cyber landscape, the demand for robust, efficient, and comprehensive approaches to security and Penetration testing has grown substantially. One such approach that has gained traction in recent years is the 'assumed breach pentest'. This blog will delve into a detailed understanding of what exactly assumed breach Penetration testing entails, its benefits, techniques, and its role in the cybersecurity landscape.

Introduction to Assumed Breach Pentest

An 'assumed breach pentest' is an advanced Penetration testing process that works with the assumption that a breach has already taken place within the network system. This modern cybersecurity strategy aims to mimic the actions of a sophisticated attacker that has obtained initial access, moving laterally through the network to keep their presence hidden while accessing valuable data.

Why Assume a Breach?

In today's digital landscape filled with evolving threats, one cannot afford to work on the assumption that their security perimeter is impenetrable. Despite having the most state-of-the-art security systems, sophisticated attackers might find a way to break into the network. By adopting an 'assumed breach' mentality, organizations can proactively root out hidden vulnerabilities within the system, providing a thorough representation of the subtle techniques used by these attackers.

Key Techniques in Assumed Breach Penetration Testing

Lateral Movement

Lateral movement refers to techniques that enable an attacker to move through a network in search of key assets and data. The attacker establishes and maintains access to various elements within the network, increasing their foothold while remaining unidentified.

Privilege Escalation

Privilege escalation is the exploitation of a system flaw or vulnerability that allows an attacker to obtain higher-level permissions on a system or network. The escalated permissions allow the attacker access to restricted areas of the network, thereby making it possible for them to obtain sensitive data undetected.

Persistence Mechanisms

In this technique, the attackers somewhat 'embed' themselves in the system, leaving backdoors and maintaining a long-lasting presence in the network undetected even after the initial intrusion has been identified and rectified.

The Role of Assumed Breach Pentest in Cybersecurity

The role of an 'assumed breach pentest' in cybersecurity cannot be overstated. This approach enables companies to think like real-world attackers, planning and executing strategies that would exploit any vulnerabilities within the system and thereby strengthening their defense system against such attacks.

By conducting such a pentest, organizations can gain a full understanding of their security posture, exposing hidden vulnerabilities which may lie deep within the system. Adopting an 'assumed breach' mindset encourages organizations to redefine their strategies for securing their systems – shifting from a defensive, reactive approach to a proactive one that anticipates vulnerabilities and threats before they can be accessed and exploited by an attacker.

Benefits of Assumed Breach Pentest

The main benefits of 'assumed breach' pentests include:

• Detailed Security Assessment: Provides a robust and comprehensive assessment of the company’s security posture and mechanisms to protect sensitive data.
• Insight into Attacker Behavior: Offers unique insights into the tactics, techniques, and procedures used by real-world attackers.
• Proactive Security: Helps organizations shift from a reactive to a proactive security stance. Identifying and preventing potential breaches before they occur.
• Improved Incident Response: Improves incident response capability by identifying potential threats to the organization and testing the effectiveness of the response process.

In conclusion, assumed breach Penetration testing allows organizations to operate on the belief that their systems will be or have been compromised at some point. This mindset forces them to rigorously explore their own systems for weaknesses, vulnerabilities, and points of exploitation from an attacker's point of view. With 'assumed breach pentest', there is a shift in the paradigm from the traditional defensive approach to security to a more proactive, evolved approach that anticipates threats before they materialize.