What is the best way to secure a network during a security test?

In my opinion, the most crucial aspect of securing a network through a security test is to carefully define the scope of the test, determining exactly what you aim to achieve. Instead of testing the entire network, it is advisable to conduct the test on a small, isolated network separate from your production environment. After the successful completion of the test, monitor to ensure that what you intended to find within the specified scope has been identified. Additionally, analyze any other findings that are relevant to your needs. Following this comprehensive evaluation, you can then implement the necessary security measures in your network.

There is no definitive answer to this question, as there are so many different ways networks can be setup as well as many different security requirements and challenges. Here is some of the most common things to secure a network during a security test, this is not an exhaustive list. Using a Firewall to block unwanted traffic and filter incoming and outgoing traffic. Installed antivirus and malware protection. Monitoring, Alerting and logging is enabled and being reviewed. Strong Password Management and have MFA enabled. Firmware and Patching is UpToDate Educate all employees, to raise awareness of the best practices and policies for network security.

Clearly define the scope of the penetration test, specifying the systems, networks, and applications that are within the testing boundaries. This helps prevent unintentional targeting of critical production systems.

Securing a network during security tests involves several best practices: 1. Penetration Testing: 2. Vulnerability Scanning: 3. Network Segmentation: 4. Firewall Configuration: Properly configure firewalls to control incoming and outgoing traffic. Restrict unnecessary services and ports to reduce the attack surface. 5. Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS): 6. Strong Authentication: 7. Regular Updates and patches: 8. Employee Training: Remember, security is an ongoing process, and a combination of these measures helps create a robust defense against potential threats. Regularly reassess and update your security measures to stay ahead of evolving risks.

Having a very clear scope of a test will make things less impactful on out of scope resources. The objectives and goals need to be laid out in no uncertain terms as to what is allowed and not and what parts of a network are off limits. This will help make sure the results are valid to what you need. If the test does stray from the outlined plan and resources are impacted that shouldn’t have been then you can use that to schedule additional testing and also hold the testing parties accountable for any interruptions or damages.

Using advanced tools that can replicate actual attack scenarios without causing any damage to the network is crucial. These tools allow organizations to effectively assess their security infrastructure and identify vulnerabilities before real attackers exploit them. By simulating various attack techniques, such as phishing, malware injections, or DDoS attacks, these advanced tools provide an accurate representation of potential threats. They enable security teams to evaluate the effectiveness of their defense mechanisms and respond appropriately to any weaknesses or gaps in their network security.

Select appropriate tools and methodologies for the test. This choice depends on the network's complexity, the types of data it handles, and specific business needs. It’s important to use tools that are sophisticated enough to simulate real-world attack scenarios without causing harm to the network.

XCELIT and Pentesters.Tech undertake such work regularly. Securing a network during a security test (pentesting, ethical hacking, or red teaming) is crucial to prevent disruptions or data loss. A test type/scope with defined Methodologies should be implemented. Rules of engagement should not allow data exfiltration or deliberate damage. Ensuring all systems are backed up and recoverable prior to a pentest is critical. Where possible staging sites, with dummy data should be used, testing times should be agreed to avoid busy work hours and a recovery plan should be in place. Using these rules our CREST certified Pentesters have never had an unexpected event. Remediate, check remediation’s, and repeat at least annually.

Ensure that you have explicit authorization from the organization's management or the responsible party before conducting penetration testing. Unauthorized testing can lead to legal consequences.

Isolating and backing up your network are important steps before conducting a network security test. Isolation helps contain potential disruptions, limiting impact on normal operations. It prevents unintended consequences on the broader network or connected systems. Backing up data ensures that even if issues arise during testing, critical information is preserved and can be restored. Both measures contribute to a more controlled and secure testing environment, allowing for thorough evaluation of network security without compromising the integrity of essential data or services.

Another practical issue which the new engineer faces is understanding the potential backup and operational backup for networks. If you end up performing testing on active and operational backup at the same time, they may lead to impact on the customer. So, we need to be mindful about the set of devices we are selecting for testing.

O monitoramento e controle de um teste de segurança de rede é um processo contínuo e deve ser revisado e atualizado regularmente para se manter à frente das ameaças emergentes. Além disso, é importante criar uma cultura voltada para o monitoramento e controle de testes de segurança e investir na capacitação das lideranças e na cooperação com o time de TI.

Document all findings, including identified vulnerabilities, exploited weaknesses, and recommended mitigations. Provide a detailed report to the organization after the test, including actionable recommendations for improving security.

A análise de resultados é um processo essencial em qualquer pesquisa científica, incluindo a segurança da informação. Neste contexto, a análise de resultados envolve a apresentação e análise dos dados obtidos durante um teste de segurança de rede, relacionando-os com a literatura e interpretando suas implicações.

During penetration testing or any other security testing ,gain explicit authorization, define a clear scope and establish rules of engagement. Coordinate closely with the IT team, monitor activities, and log actions for analysis. Handle sensitive data cautiously and simulate realistic attacks without causing harm. Develop an emergency response plan,maintain communication channels, and document findings thoroughly. Provide a detailed report with actionable recommendations. Collaborate with the IT and security teams to address and remediate the identified vulnerabilities. Ensure that the organization is well equipped to enhance its security posture based on the test results.These measures ensure a responsible and controlled testing process.

Identificação de Vulnerabilidades: Realizar testes de vulnerabilidade para identificar possíveis ameaças aos sistemas de informação. Isso pode incluir o uso de scanners de vulnerabilidades e testes de penetração (pentest) para avaliar a segurança da rede. Implementação de Medidas de Segurança: Desenvolver e aplicar políticas e procedimentos de segurança para proteger contra ameaças internas e externas. Isso pode incluir o uso de criptografia forte, VPNs para segurança adicional de rede, e a manutenção atualizada do firmware do roteador.

Uso de Ferramentas de Segurança: Investir em ferramentas de segurança, como scanners de vulnerabilidades, análise de código fonte, WAF, e certificados SSL, para proteger dados e informações importantes contra ataques cibernéticos. Teste de Penetração: Realizar testes de penetração (pentest) para descobrir e abordar vulnerabilidades de segurança em redes sem fio e com fio. Isso pode envolver a coleta de informações sobre o sistema, a análise do aplicativo para entender como ele responderá a várias tentativas de intrusão, e a simulação de um ataque para entender a vulnerabilidade das defesas.

Conscientização e Treinamento: Criar programas de conscientização e treinar funcionários em boas práticas de segurança da informação. Isso pode incluir a implementação de uma cultura de prevenção online e a definição de níveis de acesso para cada usuário da rede.