Network Security Testing
Our innovations lie in applying robust risk management frameworks specifically to vulnerabilities, quantifying potential financial repercussions, and harnessing custom AI/ML models to provide actionable insights and recommendations. Our solution takes a business-driven approach, prioritizing vulnerabilities based on business impact, asset criticality, and likelihood of exploitation. This ensures that the most significant risks are mitigated first, protecting organizations where it matters most. In addition to product development, Astragar offers consulting and professional services, including comprehensive risk assessments, vulnerability management strategies and tailored solutions that align cyber security efforts with business objectives. The name Astragar—derived from the Sanskrit अस्त्रागार (Astrāgāra), meaning ‘armory’ or ‘arsenal’—reflects our mission to equip businesses with the tools they need to defend against evolving cyber threats. Honesty and transparency are core values we hold close, guiding every aspect of what we do.
What is Network Security Testing?
Network security testing involves the evaluation and assessment of a network’s security infrastructure to identify vulnerabilities, weaknesses, and potential entry points for cyber threats. It is a proactive measure taken by organisations to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of their network resources and data.
Network security testing aims to provide organisations with actionable insights into their network security posture, enabling them to remediate identified vulnerabilities, strengthen security controls, and mitigate potential risks effectively. By regularly conducting network security testing, organisations can enhance their resilience to cyber threats and maintain a proactive stance in safeguarding their digital assets and operations.
Key Features
Comprehensive Assessment
We conduct thorough evaluations of your network infrastructure, including routers, switches, firewalls, servers, and wireless networks, to identify vulnerabilities and security weaknesses.
Vulnerability Scanning
Utilizing advanced scanning tools and techniques, we scan your network for known vulnerabilities and misconfigurations, providing insights into potential security risks.
Penetration Testing
Our ethical hackers simulate real-world cyber-attacks to uncover potential entry points and exploit vulnerabilities within your network, providing a realistic assessment of your security posture.
Security Architecture Review
We review your network architecture and security controls to ensure alignment with industry best practices and regulatory requirements, identifying areas for improvement.
Wireless Network Assessment
We assess the security of your wireless networks, including Wi-Fi access points and authentication mechanisms, to identify vulnerabilities and strengthen security measures.
Configuration Audits
Our experts conduct audits of network device configurations, including routers, switches, and firewalls, to identify misconfigurations and security gaps that could be exploited by attackers.
Network Penetration testing methods
External testing
External penetration tests target the assets of a company that are visible on the internet, e.g., the web application itself, the company website, and email and domain name servers (DNS). The goal is to gain access and extract valuable data.
Internal testing
In an internal test, a tester with access to an application behind its firewall simulates an attack by a malicious insider. This isn’t necessarily simulating a rogue employee. A common starting scenario can be an employee whose credentials were stolen due to a phishing attack.
Types of penetration testing
Black-box pentesting
• Tester knows no details about tested environment
• Simulation of an external attacker with no internal knowledge
Grey-box pentesting
• Tester might have some architecture details, credentials, etc…
White-box pentesting
• Nothing is hidden from the tester in this scenario.
• Arch. details, credentials, source code of tested application
Network Penetration Testing Methodology and Approach
Our Assessment methodology involves a systematic approach to assessing the security of an organization’s IT infrastructure, applications, and systems. While specific methodologies may vary based on the scope and objectives of the Assessment, the following steps outline a general framework commonly used in Assessment
Planning and Preparation
- Define the scope, objectives, and goals of the penetration test in collaboration with the client.
- Obtain necessary permissions and approvals to conduct the test and access the targeted systems and networks.
- Identify the resources, tools, and methodologies that will be used during the test.
Information Gathering
- Gather information about the organization’s network architecture, systems, applications, and potential attack surfaces.
- Conduct reconnaissance activities such as passive information gathering, DNS enumeration, and social engineering to collect relevant data.
Vulnerability Analysis
- Perform active scanning and enumeration to identify potential vulnerabilities and weaknesses in the target environment.
- Utilize automated scanning tools and manual techniques to identify known vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and security gaps.
Exploitation and Post-Exploitation
- Attempt to exploit identified vulnerabilities to gain unauthorised access to systems, networks, and applications.
- Utilise various exploitation techniques.
- Maintain persistence and escalate privileges to simulate the actions of real-world attackers.
Documentation and Reporting
- Document all findings, including identified vulnerabilities, exploited systems, and compromised data.
- Provide detailed reports outlining the methodology used, the impact of successful exploits, and recommended remediation steps.
- Include actionable recommendations for addressing identified vulnerabilities and improving the overall security posture of the organisation.
Remediation and Follow-Up
- Collaborate with the organisation’s IT and security teams to prioritise and address identified vulnerabilities.
- Implement recommended security controls, patches, and configuration changes to mitigate risks and strengthen defenses.
- Conduct follow-up assessments and retesting to verify the effectiveness of remediation efforts and ensure that identified vulnerabilities have been adequately addressed.