The first step of risk management involves measuring the potential risks through various methods. Identifying the vulnerabilities of IT systems is a part of this step.
The purpose of investigating the vulnerability and weaknesses of the IT system is designed to prevent the loss or theft of confidential and indispensable corporate data, or unauthorized access to it.
Have you heard about teenagers breaking into corporate websites? Or about competing companies hacking into your corporate databases? What if confidential information turns up through the grapevine? How about the case when the computer used for controlling the production line is reprogrammed from the street? And what if you are the last person to find out about all this?
The common denominator in all the cases listed above is the look on the face of our clients when we reveal the results of our investigations that are usually far below their worst expectations. Vulnerability testing reveals the vulnerabilities of IT systems with brutal honesty, indicating the security gaps that can be exploited by attackers to get creative with our confidential information.
IT systems are exposed to a variety of threats. The extent to which a particular company is exposed to a particular risk largely depends on the security status and vulnerability of the IT system. Uncovering and keeping track of these risks is vital for all organizations that produce significant value.
Why is regular vulnerability testing a crucial issue?
Vulnerability testing is the first step of gathering information to use for handling and protecting against risks. It points out the weak points and vulnerabilities of the system, which attackers with malicious intent may exploit to cause damage. Technological, organizational, structural changes, failing to carry out required system updates or human neglect may all affect the organization’s level of security and expose it to new risks and threats. The exploration and permanent solution is only possible if regular vulnerability testing is carried out.
The investigation itself, which is almost sure to unearth a few shocking facts, and the related report constitute invaluable help for the company’s management. At the same time, the detected vulnerabilities must be eliminated and the necessary steps determined as soon as possible, and emphasis should be laid on scheduling time and resources.
The results obtained from KÜRT’s investigations are used for devising a package of proposed measures that prioritize the tasks required for eliminating failures and vulnerabilities.
What does vulnerability testing mean?
Security of defense, vulnerability or maintaining preparedness are all concepts that have originated in the language of military drills.
One of the most convincing and measurable parts of maintaining the level of preparedness is the military drill, where defense and attack is largely carried out under predetermined conditions. Here, “largely” refers to a certain degree of moderation, meaning that the defenders have “adequate” information about the location, time and magnitude of the attack.
Our specialists are able to simulate such attack scenarios to test the IT systems. We use our expertise to provide services to some of the largest multinational companies, in a large number of projects, further honing our skills in the process.
During our investigations, we ensure that the integrity of the IT system and the current security and availability levels are upheld. Minutes shall be taken of all examinations. In the course of our investigations, we survey the general IT culture of the organization’s IT staff as well as the extent to which the applied IT security standards offer protection against intrusion.
Due to the ever-changing organizational and technological environment, regular “military drills” are the sole guarantee for keeping the defense system up-to-date and for maintaining the level of security at all times.
The vulnerability test performed by KÜRT’s Incident Management Center consists of the following activities, either independently or together:
- External online testing.
- Internal network test.
- Vulnerability testing of online internet applications.
- Social engineering.
