How penetration testing can keep you ahead of hackers
This year up to 40% of UK business will experience a data breach or cybersecurity attack.
IBM Security estimated the UK experienced a 20% increase in the average cost of data breaches last year. It was the largest increase in nearly a decade and highlights the constantly evolving cybersecurity threat.
In the last few years working patterns have shifted dramatically towards an increased reliance on technology and online services. It has expanded the threat landscape and allowed hackers to identify new weaknesses within cyber defences.
It is now more important then ever to take control of your infrastructure, put your security to the test and protect your business.
At OX IT Solutions, we work in close partnership with Mitigate Cyber to provide IT solutions that help you test, monitor and certify your security to keep you ahead of the hackers.
The Threat Landscape
The threat landscape is constantly evolving so having effective and hardworking security systems in place is crucial.
It is no longer just big businesses that are the target of an attack – small business are being successfully hacked every 19 seconds.
Since the introduction of remote working, cyber criminals have found new ways to capitalise on our reliance for personal devices and lack of endpoint security. Running regular penetration tests can help you identify, manage and mitigate against these vulnerabilities.
What is penetration testing?
Penetration testing is a controlled exercise where ethical hackers test the security of an IT infrastructure by using all the tools and tricks of real-world hackers. Tests can be performed on virtually anything that connects to the internet. ‘White-hat’ hackers look to identify and secure existing vulnerabilities before cyber criminals find them.
Penetration testing is used to develop an understanding of what software and hardware a customer might require to strengthen their security. Once your weaknesses have been identified, you will be offered remediation advice and guidance on how to minimise your security shortcomings.
Routine testing should also be considered a fundamental component of your risk management strategy and is a requirement of many security standards.
The benefits
With more than 10,000 high-severity vulnerabilities found in UK businesses each year, it is now more crucial than ever to ensure you are effectively mitigating your organisational risk level.
Performing periodic penetration tests will help your business:
Identify all known weakness in your systems from a digital and physical perspective
Protect your sensitive internal data and your clients’ data
Ensure you remain compliant with security standards such as ISO27001 and PCI DSS
Is it for me?
This service is not just for large businesses, financial institutions or government departments – if a cybercriminal can exploit your security weaknesses, they will.
Testing and identifying your current security can help you gain a clear understanding on your position in the cyber threat landscape.
Even if you do have the latest security solutions in place, without testing your infrastructure you can’t be certain there are no vulnerabilities that can be exploited. A penetration test provides you with proof that your security systems are effective.
Mitihack
With so many types of penetration tests available, it is important that you select the right scope and type of test to fit your businesses requirements.
We work with industry leading trusted partners, so you know you are getting the best service possible. Our expert technical team are always on hand to guide you through every step of the process and can advise what will work best for you.
Working closely with Mitigate Cyber, we can uncover all your security weaknesses to proactively prevent real world threats. Mitihack, its penetration testing service, can give you peace of mind that your security is working as hard as you are.
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