Why is network penetration testing important?

Serena Gray
3 min readMay 18, 2023

rganizations store confidential information on their networks and hence they rely on networks. Malicious users can penetrate the networks and may be looking to exploit this data for personal gain. Hence, businesses need to perform network penetration testing regularly so that vulnerabilities can be identified that could be exploited by hackers. The vulnerabilities in network infrastructure are identified by simulating an attack.

Securing the business network, data and information is considered to be an important activity of network penetration testing. When the vulnerabilities in the network are identified and fixed, the risk of a breach is reduced and the confidential information is protected. In this article, you will get to know the strategic importance of penetration testing.

What is Network penetration testing?

It is a testing method wherein an ethical hacker will make an attempt to breach the organization’s network without affecting the actual network information structure. This will in turn help in identifying security related vulnerabilities and weaknesses in network security.

Modern networks are complicated. With a combination of LAN, WAN and wireless networks, a large number of endpoints are included such as mobile devices, workstations, servers and Internet of Things (IoT) devices and also security technologies like intrusion prevention systems (IPS) and firewalls.

Network penetration testing simulates a network attack so that the network can be scanned and thus vulnerabilities can be identified.

Following are a few key reasons to conduct network penetration testing:

  • The security posture of the network can be properly assessed
  • Vulnerabilities need to be identified that could be exploited by hackers
  • Sensitive data is identified that is stored on the network
  • The network security is tested against real-world threats.

The strategic importance of network penetration testing:

Businesses might put in strategic efforts to secure their networks, but, there will be occasions where vulnerabilities will inevitably exist. One of the most valuable steps is to implement network penetration testing that will help in maintaining the company’s network security.

A network penetration test will provide insights to the team about the setup of network infrastructure and the possibility of vulnerabilities. There are significant advancements being made in the domain of network security and computer data and hence it is important to regularly test the network. Types of testing include vulnerability assessment and vulnerability scanning.

The following are the benefits of performing network penetration tests:

1. Assessing security posture: The security posture of the business specific networks can be assessed by a network penetration test and thus weaknesses can be identified. This specific information will help in enhancing network security.

2. Identifying vulnerabilities: Vulnerabilities can be identified by a network penetration test in a network that may be exploited by hackers. When these vulnerabilities are fixed, businesses can lessen the risk of their data being compromised or stolen.

3. Identification of malicious activity: Businesses can take the help of a network penetration test so that malicious activity on their networks can be detected such as ransomware, spyware and malware. When these threats are identified and removed, the security of their networks can be improved by businesses and data can be protected.

4. Compliance with regulations: Businesses require several regulatory bodies to perform network penetration testing so that specific steps can be taken to secure their networks. When a network penetration test is conducted, these security measures are demonstrated by businesses and the requirements of these regulations are met accordingly.

Conclusion: If you are looking forward to implementing network penetration testing for your specific project, then do get connected with a premium software testing company in Uk that will provide you with methodical testing solutions that are in line with your project specific requirements.

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Serena Gray

I work as a Senior Testing Specialist at TestingXperts. I am a testing professional accustomed to working in a complex, project-based environment.