Penetration Testing (often called “Pen Testing”) is the practice of evaluating a computer system, network, or application to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses that could be exploited by an attacker. Penetration Testing can be classified into three types, based on the level of knowledge the tester has about the target system: blackbox, graybox, and whitebox. In this blog, we will discuss the use cases for each type of penetration testing.
Blackbox Penetration Testing
Blackbox penetration testing is when the tester has no prior knowledge about the system, and they approach the target system as an external attacker. The goal of blackbox testing is to simulate a real-world attack scenario, where the attacker has no inside information about the system.
Blackbox testing can be useful in the following scenarios:
- Regulatory Compliance – Many industries are required by law to conduct regular penetration testing, including healthcare, finance, and government. Blackbox testing is the best way to meet compliance requirements and ensure the security of sensitive data.
- Third Party Vendor Security – Organizations often rely on third-party vendors for their IT infrastructure or software. Conducting blackbox penetration testing on the vendor’s systems can help ensure that they are secure and not a potential risk to the organization.
- Testing Security Controls – Blackbox testing can be used to test the effectiveness of security controls such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and access controls. By testing these controls, organizations can identify vulnerabilities and improve their security posture.
When to Choose Blackbox Penetration Testing
An appropriate use case for blackbox testing is to assess the security of a web application. The tester is given the web application’s URL and is expected to identify vulnerabilities. This type of testing is particularly useful for identifying vulnerabilities that could be exploited by an attacker who has no knowledge of the system.
Graybox Penetration Testing
Graybox testing is when the tester has partial knowledge of the target system, such as access credentials or some knowledge of the system’s architecture.
Graybox testing can be used in the following scenarios:
- Application Testing – Graybox testing is useful for testing web applications, where the tester has access to the login credentials but limited knowledge of the application’s backend. This approach can help identify vulnerabilities that are not apparent from the front-end interface.
- Penetration Testing After a Security Incident – Graybox penetration testing can be useful after a security incident has occurred. The tester has some knowledge of the system and can focus on identifying the specific vulnerabilities that were exploited in the attack.
- Testing Security Controls – Graybox testing can be used to test the effectiveness of security controls, similar to blackbox testing. However, in this scenario, the tester has some knowledge of the system and can identify potential weaknesses that might not be apparent in blackbox testing.
When to Choose Graybox Penetration Testing
An appropriate use case for graybox testing is to assess the security of an internal network. The tester is given some information about the network, such as the IP addresses of the servers, but is not given access to the network’s configuration details. This type of testing is particularly useful for identifying vulnerabilities that could be exploited by an attacker who has gained some level of access to the system.
Whitebox Penetration Testing
Whitebox testing is when the tester has complete knowledge of the target system, including access to the source code, architecture diagrams, and internal documentation. Whitebox testing can be used in the following scenarios:
- Application Testing – Whitebox testing is useful for testing software applications where the tester has access to the source code. This approach can help identify vulnerabilities that are not apparent from the front-end interface and can also identify potential code-level vulnerabilities.
- Vulnerability Assessment – Whitebox testing can be used for vulnerability assessment, where the tester has complete knowledge of the system and can identify potential weaknesses.
- Security Controls Assessment – Whitebox testing can be used to test the effectiveness of security controls. However, in this scenario, the tester has complete knowledge of the system and can identify potential weaknesses that might not be apparent in blackbox or graybox testing.
When to Choose Whitebox Penetration Testing
An appropriate use case for whitebox testing is to assess the security of a software application. The tester is given access to the source code of the application and is expected to identify vulnerabilities such as buffer overflows, code injection, and weak encryption algorithms. This type of testing is particularly useful for identifying vulnerabilities that could be exploited by an attacker who has a deep understanding of the system’s internal workings.
Choosing the Right Penetration Test
Selecting the right penetration testing approach is not always an easy choice. Blackbox, graybox, and whitebox penetration testing are all useful methods of assessing the security of a computer system or network. The choice of which method to use depends on the goals of the testing and the level of knowledge the tester has about the system being tested.
And that’s where Stratix Systems can help.
Stratix Systems is one of the region’s leading technology solutions partners—with the people, resources and experience to deliver the Managed IT, cybersecurity, document management and imaging support you need: where, when and how you need it. The best practices, the most road-tested options, and the best technologies. Backed by knowledgeable people and the most responsive client and technical support in the business.
Stratix Systems offers clients a robust assortment of flexible, secure managed IT, cybersecurity, and document management solutions, as well as imaging and printing technologies to help protect you from hacks and attacks and support administrative workflows – all with significant cost savings that work with even the tightest of budgets. And of course, we provide knowledgeable tech support every step of the way.
Call 800-444-2943 or visit stratixsystems.com to learn more about how we can help.