As per the 2021 data collected from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), 2.5 million American consumers have had their personal information exposed online. Government agencies, businesses and other organisations are on the verge of cyberattacks every day, which is why cybersecurity protocols have become all the way more vital. Especially businesses that have switched to remote work need digital security measures more than ever. One such cybersecurity tactic is network penetration testing, which is used by thousands of organisations worldwide. Why? Well, here are the reasons.

But first, let's understand the challenges!

Penetration testing services for remote working models aren't an option anymore; they are a mandate. Organisations that switch to remote or hybrid work models face a variety of security hurdles, including the following: 

  • For one, in remote work, testers no longer have direct access to internal network infrastructure, and this limited physical access makes it challenging for cybersecurity professionals to assess certain types of security. 
  • Secondly, remote work means the usage of a diverse array of devices and networks, including home, Wi-Fi, mobile devices and personal computers. This complexity complicates the testing process, as it requires professionals to evaluate security across different touchpoints. 

How Can Penetration Testing Help?

Also known as pen testing, penetration testing is a proactive approach to identify and address security vulnerabilities. In this tactic, a real-world cyber attack is stimulated to assess the strength of an organisation's security and defences, and in the context of remote work, pen testing immensely helps in identifying weaknesses in remote access solutions, endpoint security, and network infrastructure. There are several ways in which pen testing can help address the security challenges in remote work environments. Some of them are listed as follows:

  • Remote access solutions such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are integral to facilitating secure connections for remote workers. However, misconfigurations or outdated protocols can expose these solutions to exploitation. Penetration testing helps in identifying weaknesses in remote access mechanisms, ensuring they are robust enough to withstand potential attacks.
  • Endpoints, including laptops, desktops, and mobile devices, are prime targets for cyber attacks in remote work environments. Penetration testing evaluates the security posture of endpoints by attempting to exploit vulnerabilities such as unpatched software, weak passwords, or inadequate access controls.
  • Penetration testing assesses the resilience of network infrastructure by simulating attacks such as Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) or Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks. By identifying vulnerabilities in network configurations or weak segmentation, businesses can proactively strengthen their defences against cyber threats.

Conclusion

In the wake of a global shift towards remote work, more and more organisations are increasingly struggling with cybersecurity measures. While there are a lot of cybersecurity measures that can assess network and database vulnerabilities, network penetration testing stands as an excellent way to fortify your online security. However, while you are selecting penetration testing services, go for professionals with a proven track record of efficiency and reliability, so your remote work doesn't bring forth any security concerns in the long or short term.