Do you lock the physical doors of your office when you leave at night?  Okay, that’s a silly question.  Of course you do.

So, what do you do for your data that’s being stored in your network?

As you’re seeing more and more businesses getting their data stolen, you’re probably also aware of the dangers presented by cyber criminals. So, you know the dangers, but securing data isn’t quite as easy as locking an office door.  Maybe you feel overwhelmed.  Maybe things just aren’t clear.  So, let’s start with the concept of 'penetration testing', commonly known as 'pen testing’. Let's break down this technical term into something more digestible and understand why it's essential for your business, even if you're not a tech wizard.

So… what exactly is a Level 1 pen test?

Imagine a Level 1 penetration test as a fire drill for your business's online security. In this scenario, a small group of your employees (about three to seven) are sent a fake, harmless version of a 'phishing' email – the kind of email that tries to trick them into revealing passwords or clicking on a link that could install harmful software. The goal is to see how they react. Will they recognize the threat, or will they inadvertently let the 'thieves' in?

Why only a few employees? The idea is to create a realistic scenario without causing widespread alarm. You're testing the waters, not creating a storm. This exercise is crucial because, in the real world, there aren't always flashing lights and sirens when a security breach occurs. Often, it silently grabs an employee here or there and BOOM!  Damage.

Conducting a Level 1 test is like giving your employees a hands-on training session. They learn to spot dangers, which is invaluable because your employees are often the first line of defense against cyberattacks. Think of them as your business’s digital security guards.

Moreover, these tests can show you where your business's online defenses might be weak. This is especially useful if you're considering investing in more advanced cybersecurity solutions. It's like knowing exactly where to reinforce the walls of your fortress.

This type of test does have its limitations. It's a bit like checking the lock on your front door but not checking the windows or the back door. A Level 1 test won't cover all the ways a cybercriminal might try to break into your digital space. Most importantly, it doesn't tick the boxes for legal compliance. Just like you have health and safety regulations for your physical business space, there are laws and standards for your digital space too.

Why should you consider a recurring penetration test on your network?

This is where recurring penetration tests come into play. Imagine having a security expert who not only checks the lock on your front door but also inspects the windows, the back door, and even the roof for any possible entry points. These regular checks (monthly and quarterly) are more thorough and cover different types of cyber threats, like a potential traitor within your company (insider threat) or a weakness in one of your supplier’s systems (supply chain vector).

This ongoing process is crucial for staying compliant with legal standards, much like regular health and safety inspections in a physical workplace. It also keeps your business up to date with the latest security measures, which is vital as cyber threats are constantly evolving.

Bottom line…

While a Level 1 penetration test is a good starting point and serves an educational purpose, it's the ongoing, comprehensive tests that truly safeguard your business in the digital world. These tests are not just about avoiding legal penalties; they're about protecting your business's reputation, your customers' trust, and ultimately, your bottom line. Cybersecurity is an investment, and in a world where digital presence is intertwined with business success, it's an investment you cannot afford to overlook.