here are a few questions to consider if you’re in the market for an external network penetration test.
What is the primary objective of the external network penetration test?
Understanding whether you are focused on identifying vulnerabilities, compliance with regulations, or assessing your overall security posture would help us tailor the scope of the test.
What are the critical assets or systems exposed to the internet that need to be tested?
Critical assets like web servers, email servers, VPN gateways, or other public-facing systems need prioritization during the test. Knowing this helps would help us focus our efforts on the most sensitive components.
What is the scope of the external penetration test?
Clearly defining the range of IP addresses, domains, or specific systems that will be tested is critical for ensuring the test doesn’t affect unintended systems and remains within legal boundaries.
What third-party services or cloud platforms are used, and are they in-scope for testing?
Third-party or cloud services, such as AWS, Azure or GCP, may have different testing requirements or limitations, and testing them might require additional permissions. This question helps clarify the scope and limitations.
Do you have any specific compliance requirements (e.g., PCI DSS, HIPAA, GDPR)?
Compliance requirements can dictate the depth and focus of the penetration test, ensuring the test meets the necessary standards for auditing and reporting purposes.
Have you conducted previous penetration tests or security assessments?
Knowing if your network has undergone previous testing helps determine whether there are existing vulnerabilities that need follow-up, or if they are being tested for the first time, which may indicate a different approach.
What existing security controls are in place?
Understanding the current security measures, like firewalls, IDS/IPS or web application firewalls, would help our testers identify potential attack surfaces and determine which controls should be bypassed, evaded, or tested for weaknesses.
Do you have a process in place for handling detected vulnerabilities during the test?
Some vulnerabilities may be severe enough to require immediate action during testing. Understanding how the client plans to respond ensures the right communication protocol and remediation plan are in place.
How do you manage remote access and VPNs?
Remote access solutions, like VPNs or RDP, are common attack vectors. Understanding how they are implemented and whether they are in-scope allows our testers to focus on any potential weak points related to external access.
What level of access will the testers have?
Black-box testing assumes no prior knowledge of the network, while gray-box testing involves some level of internal information. This helps set expectations about the depth and nature of the penetration test.
Bonus Questions
What are your key concerns about your external network security?
Understanding your top concerns would help us align the test with your specific worries (e.g., DDoS attacks, data breaches, unauthorized access).
What is the timeline for testing, and are there any operational limitations, like maintenance windows?
A timeline would help us schedule the test to avoid downtime or operational disruption, especially for critical systems that may need careful handling.