here are a few questions to consider if you’re in the market for an Internal network penetration test.
What is the primary objective of the internal network penetration test?
Understanding the main objective, whether it’s identifying insider threats, testing internal security controls or fulfilling compliance requirements, would help us tailor the test to focus on your specific concerns.
What is the size and structure of your internal network (number of subnets, devices, etc.)?
Knowing the size and complexity of the network helps determine the test’s scope and resources needed. Large, segmented networks may require more thorough testing, and different types of devices may need different approaches.
What are the critical systems, applications, or sensitive data within the internal network?
Identifying the most sensitive assets, such as file servers, databases, domain controllers, would help us focus on areas where a breach would have the most significant impact. These systems often require deeper testing.
What internal security measures do you currently have in place?
Understanding the existing security controls, like firewalls, NAC, IDS/IPS or antivirus, would help us assess their effectiveness and determine which tools or techniques might be necessary to bypass or test these defenses.
Do you use any segmentation or VLANs within your internal network?
Network segmentation can limit the spread of attacks, but it needs to be tested to ensure it’s configured correctly. This helps assess if attackers or malicious insiders can move laterally across different segments.
What types of devices are on the internal network?
Different devices may have varying levels of security and could introduce unique vulnerabilities (e.g., IoT devices or Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies). Testing approaches will vary depending on the type of devices in the network.
What are your user authentication methods (e.g., Active Directory, SSO, MFA)?
Understanding how users authenticate helps testers evaluate whether there are weaknesses in user management systems, password policies, or multi-factor authentication setups that could be exploited.
Have you had any previous internal network penetration tests or security audits?
Knowing if and when previous tests were done, as well as the findings, helps ensure that previous vulnerabilities have been addressed. It also helps assess if any new weaknesses have emerged since the last test.
Are there any specific security policies, compliance requirements, or industry regulations that apply?
Compliance standards like HIPAA, PCI DSS, or ISO 27001 may require specific testing procedures and reporting. Understanding these requirements ensures that the test aligns with your business’ legal or regulatory obligations.
What is the network topology, and do you have any remote or wireless access points?
Network topology, including remote access methods and wireless infrastructure, introduces potential attack vectors that need testing. Wireless networks, in particular, often have unique vulnerabilities that need to be assessed.
Bonus Questions
Do you have an incident response plan in place?
This would be helpful to determine if you are prepared to respond to any significant vulnerabilities discovered during the test.
What are your concerns or specific areas of interest regarding internal threats?
Provides insight into any current worries, such as insider threats or lateral movement, that should be prioritized in the test.