Traditional penetration testing methods often fall short in addressing the dynamic nature of cyber threats. Automated penetration testing emerges as a solution, offering speed, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. However, its successful implementation requires a nuanced understanding of its capabilities and limitations.
Traditional penetration testing aims to identify vulnerabilities within an organization's security defenses. This process is typically time-consuming, involving extensive planning, execution, and analysis by human testers, which escalates costs, especially in large or complex environments. Moreover, its scope is often confined to predefined areas, potentially leaving other vulnerabilities unexamined. Conducted periodically, these tests can create gaps during which new vulnerabilities may emerge unnoticed. A survey by Frost & Sullivan revealed that over 50% of organizations conduct penetration tests only every six months or less frequently, providing ample opportunities for attackers to exploit unnoticed weaknesses.
Automation addresses these challenges by expanding the scope and increasing the frequency of testing. Automated systems can perform in-depth analyses of entire infrastructures with minimal effort, handling repetitive tasks like vulnerability scanning and allowing security teams to focus on more critical issues. They deliver consistent results by following predefined protocols, minimizing human error, and enabling continuous, 24/7 testing to identify zero-day vulnerabilities as they arise.
While automation enhances efficiency, certain aspects of penetration testing still require human expertise. Tasks such as building an asset inventory, monitoring for state changes, identifying common vulnerabilities, and detecting zero-day exploits can be automated effectively. Automated tools excel at flagging OWASP software weaknesses, DNS misconfigurations, and cloud configuration issues, providing organizations with a robust and scalable security posture.
However, identifying business logic vulnerabilities, which depend on unique workflows, necessitates human analysis. The verification of critical infrastructure also demands human oversight to ensure resilience. Additionally, defining and refining the scope of penetration tests is best handled by experts who can align testing objectives with organizational priorities. By automating routine tasks and reserving complex, context-dependent tasks for human professionals, organizations can optimize both the efficiency and depth of their security assessments.
Automated penetration testing offers distinct advantages for various stakeholders within an organization. For Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), it enhances visibility into the attack surface, providing a comprehensive view of potential vulnerabilities. This allows them to make informed decisions and prioritize remediation efforts while reducing costs compared to manual testing. For instance, Hadrian's customers save an average of 10 hours per week, with SHV Energy saving over 40 hours weekly.
For penetration testers, automation eliminates repetitive tasks, enabling them to focus on addressing complex vulnerabilities. Automated systems improve accuracy by minimizing human error and ensuring consistent, reliable results. These tools also foster collaboration, allowing teams to direct their efforts toward strategic initiatives and improving overall productivity.
Security Operations Center (SOC) teams benefit from continuous monitoring, with automated systems identifying threats in real-time and reducing response times. The scalability of these tools makes them adaptable to growing infrastructures without requiring additional resources. Furthermore, automation significantly reduces risks by detecting and mitigating vulnerabilities before they can be exploited, strengthening the organization’s overall defense posture.
A balanced approach to penetration testing is essential, as some tasks are best suited for automation while others require human expertise.
At Hackurity, we believe cybersecurity goes "Beyond Technology"—it's about the human factor. That’s why our Managed Automated Pentesting (MAP) combines the precision of automation with the expertise of human insight to deliver unparalleled security.
Our MAP solution conducts daily automated pentests of your IT infrastructure, identifying and even exploiting vulnerabilities automatically to reduce false positives by up to 99%. This ensures your systems are constantly monitored and tested against evolving threats.
To enhance this, we provide up to four manual pentests per year, internal network scanning, and comprehensive remediation support. This combination of automated precision and human expertise ensures robust security coverage.
Hackurity is a leader in automated pentesting, pioneering an approach that recognises the critical role of human insights in cybersecurity. Through its Managed Automated Pentesting solution, we go Beyond Technology by combining automation with the expertise of professional pentesters, Hackurity offers a unique approach to vulnerability discovery, exploitation, and remediation support.
Headquartered in the Netherlands and developed by experienced pentesters, Hackurity delivers enterprise-grade security solutions with a personal touch, helping businesses worldwide stay protected. At Hackurity, we go "Beyond Technology" to address the human element in cybersecurity.
Hackurity.io
Blaak 520
3011TA Rotterdam
The Netherlands
