Tamar Everson, Senior Pen Tester at Arcanum explains why regular penetration testing by a CREST accredited company is an essential part of any robust cybersecurity strategy.
According to the UK Government’s 2023 Cyber Security Breaches Survey, 59% of medium businesses and 69% of large businesses report suffering a breach in the last twelve months. In this challenging and fast-moving environment, maintaining a robust and dynamic defence mechanism is more important than ever.
The key to a successful cybersecurity strategy lies in an organisation’s ability to not only construct robust defence systems, but also to critically test and evaluate them. This is where penetration testing (or pen testing) becomes an invaluable tool. Pen testing involves identifying vulnerabilities in a system, network, or web application. However, it is essential that this testing is conducted by an accredited penetration testing company carrying relevant qualifications such as CREST (the Council of Registered Ethical Security Testers) accreditation.
Why?
Because penetration testing should be conducted by a skilled and certified cybersecurity company to ensure accurate and reliable results. As a CREST accredited member, Arcanum have passed industry recognised examinations to test and demonstrate skill, knowledge, and competence. This assures you that Arcanum’s service is delivered by professional technical staff to a high standard. Let me explain.
It requires a lot of knowledge to work for a CREST accredited company
A CREST accredited company holds its pen testers to the highest standards of competence and integrity in the industry. The rigorous examination process, which involves both theoretical and practical assessments, ensures that CREST accredited companies must have detailed and in-depth testing methodologies, staff who have undertaken in-depth theory and practical-based exams, and comprehensive knowledge of modern vulnerabilities and the latest methods of exploitation. This guarantees that their assessments are accurate, thorough, and relevant.
CREST ensures methodological consistency
Consistency is key in penetration testing, as inconsistent approaches may leave certain vulnerabilities undiscovered. CREST requires a consistent methodology to ensure a comprehensive and systematic assessment of an organisation’s security. Our methodologies are regularly updated to reflect emerging threats and changes in technology, helping to maintain a high standard of testing across the board.
Trust and credibility come as standard
Working with a CREST accredited company offers peace of mind. Their testers have committed to abide by a strict code of conduct that ensures ethical behaviour, confidentiality, and impartiality. This commitment helps build trust and credibility in the testing process, reducing potential conflicts of interest and ensuring that all findings are reported in an accurate and unbiased manner.
Regulatory compliance is critical
In a digital climate where compliance with regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is critical and adherence to respected standards such as ISO 27001 are strongly advised, a CREST accredited company is equipped to help organisations meet their obligations. Qualified testers have a deep understanding of regulatory standards and can provide guidance on the necessary security measures to stay compliant, helping businesses tick all the necessary boxes when it comes to effective data protection and information security.
They have access to cutting-edge knowledge and tools
The security landscape is constantly evolving, with new vulnerabilities and exploits identified around the world daily. Arcanum make every effort to be up to date on the latest vulnerabilities and exploits by accessing the latest research and threat intelligence provided by CREST, to its members. This allows testers to stay informed about the latest developments in the cybersecurity landscape and use cutting-edge tools and techniques in their assessments.
CREST accredited penetration testers are globally recognised
CREST’s accreditation is recognised around the world, which can be particularly beneficial for organisations that operate in multiple countries. They can have assurance that the testing procedures will adhere to a universal standard, irrespective of the location where the testing is conducted.
Working with a CREST accredited penetration tester provides assurance of their expertise, professionalism, and integrity. These testers offer a consistent, thorough, and up-to-date approach, helping organisations stay resilient against cyber threats, meet regulatory compliance standards, and protect their business assets in the long run.