How to Choose the Right ISO 27001 Penetration Testing Company
Should you really pay someone to try to hack your ISMS?
If you want to ensure ISO 27001 compliance and keep the trust of your customers and stakeholders, then the answer is an emphatic ‘yes.’ This means conducting penetration testing, which aims to expose security weaknesses and identify areas that need improvement.
However, it is crucial to exercise caution when selecting someone for the task. You require the services of a competent ISO 27001 Penetration Testing company that possesses the necessary expertise.
During an ISO 27001 penetration test, a team of ethical hackers simulates a real-world attack on an organization's information system.
Ethical hackers use a variety of tools and techniques to identify vulnerabilities in the system. They exploit these vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to the design and steal sensitive information.
The penetration testing results are then documented in a report that includes recommendations for improving the organization's information security controls. The report provides a roadmap for the remediation of identified vulnerabilities and weaknesses.
This article highlights the key factors to consider when selecting an ISO 27001 penetration testing company.
But first, let's take a moment to review what it is, why you need it, and how penetration testing fits into this framework.
What Is ISO 27001 and Why Is it Important?
ISO 27001, also known as ISO/IEC 27001, is a globally recognized standard for information security management systems requirements. It is published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in collaboration with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
The standard provides a systematic and cost-effective approach to safeguarding sensitive information for organizations of any size or sector from threats.
And everyday Cybersecurity threats are on the rise and continually evolving:
- In one year, close to 1 billion emails were exposed, affecting 20% of internet users.
- The average cost of data breaches for businesses was $4.35 million in 2022.
- The first half of 2022 saw approximately 236.1 million ransomware attacks globally.
- In 2021, half of American internet users experienced account breaches.
- Cyber attacks affected 39% of UK businesses in 2022.
- Roughly 1 in 10 US organizations lack insurance coverage against cyber attacks.
- During the first half of 2022, over 53.35 million US citizens were impacted by cybercrime.
- The average cost of cybercrime for UK businesses in 2022 was £4200.
- Malware attacks increased by 358% in 2020 compared to 2019.
- Phishing is the most prevalent cyber threat facing businesses and individuals.
The severe consequences of inadequate cybersecurity measures are evident. Therefore, obtaining ISO 27001 certification can provide significant benefits due to its wide recognition as an international standard. This recognition can enhance the commercial potential for both businesses and individuals.
ISO 27001 not only equips businesses with the necessary knowledge to protect their valuable data but also serves as a powerful demonstration of an organization's commitment to securing their data.
A business that obtains ISO 27001 certification showcases its dedication to information security to potential clients and business partners. Similarly, individuals can exhibit their qualifications to future employers by getting ISO 27001 certification through a course, exam, and certification audit.
READ MORE: SOC 2 vs. ISO 27001: Which to Choose?
An Overview: Types of Penetration Testing and Requirements for ISO 27001 Compliance
Penetration testing (commonly referred to as ‘pentest’) which simulates malicious attacks to identify vulnerabilities and evaluate information security controls, is an essential tactic for risk management. Certified professionals should conduct penetration testing services to identify gaps and provide the basis for corrective actions to improve existing information security standards.
Although ISO 27001's requirement for technical vulnerability information may be satisfied by vulnerability analysis, more complex systems like custom web applications require penetration testing to ensure adequate information security measures.
There are various types of penetration testing, including:
Internal and external infrastructure testing for vulnerabilities
Testing for wireless penetration
Testing web applications
Testing mobile applications
Review of build and configuration
Social engineering
Black, gray, and white box testing
Understanding Who Needs Penetration Testing Compliance
Penetration testing is essential for any business that values the security of its digital infrastructure. While compliance regulations may vary across different industries, there are specific security standards that require manual penetration testing. However, it is advisable to conduct a pentest even if the compliance regulations do not mandate it.
Here are some examples of compliance regulations that require manual penetration testing based on specific industries:
HIPAA:
Healthcare facilities that deal with insurance-related information must comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which mandates regular penetration testing to protect sensitive data.
PCI-DSS:
Companies operating in the payment processing industry must comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS), which requires regular penetration testing to protect payment card information.
SOC 2:
Organizations that provide any service, including technology and software, must comply with the Service Organization Control (SOC) 2 guidelines, which require regular penetration testing to protect customer data.
ISO 27001:
Businesses prioritizing information security should comply with the International Organization for Standardization’s (ISO) 27001 guidelines, which require regular penetration testing to identify and remediate potential security vulnerabilities.
When hiring a penetration testing firm, it’s important to choose one that can provide you with the highest-quality work and uphold its certification.
Here are five key factors to consider when searching for an ISO 27001 penetration testing firm:
1. Relevant Experience and Expertise
An ISO 27001 penetration testing company with relevant experience and expertise is crucial in ensuring the success of your penetration testing efforts. When choosing a penetration testing company, it is important to ensure they have a proven track record of conducting successful penetration tests. A company with a good reputation is more likely to deliver quality services that meet your business requirements.
Another factor to consider is whether the company has experience in your business's specific industry. Different industries have unique security challenges, and an experienced penetration testing company with industry-specific knowledge is better placed to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
In addition to experience, the penetration testing company should have certified penetration testers with relevant credentials. Certification programs like the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and Certified Penetration Testing Professional (CPTP) ensure that testers have the necessary skills and knowledge to conduct effective penetration testing. It is crucial to verify that the company's testers have these certifications and that they are up to date.
Overall, selecting a penetration testing company with relevant experience and expertise will help ensure the penetration testing process is successful and valuable for your business.
2. Testing Methodology and Tools
When it comes to penetration testing, it's crucial to understand the testing methodology and tools used. The methodology and tools used by the testing company can significantly impact the effectiveness of the test and the results produced.
A professional ISO 27001 penetration testing company should be able to explain its testing approach in detail and provide a clear understanding of the process.
This includes outlining the:
Types of tests conducted
Vulnerabilities they will target
Methods they will use to access the systems
In addition to having a well-defined methodology, the testing company should use advanced tools and software to ensure comprehensive testing. These tools should be regularly updated with the latest threats and attack methods.
Some commonly used tools in penetration testing include:
These tools help to automate the testing process and enable the testers to identify vulnerabilities that may be missed through manual testing.
It's essential to ensure that the testing company is transparent about the tools and processes they use. This will give businesses confidence that they receive a comprehensive and practical test that identifies vulnerabilities and provides actionable recommendations to improve their security posture.
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3. Reporting and Communication
Effective communication is critical for a successful ISO 27001 penetration testing engagement. The testing company should be able to provide clear and concise reporting that outlines all identified vulnerabilities and offers actionable recommendations to address them. The report should be presented in a way that is easy for the business to understand, regardless of their technical expertise.
The report should include a detailed analysis of the testing methodology and the tools used during the engagement. This will help the business understand the approach the testing company took and have confidence in the results. Additionally, the report should provide a breakdown of the identified vulnerabilities based on their severity level, potential impact, and ease of exploitation.
To ensure effective communication, the testing company should be available to answer any questions or concerns the business may have throughout the testing process. They should also be open to discussing any issues that arise during the testing and provide regular updates on the progress of the engagement.
Following the testing, the company is expected to furnish a conclusive report that summarizes the discoveries and suggestions. To guarantee that the vulnerabilities and their remedies are comprehended, the report must be examined with the business. The testing company must also be accessible for continuous assistance and to respond to any further queries that may emerge.
4. Price and Budget Considerations
When it comes to pricing and budgeting for ISO 27001 penetration testing, it is crucial for businesses to prioritize quality over cost. Although opting for a cheaper alternative may seem attractive, insufficient testing could lead to expensive security breaches. Therefore, it is vital to identify a testing company that offers quality services within the business's financial limitations.
Furthermore, when selecting a testing company, businesses must evaluate the value for money. Some companies may provide lower prices, but they may not offer the same level of quality or may overlook certain vulnerabilities during testing. To ensure that the business gets the best return on investment, it is important to assess the company's experience, expertise, tools, and pricing.
Additionally, businesses should consider the potential costs of security breaches resulting from inadequate testing. Apart from financial expenses, security breaches can harm the company's reputation, erode customer trust, and lead to legal ramifications. By investing in high-quality testing, the company can avoid these expensive consequences in the long term.
Best Practices for ISO 27001 Penetration testing
Conducting regular penetration testing:
It is recommended to perform penetration testing at least once a year or whenever significant changes are made to the information system.
Engaging experienced and reputable penetration testing service providers:
Hiring experienced and reputable service providers who can provide accurate and actionable reports is crucial.
Clearly defining the scope of the penetration testing:
It is essential to limit the size of the penetration testing to ensure that all critical areas of the information system are tested.
Obtaining senior management buy-in:
Senior management buy-in is crucial for the success of penetration testing. It helps to ensure that the necessary resources are allocated for the testing and the recommendations are implemented.
By following best practices, organizations can ensure that their information system is secure and that sensitive information is protected from unauthorized access.
Conclusion
In conclusion, penetration testing is an essential component of any comprehensive cybersecurity program. It helps identify vulnerabilities and risks attackers could exploit to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data.
When selecting a penetration testing company, businesses should consider the relevant experience and expertise of the firm, their testing methodology and tools, reporting and communication capabilities, and budget considerations.
Protect your business from cyber threats with Johanson Group's comprehensive penetration testing and compliance certification services.
By choosing a professional risk advisory firm like Johanson Group, LLP, businesses can benefit from a team of experts with vast experience conducting successful penetration tests and compliance audits such as SOC 2 and HIPAA attestation. With Johanson Group, businesses can rest assured that their sensitive data is protected by the latest and most advanced security measures.
Contact us today to learn how we can help secure your business.