Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in cybersecurity incidents, highlighting that our defenses are still inadequate. However, a positive aspect of these incidents is that they have heightened public awareness about the vulnerabilities of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) systems. These events have underscored the real risks faced by the technologies relied upon by businesses, governments, and individuals, thereby strengthening the argument for proactive measures against security breaches.
In essence, these incidents have shown that the best defense is a good offense. The growing frequency of such incidents has also emphasized the need for ongoing testing of our defense systems.
Cybersecurity Testing Solutions: The Standard Framework
Cybersecurity testing solutions typically incorporate three progressive layers of defense: vulnerability scanning, penetration testing (pen testing), and red-teaming.
The initial layer, vulnerability scanning, is a passive defense method. It involves automated checks of systems for known vulnerabilities at regular intervals, generating reports that summarize the findings. This layer is crucial for ongoing maintenance and monitoring.
The second layer, penetration testing, introduces an active human component. This process engages one or more cybersecurity professionals who actively use a broader set of tools to detect and exploit system vulnerabilities. These experts attempt to breach systems using identified weak points, providing valuable insights that help system operators repair vulnerabilities and implement robust, long-term defenses against future breaches.
Each layer builds on the previous one, forming a comprehensive defense strategy against cyber threats.
Red-teaming, the third layer of cybersecurity testing, further amplifies and intensifies the active human element in security assessments. It involves an offensive exercise designed to simulate a sophisticated and evolving cyberattack on a specific ecosystem or set of systems. This method is often used to evaluate the effectiveness of long-term defensive strategies implemented following a successful penetration testing campaign.
Operators who are currently in the pen-testing phase or are contemplating responses to pen-testing outcomes may not yet engage in red-teaming. This advanced level of testing is typically reserved for systems that have already addressed initial vulnerabilities and are looking to test the resilience of their defenses under more aggressive and complex attack scenarios.
PTaaS: An Addition To The Standard Model
The three-layer structure of cybersecurity testing is flexible, with innovations like Penetration Testing as a Service (PTaaS) adding versatility within the second layer. PTaaS allows users to access on-demand penetration testing in an agile format, mirroring the Software as a Service (SaaS) model. This approach to pen testing has been rapidly adopted in the computer software industry, offering a more dynamic and accessible way for organizations to conduct security assessments without the need for long-term commitments or extensive in-house expertise.
Penetration Testing as a Service (PTaaS) enhances traditional pen testing by automating aspects of the process. This reduces the need for a large number of specialists and eliminates the constraints of aligning with their schedules. PTaaS operates through cloud-based software that users can tailor to their specific needs. This service enables continuous monitoring of automated pen tests and produces real-time reports, allowing users to immediately assess the results. This setup not only streamlines the testing process but also improves its efficiency and responsiveness to emerging threats.
Overlap and Differences Between PTaaS and the SaaS Model
PTaaS solutions share several features with Software as a Service (SaaS).
Like SaaS, PTaaS is centrally hosted on the cloud and accessible from any connected device. These solutions are platform-based, providing users with tools to monitor and analyze penetration testing results. PTaaS, like SaaS, operates on a subscription basis and receives more frequent updates compared to traditional services.
However, there are notable differences between PTaaS and SaaS. While SaaS typically focuses on automated services, PTaaS combines automated tools with human-driven services, integrating expert analysis and intervention.
Moreover, the SaaS model has been established long enough to have developed a set of informal standards, setting clear user expectations for service range and features. In contrast, PTaaS is relatively new and has yet to form a similar set of industry-wide expectations.
Challenges In Adopting PTaaS
The PTaaS model isn’t suitable for every scenario. In cases where there’s a highly complex environment that demands extensive domain expertise in specific technologies, hiring a dedicated consultant might be a better approach. Another limitation of PTaaS is its lack of customization for individual users or organizations. For example, PTaaS may not be the ideal solution for testing intricate industrial control systems, where tailored testing processes and deep technical knowledge are crucial.
What to expect from a PTaaS
Many businesses are opting for the PTaaS model for the same reasons they choose SaaS: affordability, convenience, and ease of access. However, it’s crucial to establish minimum criteria when evaluating such solutions. Here are some essential features a PTaaS should offer:
- On-demand and agile access to human-led pen testing along with automated techniques.
- Quick turnaround time, typically 24 hours or less, for human-led testing services.
- Continuous monitoring capabilities powered by automation.
- Seamless retesting to ensure immediate problem identification and mitigation.
- Real-time reporting that alerts users to issues as they occur.
- Direct integration with DevOps tools to expedite issue resolution.
- Enhanced accuracy and data analytics leveraging the platform’s intelligence.
- Cost-effectiveness compared to traditional pen testing methods.
This list is comprehensive and might present some barriers to entering the PTaaS market. However, these challenges are not necessarily drawbacks. PTaaS providers should significantly invest in research and development to enhance their offerings. These solutions should effectively automate the detection of known vulnerabilities and enable human experts to identify new threats. Such advancements will not only make pen testing more accessible to businesses of all sizes but also ensure that PTaaS evolves beyond mere vulnerability scanning or traditional pen testing. This approach could significantly contribute to broader adoption of robust security measures during a time of escalating risks.
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