Penetration Testing
With malicious cyber attacks on the rise, companies have to adopt more effective security measures and keep up with rapidly changing threats. Penetration testing, also known as ethical hacking, is one of the most important tools in a business’s arsenal to protect against these attacks. A penetration test simulates real-world attacks that hackers launch to identify gaps in an organisation’s security systems and processes. By hiring a professional security penetration tester, you can prevent these security risks before they become a reality and mitigate your company’s vulnerability.
A penetration test involves using various tools akin to those used by cyber attackers to access information within your business system and try to gain unauthorised access. The penetration testing process includes five main stages: Information Gathering, Threat Modelling, Vulnerability Analysis, Exploitation, and Post Exploitation. Each stage takes into consideration the tools, techniques, and methodologies that a hacker might use to attack your business. Once the penetration testing australia is complete, you will receive a report that includes strategies to strengthen your company’s security measures and mitigate any potential risk.
While the Australian government has implemented some regulations to deal with cybersecurity, the country still has a patchwork of legislation. There is the Privacy Commissioner which has responsibility for all aspects of privacy law, sector specific regulators such as APRA for the financial services industry, and laws that require reporting of cyber incidents such as the SOCI Act.
Penetration Testing Laws in Australia
The SOCI Act requires entities responsible for key national infrastructure to report cyber incidents that impact these critical assets to the Australian Signals Directorate. It applies to assets in the electricity, gas, water, maritime and ports, space technology, healthcare, higher education, communications and telecommunications, and food and grocery sectors. This reporting is to be done within 24 hours of the entity becoming aware that a cyber incident has occurred.
In addition to the SOCI Act, there are also sector specific privacy laws and a requirement for reporting of eligible data breaches to the OAIC under the Privacy Act. In 2023-2024, the Attorney General’s ‘Privacy Act Review’ report will be released which may include proposals to tighten up notification timeframes (to match GDPR requirements) and additional obligations when handling employee records.
Despite the many regulatory frameworks and laws in place, it is important for businesses to take a proactive approach to cyber security. This can be achieved by regularly carrying out penetration tests and vulnerability assessments. A penetration test can help identify and address vulnerabilities in a business’s security systems, as well as support compliance with standards such as PCI DSS and HIPAA.
A data breach can have a devastating effect on a business’s reputation. Customers might lose confidence in the brand, and investors might be hesitant to invest. By carrying out a penetration test, a business can minimise the risks of a data breach and protect its reputation. This is why it is vital to conduct a penetration test at least once per year, and more frequently if required by compliance regulations or industry standards.