Pen Testing Services

Pen testing in Toronto and Canada by CAS Cyber Security. Our professional cyber security team provides in-depth, high quality penetration tests. We use a mix of manual and automated pen testing techniques to ensure a thorough evaluation. Reach out to our cyber security experts today!

Call: 416-268-5494

What is Penetration Testing?

Penetration testing, often referred to as "pen testing", is a simulated cyber attack on a computer system, network, or application, conducted to evaluate its security posture. In simple terms penetration testing is where a cyber security expert puts themselves in the shoes of an attacker and tries to hack the client. By understanding what vulnerabilities were exploited, you are able to plug the holes before any damage is done. Of equal value, a penetration test is the most accurate way to assess your cyber risk profile.

By simulating an attack, pen tests provide unmatched insight into both how an attack could occur and what the outcome of an attack might look like. This provides decision makers with the data to properly assess risk tolerance and make informed decisions on their digital infrastructure.

A CAS pen test consists of an executive summary which can be easily digested by non-technical executives, a summary of the vulnerabilities, a detailed list of recommendations & action items, and lastly all the supporting documentation as produced during the testing. Contact one of our cyber security experts today at 416-268-5494.

Evaluate the effectiveness of security systems

Simulate an attack from a malicious source

Accurately assess the cyber risk profile

How Does Testing Work

Penetration testing isn't a formulated science but rather an art. Every pen test will look different as every organization has a unique digital footprint. CAS has a variety of methods and tools developed throughout years of experience which pen testers utilize throughout the engagement. CAS utilizes a combination of open source tools, proprietary software packages, and paid-for assets to conduct pen tests.

The boxes below represent some of the many avenues penetration testers attempt to utilize throughout the penetration test. As pen testers are replicating cyber attackers they use their judgement in selecting which methods are more likely to succeed for a given engagement.

External Web Servers

Deploy Denial of Service (DOS) attacks designed to take down websites

Credential Cracking

Try commonly used passwords to get access to user and admin accounts

Local Servers

Exploit vulnerabilities on internal servers to disrupt operations and steal data

Authentication Bypass

Access privileged information by bypassing authentication mechanisms

Phishing Emails

Harvest credentials and deploy malware via email based phishing attacks

Databases

Get admin credentials to internal databases by exploiting weak security

External Applications

Gain privileged access by conducting SQL injection attacks to external assets

USB Drops

Spread malware by having employees inject USB drives inside the network

Network Boundaries

Move laterally inside the network accessing devices and mimicking ransomware

VPN Tunnels

Bypass security mechanisms by accessing VPN tunnels

Email Servers

Shut down and gain elevated access to internal email servers

User Workstations

Take remote control of user workstations by deploying embedded scripts

The CAS Difference

When assessing potential penetration testing services the number one question should be can this group effectively mimic what a real life cyber attack would be. As with anything else in life, the best way to learn something is by doing it, so in assessing penetration testers ideally you're looking for someone with experience in hacking.

And when it comes to experienced hackers you have two main options: cyber criminals or us. Cyber criminals are great at what they do, but understandably there are often trust issues. Besides, a good cyber criminal can make far more money conducting a malicious cyber attack than performing a pen test for a fee.

The team at CAS Cyber Security is built around former military officers who have real life experience in conducting offensive cyber operations on behalf of governments. There simply isn't a substitute for this level of experience.

Every pen test is led by Eduardo Cochella, a former Peruvian Naval Officer. During Eduardo's tenure in the Navy he held various posts including leading offensive cyber operations at Peruvian Cyber Command. Edward Rankin, President & CEO, also plays an active role in all pen testing and signs off on every report. Edward studied cyber warfare at the US Naval Academy and held various leadership posts inside the US Navy.

Eduardo Cochella
Manager, Pen Testing

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The Importance of Penetration Testing in Toronto & Canada

Identifying Security Vulnerabilities: One of the primary benefits of penetration tests is the identification of security gaps in the system. These gaps, if left unchecked, can lead to significant cybersecurity incidents, potentially jeopardizing company data and reputation.
Evaluating Security Controls: By undergoing regular pen tests, companies can gauge the effectiveness of their security controls, ensuring they align with security strategies and standards.
Reducing the Attack Surface: A company's attack surface comprises all the potential points an unauthorized user might exploit. Penetration testing helps minimize this surface by identifying and rectifying security weaknesses.
Compliance and Assurance: Many industries have regulations requiring periodic security assessments. Pen tests provide the assurance that companies are compliant and take care of client satisfaction.

Types of Penetration Testing

Application Security Assessment: This test focuses on the security of software applications. It's crucial in the software development lifecycle to ensure applications are free from critical vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit.
Mobile App Security: With the rise of mobile platforms, ensuring mobile application security has become paramount. These tests evaluate the resilience of mobile applications against cyber threats.
Network Penetration Testing: This involves assessing the security of internal networks and network systems. It identifies vulnerabilities in the network infrastructure that could be exploited during a cyber attack.
Cloud Security Testing: As businesses move to cloud platforms, ensuring cloud security is vital. This test evaluates the security posture of cloud-based systems and applications.
Social Engineering Test: Human errors can often be the weakest link in a security chain. Social engineering testing gauges an organization's vulnerability to deceptive tactics employed by attackers to gain unauthorized access.

Penetration Testing Methods

Manual Testing: Here, ethical hackers manually exploit potential vulnerabilities without the use of automated tools. Manual Penetration provides a more in-depth understanding of the system and its weaknesses.
Automated Testing: This method uses software to automate the testing process. It's efficient for detecting known vulnerabilities but may not identify new or complex ones.

CAS Cyber Security: Your Partner in Fortifying Digital Defenses

CAS Cyber Security offers comprehensive penetration testing services tailored to your organization's specific needs. Our team of security testing experts uses a mix of manual and automated techniques to ensure a thorough evaluation of your systems. With a focus on client satisfaction, we prioritize the identification of technical vulnerabilities, offering remediation strategies for every issue we uncover.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should a company conduct penetration tests? Frequent testing is recommended. As cyber threats evolve, it's vital to ensure your security measures are up-to-date. Many companies opt for annual tests, while others prefer bi-annual or even quarterly evaluations, depending on their industry and compliance requirements.
What's the difference between a vulnerability assessment and pen testing? While both are essential for a company's security posture, a vulnerability assessment focuses on identifying potential security vulnerabilities. In contrast, penetration tests actively try to exploit these vulnerabilities to assess the system's resilience.
Are CAS Cyber Security's ethical hackers certified? Absolutely! Our team consists of certified Offensive Security professionals and experts in various domains of cyber security assessments.
How does CAS Cyber Security ensure the security of its clients' data during testing? Client data's security is our utmost priority. We have stringent security controls and processes in place to ensure no data is compromised during testing. Additionally, our security testing services are designed to provide the highest assurance without jeopardizing client information.
What other services does CAS Cyber Security offer? Apart from pen testing, we offer a range of services, including security consulting, cyber audits, and BaaS. Our holistic approach ensures that every aspect of your organization's digital infrastructure is secure.
How long does a typical penetration test take? The duration of a pen test varies based on the scope and complexity of the environment being tested. A standard test might take a few days, while a more comprehensive evaluation could last several weeks.
Do I need to notify my IT department or security teams before conducting a pen test? Yes, it's essential to ensure that your IT and security teams are informed about the test to avoid any misunderstandings or disruptions.
How do pen tests fit into the broader cyber security landscape? Penetration tests are a part of a comprehensive security program. They work hand-in-hand with other security strategies and controls, ensuring that implemented measures are effective against real-world attack scenarios.
What is the difference between automated and manual penetration testing? Automated pen testing uses software tools to detect known vulnerabilities, while manual testing involves ethical hackers trying to find and exploit vulnerabilities without relying solely on automated tools. Manual testing can often uncover more complex and nuanced vulnerabilities.
Can pen testing disrupt my business operations? If conducted properly, pen testing should not disrupt your operations. However, it's always a good practice to schedule tests during off-peak hours or when potential disruptions would have the least impact.
How do I know if my organization is a good candidate for pen testing? Every organization, regardless of size or industry, can benefit from penetration testing. If you store or manage sensitive data, have an online presence, or use digital systems in your operations, pen testing can help safeguard your assets.
What happens after the pen test is completed? After the test, CAS Cyber Security provides a detailed report outlining the vulnerabilities found, their potential impact, and recommendations for remediation. This allows organizations to prioritize and address identified security gaps effectively.