By Optimizing the security network infrastructure is the prime responsibility of organizations in this era of growing cyber concerns. Authorities opt for various types of security solutions, but unexplored vulnerabilities often inflict damage at some point. Therefore, identifying security vulnerabilities is more than necessary before implementing solutions.
Penetration testing, also known as pen testing, and ethical hacking are the two most popular solutions for vulnerability testing. Pen testing conducts security tests on specific targets and identifies vulnerabilities. On the other hand, ethical hacking launches the known cyber-attacks on the network systems to test the security. Both have their specific uses and must be implemented carefully to get the desired results.
Scroll into the details of this article to learn and explore all you must know about penetration testing vs. ethical hacking and choose the best option for your setup.
Top 6 Differences in Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking
Penetration testing and ethical hacking are two different concepts with varied implications and outcomes. However, many people still confuse them to be the same and face negative repercussions by making the wrong choice. Learning the differences between the two in detail can offer support for better decision-making in the future.
Here are the most notable differences between penetration testing and ethical hacking, which can help you make the better choice.
Purpose
The purpose is the major point of difference between pen testing and ethical hacking. The former is more focused on identifying vulnerabilities in network systems and checking security responses to real-time attacks. The latter is used to uncover vulnerabilities in the security network and offer cybersecurity evaluations to improve security infrastructure.
Pen testing helps strengthen security, but ethical hacking helps improve the overall infrastructure. Deciding which one is better is often tricky for organizations. Therefore, authorities consult experts from cybersecurity companies in UAE for the right option and let them implement it to optimize the overall security network and infrastructure.
Scope
Scope is the next point of difference between pen testing and ethical hacking. Pen testing offers a targeted assessment of the highlighted aspects of an IT system. The authorities only focus on the utmost aspects due to time limitations and budget constraints.
On the contrary, ethical hacking assesses the entire IT system and infrastructure. It has a much broader scope and requires extensive planning and budgeting to hack into the potential vulnerabilities. It can also take a long time, often extending to months. So, if you want immediate results on a low budget, pen testing is the suitable option for you.
Permissions Required
Permissions required for testing are the next point of difference between pen testing and ethical hacking. Pen testing usually targets specific systems, so the concerned authorities or experts only need access permission for these systems.
On the other hand, ethical hacking targets extended network systems, which require more access permissions. The scope of ethical hacking is broader, and the on-boarded hackers need to access a wider range of systems. They will need permission for all the internal networks and might use other techniques for external ones.
Approach
The testing approach is the next point of difference between pen testing and ethical hacking. Pen testing is focused on identifying vulnerabilities, so it opts for more systematic approaches to achieve the goal. It comprises reconnaissance, scanning, exploitation, and post-exploitation activities.
On the contrary, ethical hacking is more focused on testing network security by launching potential attacks, so it opts for a more aggressive approach. It actively exploits the vulnerabilities while simulating real cyber-attacks. Such an approach highlights all security vulnerabilities without inflicting potential damage.
Knowledge or Expertise Required
Knowledge and expertise required is another notable point of difference between pen testing and ethical hacking. Pen-testers only require knowledge and expertise regarding specific test types and the area of the target.
On the other hand, ethical hackers require specific certifications and qualifications to conduct hacking successfully. They must have significant expertise in hacking tools, techniques, and related aspects to ensure better control over the situation. Things might go south during ethical hacking, so the hackers must be skilled enough to reverse the damage.
Also Read : Top Cyber Security Threats, You need to know about Cyberattacks
Depth of Analysis
Depth of analysis is the last point of difference between penetration testing and ethical hacking. The former is a comprehensive approach but does not delve deeper into advanced technologies. On the other hand, the latter offers a deeper analysis of potential attacks and vulnerabilities to craft detailed security strategies.
Regular pen testing can help you identify and bridge security gaps without any hassle. However, regular ethical hacking is a bit tricky as it requires proper contractual agreements, scope defining, and other details, which can be hectic and time-consuming. You can hire penetration testing companies in UAE to let experts implement pen tests to identify and fix common security vulnerabilities.
Do you need pen testing or ethical hacking?
Yes now we are in position to conclude penetration testing vs. ethical hacking in better way. Ethical hacking can be time-consuming and requires an extensive budget, too. On the other hand, pen testing is a more cost-effective and immediate solution that can help you mend security gaps. If you lack the expertise required for it, onboard experts from reliable security service providers and optimize your network security.
