5 Key IT Security Testing Practices That Will Protect Your Business

Every business is at risk of cyberattacks. As a business owner, your priority is to keep your company safe, ensuring that both your internal systems and customer data are protected. But with so many security measures out there, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That's where IT security testing comes in. Regular testing can help you spot vulnerabilities before they turn into real threats. In this blog, we'll walk you through 5 key security testing practices that can safeguard your business, boost your cybersecurity posture, and ensure your operations run smoothly without interruptions.

[.c-button-wrap][.c-button-main][.c-button-icon-content]Contact Us[.c-button-icon-content][.c-button-main][.c-button-wrap]

What is IT security testing, and how does it work?

Before we dive into the best practices, it’s important to understand what IT security testing really involves. Essentially, it's a process of evaluating your system’s defenses against cyber threats. The goal is simple: identify weaknesses in your network, applications, and other critical infrastructure. By performing regular security assessments, you can proactively prevent potential security breaches before they cause any harm.

There are many different types of security testing available, ranging from simple vulnerability scanning to more advanced techniques like penetration testing. With the right combination of tools and testing techniques, you’ll be able to stay ahead of the hackers and ensure your company’s data is safe.

Practice #1 Vulnerability scanning

When it comes to maintaining a solid security posture, vulnerability scanning is one of the first steps in any security testing strategy. Think of it as a routine check-up for your network and systems. Vulnerability scans are designed to detect weak spots that hackers could exploit, such as outdated software, missing patches, or misconfigurations.

Vulnerability scanning works by using security testing tools to scan your systems for known vulnerabilities. These tools compare your system’s configurations and software versions to a database of known issues, alerting you to any potential problems. By running scans regularly, you can stay on top of emerging threats and address them before they cause any damage.

Why is this important for your business? Well, your company likely runs a range of software, including applications that store sensitive data or facilitate transactions. If one of these programs is outdated or insecure, it’s a prime target for attackers. Regular vulnerability scanning helps identify and patch security flaws quickly, keeping your business secure and compliant with industry standards.

Practice #2 Penetration testing

If vulnerability scanning is a proactive check-up, penetration testing is like a simulated cyberattack. In penetration testing (or pen testing), ethical hackers (or security testers) attempt to exploit vulnerabilities in your systems, just like an actual attacker would. This allows you to see how your security measures would hold up in a real attack and identify any weaknesses you might have missed.

Unlike automated scans, penetration testing involves more in-depth analysis and manual testing. Testers use different security testing tools to probe your network, web applications, and infrastructure for potential weaknesses. The goal is to identify any security flaws that could lead to a security breach or compromise your sensitive information.

Penetration tests are often performed periodically or when major changes are made to your infrastructure. The results provide you with an actionable report showing exactly where your security could be improved. This can include everything from improving network security to applying the right security patches.

Practice #3 Risk assessment

Every business has its own unique set of risks. Whether you’re dealing with sensitive information, cyber security threats, or compliance regulations, understanding your specific risks is crucial to your managed security service strategy. That’s where risk assessments come in. A risk assessment evaluates your company’s overall security posture and determines the likelihood of a security breach or other incident.

By performing regular risk assessments, you can identify critical vulnerabilities in your network security and applications. This allows you to prioritize the areas that need immediate attention, ensuring that your resources are allocated efficiently to mitigate the most pressing risks. Additionally, a well-executed risk assessment provides valuable insights into potential security incidents and gives you the chance to develop a comprehensive plan to address them.

Practice #4 Regular system audits

In addition to vulnerability scans and penetration testing, regular system audits play a vital role in maintaining cyber security. A system audit is a thorough review of your company's IT infrastructure, including its processes, policies, and security measures. This helps ensure that your IT environment is aligned with your business goals and compliant with industry regulations.

Audits can identify issues related to data security, network security, and overall system performance. They also allow you to check if your security measures, such as firewalls, anti-virus software, and access controls, are functioning properly and in line with security policies. The result? A clear understanding of your security weaknesses and the ability to address them swiftly before they turn into costly problems.

By conducting system audits regularly, you maintain security awareness across your organization, and ensure your systems are always operating at their best. In turn, this helps reduce downtime, improve overall network security, and safeguard your sensitive information.

Practice #5 Employee training and awareness

Often, the weakest link in a company’s cybersecurity isn’t the software or hardware—it’s the people using it. Employee training and awareness are critical for ensuring your team understands the importance of security, how to recognize potential threats, and how to respond to security incidents.

Training your employees on application security, cyber security best practices, and how to identify phishing or social engineering attacks can significantly reduce the risk of a security breach. Furthermore, building a culture of security awareness means that everyone in your organization is actively involved in protecting the company’s data and systems.

By offering training and creating ongoing awareness programs, you can help your team stay informed on the latest security threats and make them aware of the types of security testing that can help protect your organization. This investment in your people is one of the most effective ways to strengthen your security posture and keep your business safe.

Final thoughts

Maintaining a strong security strategy is essential for any business, but it can often feel like a daunting task. By adopting these IT security testing practices—vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, risk assessments, system audits, and employee training—you can mitigate security risks and protect your company from security threats. The good news is that you don’t have to do this alone. With the right support, you can focus on running your business while experts take care of your IT security needs.

RTC Managed Services has been helping businesses across Ontario strengthen their IT security since 2007. With a team of dedicated professionals, we offer personalized managed IT security solutions, proactive support, and comprehensive security strategies that are tailored to meet your specific business needs.

[.c-button-wrap][.c-button-main][.c-button-icon-content]Contact Us[.c-button-icon-content][.c-button-main][.c-button-wrap]

Frequently asked questions

What is the best type of security testing for my business?

The best type of security testing for your business depends on your specific needs. For most businesses, a combination of vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, and risk assessments will provide comprehensive protection. Additionally, application security testing and network security testing are essential for businesses handling sensitive data or operating in highly regulated industries.

How can application security testing benefit my business?

Application security testing focuses on identifying vulnerabilities within your business applications. By testing the security of the applications you use, you ensure that sensitive data is protected and that attackers can’t exploit weaknesses. This form of testing, including techniques like static application security testing and dynamic application security testing, helps improve the overall security of your systems and minimize potential security vulnerabilities.

What are the common types of security testing?

The common types of security testing include network security testing, application security testing, and penetration testing. Each of these techniques is designed to evaluate different aspects of your IT infrastructure and identify any weaknesses that could lead to a security breach. Whether you're testing your network's defenses or assessing your applications, these tests help evaluate the security of your systems and identify any security issues.

How do security tools improve my network security?

Security tools such as firewalls, antivirus software, and security testing tools play a critical role in improving network security. These tools help detect and block malicious activity, monitor your systems for potential threats, and assist in security scanning. With the right network security tools, you can protect your infrastructure and data from security vulnerabilities and attacks.

What are the benefits of dynamic analysis in security testing?

Dynamic analysis is a method of testing that involves evaluating your application or network during operation. It provides real-time insights into how the system behaves under normal conditions, helping to identify issues that static analysis may miss. Dynamic application security testing (DAST) is especially useful for uncovering runtime vulnerabilities and is a key technique for assessing the overall security posture of your business.

Why should I use automated tools for security testing?

Using automated tools for security testing offers numerous benefits, including speed, accuracy, and the ability to perform continuous monitoring. These tools can quickly scan for known security vulnerabilities, assess your systems against security standards, and provide you with detailed reports. They help ensure that your security defenses are always up to date and that potential threats are detected early in the software development lifecycle.