833-847-3280
Schedule a Call

Penetration Testing vs. Vulnerability Scanning

Penetration Testing

There are many differences between penetration testing and vulnerability scanning or assessments.

Based on NIST SP 800-115, Technical Guide to Information Security Testing and Assessment,

Penetration Testing is

“Security testing in which evaluators mimic real-world attacks in an attempt to identify ways to circumvent the security features of an application, system, or network. Penetration testing often involves issuing real attacks on real systems and data, using the same tools and techniques used by actual attackers. Most penetration tests involve looking for combinations of vulnerabilities on a single system or multiple systems that can be used to gain more access than could be achieved through a single vulnerability.”

This means that an engineer, or tester, is interacting and trying to exploit vulnerabilities. Discovery findings are located on the target systems or web application. It is human driven. The idea is that the engineer or tester will be acting like a “hacker.” NIST calls this Active Security Testing.
 
In addition, NIST 800-115 also states that Passive Security Testing is “Security testing that does not involve any direct interaction with the targets.” This represents vulnerability scans.  
 
An engineer or tester might plug certain information into the software. The rest of the engagement is the software scanning in-scope devices or applications for known vulnerabilities. This is an automated process. Consequently, some software also has a little check box that will allow for some vulnerabilities to be exploited. This method isn’t always accurate and contains limitations.
 
Moreover, software just doesn’t have the human wisdom that experienced testers or engineers have. They are looking for many vulnerabilities that could create a significant hole in your network.
For example, they are looking at things that aren’t based on business logic, such as default credentials.
 

What about vulnerability assessments?

The human element verifies that the vulnerabilities actually exist. Sometimes the scanning software produces a false positive. A tester or engineer verifies each finding to ensure you have a list of vulnerabilities based on current knowledge.
 
In short, each has it’s place but the differences should be clear. If you would like to learn more about these services, contact us today.

Latest Posts

A transparent image used for creating empty spaces in columns
Penetration Testing for Ransomware Prevention
Ransomware attacks have become one of the most disruptive and costly cyber threats facing organizations today. With incidents targeting everything from hospitals and schools to large enterprises and critical infrastructure, no organization is immune. Cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities in networks, applications, and human behavior to gain…
A transparent image used for creating empty spaces in columns
Beyond the Checklist: PCI DSS 4.0’s Risk-Based Penetration Testing
With the release of PCI DSS 4.0, penetration testing is no longer viewed as just a once-a-year checkbox item. Instead, the standard takes a dynamic, risk-based approach that aligns testing with real-world threats, changes in system environments, and evolving business operations. Rather than applying a…
A transparent image used for creating empty spaces in columns
From Risk to Resilience: Penetration Test Strategic Roadmaps
Penetration testing is one of the most powerful tools in an organization’s cybersecurity arsenal. But a test is only as valuable as the action it inspires. Too often, penetration test reports are treated as one-off exercises or compliance checkboxes. The real value comes when those…
A transparent image used for creating empty spaces in columns
Meeting the Mark: PCI DSS 4.0 Penetration Testing Reporting
As cyber threats grow more complex and persistent, regulatory frameworks like PCI DSS 4.0 have evolved to demand more rigorous and transparent security practices. One of the key updates in PCI DSS 4.0 is the enhanced requirement for penetration testing reports, pushing organizations to go…
A transparent image used for creating empty spaces in columns
Penetration Test Report Analysis: How to Understand and Act on Findings
A penetration test, also known as a pen test, is a crucial cybersecurity measure that enables organizations to identify vulnerabilities in their networks, applications, and security controls. However, the real value of a penetration test lies in how well an organization can interpret the findings…
A transparent image used for creating empty spaces in columns
PCI DSS 4.0: Security Controls with Penetration Testing
The release of PCI DSS 4.0 introduces significant enhancements to the security landscape, particularly in the area of security controls and penetration testing. While penetration testing has always been a critical component in identifying vulnerabilities within a network or system, the updated PCI DSS standards…
More Posts
contact

Our Team

Name(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
quick links to

Our Services

  • Network Penetration Testing
    •
  • Web Application Penetration Testing
    •
  • API Testing
    •
  • Network Vulnerability Scanning
    •
  • Mobile Application Penetration Testing
    •
  • WiFi Testing
    •
  • Web Application Vulnerability Scanning
    •
  • Security Risk Assessments
    •
    call our security experts 833-847-3280

    833-847-3280

    X-twitter Facebook-f Google Linkedin-in Threads

    Careers

    On Load
    Where? .serviceMM
    What? Mega Menu: Services
    Call
    Visit

    833-847-3280

    201 E Pikes Peak Ave Suite 2025
    Colorado Springs, CO 80903