In the 2013 film, Escape Plan, Ray Breslin—played by action superstar Sylvester Stallone—is the owner of a security firm that specializes in testing prisons for weaknesses.

In the movie, Stallone is hired by prison wardens to pose as an inmate so he can study the facility. As the name suggests, he exploits vulnerabilities in the facility and eventually escapes.

With the results of his study, the wardens were able to strengthen the security they had in place and prevent actual security breaches.

Now think of a company’s database like a prison. And instead of preventing someone from getting out, you want to stop a threat from getting in.

Well, that’s where penetration testing service comes in.

Penetration testing is an authorised simulation that replicates a cyber attack. The aim is to assess its security. It helps an organization prepare for the possibility of an actual attack. Here’s a list of the most common cyber attack types that can threaten your systems.

1. Malware Attack

Malware is unwanted software that is downloaded on your system. It is similar to a virus. The software attaches itself to code, replicating and destroying vital information.

There are various types of malware, including ransomware and macro viruses. They can slow down your system, steal data, and perform many other unwanted actions.

2. Distributed Denial-Of-Service (DDoS) Attacks

This type of attack is carried out externally, with a goal of overwhelming the system in question. During an attack, fake traffic is directed to the site which the servers are unable to handle. As a result, the site fails and actual customers are denied services.

Sometimes, hackers are looking to tap into the system once it goes offline. Once in, they can launch another type of attack—such as hijacking—causing even more damage.

3. Password Attacks

This one is pretty straightforward; they involve hackers obtaining passwords, giving them access to a host of information. There are two types of password attacks:

·         A brute-force attack is more aggressive, randomly trying as many passwords as the system has resources for until the right one is found

·         A dictionary attack employs the use of common passwords to find a way in

4. Phishing Attacks

Phishing is when emails are sent out by hackers, claiming to be from a legitimate company. The hackers generally ask for personal information, including credit card details. Once successful, they can access the bank accounts or online account details of victims.

Are you worried about the security of your site?

Lean Security is one of Australia’s leading penetration testing service providers. We’ve helped thousands of big and small businesses make their sites more secure.

To find out how we can help you, give us a call at +61 (2) 8078 6952 or message us here.

Plus, check out if you’re applicable for free services!