What is Penetration Testing?

Penetration testing is the process of detecting real cyber attacks against an application, software, system or network under secure conditions. This helps evaluate how successful existing security measures would be against an actual attack.

What is Data Privacy?

Data privacy is the concept that provides protection against unauthorized access, use, disclosure or alteration of sensitive or personal information. In this way, individuals or institutions ensure that their information remains safe. 

What are Penetration Testing Applications?

Network Penetration Tests:

• It is performed to detect network security vulnerabilities and weak points.
• While performing these tests, Penetration Testing Execution Standard (PTES) should be taken as basis.
• It helps us evaluate the security of servers, network devices, firewalls and network infrastructure and take precautions.

Web Application Penetration Tests:

• It is done to detect security vulnerabilities of web applications.
• In web application penetration tests, it is necessary to pay particular attention to the vulnerabilities published in the OWASP10 list. In this way, progress will be more determined and accurate.

Physical Security Tests:

• We use it to test the adequacy of physical security measures.
• Examining the physical environment by observation is done by paying attention to everything in the environment.

Social Engineering Tests:

• It is one of the practices aimed at deceiving people. Inattention is the primary antecedent. 
• Can use methods such as phone calls, e-mail or personal interviews.

Wireless Network Penetration Tests:

• These are tests for accessing via wireless networks.
• Works on Wi-Fi passwords and network security vulnerabilities.

Application Security Tests:

• It is done to evaluate the security of mobile applications, desktop applications and other software applications.
• These are the tests we perform to find vulnerabilities in the application.

Open Source Software Exploits:

• We do this to evaluate security vulnerabilities in open source software and platforms.
• It is important to identify vulnerabilities for which open source projects have published fixes.

Internal Threat Tests:

• These are the tests we carry out to test malicious attacks that may come from employees within the tested institutions or organizations.
• This test is done to find an answer to the question of how the institution or organization will be affected when such a situation occurs.

Remote Access Tests:

• Penetration tests examining remote access points and VPN connections.
• This is the test model we use to test the security situation in the remote working model used by most employees today.

Data Privacy Practices

• It would be useful to consider GDPR standards when working on Data Privacy. 
• “GDPR contains the rules on the processing and protection of personal data in the European Union and is considered an effective data privacy standard worldwide.”

Data Encryption:

• It is a data privacy application used to prevent our sensitive data from being obtained or disclosed by third parties.
• Encryption can be done at different levels such as databases, files and communication tools.

Access Controls:

• These are controls made to ensure that only authorized persons have access to data.
• Using role-based access control can be effective in this regard.

Data Classification:

• Classifying data according to sensitivity and applying operations according to these classifications.
• For example, a distinction can be made between company data, contact data and personal data.

Data Backup and Recovery:

• Backing up data helps restore data in case of data loss.
• It is important to create data recovery plans and processes.

Network Security:

• It is very important to protect data traffic by using network security measures such as Firewal, antivirus software and firewalls.
• It is also necessary to apply security patches and updates regularly.

User Training and Awareness:

• Business employees need to be trained and their awareness increased about data privacy.
• It is very important to raise awareness that they should be careful against social engineering attacks.

Data Destruction Policies:

• These are policies that regulate the destruction of unnecessary data after a certain period of time.
• Ensures secure deletion of data that does not meet data requirements or does not comply with legal requirements.

Security Monitoring and Logging:

• Regular monitoring and evaluation of network and system logs helps recognize potential threats and respond quickly.

Security Software and Agents:

• It is necessary to use tools such as Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS), and security software.

Mobile Device Management:

• Using security features such as protecting data on mobile devices and remote deletion capabilities.

Penetration testing practices and data privacy practices should be followed in accordance with the NIST Guide. It would be very useful to take as a basis the following guides within the scope of NIST:

• NIST Cybersecurity Framework: The NIST Cybersecurity Framework is a guide that helps organizations understand, manage and mitigate cybersecurity risks.
• NIST SP 800–53: Known as the “Guide to Security and Privacy Controls,” SP 800–53 is a comprehensive guide used to secure federal information systems.
• NIST SP 800–171: Known as the “Controls and Safeguards Guide,” SP 800–171 is designed for federal subcontractors and their suppliers. This guidance helps outsourced organizations that access or store federal data meet information security requirements.
• NIST SP 800–30: Known as the “Risk Management Guide,” SP 800–30 helps organizations manage cybersecurity risks. It includes risk assessment, risk mitigation and risk monitoring processes.
• NIST SP 800–137: Known as the ”Guide to Information Security on Mobile Devices,” SP 800–137 addresses security issues related to mobile devices and provides organizations with strategies to keep their mobile devices secure.

What Penetration Testing Practices and Data Privacy Practices Have in Common 

Security Assessment: Both penetration testing and data privacy practices aim to assess the security posture of the organization. 

Defense Against Cyber Attacks: Both approaches aim to identify vulnerabilities that make organizations more vulnerable to cyber attacks and close these vulnerabilities. 

Awareness Raising and Training: Both approaches emphasize the importance of awareness and training within the organization. Employees should be trained against cyber threats and comply with data privacy policies.

Policy and Regulatory Compliance: Both approaches often include the need to comply with local and national regulations. 

Risk Mitigation: Penetration testing and data privacy practices help organizations reduce their risks. 

Continuous Improvement: Both approaches aim to ensure that organizations continually improve their security.