Configuration Reviews or Penetration Testing - what is the difference?

When it comes to determining weaknesses within your network structure, there is no longer a focus on securing the perimeter alone.  

When companies dive deeper into the security of their infrastructure, they will often turn to Penetration Testing. Whilst this is a great method to use to uncover vulnerabilities, something that is often overlooked is a cloud configuration review. Cloud Configuration Reviews are a powerful addition to your security testing that offers a strategic approach to assess security and they can complement the insights gained from traditional Penetration Tests.

What is a Cloud Configuration Review?  

Defensive - Checking the doors are locked, windows are closed and setting the alarm.

Just as you would ensure your physical home has secure locks and sturdy windows, a Cloud Configuration Review ensures your digital home – the cloud environment – is set up to limit and avoid security breaches.

Think of your cloud setup as a puzzle, made up of various pieces representing permissions, access controls, encryption standards, and more. A Cloud Configuration Review carefully examines each piece, making sure they fit together seamlessly to create a secure environment.  

It's like having a security guard who checks that all windows are locked, doors are bolted, and alarm systems are functioning as they should.

This review does not involve delving into lines of code or diving deep into the technological abyss. Instead, it is about ensuring that your cloud environment is built on a solid foundation – one that guards against unauthorised access and potential leaks of sensitive information.  

What is Penetration Testing?

Mimicking an attack - Understanding how secure your locks are and what would happen if someone gained access.

Penetration Testing is a proactive approach to identify potential vulnerabilities in your digital systems.

Penetration Testing is often conducted by a team of skilled professionals taking on the role of ethical hackers. These experts mimic the tactics used by real attackers, attempting to breach your systems just like a burglar might test the security of a physical building.

Penetration testing involves a series of steps, from reconnaissance (gathering information about your systems) to exploitation (attempting to breach security), all the way to post-exploitation (evaluating the extent of access achieved).  

It is like a staged battle between your defenders (your security measures and processes set up during a Cloud Configuration Review) and the simulated attackers; but with the goal of learning and strengthening, rather than causing harm.

Penetration Testing is a strategic investment in the security of your digital realm, ensuring that you are protected against the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.

What is the difference between a Cloud Configuration Review and a Penetration Test?  

These approaches, though aligned in their mission to enhance security, take distinct paths to achieve their goals.  

Let us break down the differences between these two techniques and what each include.

Focus and Scope:

Cloud Configuration Review: This examination looks at your cloud environment's structure and setup. It delves into the intricate details of permissions, access controls, encryption standards, and communication protocols.  

Penetration Testing: Instead of scrutinising the pieces, Penetration Testing takes a dynamic approach. It simulates real-world attacks to uncover vulnerabilities that could potentially be exploited by malicious actors. Ethical hackers act as digital adversaries, probing your defences to see where they might breach, just like a thief might seek out weak points in a physical fortress.

Purpose and Approach:

Cloud Configuration Review: This proactive strategy focuses on prevention. By configuring your cloud environment based on security best practices, your organisation is building strong defences from the outset.  

Penetration Testing: This approach looks to test your current defences. It assumes vulnerabilities might already be present and aims to expose them. By simulating various attack scenarios, it provides insights into how well your existing security measures hold up against sophisticated adversaries.  

Desired Outcome:

Cloud Configuration Review: A successful Cloud Configuration Review results in a secure cloud environment built on a solid foundation. It is about ensuring that your cloud puzzle is correctly assembled, minimising the risk of vulnerabilities due to misconfigurations or poor setup. It can also help limit access, should a breach occur.

Penetration Testing: The outcome of Penetration Testing is a clearer understanding of your current cyber security posture. By finding vulnerabilities that may be present, you gain the opportunity to patch them up before actual threats exploit them.

How do you know which one is suitable for you?

While Cloud Configuration Reviews and Penetration Testing share a common goal of safeguarding your digital realm, they approach it from different angles.  

Configuration Reviews ensure your cloud environment's initial setup is solid, reducing the chances of future vulnerabilities. Whereas, Penetration Testing, mimics real-world attacks to supply insights into your current defences, allowing you to reinforce weak points and enhance your overall security strategy. Both techniques play a vital role in a comprehensive cyber security approach, collectively forming an effective barrier against cyber threats.

At Cybaverse, our expert team can provide both services no matter if you are looking for a cloud configuration review or a penetration test. Why not speak to a member of our team today to discuss which of these services would benefit you? You can read more about Cloud Configuration Reviews or Web Application Penetration Testing by following the links.