Every year, IT Departments and Security Teams alike go through the same exercise... They grit their teeth, steel themselves, sigh deeply and say "It's time to do our penetration test..." and the cycle begins.
Should we change/rotate vendors? Do we need to modify rules or whitelist IPs? Will it disrupt operations? Something strange is happening to XYZ systems, is that the test, or is there an issue? We didn't find much LAST year, do we need to do it again this year?
...and if high or critical vulnerabilities are found (ACK!!) everything grinds to a halt while teams work to quickly plug the holes.
It's chalked up as a necessary inconvenience... but is it?
The answer isn't a simple 'Yes' or 'No'. Security testing is an important component in maintaining a company's integrity and availability, driven by regulations, mandates (from vendors, clients, insurers, and government) and general due-diligence. However, it's the WAY companies approach it... the "feast-or-famine" cycle of periodic testing... that's the heart of the problem. It strains teams' resources and budgets, often for diminishing returns. It turns out there's a better way...
Introducing Continuous Penetration Testing
Continuous Penetration Testing (CPT) allows security teams to identify, prioritize, and resolve vulnerabilities as they arise. By identifying vulnerabilities as they emerge, organizations can address them before they become major (and expensive) problems. It's the "stitch in time saves nine" principle for cybersecurity!
CPT also helps organizations optimize resource allocation. With a steady, ongoing testing process, teams can plan and allocate resources more efficiently. No more scrambling to prepare for annual tests or rushing to implement fixes.
"But Mike, doesn't more testing means more money?" I hear you asking.
It's true... companies will undoubtedly pay more for continuous testing versus a single point-in-time, but surprisingly it isn't MUCH more (depending on the vendor, of course) and the return on investment ends up saving companies far more than the difference in cost.
Continuous testing offers several financial advantages, including improved budget planning and resource management. By proactively identifying and addressing vulnerabilities, organizations can avoid the significant costs associated with data breaches, regulatory fines, reputational damage, and system downtime. Insurance companies are getting on board as well, offering lower fees for organizations who proactively and continually improve their security posture.
Additionally, many continuous testing services can be structured with monthly payments, making it an operational expense rather than a capital expenditure. This approach allows organizations to better manage their budgets and allocate resources efficiently.
Parabellyx Cybersecurity's Continuous Penetration Testing is a game changer for cybersecurity, transforming it from a once-a-year headache into an ongoing, manageable, cost-effective process. So, as cyber threats evolve, why not evolve your strategy?
Want to learn more? Let me know and let's set up a time to discuss how it would benefit your team.
