With the influx and proliferation of malware, ransomware and “hacking” – businesses, especially SMB’s, are finding that they are vulnerable. Like in most sudden incidents, business owners think “it will never happen to them” and when it does, they are in shock.
There are 2 common ways to assist businesses in assessing their network vulnerabilities. They can be examined from the network inside out, or from the network outside in.
Inside out
This technique involves looking at a network from an “Investigative” standpoint and analyzing its inner 
workings to the outside world. This will show any weaknesses, potential vulnerabilities, or “holes” that needs to be addressed. Analysis of this information can provide;
- Detection of network issues that require immediate action
- Security holes & warnings
- Unauthorized user access
- Suspect network connection
Outside in
Commonly known as “Legitimate” or “Ethical” hacking, this technique involves doing what criminal hackers do – albeit with a SMB sourced team of “bonded” and certified professionals – to “hack” into
a network from the “outside in” from a defensive standpoint. By using tools to penetrate into a network, weaknesses can be uncovered enabling implementation of security countermeasures and avoiding the common pitfalls that hackers exploit. Benefits include an analysis of;
- Wired and Wireless open holes
- “Password” pitfalls
- Lack of safeguards
- Unnecessary Open Ports in Firewalls
- Inbound Ports pointing to unpatched Servers
- Unregulated remote access
- Additional (best not addressed here)
Network protection should be taken seriously as it can impact a business.
By understanding network vulnerabilities,
Business Owners can take positive action in minimizing potential vulnerabilities.
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