I'm also writing my thesis (ugrad) on pen-testing and after months of studies I
still haven't came across a single definition on which all people agree. I've
also been out some "in the field" and there it gets drastically worse - people
have quite different ideas of what a pen-test is (some seem to think it's
merely a port scan).
The best attempt to define the pen-test (and related) term I've come across so
far is by Don Bailey (MITRE) and is available for reading at
http://archives.neohapsis.com/archives/sf/pentest/2001-09/0114.html
Although I'm not using that definition of pen-testing myself, I think it's a
sensible one. Do let me know if you come across any better.
/C-J
P.s. When I'm talking pen-testing I'm talking about attacks mounted at computer
programs. But it's merely out of convenience. I do think that a pen-test should
be an all-out effort to penetrate the security of the company buying the
service, but as soon as *using* people gets involved or there are costs for
actually destroying physical equipment, it gets so much trickier ethically and
cost/risk-wise, I'd rather exclude that and treat it as something completely
separate. Any term for that? Network pen-testing?
-----Ursprungligt meddelande-----
Från: patrick.froeger@web.de [mailto:patrick.froeger@web.de]
Skickat: den 15 maj 2006 14:38
Till: pen-test@securityfocus.com
Ämne: Security Test Definitions
Hello list members,
at the moment, i'm writing my diploma thesis in the field of penetration
testing.
i wonder if there exist some 'official' definitions about the different types
of tests one can do. i know that every pen-tester/company has his own
definitions of what they call a "penetration test", "security assessment",
"security review", "security audit", "application audit"
etc... but are there some standards that define the different types of security
tests?
i had a look at ISSAF and OSSTMM, but neither come up with definitions of
tests...
Regards,
Patrick
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This List Sponsored by: Cenzic
Concerned about Web Application Security?
Why not go with the #1 solution - Cenzic, the only one to win the Analyst's
Choice Award from eWeek. As attacks through web applications continue to rise,
you need to proactively protect your applications from hackers. Cenzic has the
most comprehensive solutions to meet your application security penetration
testing and vulnerability management needs. You have an option to go with a
managed service (Cenzic ClickToSecure) or an enterprise software
(Cenzic Hailstorm). Download FREE whitepaper on how a managed service can
help you: http://www.cenzic.com/news_events/wpappsec.php
And, now for a limited time we can do a FREE audit for you to confirm your
results from other product. Contact us at request@cenzic.com for details.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
