Due to the integration of hybrid IT architecture by enterprises, which entails the integration of on-premises networks and cloud infrastructure, new security challenges emerge. Hackers use the weakest link which can either be a poorly configured server or an unsecured storage bucket in cloud. To reduce such risks, establishments must engage in network penetration testing and cloud penetration testing on a steady basis. Combined, these tests permit a coherent and robust security posture.
Network Penetration Testing: Backbone Protection.
Vulnerabilities that are found during Network penetration testing include routers, firewalls, switches, and internal system vulnerabilities. It can be used to test misconfigurations and vulnerabilities that automated scanners may not detect by simulating attacks.
A typical test focuses on:
Open or unused network ports
Weak password and authentication policies
Obsolete patches and operating systems
Inadequate interdepartmental or interserver segmentation
Unsecured network remote-access tools
Avoiding such problems is recommended to prevent access by unauthorized persons and loss of data so that the digital backbone of the organization is not put at risk.

Cloud Penetration Testing: Virtual Environment Security.
Security duties are transferred as workloads move to the cloud. Cloud penetration testing measures the level of security of your virtual machines, APIs and identity management systems.
Typical problems that are identified are:
Misconfigured IAM policies
Unlimited storage buckets (S3, Blob)
Too lenient firewall policies
Weak third-party integrations
Unsecured container vulnerabilities
Testing your cloud implementation also makes sure that you are appropriate and useful in avoiding expensive misconfigurations that may make confidential information vulnerable.
Why Combine Both Tests
The security of the network is as weak as its weakest point. Hybrid infrastructures with on-prem and cloud systems being interconnected with each other are used by many organizations. By taking the two tests simultaneously, one is able to identify weaknesses that cut across environments.
As an illustration, hacked network credentials may be repurposed on the cloud, giving attackers the opportunity to intensify privileges. The fact that there is no gap that is not checked makes testing both important.
Business Benefits
Holistic Protection: Discover risks in hybrid systems
Compliance Assurance: Based on GDPR, ISO 27001, and SOC 2 standards
Operation Continuity: Minimize time of breaches
Increased Trust: Build customer and stakeholder trust
The Comprehensive Testing at Aardwolf Security.
Aardwolf security focuses on network and cloud penetration testing of both large- and small-scale enterprises. In every involvement, there is preferential consideration of fixes through manual testing and advanced simulation techniques and reporting.
Clients receive:
Breakdowns of vulnerabilities provided in detail
Exploit proof-of-concepts
Practical intervention measures
Post-fix verification
Through Aardwolf, businesses can obtain actionable insights as opposed to reports to enhance long-term cybersecurity posture.
Conclusion
The cyber threats keep on changing, and so can your defenses. With network and cloud penetration testing, organizations are able to have end-to-end visibility of their vulnerabilities. By engaging the services of someone like Aardwolf security, you are not only compliant, but you are likely to be secure in an ever-connected world.
