FAQs

Questions:
What is the benefit of a Penetration Test? Does my system need a Penetration Test?
Can you check business to business connections? Can a Penetration Test simulate an attack by a disgruntled employee?
Do you use ex-hackers? How effective is a Penetration Test?
When can the Penetration Test occur? What effect will it have on my system?
How long does a hack normally take? How often should I assess my security through a Penetration Test?



What is the benefit of a Penetration Test?
A Penetration Test is a controlled security review conducted by an independent security professional who attempts to break into a client's computer system. A Penetration Tester employs the same tools and techniques as real intruders, but a Penetration Tester does not damage the systems or attempt to steal information. A Penetration Tester reports on the vulnerabilities that were found and the ways that they can be fixed.

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Does my system need a Penetration Test?
If you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, you need to consider a Penetration Test. Will I suffer a financial loss if my systems are compromised? Will my organization lose public confidence if my systems are seen to be vulnerable to attack through Web site defacements or unavailability? If my system is compromised and used to attack somebody else's system, will I be legally liable?

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Can you check business to business connections?
Yes. This confirms what your business partners can see about you.

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Can a Penetration Test simulate an attack by a disgruntled employee?
Yes. This is referred to as an internal hack and this usually represents the most fruitful hacking engagement.

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Do you employ ex-hackers?
Absolutely not. First and foremost, the Penetration Tester must be entirely trustworthy. While testing the security of a client's systems, our team members may discover information that should remain confidential. If confidential information was released, this may lead to loss of corporate reputation, and ultimately financial loss. Pure Hacking does not use ex-hackers to review the security of a clients system as trust is of paramount importance. We require our testers to have a minimum of 5 years experience in the IT security field, and appropriate academic qualifications.

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How often should I assess my security through a Penetration Test?
It varies and depends on the complexity of your systems, but most of our clients would check their systems with a Penetration Test at least once a year.

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When can the Penetration Tests occur?
Pure Hacking will perform a Penetration Test at any time that is convenient to you. There is no additional cost if the hack is performed outside of normal business hours.

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What effect will it have on my system?
Every effort is made to minimize the risk to your systems, but in some cases you may notice extra logging activity and your Intrusion Detection Systems may be alerted.

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How long does a hack normally take?
On average, an engagement lasts for two weeks. Our clients usually request an external and an internal hack, to cover the full range of threats. An external hack is performed from our hacking lab, while an internal hack will be performed from within your premises.

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How effective is a Penetration Test?
We use the same tools and techniques as are used by malicious attackers and we keep up to date with the current vulnerabilities in your software. We are usually able to find the things that will make your system vulnerable to attack and can help you close these holes well before your systems are attacked. This method is effective because it shows you your real threats.

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Finance
"We initially engaged Pure Hacking to conduct a number of tests in accordance with a set of objectives. Their approach and execution were highly commendable and all objectives were met or exceeded. Based on the experience we had no hesitation in re-engaging Pure Hacking on another assignment. In the area of internet security, I would highly recommend Pure Hacking for a penetration test."

IT. Security Manager, International Financial Institution