Simulated hacking attacks – an effective method to improve company security

Simulated hacking attacks, also known as penetration testing or red teaming, are an effective method of assessing and improving a company’s IT security. They involve conducting controlled attacks on a company’s own systems and networks to identify potential vulnerabilities and weaknesses. The article discusses how such simulations can help detect threats, improve security procedures and increase employee awareness. Learn how to use simulated hacking attacks to strengthen your organization’s defenses against real-world cyber threats.

What are simulated hacking attacks?

Simulated hacking attacks are an advanced method of comprehensively assessing an organization’s IT security, involving the controlled execution of cyberattack scenarios by highly specialized cyber security experts. Their fundamental goal is to identify real vulnerabilities and weaknesses in a company’s IT systems and security procedures, without exposing it to the actual risk of a cyber attack.

Professionals, known as ethical hackers, use exactly the same advanced techniques and tools that real cyber criminals use. The key difference lies in total control, professional planning and the organization’s full consent to carry out the simulation. This type of testing allows for a thorough check of the resilience of the IT infrastructure, the effectiveness of security procedures and the level of employee awareness of cyber threats.

Recent research indicates that professionally conducted simulated hacking attacks identify up to 87% of potential security vulnerabilities that could be exploited by real digital criminals.

What are the main purposes of carrying out simulated attacks?

The main goal of simulated hacking attacks is a comprehensive, multi-layered assessment of an organization’s cyber security level. Specialists aim to uncover any possible weaknesses in IT infrastructure, security procedures and employee awareness, thus creating a comprehensive picture of a company’s actual resilience to potential cyber threats.

Professional simulations focus on thoroughly checking several key areas of security. Experts verify the vulnerability of IT systems to intrusion, evaluate the effectiveness of existing defense mechanisms, and test the level of knowledge and reactivity of employees in a potential threat situation. Each simulation is a kind of comprehensive stress test for the organization’s entire security system.

The key objectives of the simulated attacks include not only identifying vulnerabilities, but also creating a detailed report with remediation recommendations. Organizations receive precise guidance on possible improvements, allowing them to take preemptive preventive measures and continuously improve their cyber security mechanisms.

How does a typical simulated hacking attack go?

A professional simulated hacking attack is a complex, multi-step process that accurately replicates the sophisticated methods used by today’s cybercriminals. Cybersecurity specialists begin with a precise reconnaissance of an organization’s IT infrastructure, using both publicly available information and advanced digital intelligence techniques.

The typical course of a simulated attack consists of several key steps that allow for a comprehensive verification of an organization’s security. Experts first gather detailed information about the company, identify potential attack vectors, and then attempt the intrusion using a variety of advanced techniques. Each stage is carefully documented, allowing for later detailed analysis and conclusions.

A key element of the entire process is the complete transparency of operations. Prior to the start of the simulation, specialists always conduct a thorough consultation with the company’s management, establishing the precise scope of the tests and ensuring full security and control over the entire simulation process.

Are simulated attacks safe for a company’s infrastructure?

Simulated hacking attacks are fully safe for a company’s infrastructure, as long as they are carried out by professional cyber security specialists. A key aspect is careful planning of each stage of the test and obtaining full approval from the organization’s management for the simulation. Experts use only methods that do not cause permanent damage to IT systems or disrupt the company’s day-to-day operations.

Professional ethical hackers develop a detailed security protocol before starting the simulation, which defines the exact limits of allowed activities. Each activity is agreed upon in advance and meticulously documented, eliminating the risk of accidental damage to IT infrastructure. Specialists have advanced tools at their disposal that allow them to conduct tests without interfering with the organization’s critical systems.

Statistics show that professionally conducted simulated attacks cause minimal disruption to business operations, and their merit significantly outweighs the potential risks. According to a Gartner report, more than 92% of organizations that have carried out simulated attacks have experienced no negative consequences to their IT infrastructure.

What types of simulated attacks are most commonly carried out?

Today’s simulated hacking attacks include a wide range of advanced techniques that accurately reflect real-world cyberattack scenarios. Cyber security specialists use sophisticated methods to test the resilience of IT systems, focusing on the most likely threat vectors.

The most common types of simulated attacks include:

• Phishing tests
• Simulations of social engineering attacks
• Penetration testing of network infrastructure
• Verification of the vulnerability of systems to intrusions
• Simulations of ransomware attacks
• Security testing of web applications

Each type of simulated attack is designed to test a specific aspect of an organization’s security. Phishing tests verify employee awareness, while penetration testing of network infrastructure focuses on identifying technical vulnerabilities.

Who should carry out simulated attacks in a company?

Simulated hacking attacks should only be carried out by highly specialized cyber security experts with the appropriate certifications and years of experience. It is crucial to hire professionals who have comprehensive knowledge of the methods of modern cyber criminals and the latest security testing techniques.

The ideal team for simulated attacks should consist of:

• Certified ethical hackers
• Specialists in information systems security
• Experts in cyber threat analysis
• Penetration testing specialists

Professional cybersecurity companies employ experts with the world’s highest certifications, such as CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker), OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) or CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional). Their knowledge and experience guarantee a comprehensive and secure simulation.

How often should simulated attacks be carried out?

The frequency of simulated hacking attacks should depend on the specifics of the organization, the industry and the level of sophistication of cyber threats. Cyber security experts recommend conducting comprehensive tests at least once a year, while conducting more frequent, more targeted simulations.

For companies in sectors that are particularly vulnerable to cyber attacks, such as finance, telecommunications and government, it is recommended that simulated attacks be carried out up to two or three times a year. The dynamically changing landscape of cyber threats necessitates regular reviews of IT system resilience and security procedures.

A professional approach also involves conducting ad hoc simulations after major changes to the IT infrastructure, the implementation of new systems, or major security incidents in the industry. Regular, systematic testing allows organizations to adapt their defenses on an ongoing basis to evolving cyber threats.

What are the benefits of regular attack simulations?

Regularly conducting simulated hacking attacks brings a number of key benefits to organizations that go far beyond just identifying security vulnerabilities. Professional simulations allow a comprehensive assessment of the resilience of IT systems and raise the overall level of cyber security awareness in an organization.

Key benefits include the precise identification of real vulnerabilities in the IT infrastructure that can be exploited by actual cybercriminals. Simulations provide company executives with detailed, factual recommendations for possible improvements and allow them to take preemptive preventive action.

Raising employee awareness of cyber threats is also an important benefit of regular simulations. Through practical test scenarios, employees learn to recognize potential threats, respond appropriately to incidents, and follow security procedures. Studies show that companies conducting regular simulations can reduce the risk of successful cyber attacks by up to 70%.

Should small companies also carry out simulated attacks?

Small companies are particularly vulnerable to cyberattacks, which is why carrying out simulated hacking attacks is a key component of their cyber security strategy. Contrary to popular belief, small organizations are often a more attractive target for cybercriminals due to limited security resources and less awareness of threats.

The statistics are clear – more than 60% of small companies fall victim to cyber attacks within the first two years of operation. Simulated attacks allow these organizations to identify key security vulnerabilities at a relatively low cost. Professionals can tailor the scope of testing to a small company’s financial and technical capabilities, offering comprehensive solutions at an affordable price.

It is also crucial that simulated attacks for small businesses can be conducted in a simplified form, focusing on the most important aspects of security. Even basic testing can significantly raise the level of digital protection and employee awareness of cyber threats.

How to prepare a company for a simulated attack?

Preparing a company for a simulated hacking attack requires a comprehensive, multi-step approach that includes both technical and organizational aspects. A key first step is to conduct a thorough audit of the existing IT infrastructure and identify key assets that need protection.

Professional preparation for the simulation includes detailed agreements with the testing team. The company’s management and cyber security specialists jointly determine the exact scope of the simulation, define the areas to be tested, and establish detailed procedures to be followed during and after the simulated attack.

Training employees is also an important part of preparation. You should inform the team about the planned tests, explain their purpose and prepare them for potential unexpected scenarios. It is crucial to build a positive attitude toward the simulation, treated as a tool for improvement rather than for employee evaluation.

What lessons can be learned from simulated attacks?

Simulated hacking attacks provide organizations with extremely valuable, multi-layered information about the actual state of cyber security. Professional analysis of the results makes it possible to identify not only technical vulnerabilities, but also organizational weaknesses in a company’s security system.

Key findings include a precise definition:

• The actual resilience of information systems
• Level of employee awareness
• Effectiveness of existing security procedures
• Potential cyber attack scenarios

Cyber security experts prepare detailed reports that not only point out identified problems, but also offer specific remedial recommendations. Each simulation provides a kind of roadmap for further improvement of the organization’s digital protection mechanisms.

Can simulated attacks negatively affect employee morale?

Professionally conducted simulated hacking attacks should not negatively affect employee morale, as long as they are properly communicated and implemented. The key is to create an atmosphere of cooperation and continuous improvement, where tests are treated as a tool for development rather than criticism or evaluation of personnel.

An effective approach requires transparent communication, explaining the goals of the simulation and presenting it as a concerted effort to improve organizational safety. Managers should emphasize that the purpose of testing is to identify and eliminate vulnerabilities, not to evaluate individual employees.

Psychological research indicates that well-conducted simulations can even increase employees’ level of engagement with cyber security issues. Practical test scenarios allow employees to gain valuable knowledge and skills that they can apply both at work and in their personal lives.