Network penetration testing heats up

Keeping up with the latest trends and developments in network security is always a challenge and according to the SANS Institute and local partner Shearwater Solutions, network penetration testing is one of the hottest topics right now.

Hackers are deploying increasingly intelligent methods of attack, such as the exploitation of client-side technologies, including browsers, media players and office software to bypass firewalls and other network defences. Also becoming more and more prevalent is the data mining of social networking sites to obtain confidential information.

Alan Paller, director of research at the SANS Institute, stated, “According to data compiled by the SANS Internet Storm Centre, the number of attacks on web applications has increased dramatically over the past year. Enterprises need to arm themselves with the information and skills required to beat cyber-criminals at their own game.