Network Pentesting Benefits

Importance of Network Security

Network security testing is paramount for any company, serving as a proactive measure against the evolving landscape of cyber threats. By conducting thorough assessments of network infrastructure, organizations can identify vulnerabilities and fortify their defenses against potential attacks. Such testing not only ensures compliance with regulatory standards but also safeguards sensitive data and preserves customer trust. In today's interconnected world, where cyber attacks pose significant risks to business continuity and financial stability, prioritizing network security testing is imperative for maintaining a robust cybersecurity posture and mitigating potential risks effectively.



How serious are Network Security problems?

Network security problems pose a significant and growing threat to organizations of all sizes and across all industries. These problems can have serious consequences that impact not only the affected organization but also its customers, partners, and stakeholders. Some of the key reasons why network security problems are considered serious include:

  1. Data Breaches:
  2. Network security breaches can result in the unauthorized access, theft, or compromise of sensitive data, including customer information, intellectual property, and financial records. Such breaches can lead to financial losses, regulatory fines, and reputational damage.

  1. Disruption of Business Operations:
  2. Cyber attacks, such as distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks or ransomware attacks, can disrupt business operations by causing downtime, system outages, and loss of productivity. This can result in significant financial losses and damage to customer trust.

  3. Loss of Customer Trust:
  4. In the event of a data breach or security incident, customers may lose trust in the affected organization's ability to protect their sensitive information. This can lead to customer churn, negative publicity, and long-term damage to the organization's reputation.

  5. Compliance Violations:
  6. Many industries are subject to regulatory requirements and compliance standards governing data security and privacy. Network security problems can result in compliance violations, leading to regulatory fines, legal consequences, and damage to the organization's reputation.

  7. Intellectual Property Theft:
  8. Network security breaches can result in the theft or unauthorized access to valuable intellectual property, trade secrets, and proprietary information. This can have serious implications for the organization's competitiveness, market position, and future success.

  9. Operational Disruption:
  10. Beyond data breaches and financial losses, network security problems can disrupt critical business operations, supply chains, and service delivery. This can impact customer satisfaction, revenue streams, and overall business performance.

Overall, network security problems are considered serious due to their potential to cause financial losses, damage to reputation, loss of customer trust, and regulatory consequences. As cyber threats continue to evolve and become more sophisticated, organizations must prioritize network security to protect their assets, mitigate risks, and ensure business resilience in the face of growing cybersecurity challenges.


Network Security Facts and Figures

The statistics below, highlight the significant financial impact, prevalence of data breaches, rise in ransomware attacks, shortage of cybersecurity professionals, and regulatory consequences associated with network security problems. Organizations must take proactive measures to address these challenges and strengthen their cybersecurity defenses to mitigate risks effectively.

1. Financial Impact:

  • The average cost of a data breach in 2021 was $4.24 million globally, with an average cost of $1.72 million in the United States. (Source: IBM Security, Cost of a Data Breach Report 2021)
  • Cybercrime is projected to cost the world $6 trillion annually by 2021, up from $3 trillion in 2015. (Source: Cybersecurity Ventures)

2. Data Breaches:

  • In 2020, the number of records exposed in data breaches reached a staggering 37 billion, marking a 141% increase compared to 2019. (Source: Risk Based Security, 2020 Year-End Data Breach QuickView Report)
  • The average time to identify and contain a data breach was 280 days in 2020. (Source: IBM Security, Cost of a Data Breach Report 2021)

3. Ransomware Attacks:

  • Ransomware attacks increased by 150% in 2020, with the average ransom payment exceeding $178,000. (Source: Coveware, Ransomware Marketplace Report Q1 2021)
  • The healthcare industry was the most targeted sector for ransomware attacks in 2020, accounting for 27% of all incidents. (Source: Check Point, 2021 Security Report)

4. Cybersecurity Workforce Shortage:

  • There is a projected shortage of 3.5 million cybersecurity professionals by 2021. (Source: Cybersecurity Ventures)
  • The average time to fill a cybersecurity position is 50% longer than other IT jobs. (Source: ISC², Cybersecurity Workforce Study 2020)

5. Compliance and Regulatory Fines:

  • Non-compliance with regulations such as GDPR can result in fines of up to €20 million or 4% of annual global turnover, whichever is higher. (Source: European Union, General Data Protection Regulation)
  • In 2020, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) collected $117 million in fines related to data security and privacy violations. (Source: Federal Trade Commission, Annual Report 2020)

6. Phishing Attacks:

  • Phishing attacks accounted for 32% of all security incidents in 2020. (Source: Verizon, 2021 Data Breach Investigations Report)
  • 83% of organizations experienced phishing attacks in 2020, with 74% reporting that the attacks resulted in a security breach. (Source: Proofpoint, State of the Phish Report 2021)

7. Endpoint Security Risks:

  • 68% of organizations experienced an endpoint attack in 2020. (Source: Ponemon Institute, 2020 State of Endpoint Security Risk Report)
  • The average cost of endpoint attacks increased by 42% in 2020, reaching $8.94 million per incident. (Source: Ponemon Institute, 2020 State of Endpoint Security Risk Report)

8. Supply Chain Attacks:

  • Supply chain attacks increased by 42% in 2020, with 18% of organizations experiencing such attacks. (Source: Accenture, Cyber Threatscape Report 2021)
  • 80% of organizations believe that their vendors pose a significant cybersecurity risk. (Source: RiskRecon, 2020 Third-Party Risk Management Study)

9. Mobile Security Threats:

  • Mobile phishing attacks increased by 37% in 2020, with financial services and healthcare being the most targeted industries. (Source: Lookout, The 2020 Mobile Phishing Spotlight Report)
  • 93% of organizations experienced mobile threats in 2020, including malicious apps, network attacks, and device vulnerabilities. (Source: Verizon, 2021 Mobile Security Index)

10. Cloud Security Risks:

  • Misconfiguration of cloud services accounted for 19% of cloud-related security incidents in 2020. (Source: McAfee, Cloud Adoption and Risk Report 2020)
  • 75% of organizations experienced security incidents due to inadequate identity, access, and permission management in their cloud environments. (Source: IDC, State of Identity and Access Management in 2020)

Global Cyber Security Statistics

Here are additional statistics specific to network security problems in India, the USA, and Europe:

India:

  • 1. In 2020, India experienced a 37% increase in cyber attacks compared to the previous year. (Source: Data Security Council of India, Cybersecurity Insights Report 2021)
  • 2. The average cost of a data breach in India was INR 140 million (approximately $1.9 million USD) in 2020, with healthcare and financial services being the most affected sectors. (Source: IBM Security, Cost of a Data Breach Report 2021)
  • 3. Phishing attacks were the most common type of cyber attack in India, accounting for 54% of all security incidents in 2020. (Source: Kaspersky, IT Security Risks Survey 2020)
  • 4. India faced a shortage of over one million cybersecurity professionals in 2020, highlighting the growing need for skilled cybersecurity talent in the country. (Source: National Association of Software and Service Companies, Cybersecurity Skills Report 2020)
  • 5. Non-compliance with regulations such as the Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Data or Information) Rules, 2011, can result in penalties of up to INR 50 million (approximately $676,000 USD). (Source: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India)

United States:

  • 1. The United States experienced a 64% increase in ransomware attacks in 2020, with healthcare and education sectors being the primary targets. (Source: Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Cybersecurity Trends Report 2021)
  • 2. The average cost of a data breach in the United States was $8.64 million in 2020, with healthcare, financial services, and technology sectors bearing the highest costs. (Source: IBM Security, Cost of a Data Breach Report 2021)
  • 3. Phishing attacks targeted at US organizations increased by 70% in 2020, with employees working remotely being particularly vulnerable. (Source: Proofpoint, State of the Phish Report 2021)
  • 4. The United States faced a shortage of over 500,000 cybersecurity professionals in 2020, exacerbating the challenges of defending against cyber threats. (Source: Cybersecurity Ventures, Cybersecurity Workforce Study 2020)
  • 5. Non-compliance with regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) can result in fines ranging from $100 to $50,000 per violation, up to a maximum of $1.5 million per year. (Source: US Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights)

Europe

  • 1. Europe experienced a 20% increase in data breaches in 2020, with the average cost of a breach reaching €4.56 million. (Source: IBM Security, Cost of a Data Breach Report 2021)
  • 2. Phishing attacks targeting European organizations increased by 47% in 2020, with remote workers being the primary targets. (Source: European Union Agency for Cybersecurity, Threat Landscape Report 2020)
  • 3. The European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) imposes fines of up to €20 million or 4% of annual global turnover, whichever is higher, for non-compliance with data protection requirements. (Source: European Union, General Data Protection Regulation)
  • 4. The shortage of cybersecurity professionals in Europe is estimated to be over 140,000, highlighting the urgent need for skilled cybersecurity talent in the region. (Source: European Union Agency for Cybersecurity, Cybersecurity Skills in the European Union: Education, Employment, and Training)

These statistics provide insights into the unique challenges and trends in network security across different regions, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to address cyber threats and protect organizations' assets, data, and reputation.

Asia Pacific (APAC):

  • 1. APAC experienced a 48% increase in cyber attacks in 2020, with ransomware attacks being the most prevalent. (Source: Microsoft, Digital Defense Report 2020)
  • 2. The average cost of a data breach in APAC was $2.72 million in 2020, with Australia, Japan, and South Korea bearing the highest costs. (Source: IBM Security, Cost of a Data Breach Report 2021)
  • 3. Phishing attacks targeted at APAC organizations increased by 60% in 2020, with email being the primary attack vector. (Source: APWG, Phishing Activity Trends Report 2020)
  • 4. The shortage of cybersecurity professionals in APAC is estimated to be over 2 million, highlighting the growing demand for skilled cybersecurity talent in the region. (Source: International Data Corporation, Asia/Pacific Skills Demand and Supply Report 2020)
  • 5. Non-compliance with regulations such as the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) in Singapore can result in fines of up to SGD 1 million (approximately $745,000 USD). (Source: Personal Data Protection Commission, Singapore)

Middle East and North Africa (MENA):

  • 1. MENA experienced a 25% increase in cyber attacks in 2020, with phishing attacks and malware being the most common. (Source: Kaspersky, IT Security Risks Survey 2020)
  • 2. The average cost of a data breach in MENA was $5.97 million in 2020, with the financial services and energy sectors facing the highest costs. (Source: IBM Security, Cost of a Data Breach Report 2021)
  • 3. Insider threats accounted for 40% of security incidents in MENA in 2020, highlighting the need for robust insider threat detection and prevention measures. (Source: Gulf Business, Cybersecurity Trends in the Middle East 2020)
  • 4. The shortage of cybersecurity professionals in MENA is estimated to be over 300,000, underscoring the urgent need for skilled cybersecurity talent in the region. (Source: Gulf Business, Cybersecurity Skills Shortage in the Middle East 2020)
  • 5. Non-compliance with regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union can impact MENA-based organizations that handle EU citizens' data, leading to potential fines and legal consequences. (Source: European Union, General Data Protection Regulation)

These statistics shed light on the unique cybersecurity challenges and trends in the Asia Pacific and Middle East and North Africa regions, emphasizing the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and compliance with regulatory requirements to protect organizations from cyber threats and data breaches.

Benefits of Performing Network VAPT (Pentesting)

Below are various benefits of performing the vulnerability assessment and penetration testing of a corporate network. The network may contains internal and external IP addresses, firewalls, network routers, network switches, servers, desktops, laptops and many other network devices and equipment.

VAPT and Risk Prioritization

At Valency Networks, we understand the paramount importance of identifying and prioritizing an organization's risks through comprehensive Network VAPT (Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing). Our expert team of cybersecurity professionals meticulously assesses your network infrastructure to uncover vulnerabilities and weaknesses that could potentially be exploited by malicious actors.

By conducting thorough penetration tests and vulnerability assessments, we provide your organization with invaluable insights into the critical areas of vulnerability within your network environment.

Through our rigorous Network VAPT process, we go beyond merely identifying vulnerabilities – we prioritize them based on their severity and potential impact on your organization's security posture. By categorizing risks according to their level of criticality, we empower your organization to focus its resources and efforts on mitigating the most significant threats first. This proactive approach to risk management enables you to allocate resources efficiently, prioritize remediation efforts, and strengthen your overall cybersecurity defenses.

Partnering with a reputable network security consultancy like Valency Networks ensures that your organization receives expert guidance and actionable recommendations to address identified vulnerabilities effectively. Our team leverages industry-leading tools and methodologies to conduct comprehensive Network VAPT assessments, providing you with a detailed roadmap to enhance your security posture and mitigate potential risks. With our tailored approach to risk identification and prioritization, you can proactively safeguard your organization's assets, data, and reputation against evolving cyber threats.

Reduces Data Thefts

Minimizing the likelihood of data thefts and breaches is a critical aspect of network security, and comprehensive Network VAPT (Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing) plays a pivotal role in achieving this goal. By conducting thorough penetration tests and vulnerability assessments, organizations can proactively identify and address vulnerabilities within their network infrastructure, reducing the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive data.

Our team of cybersecurity professionals specializes in uncovering potential vulnerabilities and weaknesses that could be exploited by malicious actors to gain access to sensitive information. Through meticulous testing and analysis, we identify vulnerabilities such as misconfigurations, unpatched software, and insecure network protocols that pose a threat to the security of your organization's data.

By addressing these vulnerabilities before they can be exploited, organizations can significantly reduce the likelihood of data thefts and breaches. Our Network VAPT process goes beyond surface-level testing to uncover hidden vulnerabilities and potential attack vectors, enabling organizations to implement targeted security measures to protect their sensitive data effectively.

Partnering with experienced network security consultants ensures that organizations receive expert guidance and support in securing their network environment against data thefts and breaches. With our tailored recommendations and actionable insights, organizations can strengthen their defenses and mitigate potential risks, safeguarding their valuable assets and reputation in the process.

Safeguard intellectual property

Safeguarding sensitive data and intellectual property is paramount in today's interconnected digital landscape, and Network VAPT (Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing) plays a crucial role in achieving this objective. By conducting thorough penetration tests and vulnerability assessments, organizations can identify and mitigate vulnerabilities within their network infrastructure, ensuring the protection of sensitive data and intellectual property from potential cyber threats.

Our team of cybersecurity experts specializes in uncovering vulnerabilities and weaknesses that could compromise the security of sensitive data and intellectual property. Through meticulous testing and analysis, we identify vulnerabilities such as misconfigurations, unpatched software, and insecure network protocols that could be exploited by malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to confidential information.

By addressing these vulnerabilities proactively, organizations can strengthen their defenses and safeguard their sensitive data and intellectual property from potential cyber threats. Our Network VAPT process goes beyond surface-level testing to uncover hidden vulnerabilities and potential attack vectors, enabling organizations to implement targeted security measures to protect their most valuable assets effectively.

Partnering with experienced network security consultants like us ensures that organizations receive expert guidance and support in securing their network environment and safeguarding their sensitive data and intellectual property. With our comprehensive recommendations and actionable insights, organizations can mitigate potential risks and strengthen their security posture, safeguarding their valuable assets and maintaining the trust of their stakeholders.

Helps in compliances such as ISO27001, GDPR, HIPAA

Conducting Network VAPT (Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing) is a crucial step towards achieving compliance with various information security standards and regulations such as ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA, and others. These compliance frameworks require organizations to implement robust security measures to protect sensitive data and ensure the integrity and confidentiality of information.

By conducting thorough penetration tests and vulnerability assessments, organizations can identify and address vulnerabilities within their network infrastructure, aligning their security practices with the requirements of information security standards and regulations. Our team of cybersecurity experts specializes in helping organizations navigate the complex landscape of compliance requirements, ensuring that they meet the necessary standards and regulations to safeguard their data and maintain regulatory compliance.

Through our Network VAPT process, we assess the security posture of organizations' network environments, identifying vulnerabilities and weaknesses that could impact their compliance with information security standards and regulations. By addressing these vulnerabilities proactively, organizations can strengthen their security defenses and demonstrate their commitment to protecting sensitive data and complying with regulatory requirements.

Partnering with experienced network security consultants like us provides organizations with the expertise and support needed to achieve compliance with information security standards and regulations. Our comprehensive recommendations and actionable insights help organizations implement the necessary security controls and measures to meet the requirements of ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA, and other compliance frameworks, ensuring the protection of sensitive data and the maintenance of regulatory compliance.

Gain trust in their customer's minds

Conducting Network VAPT (Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing) helps organizations instill trust and confidence in their customers' minds by demonstrating a commitment to cybersecurity and the protection of sensitive data. In today's digital age, where data breaches and cyber attacks are prevalent, customers are increasingly concerned about the security practices of the organizations they interact with.

By proactively assessing and addressing vulnerabilities within their network infrastructure, organizations can demonstrate their dedication to safeguarding customer data and maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information. Our team of cybersecurity experts specializes in helping organizations strengthen their security defenses through thorough penetration tests and vulnerability assessments, ensuring that they can mitigate potential risks and protect sensitive customer information from cyber threats.

Through our Network VAPT process, we provide organizations with actionable insights and recommendations to enhance their security posture and mitigate potential risks effectively. By partnering with experienced network security consultants like us, organizations can reassure their customers that their data is in safe hands and build trust and credibility in their brand.

By investing in cybersecurity measures such as Network VAPT, organizations can differentiate themselves from competitors and gain a competitive edge by demonstrating their commitment to protecting customer data and maintaining the highest standards of security. This, in turn, helps organizations build trust and confidence in their customers' minds, fostering long-term relationships and enhancing their reputation in the marketplace.

Increases Team Productivity

Conducting Network VAPT (Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing) instills discipline within organizations and helps increase productivity by fostering a proactive approach to cybersecurity and risk management. By engaging in regular security testing and assessments, organizations cultivate a culture of vigilance and accountability among their teams, leading to improved efficiency and productivity across the board. Our team of cybersecurity experts specializes in guiding organizations through the Network VAPT process, helping them understand the importance of security testing and its impact on productivity. By prioritizing security measures and addressing vulnerabilities proactively, organizations can minimize the likelihood of costly data breaches and downtime, allowing teams to focus their efforts on core business activities without disruptions.

Through our comprehensive Network VAPT assessments, we provide organizations with actionable insights and recommendations to strengthen their security posture and mitigate potential risks effectively. By implementing these recommendations, organizations can streamline their operations, reduce the likelihood of security incidents, and enhance overall productivity.

Moreover, engaging in regular Network VAPT activities encourages teams to stay updated on the latest security best practices and technologies, fostering continuous learning and skill development. By equipping teams with the knowledge and tools they need to address cybersecurity challenges, organizations empower their employees to work more efficiently and confidently, driving productivity and innovation.

Overall, Network VAPT plays a crucial role in instilling discipline within organizations and promoting a proactive approach to cybersecurity, ultimately leading to increased productivity and success in today's digital landscape.

Beat hackers in their game

Identifying known security exposures before attackers find them is a critical aspect of cybersecurity, and Network VAPT (Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing) serves as a proactive defense mechanism in this regard. By conducting comprehensive penetration tests and vulnerability assessments, organizations can uncover and address vulnerabilities within their network infrastructure before they are exploited by malicious actors.

Our team of cybersecurity experts specializes in identifying known security exposures through thorough testing and analysis of organizations' network environments. By leveraging industry-leading tools and methodologies, we meticulously examine the network infrastructure to identify vulnerabilities such as misconfigurations, unpatched software, and weak authentication mechanisms.

By identifying these vulnerabilities before attackers have the chance to exploit them, organizations can significantly reduce their risk exposure and enhance their overall security posture. Through our Network VAPT process, we provide organizations with actionable insights and recommendations to address identified vulnerabilities effectively, enabling them to strengthen their defenses and mitigate potential risks.

Partnering with experienced network security consultants like us ensures that organizations stay one step ahead of potential attackers by identifying and addressing known security exposures proactively. By investing in regular Network VAPT activities, organizations can minimize the likelihood of security incidents and protect their valuable assets and data from unauthorized access and exploitation. This proactive approach to cybersecurity is essential in today's threat landscape, where cyber attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated and prevalent.

Maintain inventory of Network device

Creating an inventory of all devices on the network, along with their purpose and system information, is essential for effective network management and security. Through Network VAPT (Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing), organizations can achieve this by conducting thorough scans and assessments of their network infrastructure.

Our team of cybersecurity experts specializes in conducting comprehensive network scans to identify all devices connected to the network. This includes computers, servers, routers, switches, IoT devices, and any other network-connected devices. By leveraging advanced scanning tools and techniques, we collect detailed information about each device, including its purpose, operating system, software versions, and configuration details.

By creating an inventory of all devices on the network, organizations gain valuable insights into their network environment, enabling them to better manage and secure their infrastructure. This inventory serves as a foundation for effective network monitoring, asset management, and vulnerability management practices.

Through our Network VAPT process, we provide organizations with a comprehensive inventory of all devices on their network, along with detailed information about each device's purpose and system information. This enables organizations to identify potential security risks, prioritize remediation efforts, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Partnering with experienced network security consultants like us ensures that organizations have the visibility and control they need to effectively manage and secure their network infrastructure. By leveraging our expertise and advanced tools, organizations can create a robust inventory of network devices, enabling them to enhance their security posture and protect against potential threats.

Set Risk Baseline

Defining the level of risk that exists on the network is a crucial step in understanding and mitigating potential security threats. Through Network VAPT (Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing), organizations can assess the risk landscape of their network infrastructure and determine the severity of potential vulnerabilities and weaknesses.

Our team of cybersecurity experts specializes in conducting comprehensive risk assessments of network environments. We leverage advanced scanning tools and techniques to identify vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and other security issues that could pose a risk to the organization. By analyzing the results of these assessments, we provide organizations with insights into the level of risk present on their network.

By defining the level of risk, organizations can prioritize their security efforts and allocate resources effectively. This allows them to focus on addressing the most critical vulnerabilities and weaknesses first, thereby reducing the overall risk exposure of the network.

Through our Network VAPT process, we provide organizations with a detailed risk assessment report that outlines the severity of identified vulnerabilities and their potential impact on the organization. This enables organizations to make informed decisions about how to mitigate risks and strengthen their security posture.

Partnering with experienced network security consultants like us ensures that organizations have the expertise and support they need to define and address the level of risk on their network. By leveraging our knowledge and tools, organizations can effectively manage and mitigate security threats, safeguarding their assets and data from potential harm.

Establish a business risk/benefit curve

Establishing a business risk/benefit curve and optimizing security investments is essential for organizations to make informed decisions about their cybersecurity strategy. Through Network VAPT (Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing), organizations can gain insights into the potential risks and benefits associated with various security investments.

Our team of cybersecurity experts specializes in helping organizations establish a risk/benefit curve by conducting comprehensive assessments of their network infrastructure. We identify vulnerabilities, weaknesses, and potential security threats, and assess their potential impact on the organization's business operations and objectives.

By analyzing the results of these assessments, we provide organizations with insights into the potential risks and benefits associated with different security investments. This allows organizations to prioritize their security initiatives based on their potential impact on the organization's overall risk posture and business objectives.

Through our Network VAPT process, we provide organizations with actionable recommendations for optimizing their security investments. This may include investing in additional security controls, implementing security best practices, or improving security awareness training for employees.

Partnering with experienced network security consultants like us ensures that organizations can make informed decisions about their security investments. By leveraging our expertise and insights, organizations can optimize their security investments to effectively mitigate risks and protect their assets and data from potential security threats.

Real Life Case Studies

real-life examples can illustrate the importance of Network VAPT (Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing) in mitigating security risks and protecting organizations from potential threats.

1. Equifax Data Breach:

  • Trouble:

    In 2017, Equifax, one of the largest credit reporting agencies, suffered a massive data breach that exposed the personal information of over 147 million individuals. The breach occurred due to a vulnerability in the Apache Struts web application framework, which went unnoticed by Equifax's security team.
  • Benefit after VAPT:

    Following the breach, Equifax underwent a comprehensive Network VAPT process to identify and address vulnerabilities in its network infrastructure. By conducting thorough assessments and implementing robust security measures, Equifax was able to strengthen its security posture and regain the trust of its customers.

2. Target Data Breach:

  • Trouble

    In 2013, Target, a retail giant, experienced a significant data breach that compromised the credit and debit card information of over 40 million customers. The breach occurred due to a malware infection on Target's point-of-sale systems, which went undetected for several weeks.
  • Benefit after VAPT:

    In the aftermath of the breach, Target invested heavily in enhancing its cybersecurity defenses, including conducting regular Network VAPT assessments. By identifying and addressing vulnerabilities in its network infrastructure, Target was able to improve its security posture and prevent future data breaches.

3. Sony PlayStation Network Outage:

  • Trouble

    In 2011, Sony's PlayStation Network (PSN) suffered a prolonged outage that lasted for over three weeks, affecting millions of users worldwide. The outage was caused by a cyber attack that exploited vulnerabilities in PSN's network infrastructure, resulting in the theft of personal and financial information.
  • Benefit after VAPT:

    Following the outage, Sony conducted a thorough Network VAPT process to identify and address vulnerabilities in its network infrastructure. By implementing enhanced security measures and regularly monitoring its network for potential threats, Sony was able to prevent future cyber attacks and safeguard its users' data.

These examples highlight the significant impact that Network VAPT can have in helping organizations identify and mitigate security risks, ultimately protecting them from potential breaches and their associated consequences.

4. Maersk NotPetya Attack

  • Trouble

    In 2017, Maersk, the world's largest shipping company, fell victim to the NotPetya ransomware attack, which caused widespread disruption to its global operations. The attack encrypted critical systems and led to significant financial losses, estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
  • Benefit after VAPT:

    Following the NotPetya attack, Maersk implemented rigorous security measures, including conducting Network VAPT assessments to identify and address vulnerabilities in its network infrastructure. By enhancing its security posture and implementing robust security controls, Maersk was able to strengthen its defenses and prevent future cyber attacks.

5. Yahoo Data Breach:

  • Trouble

    In 2013 and 2014, Yahoo experienced two major data breaches that compromised the personal information of over 3 billion user accounts. The breaches, which were among the largest in history, occurred due to security vulnerabilities in Yahoo's network infrastructure.
  • Benefit after VAPT:

    In response to the data breaches, Yahoo conducted extensive Network VAPT assessments to identify and address vulnerabilities in its network infrastructure. By investing in cybersecurity measures and implementing proactive security controls, Yahoo was able to enhance its security posture and protect its users' data from future breaches.

6. British Airways Data Breach:

  • Trouble

    In 2018, British Airways suffered a data breach that exposed the personal and financial information of over 400,000 customers. The breach occurred due to a cyber attack that targeted vulnerabilities in British Airways' website and mobile app.
  • Benefit after VAPT:

    Following the data breach, British Airways implemented rigorous security measures, including conducting Network VAPT assessments to identify and address vulnerabilities in its network infrastructure. By strengthening its security defenses and implementing proactive security controls, British Airways was able to prevent future cyber attacks and protect its customers' data.

These examples underscore the importance of Network VAPT in helping organizations mitigate security risks and prevent costly data breaches. By investing in cybersecurity measures and conducting regular assessments, organizations can protect their networks and safeguard sensitive information from potential threats.

Author Avatar

Prashant Phatak

Founder & CEO, Valency Networks

Location: Pune, India

Prashant Phatak is an accomplished leader in the field of IT and Cyber Security. He is Founder and C-level executive of his own firm Valency Networks. Prashant specializes in Vulnerability assessment and penetration testing (VAPT) of Web, Networks, Mobile Apps, Cloud apps, IoT and OT networks. He is also a certified lead auditor for ISO27001 and ISO22301 compliance.As an proven problem solver, Prashant's expertise is in the field of end to end IT and Cyber security consultancy to various industry sectors.