What is the BEST initial approach when conducting a penetration test on an organization's network having no prior knowledge of their security posture, to ensure compliance with security testing protocols and minimize the risk of disruption?
Refer to the Rules of Engagement to define the scope and boundaries of the penetration test before starting any probing activities.
Initiate an active reconnaissance phase to immediately identify exploitable vulnerabilities in the organization's network.
Perform passive reconnaissance to collect information without interacting with the target system to avoid legal repercussions.
Start with network mapping to determine the layout of the target infrastructure and systems.
The best initial approach when performing penetration testing in an environment with no prior knowledge of the organization's security posture is to refer to the Rules of Engagement. These rules define the scope, boundaries, and methods approved for the testing, ensure legal and ethical compliance, and minimize the risk of unintended disruptions to business operations. Simply starting with passive or active reconnaissance without established engagement parameters could lead to legal issues, overstepping authorized boundaries, and potentially causing unintended harm to the target environment. Properly outlined Rules of Engagement ensure that the penetration test is performed ethically, legally, and within the parameters agreed upon by all parties involved.
Ask Bash
Bash is our AI bot, trained to help you pass your exam. AI Generated Content may display inaccurate information, always double-check anything important.
What are the Rules of Engagement in penetration testing?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
What is the significance of the initial approach in a penetration test?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
What could happen if the Rules of Engagement are not followed during penetration testing?