Manual Penetration Testing vs. Automated Penetration Testing
Manual Penetration Testing
Until recently, penetration testing has been a very complex manual process that could be performed by only a select few security specialists with many years of relevant experience. Testers typically must write their own exploits, learn to master tools available in the public domain, and perform many tedious, time-consuming tasks. While comprehensive, manual penetration testing usually requires an extensive team of professionals possessing diverse skill sets, which most organizations cannot afford to maintain in-house or contract on a frequent basis.
Automated Penetration Testing
A commercial-grade automated penetration testing solution is typically produced by a team of experienced security experts and developers who complete sophisticated vulnerability research, build safe, cutting-edge exploits and then combine them into a simple, easy-to-use package. By thoroughly testing across networks, endpoints, web applications and email users, an automated penetration testing solution can provide a clear, comprehensive view of an organization’s security posture.
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Manual Penetration Testing |
Automated Penetration Testing |
Testing Process |
Labor-intensive, inconsistent and error -prone, with no specific quality standards. |
Fast, easy and safe. Eliminates errors and tedious manual tasks. |
Network Modification |
Often results in numerous systems modifications. |
Systems remain unchanged. |
Exploit Development and Management |
Developing and maintaining an exploit database is time-consuming and requires significant expertise. |
Product vendor develops and maintains all exploits. Exploits are continually updated for maximum effectiveness. |
Cleanup |
Tester must remember and undo all changes. Backdoors can be left behind. |
Leading products offer comprehensive cleanup with one click and never install backdoors. |
Pivoting / Privilege Escalation |
Requires system alterations since code must be uploaded and compiled on compromised machines. |
Users can quickly probe deeper into an environment. Code never has to be uploaded, and tests can be run remotely. |
Reporting |
Requires significant effort, recording and collating of all results manually. All reports must be generated by hand. |
Comprehensive history and findings reports are automatically produced. Reports are customizable. |
Logging / Auditing |
Slow, cumbersome, often inaccurate process. |
Automatically records a detailed record of all activity. |
Training |
Testers need to learn non-standardized, ad-hoc testing methods. |
Users can learn and install in as little as one day. |
