In a penetration test, IT security experts attempt to gain unauthorised access to an IT system – such as a corporate network – in a targeted and authorised manner. This puts existing security measures to the test and uncovers vulnerabilities that need to be addressed. In a black-box penetration test, the target IT system is treated as a black box, i.e. an unknown entity. The IT security experts must gather all the necessary information, much as a cybercriminal would have to do.
A black-box penetration test simulates the conditions of a typical cyberattack from the outside.
It reveals whether and how a cybercriminal could breach the company’s network, which security vulnerabilities exist, and which protective measures are already preventing attacks.
The results of a black-box penetration test can be used to close existing security gaps and make the company network even more secure against attacks.
Black-box penetration tests have nothing to do with so-called black-box attacks on cash machines. The main thing they have in common is the term ‘black-box’.
In day-to-day life, you’re likely to come across the term ‘black-box penetration test’ only in conversations or when raising staff awareness. Ideally, you’ll hear something like: ‘The black-box penetration test carried out by our IT security firm has shown that our staff are very vigilant when it comes to suspicious emails and links. Simulated attacks via these channels were unsuccessful – well done!’
black-box penetration test is designed to improve your security, or that of your company’s network. However, if you focus on measures to reduce your cyber risk, black-box penetration tests will be less effective. And the less effective they are, the less successful real-world attacks by cybercriminals on your company’s network will be.
Further information
If you’d like to explore this topic in more depth: a somewhat older but insightful study by the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) on penetration testing.
