Malicious activities online are creating chaos across the globe. From small and medium enterprises to big corporate houses, all kinds of businesses are facing cyber security threats. Threats actors are always on the lookout for vulnerabilities within your security posture to exploit. They latch on to any security mistake you make with your IT infrastructure.

If you want to avoid being the next victim of prevailing cyberattacks, you need a robust security posture. Cybersecurity measures like vulnerability assessments and penetration testing can help you with it.

Most companies engage a third-party service provider for such services. It gives them an outsider’s expert perspective of their external and internal security protocols. It is important to carefully choose the service provider to make your VAPT security partner. The result of the assessment depends a lot on the vendor you choose for the service.

Let us have a close look at how to choose the best service provider for the VAPT assessment of your infrastructure…

Choosing the Right VAPT Service Provider

The first thing is to clarify whether ‘Is it necessary to hire a third-party vendor to execute penetration testing on your systems?’ Not necessary! You can do it yourself as well. But there are fair chances of messing it up when your internal team itself conducts penetration testing on your systems.

The following are the reasons for choosing a third-party pen testing service:

·   They offer technical expertise and experience for the best results on the assessment.

·   You get a different perspective to audit your security measures.

·   Third-party service providers can address the security loopholes that your internal teams might miss.

·   They can carry out independent, industry-accredited vulnerability assessments.

·   External vendors can perform a varied range of tests to ensure complete security.

·   They use tried and tested testing methodologies for better results.

A top-level service provider will provide you with the best VAPT service for your organization. The following are the best practices you can adopt while hiring a provider for Vulnerability Assessments and Penetration Testing:

1. Determine the type of Testing you need

Before you go looking for a service provider, you must clarify the type of testing you need to conduct on your infrastructure. Different types of VAPT assessments require different resources and expertise. So, when you establish the type of testing you are going to conduct and specify the aspect of the infrastructure you are going to test. It becomes easier to find a suitable service provider that suits your requirements.

·   Black box tests: these tests are performed without any internal information about the infrastructure to be tested.

·   Grey box testing: here the testing team is provided with standard access and some limited information about the internal infrastructure.

·   White box testing: in this type of testing, the testing teams have complete knowledge of the internal structure/ design/ implementation of the tested environment.

You need to choose a service provider that specializes in the testing methodology that you are looking for.

2. Evaluate the experience and expertise

While selecting your VAPT partner, you must carefully evaluate their skill levels and expertise. The service provider must be able to demonstrate their technical knowledge. Their team must have professionals who are equipped with commonly recognized certifications. These certifications include Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Licensed Penetration Tester (LPT), GIAC Exploit Researcher & Advanced Penetration Tester (GXPN), or Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP). When it comes to experience, look for a service provider who has worked on a similar project earlier. It will help your cause of getting better results.

3. Ask about their deliverables and pricing

While making the deal, ask the vendor about their deliverables. See whether they deliver a comprehensive assessment report after completing the test. Ask for sample reports, attestation letters, and other things that they provide. It will provide you with clear insights into the working style and testing methodology used by the vendor. Another important thing is to clear up the cost structure. Budget plays a key role in making such decisions.

4. Ask for references

Past clients can tell the best about any service provider. Ask for the references of past clients from the service provider. You can also see if there are any testimonials by previous clients about the services provided by the vendor.

5.  Check the security capabilities

Security is a genuine concern while working with a third-party service provider. You must always choose a vendor who has a good understanding of security threats and how to counter them during the assessment. Also, the testing team is in control of some of your critical resources while vapt testing is in process. So, make sure your data and assets are safe with them.

If you are sticking with all the above practices, there is a fair chance you will land a decent provider for your vulnerability assessments and penetration testing project.