Penetration Testing mailing list archives

Re: Vulnerability Assessment vs. PenTest


From: Gareth Davies <gareth.davies () mynetsec com>
Date: Tue, 08 Aug 2006 11:49:28 +0800

James Harless wrote:
Where is the line between a Vulnerability Assessment and a PenTest?  In
other words, which tests do you run which identifies your assessment as
a pentest rather than a VA? And, related, do VAs still have value? Do you feel that a PenTest
includes everything that a VA would (and more)?
My thoughts are that a VA is just an effort to document all the
identified and potential vulnerabilities on a network.  A PenTest is an
attempt to identify those vulnerabilities and then exploit some of them
to verify their weakness.
James

I saw a decent article on this a while ago, it's a little short and could be expanded but it seems to be about right.

http://www.darknet.org.uk/2006/04/penetration-testing-vs-vulnerability-assessment/

--
Gareth Davies - ISO 27001 LA, OPST

Manager - Security Practice

Network Security Solutions MSC Sdn. Bhd.
Suite E-07-21, Block E, Plaza Mont' Kiara, No. 2 Jalan Kiara,
Mont’ Kiara, 50480
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Phone: +603-6203 5303 or +603-6203 5920

www.mynetsec.com


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