Penetration Testing: Uncovering the Unknown

“Unknowns are not problems; they are opportunities.”

- Don Norman

Information and cyber security are no exception to this paradigm. Identifying and discovering the unknowns is what leads organizations to stronger security and resilience.

Penetration testing is an effective tool SpearTip leverages to uncover roadblocks and turn potential risks into opportunities.

How it works

While collaborating with a client that operates several precious metals mining operations across the globe, SpearTip identified, uncovered and connected a number of previously unknown issues, enough to establish complete control of all computer systems at all sites, including access to internal trading desks, mine environmental management systems, (i.e., the safety systems that keep their employees alive, and all corporate IT assets.)

The company had a mature vulnerability management program, was actively patching their systems, and had EDR/XDR solutions in place, however, these tools proved unable to contain an attack based on compromising user identities, stealing credentials, and accessing sensitive systems and data. Had an adversary established a similar position within the client network, the outcome could have been a catastrophic loss, or at the very least, a significant operational, reputational, and financial setback.

AI-based detection and response is improving our ability to contain identity-based threats. That said, attackers are also leveraging AI to get around these improvements. Testing, breaking and fixing the system provides unparalleled insight. If you’re worried about the vulnerability of your program but don’t know where your vulnerabilities lie, a penetration test targeting the Blackbox of your network is a great way to begin identifying opportunities for improvement.

Our process

SpearTip’s penetration testing process follows a proven methodology to uncover hidden risks. We start with reconnaissance to identify potential vulnerabilities, then attempt exploitation to test real-world impact. Each finding undergoes thorough validation to ensure accuracy, and feedback is provided to clarify security priorities. Finalized reports and deliverables are reviewed collaboratively, and after remediation, we can rescan your environment to confirm that vulnerabilities have been addressed. This end-to-end approach ensures a comprehensive assessment and continuous improvement of your security posture.

At SpearTip, we strive to be your trusted ally in safeguarding critical operations. Our hands-on and proactive approach never considers a client a ticket or number. We assess and inventory the issues you may be facing, anticipate the issues you are likely to face in the future, and forecast the issues we can’t see yet.

Our technical expertise, wide range of services and risk management insights help customers identify and understand their exposure and take action to reduce risk. We’re here for you with personal service whenever you need us. We use AI to ensure the high quality and efficiency of our services, but you’ll always have the option to speak with a real person when it matters most.

Contact us today to learn more about SpearTip’s wide-ranging services and how we can help your organization strengthen its cyber defenses and operational resilience.