Re: Vulnerability Assessment vs. PenTest

From: Gareth Davies (gareth.davies@mynetsec.com)
Date: Mon Aug 07 2006 - 23:49:28 EDT


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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