Which organization’s guidelines should be followed when conducting a penetration test?

Following cybersecurity frameworks and standards when conducting a penetration test is essential because these guidelines provide a structured and comprehensive approach to assessing the security of an organization’s systems and networks. Frameworks such as the NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) Cybersecurity Framework or the OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project) guidelines offer established methodologies, best practices, and metrics that can help ensure the penetration testing process is effective and thorough.

By adhering to these recognized standards, penetration testers can ensure that their assessments cover the right areas, utilize appropriate techniques, and result in actionable findings. This not only enhances the validity and reliability of the test outcomes but also aligns the testing with industry expectations and compliance requirements, thereby reducing the risk of overlooking critical vulnerabilities.

In contrast, local marketing authorities, commercial business policies, and international trade agreements may not provide relevant or specific guidance on how to conduct cybersecurity assessment practices like penetration testing. As such, they lack the technical depth and industry recognition that cybersecurity frameworks and standards possess, which are specifically designed for this purpose.