Penetration Testing Considered Harmful

Explore a thought-provoking conference talk from the 44CON Information Security Conference that challenges conventional wisdom on penetration testing. Delve into Haroon Meer's presentation, which examines the potential drawbacks and limitations of current penetration testing practices. Gain insights into the crisis of confidence in information security, the overreliance on zero-day vulnerabilities, and the challenges faced by professional pen testers. Learn about the weaknesses in browser security, the importance of Java vulnerabilities, and the concept of "market for lemons" in penetration testing. Discover alternative approaches to security testing, including app testing, paper-based testing, and gamification. Reflect on the need for change in the industry and the importance of focusing on customer problems rather than showcasing technical prowess. This 47-minute talk offers a critical perspective on penetration testing and encourages security professionals to rethink their approaches to vulnerability assessment and risk management.