What is a Grey-Box-Pentest?

A Grey Box penetration test is a method of IT security testing where the tester has partial information about the test project. Unlike the Black Box Pentest, where no prior knowledge exists, or the White Box Pentest, where the tester has complete access to all system details, the Grey Box approach combines both methods. The tester has basic knowledge such as network plans, access credentials, or architecture details, enabling them to work more efficiently and focus on critical areas. Generally, during a Grey Box pentest, a contact person with complete knowledge is available to help the tester with questions or problems. For example, the tester might need the source code for a specific part of an application - such as a critical upload function.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of Grey Box Testing?

Grey Box Testing offers a balanced mix of efficiency and real-world similarity. Through the provided knowledge, the tester can specifically identify vulnerabilities, saving time and resources. Additionally, invasive test methods that could disturb the system can be coordinated in advance. However, this approach doesn't fully reflect the perspective of an external attacker, and there's a possibility that vulnerabilities outside the known information area might be overlooked.

1. Advantages:
   1. Faster identification of security vulnerabilities
   2. Focus on critical systems and data
   3. More cost-efficient than a complete White Box Test
2. Disadvantages:
   1. Less realistic compared to Black Box Testing
   2. Possible oversight of unknown vulnerabilities

Which companies are suitable for Grey Box Testing?

Grey Box Testing is particularly suitable for companies that want effective security testing without incurring the effort and costs of a complete White Box Test. It's ideal for organizations that already have a certain security level and want to have specific critical systems tested. Through the combination of provided information and targeted analysis, testers can focus on the areas with the highest risk. The reluctance to disclose certain things, such as the source code of an application, is taken into account by the Grey Box approach.

When should you choose Grey Box Testing?

The decision to choose Grey Box Testing depends on the specific requirements and goals of a company. If a balance between costs, efficiency, and depth of analysis is desired, the Grey Box approach is often the best choice. It enables the discovery of the most critical vulnerabilities without unnecessarily binding resources or extending the test duration.