Manama Penetration Testing Services | Top 5 Firms

One way to ensure the safety of business information and customer data is to always stay ahead of threats before they can impact the firm. This can be achieved by thorough penetration testing, which is highly essential for organisations to proactively pinpoint and address susceptibilities before malicious actors can exploit them.

In this article, we have listed the top five Manama's penetration testing firms that deliver exceptional expertise, enabling organisations to proactively combat online threats.

1. Microminder

At Microminder, we are dedicated to helping businesses protect themselves from cybercrime with our pen testing services. Our team of CREST and ISO 27001-certified experts thoroughly assess your systems by simulating real-world attacks on your networks, applications, and physical defence. This proactive approach allows us to pinpoint susceptibilities and address them before they can be exploited.

Our service covers everything from infrastructure penetration tests to web and mobile applications, API testing, and source code reviews to more complex assets like cloud systems, VOIP, and IoT devices. We also focus on critical areas such as firewall segmentation, hardware testing, and third-party risk evaluations. Aside from that, we also evaluate your third-party risks, such as supply chain vulnerabilities, to ensure that your entire business ecosystem is secure.

To date, we've tested over 11,000 web and mobile applications, securing the data of more than seven million users globally. In fact, 99% of our recent penetration tests identified vulnerabilities, with 59% of those containing critical or high-risk issues. This illustrates the depth of our expertise and our commitment to ensuring that your organisation remains secure.

In addition to pen tests, our team also offers a range of compliance consulting services with a focus on ensuring that your organisation meets crucial industry standards such as ISO 27001, PCI DSS, and GDPR. We also provide assessments and audits of your business strategies to identify areas where improvements can be made.

Learn more about how we can support your penetration testing needs. Contact us today.

Headquarters: London, UK
Founded: 1984
Email Address: info@micromindercs.com
Website: https://www.micromindercs.com/
Contact: +44 203-336-7200
Address: 8a Wadsworth Rd, Perivale, London, England UB6 7JD, GB
Specialisation: Web Application, API, Network Penetration Testing, Compliance Services 

2. Infiyo

Infiyo’s smart security intelligence solutions, built using AI algorithms, offer robust protection against software flaws and threats. When it comes to cloud protection, the agency provides thorough auditing and consulting services by assessing cloud infrastructure and identifying areas where security can be strengthened. Through these measures, they help clients implement optimal solutions to secure their systems, ensuring the long-term protection and scalability of their business operations. Plus, the team offers auditing for web applications to identify any loopholes within an organisation’s systems that could otherwise become potential threats.

Headquarters: Manama, Bahrain
Founded: 2013
Email Address: hello@infiyo.com
Website: https://www.infiyo.com/
Contact: +973 1330-4999
Address: Manama, Bahrain 308, BH
Specialisation: AI Automation, Blockchain, Cybersecurity Consulting 

3. Deverra Technologies

Since its establishment in 2018, Deverra Technologies has maintained a 99% customer satisfaction rate, completing over 500 projects across more than eight countries. The team provides robust solutions for IoT penetration testing, ensuring that interconnected devices are secure from external attacks. They also support compliance with key industry standards, including PCI DSS compliance, PCI 3DS compliance audits, PCI PIN security, and the SWIFT CSP assessment service, which are essential for firms handling sensitive financial data.

Headquarters: Manama, Bahrain
Founded: 2018
Email Address: info@deverra.me
Website: https://deverra.me/
Contact: +973 3729-0137
Address: Flat #22, Building #82, Road #327, Block #321, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
Specialisation: IoT Penetration Testing, Risk Management, Vulnerability Assessment 

4. CyberGlobal

CyberGlobal has established a network of over 70 partners and employs nearly 100 certified experts across five strategically located global offices. The company is proud to have supported more than 1,000 organisations, including prominent brands like Red Bull, Mercedes-Benz, NHS, Orange, and Emirates, in strengthening their cybersecurity frameworks, safeguarding critical assets, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Headquarters: Manama, Bahrain
Founded: N/A
Email Address: info@cybergl.com
Website: https://cybergl.com/
Contact: +973 3362-4000
Address: N/A
Specialisation: Breach Detection, Incident Response, Digital Forensics, Auditing, Expert Testimony, Threat/Attack Simulation

5. CTM360

CTM360 is a digital risk protection platform designed to deliver unparalleled protection to its subscribers. The team is driven by a commitment to ensuring digital safety through a unified approach that integrates all external security aspects into a single, centralised platform. With round-the-clock support available 365 days a year, the platform guarantees that digital assets remain secure at all times. CTM360’s exceptional performance has been recognised with several prestigious awards, including the Frost and Sullivan Global Digital Risk Protection Enabling Technology Leadership Award and recognition among the top cybersecurity companies globally.

Headquarters: Manama, Bahrain
Founded: N/A
Email Address: info@ctm360.com
Website: https://www.ctm360.com/
Contact: +973 7736-0360
Address: BH OFFICE, 21st Floor, Harbour Towers, East, Bahrain Financial Harbour, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
Specialisation: Social Media Fraud Monitoring, Third Party Risk Management, External Attack Surface Management

A pen test is a systematic process that is typically broken down into five distinct stages. Below, we'll explore them in detail.

Planning and Reconnaissance
This stage is critical as it ensures that the testing process is well-structured, with clear goals and a thorough understanding of the target.

It involves:

Defining the scope and objectives: This includes specifying the systems that will be checked, the goals, and the methodologies that will be used. The scope may focus on specific servers, networks, or applications, ensuring the assessment remains targeted and relevant.

Gathering intelligence: Here, examiners gather information about the target system or network. This might include technical details such as domain names, IP addresses, and network architecture, as well as more specific information about mail servers or web servers in use. This intelligence allows them to map the system's structure, providing an understanding of potential entry points and vulnerabilities.

Without thorough planning and reconnaissance, the subsequent stages risk being ineffective or incomplete.

Scanning
Once the initial groundwork is laid, the next step is scanning the target to see how it will react to various attempts at infiltration.

Static analysis: In this approach, the application’s code is analysed without actually executing it. Tools used for static analysis review the entire codebase, identifying potential flaws or weaknesses. This method offers a detailed view but lacks the context of how the application or system operates in a live environment.

Dynamic analysis: Unlike static analysis, dynamic analysis tests the system in a running state. It provides a real-time view of how the application behaves under stress, offering insights into performance issues or safety gaps that might not be apparent in a static environment.

Gaining Access
Here, the examiner actively attempts to gain access to the system using various techniques. The aim is to identify susceptibilities that could allow an attacker to penetrate the defences.

For web application testing, common methods include:

Cross-site scripting (XSS): This form of attack entails the insertion of harmful scripts into web pages accessed by individuals, which could result in the compromise of user data or unauthorised access to user accounts.

SQL injection: This technique exploits vulnerabilities in database queries, allowing attackers to manipulate databases, extract sensitive information, or even gain administrative privileges.

Backdoors: Testers may look for backdoor access points that allow an attacker to bypass normal authentication methods and gain access to the system.

Once vulnerabilities are identified, the ethical hacker exploits them to determine how much damage can be inflicted. This might involve escalating privileges, intercepting data, or manipulating the system to see the extent of control they can gain.

Maintaining Access
Once access has been gained, the next goal is to determine whether the examiner can maintain access for a prolonged period. This is often referred to as the “persistence” stage. The objective is to simulate how a real-world attacker might achieve a persistent presence within the system, which would allow them to carry out long-term exploits.

During this phase, the expert attempts to:

Remain undetected: Just as in real-world cyberattacks, the attacker needs to avoid detection by security systems. This often involves using advanced techniques to evade intrusion detection systems or activity logs.

Imitate an advanced persistent threat (APT): APTs are sophisticated attacks where the intruder stays within a network for an extended period, stealing sensitive data or laying the groundwork for future attacks.

Analysis
This is the final stage, where the results are compiled into a detailed report. This information is crucial for understanding the effectiveness of the organisation's defence measures and provides actionable insights for improvement. It typically includes:

Specific vulnerabilities exploited: Detailed information on the susceptibilities discovered during the test, including how they were identified and exploited.

Sensitive data access: Details on any data that was compromised or accessed during the test, helping organisations understand the potential risks to their sensitive information.

Duration of access: An assessment of how long the tester was able to remain undetected within the system, simulating how long an actual attacker might have before being discovered.

This stage is vital for the organisation as it offers clear, evidence-based recommendations for improving its security posture. Addressing the issues identified during the check enables companies to enhance their resilience against potential future breaches.

Here are key reasons why companies in Manama should invest in regular testing:

Lower Remediation Costs and Reduce Dwell Time
Did you know that the average time it takes to identify and stop a breach is a whopping 277 days? That's according to IBM's Cost of a Data Breach 2022 report [1]. The longer hackers have access to sensitive information and malicious software, the more damage they can do. This can cause severe consequences, including financial losses, damage to your brand reputation, and a hit to customer loyalty.

In fact, according to IBM, the average global cost of a data breach in 2022 has gone up by 12.7% from 2020, reaching a staggering $4.35 million. The damaging effect of a breach can linger for years, causing ongoing issues for your company. Restoring operations involves significant financial implications, the need for advanced security measures, and potential weeks of disruption.

But here's the good news: addressing vulnerabilities identified by a penetration test before a breach occurs can significantly reduce downtime and prevent major disruptions. It's far more cost-effective to fix these issues in advance than to deal with the aftermath of a full-scale cyber attack.

Adhere to Regulatory Compliance Around Security and Privacy
Penetration testing is undeniably crucial for protecting organisations in Manama and their assets from potential attackers. While its primary role is to secure networks and sensitive data, the benefits extend far beyond basic defence. Regular examination can play a vital role in helping your organisation adhere to even the strictest safety and privacy regulations.

Many businesses are required to conduct regular audits and tests to ensure compliance with frameworks like HIPAA, PCI-DSS, GDPR, SOC2, and ISO 27001, among others. For instance, PCI DSS 4.0 specifically mandates penetration testing under Requirement 5, making it an essential step for maintaining regulatory compliance. Failing to meet these standards can result in hefty fines or legal action.

By conducting thorough checks, enterprises not only enhance their defence policies but also provide assessors with concrete evidence that they are proactively addressing vulnerabilities. The detailed reports generated during these tests serve as proof of your organisation’s commitment to staying compliant with evolving safety requirements.

Preserve Brand Reputation and Customer Loyalty
These days, reports of data breaches frequently appear in the media, and customers are more concerned than ever about the security of their personal information. It is expected that companies will implement the required measures to safeguard their data. One effective way to demonstrate an enterprise's commitment to safety is by conducting regular system checks. These assessments demonstrate that the company has strong protocols in place to protect confidential data.

Moreover, it's common for security reviews, especially before major contracts such as mergers or vendor agreements, to include a discussion of recent penetration test results. This provides further assurance that the firm is protected and trustworthy.

Manama's penetration testing companies are raising the bar for digital defence in the region. With each company bringing its unique strengths to the table – be it profound technical expertise, customised protection strategies, or extensive industry experience – they have become indispensable partners for businesses seeking to fortify their digital landscapes against evolving threats. As the cyber attack landscape continues to shift, collaborating with a trusted firm in Manama guarantees the identification and mitigation of vulnerabilities before they can be leveraged.

If you are searching for the best cybersecurity team, look no further than Microminder. Contact us today and learn more about how we can help.