Cyber Security Services for Hospitality Industry in Dubai

Cybersecurity for Hospitality Industry
Client Background

Our client, a prominent player in the hospitality industry, engaged our services to conduct a website penetration test. The client, keen on ensuring robust security measures, collaborated with us to establish a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the testing process.

Engagement Overview

The penetration testing followed a structured approach outlined in the SOP. After completing the initial assessment within the specified timeline, a detailed report was compiled. However, the report primarily contained informational findings, lacking critical vulnerabilities. Despite this, the client expressed dissatisfaction with the results, prompting us to reevaluate and propose an alternative perspective.

Reassessment and Hacker's Perspective

Understanding the client's concerns, we proposed a second iteration of security testing, this time adopting a hacker's perspective. The objective was to simulate real-world scenarios and identify vulnerabilities that might not be evident through conventional testing methods.

Discovery of Open Credentials

As the testing process commenced, our team delved into open-source intelligence gathering and Darkweb Data Leaks repositories. Within a few hours, a significant breakthrough occurred – open credentials for the backup server were uncovered. These credentials provided a gateway to access sensitive areas of the client's infrastructure.

Exploitation and Access

Armed with the discovered credentials, our team successfully logged into the backup servers. This initial access granted full control over the backup production servers and unrestricted entry into the MySQL database, a critical component of the client's data infrastructure.

Key Learnings

1. Real-World Simulation Matters: Traditional penetration testing might not capture all potential threats. Adopting a hacker's perspective allows for a more realistic assessment of security measures.
2. Darkweb Monitoring: Proactive monitoring of Darkweb Data Leaks repositories proved instrumental in identifying compromised credentials and potential security threats.
3. Continuous Improvement: Client dissatisfaction serves as an opportunity for improvement. The decision to reassess and propose a new testing perspective demonstrated our commitment to delivering comprehensive security solutions.

Recommendations

1. Implement enhanced monitoring and alert systems for credentials exposed in the Darkweb.
2. Periodically reassess and update security protocols to align with evolving threat landscapes.
3. Consider ongoing penetration testing with a hacker's mindset to proactively identify and address vulnerabilities.