Tag Archives: test
How Does Penetration Testing Work?
In the digital age, data can be as valuable as physical assets. Every year, companies spend hundreds of millions of dollars on hardware and software to protect the data located on their computers. A single security breach could mean having trade secrets compromised or customer information in the wrong hands. Passwords, firewalls and encryption are valuable tools in the ongoing battle against those who would attempt to bypass a company’s network security.
Once all of the components of a proper security system are in place, it is proper procedure to run a final test. This test is referred to as penetration testing. The cyberspace version of a military unit conducting war games, the test is an effort to compromise the newly installed security. A thorough test is the best way to reduce the risk of a security breach at the hands of a real threat.
The first step in the process is risk assessment. This is the practice of determining exactly what is at stake. By finding out exactly where vulnerabilities lie, a better picture can be formed as to exactly what a would-be information thief would be after. For instance, if an online retailer has a large database containing sensitive customer information such as credit card numbers or bank information, they can identify those assets as being a huge liability if compromised, as well as a prime target for hackers. Anther example of a potential liability is a company that has gone through great lengths to assemble a list of leads or clients. These kinds of assets are particularly appealing to unscrupulous competitors or hackers intent on blackmail.
After areas of vulnerability are determined, the penetration test can commence. Generally, the first systems tested are those that can be accessed from the outside. Websites, email access points and remote access platforms are the most frequent gateways for security breaches, and as such are the subject of the most intense tests.
In order to conduct a proper test, a security company must not only be familiar with the most current techniques and tools available to hackers and cyber criminals, they must also have the ability to foresee potential methods of bypassing security systems. This will keep a company’s computer system defense one step ahead of those who would wish to do harm. A solid penetration test is the last, and perhaps most important step, in being protected against important data being lost or stolen.
How Does Penetration Testing Work?
In the digital age, data can be as valuable as physical assets. Every year, companies spend hundreds of millions of dollars on hardware and software to protect the data located on their computers. A single security breach could mean having trade secrets compromised or customer information in the wrong hands. Passwords, firewalls and encryption are valuable tools in the ongoing battle against those who would attempt to bypass a company’s network security.
Once all of the components of a proper security system are in place, it is proper procedure to run a final test. This test is referred to as penetration testing. The cyberspace version of a military unit conducting war games, the test is an effort to compromise the newly installed security. A thorough test is the best way to reduce the risk of a security breach at the hands of a real threat.
The first step in the process is risk assessment. This is the practice of determining exactly what is at stake. By finding out exactly where vulnerabilities lie, a better picture can be formed as to exactly what a would-be information thief would be after. For instance, if an online retailer has a large database containing sensitive customer information such as credit card numbers or bank information, they can identify those assets as being a huge liability if compromised, as well as a prime target for hackers. Anther example of a potential liability is a company that has gone through great lengths to assemble a list of leads or clients. These kinds of assets are particularly appealing to unscrupulous competitors or hackers intent on blackmail.
After areas of vulnerability are determined, the penetration test can commence. Generally, the first systems tested are those that can be accessed from the outside. Websites, email access points and remote access platforms are the most frequent gateways for security breaches, and as such are the subject of the most intense tests.
In order to conduct a proper test, a security company must not only be familiar with the most current techniques and tools available to hackers and cyber criminals, they must also have the ability to foresee potential methods of bypassing security systems. This will keep a company’s computer system defense one step ahead of those who would wish to do harm. A solid penetration test is the last, and perhaps most important step, in being protected against important data being lost or stolen.
Uses and Benefits of Video Test Pattern Generators
Video test pattern generators provide a convenient and effective way to calibrate, test and troubleshoot video display devices such as HDTVs, projectors, LCD (liquid crystal display) screens and CRT (cathode ray tube) monitors for the ideal viewing experience.
Specific patterns are produced by the video test pattern generators to determine a variety of performance criteria, including: video resolutions, brightness and uniformity, purity and color saturation, linearity, edge geometry, sharpness, stability, etc. By comparing the video input pattern to the video output on a display unit, it is possible to determine how accurately a monitor displays the video it receives and if any defects can be rectified. Some video test pattern generators also allow a user to test digital and/or analog audio signals through generated frequency waves. Using the corresponding video cable needed, simply connect the video test pattern generator to the supported display unit to run the test patterns on the screen. No other video source, such as a computer, DVD player or set-top box is needed for the testing process. If multiple display units are to be compared, the use of a video splitter can ensure that the same pattern is displayed on all desired monitors and subsequently calibrated so that the video output is identical on all screens.
Three of the most common video test patterns are: color bars, grayscale charts and crosshatch, with each serving a distinct function. Several variations of the color bar test pattern exist, with the most well-known being the SMPTE color bar, which are used to test analog NTSC video. All color bar test patterns serve the same purpose of testing and calibrating color saturation, balance and brightness. Most grayscale charts consist of a gradient of monotone bars with the goal being to obtain a smooth range of neutral grays from pure black to white. Adjustments can be made to brightness and contrast to achieve the optimal display. Crosshatch patterns are used to check and calibrate centering, aspect ratio, convergence, and both vertical and horizontal linearity. Other test patterns can range from focusing on one or two specific issues to universal patterns that cover most key aspects.
Most video test pattern generators are compact, portable devices that allow easy field calibration, testing and maintenance of many applications such as: production line quality assessment; studio equipment for both installers and users; television sets by TV engineers or technicians; digital signage configurations with extenders, switches, splitters or video wall processors; and discerning home theater users. High-end models tend to support multiple video signal types while lower-end models offer a more limited and specific selection. Video Products Inc (VPI) offers a wide selection of video test pattern generators that can fulfill the needs of varying applications.
VPI’s MONTEST-HDMI and MONTEST-HDMI-LC respectively provide a high-quality and low-cost option for testing HDMI or DVI display units. The low-cost unit can generate 34 video test patterns, 48 timings and a single audio tone. In comparison, the MONTEST-HDMI provides 39 distinct test patterns, 35 resolution and timing settings, and a range of analog and digital audio signals via a built-in sine wave tone generator. It can also be controlled via the IR remote control or RS232 in addition to its front panel buttons. Both units can test for HDCP compliance and support HDTV resolutions up to 1080p.
The MONTEST-LCD signal generator supports analog computer monitors, LCD displays and video projection systems with the following four connectors: VGA, MAC II, SUN and RGHHV for BNC. It can generate four video patterns with 16 colors and intensity control, and over 100 frequencies that cover a wide range of monitor types.
The MONTEST-HDSDI can generate eight video test patterns and seven timings up to 1080p resolution at full broadcast quality, making it ideal for testing and maintaining studio equipment such as monitors, cabling and recording equipment. It also supports single-tone audio testing and dual SDI output for side-by-side comparison of displays.
All encompassing, the MONTEST-DA supports both analog and digital video signals, including: HDMI, DVI, NTSC, PAL, component Y/Pb/Pr, S-video, VESA, and more. It not only provides a variety of video test patterns, but also allows a user to play stored video and audio files from an embedded 80G hard drive. Remotely control the unit via its RS232-port. Supporting stereo audio test signals, DDC2B, and HDCP, the unit can scale a source to fit a display based on its EDID data. The MONTEST-DA is an ideal, comprehensive solution for applications that need to test, calibrate and maintain various display types.
Video test pattern generators are necessary for achieving optimal displays in many different settings and VPI’s range of MONTEST video test pattern generators can help both consumers and businesses achieve the highest quality their display units can deliver.