Penetration Testing

Penetration Testing

Penetration testing is the practice of simulating cyber-attacks against an computer system where security experts attempt to find and exploit vulnerabilities. By detecting these vulnerabilities before malicious attackers can exploit them, businesses can better safeguard their critical data and systems.

Regulatory Compliance

Penetration testing is an integral component of a comprehensive security audit. With penetration testing being mandated or recommended by various regulations across industries, such as PCI DSS, HIPAA, ISO27001, GDPR, and more, to ensure the security of systems handling sensitive data.

Common Questions

Penetration Testing is a critical component of cyber-security, with various aspects often misunderstood. Below are some commonly asked questions to provide clarity on its purpose and how it is executed.

What is Penetration Testing in Cyber-security?

Answer: Penetration testing, also known as a pen test, is a method used in cyber-security where security experts simulate cyber attacks against a system to identify and exploit vulnerabilities. This proactive measure helps organisations strengthen their defenses against actual cyber threats.

How Does Penetration Testing Differ from Vulnerability Scanning?

Answer: While vulnerability scanning involves using automated tools to identify potential vulnerabilities in a system, penetration testing is more comprehensive. It not only identifies vulnerabilities but also attempts to exploit them in a controlled environment to understand the real-world effectiveness of existing security measures..

What Types of Penetration Tests are There?

Answer: There are several types of penetration tests including, but not limited to, external network testing, internal network testing, web application testing, and wireless security testing. Each type targets specific aspects of an organisation’s IT infrastructure.

Who Should Consider Penetration Testing?

Answer: Any organisation that handles sensitive data or relies on IT infrastructure for their operations should consider penetration testing. It is particularly crucial for sectors such as finance, healthcare, education, and government, where data breaches can have severe consequences.

What Skills are Required for a Penetration Tester?

Answer: Penetration testers typically need a broad range of skills in cybersecurity, including knowledge of network systems, proficiency with penetration testing tools and techniques, and often, skills in programming and script-writing. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are also essential..

How Often Should Penetration Tests Be Conducted?

Answer: The frequency of penetration tests can vary based on several factors such as the size of the organisation, the nature and sensitivity of the data handled, and the changing threat landscape. Generally, it is recommended to conduct penetration tests annually or biannually, or after any significant changes to the IT infrastructure or deployment of new systems..

What are the Ethical Considerations in Penetration Testing?

Answer: Ethical considerations in penetration testing include obtaining explicit permission from the rightful owners or stakeholders before testing begins, ensuring the testing is legal, respecting privacy laws, and avoiding any actions that could disrupt the normal operations of the system being tested.

Why Choose ProCheckUp for Your Penetration Testing

Choosing ProCheckUp means partnering with a proven leader with over 25 years experience. Our CREST approval and NCSC endorsements reflect our commitment to delivering top-tier cyber services across various sectors. We offer flexible, cost-effective solutions tailored to meet the diverse needs and budgets of our clients, ensuring continuous improvement..

Our Penetration Testing services range includes:

Infrastructure Security Testing

A business's infrastructure is its backbone. We employ top-tier experts to scrutinise your infrastructure for vulnerabilities, ensuring its confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Regular assessments are pivotal to maintain a robust security posture. (Learn More)

• IoT Penetration Testing: Specialised testing targeting Internet of Things (IoT) devices within the infrastructure.(Learn More)
• IVR System Penetration Testing: Testing focused on Interactive Voice Response systems to identify potential security issues. (Learn More)

Cloud Penetration Testing

• AWS Cloud Penetration Testing: Targeted security testing specific to Amazon Web Services. (Learn More)
• Azure Penetration Testing: Targeted security testing specific to Microsoft Azure. (Learn More)

Application Security Testing

Beyond just network infrastructure, applications are frequent targets. ProCheckUp offers exhaustive testing for web and mobile applications, including web service APIs. This assessment uncovers vulnerabilities, ensuring that your applications remain secure. (Learn More)

• Mobile Application Penetration Testing (Learn More)
• Web Application Penetration Testing (Learn More)

Wireless Security Testing

The shift towards wireless technology, while convenient, has its own set of challenges. Malicious entities consistently scout wireless networks for weak points. Our experts map out your wireless footprint, detect rogue devices, and bolster your wireless infrastructure against potential breaches.(Learn More)

NCSC IT Health Checks

As an NCSC-approved CHECK entity, ProCheckUp is accredited to conduct IT Health Checks against critical environments. Our experienced team aligns with the NCSC CHECK guidelines, delivering top-notch security audits in line with HMG standards.(Learn More)

Additional Penetration Testing Services

• Red/Blue/Purple Teaming: Simulated cyber attack and defense scenarios to test and improve the response of security teams.(Learn More)
• Social Engineering: Tests designed to assess the human element of security by simulating attacks that rely on human interaction and errors.(Learn More)
• Supply Chain Testing: Specialised tests to assess the security of third-party suppliers and vendors.(Learn More)
• Breakout testing - Citrix and network pivoting: Targeted security tests to evaluate the effectiveness of security controls in containing and mitigating intrusions.(Learn More)