Penetration testing, often referred to as a pen test, is a simulated cyber attack against your computer system to check for exploitable vulnerabilities. Penetration tests are more comprehensive than vulnerability scans because they involve actual exploitation of found vulnerabilities to determine what information is actually exposed.

The frequency of automated penetration testing can vary depending on several factors such as the size of your network, the sensitivity of your data, compliance requirements, and the rapidly changing threat landscape. Automated Penetration Testing is affordable, Accurate, and On-Demand. Generally, it is recommended to conduct penetration testing at least annually or whenever significant changes are made to your infrastructure, such as new network infrastructure, application updates, or after deploying new security measures.

There are several types of penetration tests, including network services, web application, client-side, wireless, social engineering, and physical penetration tests. The right type for your business depends on your specific infrastructure and security needs. A professional penetration testing service can help you determine the most relevant type of test for your organization based on an assessment of your systems and potential threats.

After a penetration test, you should expect a comprehensive report that includes a detailed description of the testing methodology used, the vulnerabilities discovered, the level of risk each vulnerability poses, and recommendations for remediation. The report should provide both technical details for your IT team and high-level summaries for management.

Penetration testing can help your business meet compliance requirements for various standards and regulations, such as PCI-DSS, HIPAA, GDPR, and others. These regulations often require regular security assessments, including penetration testing, to ensure the protection of sensitive data. The test can identify compliance gaps and provide documentation needed for audit purposes.