Updated April 13, 2025
Penetration testing and security auditing evaluate an organization’s security posture from various perspectives. There is an overlap between the two in terms of execution, with both having similar goals of identifying gaps in security and patching up these holes. Penetration testing will be a realistic simulation of an attacker attempting to access the target environment. At the same time, a security audit will be a more in-depth analysis of security controls, policies, and procedures.
Penetration Testing
Penetration testing usually begins with the tester having little knowledge of how the environment operates and focuses on trying to gather that knowledge and craft a targeted attack. This can be done with little restraints, where the tester is allowed to possibly set off alarms that would notify the defensive team of attack, or silently, where the tester goes in with the goal of remaining undetected by the target organization.
While penetration testing is typically thought of in the context of attacking computer networks, it can also be done against physical networks. Tests often include a mix of attacking physical and virtual infrastructure with a specific end goal, such as access to a particular room or file.
Penetration tests are commonly done without any information about the target environment. Still, they can also be done with specific allowances from the client, such as credentials to an application or access from a “compromised” workstation.
A significant advantage of penetration testing is that it will realistically simulate what an attacker will do. Penetration testers are skillful in employing the same techniques as modern, advanced criminals and can identify the paths the bad guys will look for. These tests can be done to test many different situations, such as an attacker finding the network for the first time, an advanced threat silently hiding in the network, or even a disgruntled employee attempting to steal something from their boss’s desk.
Security Auditing
Security auditing is a very comprehensive and methodical approach to security testing. It typically follows one of many frameworks developed to evaluate the security of different environments and information. Unlike penetration testing, this is done with full knowledge and typically coordination from any security staff. The auditor will work closely with the client to identify any flaws in security procedures through careful analysis.
Similarly to penetration testing, security audits can be done for any type of environment. There are many different types of audits based on individual client requirements. All of these involve interviews with the defensive security team to identify controls in place, analysis of the strengths of these controls, and corrective actions based on any identified weaknesses. This can look for many things, ranging from poor patch management to improper data storage. The identified vulnerabilities will vary wildly depending on the individual network being tested.
Security auditing is a comprehensive type of security testing that covers as many holes as possible. It is a slow and methodical process compared to penetration testing. While penetration testing does a great job at simulating attackers, security auditing does a better job of covering general problems. For example, a penetration test may reveal that the tester can access sensitive internal devices but can not find valid credentials for a database. A security audit will show unencrypted credentials in that database that an attack could have accessed with enough time.
One disadvantage of security auditing is that specific problems might be overlooked due to each network’s uniqueness. A comprehensive penetration test may find specialized attacks that are not commonly thought of otherwise. Security audits are better at covering the vast ground and understanding an organization’s overall security posture. At the same time, penetration tests will typically better identify realistic attack paths that an attacker might use to compromise a sensitive environment.
Meet Your Security Testing Needs With Blue Goat Cyber
Our team is skilled in many security audits and penetration tests. We can help your organization meet security needs and reduce the attack risk. Blue Goat testers employ the latest techniques to ensure your network is fully secure. We can also help you meet regulatory requirements through security auditing. If you are unsure of the best approach for your organization, we can help you with that.
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Penetration Testing vs Security Audit FAQs
A penetration test (pen test) simulates real-world cyberattacks to identify and exploit vulnerabilities, focusing on offensive techniques. A security audit evaluates a system’s policies, procedures, and controls against standards or regulations, emphasizing compliance and documentation.
Yes, the FDA recommends penetration testing as part of a comprehensive cybersecurity assessment to demonstrate robust risk management, especially for devices with network connectivity or critical safety functions.
Penetration testing is ideal before product launch or major updates to evaluate real-world risk exposure. Security audits should be conducted periodically to ensure compliance with internal policies and external standards such as FDA premarket guidance or ISO/IEC 27001.
Blue Goat Cyber employs adversarial threat modeling and FDA-aligned test methodologies to simulate attacker behavior across both hardware and software vectors, ensuring vulnerabilities are identified, exploited, and addressed effectively.
A security audit reviews cybersecurity documentation, policies, software bill of materials (SBOM), patch management, access controls, and secure development practices, ensuring alignment with FDA expectations and standards like NIST SP 800-53.
Yes. While distinct, pen testing is often integrated into broader security assessments. At Blue Goat Cyber, we incorporate tailored penetration testing results into audit reports to provide both technical validation and regulatory readiness.
Absolutely. Both services aim to identify gaps. Blue Goat Cyber provides prioritized, actionable remediation plans, whether the gaps stem from exploitable weaknesses (pen test) or documentation/compliance issues (audit).
Pen tests are typically performed annually or after significant updates. Security audits may be conducted annually or quarterly, depending on regulatory demands and device criticality.
Penetration testing offers a more practical view of how vulnerabilities might be exploited in the wild. Security audits focus more on adherence to best practices and policies, offering insight into risk management maturity.
We assess your device’s regulatory stage, risk profile, and connectivity landscape to recommend the most impactful engagement—or a combination—to align with FDA cybersecurity expectations and patient safety goals.
