What Is Penetration Testing, and Why It’s an Essential Part of Cybersecurity

Updated April 12, 2025

Keeping your data and network safe and secure is a priority for any business. However, it’s a complex initiative that includes preparation for the many ways hackers can exploit vulnerabilities. As a result, organizations need various tools and practices to be as cyber-secure as possible. One of the best ways to understand risk and weaknesses is to conduct penetration testing.

In this article, we’ll discuss penetration testing, how it works, its benefits, and more.

What Is Penetration Testing?

A penetration test involves a simulated cyberattack to identify vulnerabilities in your network that would enable cybercriminals to penetrate it. Such an exercise can include attempted breaches of all types of application systems.

Penetration testers use the same techniques, tools, and strategies as attackers so that attacks mimic real-world situations. They are an effective way to determine if your network can withstand various attacks, both authenticated and unauthenticated.

How Does Penetration Testing Work?

Penetration testing has many aspects and considerations. We’ll cover access levels, testing methods, what you can test, and the phases of the exercise.

Access Levels

The first consideration in setting up penetration testing is how much information the penetration testers will have. There are three main levels of this:

Black Box Penetration Testing, also known as Opaque Box: Teams have no prior knowledge of the target system’s internal structure. They play the role of a hacker, looking for any weakness to exploit.
Gray Box Penetration Testing, also known as Semi-Opaque Box: In this option, testers have some context of the target system, including data structure, code, or algorithms, and may receive credentials. The strategy to penetrate is different, with users possibly developing test cases related to an architectural diagram of the system.
White Box Penetration Testing, also known as Transparent Box: The final level provides pen testers access to systems and artifacts like source code and containers. They may also be able to enter servers running the system.

These levels coincide with penetration testing methods, which we’ll review next.

Penetration Testing Methods

You can experiment with different testing methods to understand many aspects of cybersecurity. Depending on what you want to test and what matters to you relating to data security, you can request any testing from a cybersecurity services firm.

External testing: In this approach, the testers target visible assets of a company (e.g., web applications, company website, email, and domain name servers) to achieve access and extract data.
Internal testing: This test happens behind the firewall to simulate what could happen after a human error, such as credentials stolen through phishing.
Blind testing: A blind test only provides the tester with the company’s name. It gives security professionals a real-time view of how an application assault could happen.
Double-blind testing: A double-blind test means the internal security teams do not know it’s happening. In such a scenario, staff would have to respond immediately to the threat.
Targeted testing: Testers and technical folks work together in this option. It’s great training for your team and enables them to get feedback from a hacker perspective.

So, what can you test?

Types of Pen Tests

You can request to test everything, but you may not get the granularity you need to understand vulnerabilities. Each type of penetration test focuses on different areas of IT infrastructure.

Web applications: Tests the overall security and possible risks, such as code errors, broken authentication, and injections.
Network security: Uncovers the exploitable issues on different networks that are associated with routers, switches, or network hosts. The test often uses weak assets or misconfigured assets to breach.
Cloud security: Validates that the cloud deployment security is accurate and outlines overall risk and the likelihood that the infiltration could occur in cloud properties. Doing these for public, private, and hybrid clouds is possible.
IoT security: Uses a layered methodology to analyze devices and their interactions. As IoT devices are often a favorite way for hackers to gain entry, these weaknesses are critical to correct.
Social engineering: Leverages phishing mechanisms and emails to test a network’s defense, detection, and reaction capabilities. It also critiques security training and if employees are applying what they learned.
Medical device security: Tests medical devices, such as implantables and surgical robots, for vulnerabilities.

Next, let’s look at the phases of a penetration test.

Penetration Testing Phases

Most exercises for penetration involve six steps. Here’s what to expect in each.

Reconnaissance and Planning

In step one, the penetration testing team will gather information about the target from public and private sources to build an attack strategy. They may proceed with internet searches, domain registration information, social engineering, network scanning that’s not intrusive, and other tactics.

Additionally, this phase defines the scope and goals of a test, such as what to attack and how to attack.

Scanning

Next, penetration testers employ tools to target the system for weaknesses. They typically look for open services, application security problems, and open-source vulnerabilities. The objective is to understand how the system will respond to intrusion attempts. This often includes both static (code inspection) and dynamic (code in running state) analysis.

Gaining Access

In step three, the testers launch attacks to gain access. They deploy tools and techniques to breach the designated scope. The most common tactics are cross-site scripting, SQL injection, malware, social engineering, or backdoors.

The aim is to find a vulnerability and go after it to see if the penetration testers can steal data, intercept traffic, or other means that would compromise the system’s security.

Maintaining Access

After gaining access, the penetration testers will try to maintain it to see if they achieve a persistent presence. Accomplishing this enables the testers to see how deep they can penetrate the network. The time frame could be months, as many real-world attacks can involve a lot of time for a hacker to do damage.

Analysis and Remediation

The penetration testing firm delivers the results at the end of the test. The report will provide you with information regarding:

What vulnerabilities were they able to exploit, and how
If they were able to obtain sensitive data and extract or manipulate it
The period of time the tester was able to remain in the system without detection

From this information, you would then work with security stakeholders internally and externally to formulate a plan to address these issues.

Retesting

Remember that after you do these things, you’ll want to continue using penetration testing to determine effectiveness. Thus, it should be an ongoing practice because of its value. You should consider testing and retesting when you:

Add network infrastructure or applications
Apply security patches
Upgrade infrastructure or applications
Modify end-user policies
Establish new locations

The Value of Penetration Testing

Penetration testing requires an investment in budget and time. However, it can deliver valuable results that keep you breach-free and compliant. You’ll be able to determine what security risks are most glaring. Your organization can be more proactive about cybersecurity since you have information regarding actual security threats. Focusing on prevention is just as important as responding.

A penetration test also delivers insights into how your existing security protocols are working. It’s a new level of visibility into your digital environment. It’s an unbiased view of your security posture.

What Are the Benefits of Penetration Testing?

Even security-focused organizations that perform due diligence on how they build their tech stack and cloud properties have risks. The only way to eliminate them is to go offline, and that’s not an option in the modern world.

Instead, companies must be diligent about protecting their digital assets, and penetration testing offers insight into blind spots.

When you engage ethical security hackers to test your system, you can realize many more benefits, including:

Identifying weaknesses that you may have previously been unaware of throughout your network
Evaluating the robustness of your controls in place to divert attacks
Ensuring compliance mandates relating to data privacy and security requirements, such as FDA, PCI DSS, SOC 2, HIPAA, and GDPR
Finding “holes” in security assurance practices upstream (e.g., automated tools, configurations, coding standards, etc.)
Locating unknown software flaws, even those that aren’t high-risk
Determining qualitative and quantitative examples of current security posture to define areas that need more attention and likely more budget dollars

With the value and benefits that penetration testing offers companies, your next consideration is choosing a firm.

How to Select a Penetration Testing Provider

Many cybersecurity businesses can conduct penetration testing, which is somewhat standardized, as demonstrated by the methods, types, and phases discussed above.

Ideally, you want to hire a firm with significant experience in the field. You want to look for technical prowess and ensure the company is excellent at communicating and collaborating. You need someone to guide you and keep you in the loop, as these projects can be complicated and last for months. Finally, find a partner to help you remedy what you discovered in the test so that you can fortify your security posture.

If you’d like to learn more about how we carry out penetration testing and our experience, contact us today.

Penetration Testing FAQs

How do I get a quote for a penetration test from Blue Goat?

Please schedule a 30-minute Discovery Session with us so we can best understand your objectives.

How often should penetration testing be conducted?

Penetration testing, also known as security testing, should be conducted on a regular basis to ensure the protection of organizations' digital assets. It is generally recommended that all organizations schedule security testing at least once a year. However, it is essential to conduct additional assessments in the event of significant infrastructure changes, prior to important events such as product launches, mergers, or acquisitions.

For organizations with large IT estates, high volumes of personal and financial data processing, or strict compliance requirements, more frequent pen tests are strongly encouraged. Such organizations should consider conducting penetration testing with a higher frequency to continually assess and strengthen their security measures.

To further enhance security practices, organizations can adopt agile pen testing or continuous pen testing. Unlike traditional pen testing, which occurs at specific intervals, agile pen testing integrates regular testing into the software development lifecycle (SDLC). This approach ensures that security assessments are conducted consistently throughout the development process, aligning with the release schedule of new features. By doing so, organizations can proactively address any vulnerabilities and mitigate risks to customers, without significantly impacting product release cycles.

What is PTaaS?

Penetration Testing as a Service (PTaaS) is a dynamic approach to cybersecurity where regular and systematic penetration tests are conducted to assess the security of an organization's IT infrastructure. Unlike traditional penetration testing, which is typically performed as a one-time assessment, PTaaS offers ongoing testing and monitoring, allowing for continuous identification and remediation of vulnerabilities.

Key aspects of PTaaS include:

Regular Testing Cycles: PTaaS involves conducting penetration tests at predetermined intervals, such as monthly or quarterly. This regularity ensures that new or previously undetected vulnerabilities are identified and addressed promptly.
Updated Threat Intelligence: As cyber threats evolve rapidly, PTaaS providers stay abreast of the latest threat landscapes. This ensures that each test is relevant and effective against the most current types of attacks.
Continuous Improvement: By receiving regular feedback and insights from these tests, organizations can continually improve their security postures. This process includes patching vulnerabilities, updating security policies, and enhancing defense mechanisms.
Comprehensive Reporting and Support: PTaaS typically includes detailed reporting on the findings of each test, along with expert recommendations for remediation. Ongoing support and consultation are often part of the service to help organizations respond effectively to identified issues.
Cost-Effectiveness and Budget Predictability: With an annual contract and monthly payment options, PTaaS allows organizations to budget more effectively for their cybersecurity needs, avoiding the potentially higher costs of one-off penetration tests.

What is cloud penetration testing and why is it important?

Cloud penetration testing is a specialized and crucial process involving comprehensive security assessments on cloud and hybrid environments. It is crucial to address organizations' shared responsibility challenges while using cloud services. Identifying and addressing vulnerabilities ensures that critical assets are protected and not left exposed to potential threats.

Cloud penetration testing involves simulating real-world attacks to identify and exploit vulnerabilities within the cloud infrastructure, applications, or configurations. It goes beyond traditional security measures by specifically targeting cloud-specific risks and assessing the effectiveness of an organization's security controls in a cloud environment.

The importance of cloud penetration testing lies in its ability to uncover security weaknesses that might be overlooked during regular security audits. As organizations increasingly adopt cloud services, they share the responsibility of ensuring the security of their data and assets with the cloud service provider. This shared responsibility model often poses challenges regarding who is accountable for various security aspects.

Cloud penetration testing not only helps in understanding the level of security provided by the cloud service provider but also provides insights into potential weaknesses within an organization's configurations or applications. By proactively identifying these vulnerabilities, organizations can take necessary steps to mitigate risks and strengthen their security posture.

What are black, gray, and white box penetration testing?

These terms refer to the amount of information shared with the testers beforehand. Black box testing is like a real-world hacker attack where the tester has no prior knowledge of the system. It's a true test of how an actual attack might unfold. Gray box testing is a mix, where some information is given - this can lead to a more focused testing process. White box testing is the most thorough, where testers have full knowledge of the infrastructure. It's like giving someone the blueprint of a building and asking them to find every possible way in. Each type offers different insights and is chosen based on the specific testing objectives.

What should be considered when choosing a pen test provider?

When choosing a pen test provider, you'll want to consider several important factors to ensure your organization's highest level of cybersecurity.

Selecting the right pen test provider is crucial for your organization's security. It's about identifying vulnerabilities and having a partner who can help you remediate them effectively. To make an informed decision, here's what you should look for:

Expertise and Certifications: One of the key factors to consider is the expertise of the pen testers. Look for providers with a team of experts holding certifications such as CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional), CSSLP (Certified Secure Software Life Cycle Professional), OSWE (Offensive Security Web Expert), OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional), CRTE (Certified Red Team Expert), CBBH (Certified Bug Bounty Hunter), CRTL (Certified Red Team Lead), and CARTP (Certified Azure Red Team Professional). These certifications demonstrate a high level of knowledge and competence in the field.

Comprehensive Testing Services: The cybersecurity landscape constantly evolves, and threats are becoming more sophisticated. To stay ahead, you need a provider with expertise and resources to test your systems comprehensively. Look for a pen test provider like Blue Goat Cyber that offers testing across various areas, including internal and external infrastructure, wireless networks, web applications, mobile applications, network builds, and configurations. This ensures a holistic evaluation of your organization's security posture.

Post-Test Care and Guidance: Identifying vulnerabilities is not enough; you need a partner who can help you address them effectively. Consider what happens after the testing phase. A reputable pen test provider should offer comprehensive post-test care, including actionable outputs, prioritized remediation guidance, and strategic security advice. This support is crucial for making long-term improvements to your cybersecurity posture.

Tangible Benefits: By choosing a pen test provider like Blue Goat Cyber, you ensure that you receive a comprehensive evaluation of your security posture. This extends to various areas, including internal and external infrastructure, wireless networks, web and mobile applications, network configurations, and more. The expertise and certifications of their team guarantee a thorough assessment.

What pen testing methodology do you follow?

We follow a seven phase methodology designed to maximize our efficiency, minimize risk, and provide complete and accurate results. The overarching seven phases of the methodology are:

Planning and Preparation
Reconnaissance / Discovery
Vulnerability Enumeration / Analysis
Initial Exploitation
Expanding Foothold / Post-Exploitation
Cleanup
Report Generation

What is an external black box pen test?

An External Black-Box Penetration Test, also known as a Black Box Test, primarily focuses on identifying vulnerabilities in external IT systems that external attackers could exploit. This testing approach aims to simulate real-world attack scenarios, mimicking the actions of adversaries without actual threats or risks.

During an External Black-Box Pen Test, ethical hackers attempt to exploit weaknesses in network security from an external perspective. This form of testing does not involve internal assessments, which means it may provide a limited scope of insights. However, it is crucial to note that the absence of identified external vulnerabilities does not guarantee complete security.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the network's resilience, it is recommended to complement the External Black-Box Pen Test with an Internal Black-Box Penetration Test. By combining both approaches, organizations can evaluate the effectiveness of their security measures from both external and internal perspectives.

It is important to acknowledge that external-facing devices and services, such as email, web, VPN, cloud authentication, and cloud storage, are constantly exposed to potential attacks. Therefore, conducting an External Black-Box Pen Test becomes imperative to identify any weaknesses that could compromise the network's confidentiality, availability, or integrity.

Organizations should consider performing External and Internal Black-Box Penetration Tests to ensure a robust security posture. This comprehensive approach allows for a thorough assessment of external vulnerabilities while uncovering potential internal risks. Organizations can strengthen their security defenses by leveraging these testing methodologies and proactively addressing identified weaknesses.

How does Blue Goat Cyber gather intelligence for a penetration test?

Blue Goat Cyber employs a comprehensive approach to gather intelligence for a penetration test. We begin by actively seeking out relevant information about the targets. This includes identifying the devices, services, and applications the targets utilize. In addition, Blue Goat Cyber meticulously explores potential valid user accounts and executes various actions to uncover valuable data. By conducting this meticulous information-gathering process, Blue Goat Cyber ensures we comprehensively understand the target's infrastructure and potential vulnerabilities for a successful penetration test.

What is compliance penetration testing for SOC 2, PCI, and FDA (Medical Devices)?

Compliance penetration testing is specially designed to meet the requirements of various regulatory standards. For SOC 2, it's about ensuring that a company's information security measures are in line with the principles set forth by the American Institute of CPAs. In the case of PCI DSS, it's specifically for businesses that handle cardholder information, where regular pen testing is mandated to protect against data breaches. For medical devices regulated by the FDA, pen testing ensures that the devices and their associated software are safe from cyber threats. This type of testing is crucial not just for meeting legal requirements but also for maintaining the trust of customers and stakeholders in industries where data sensitivity is paramount.

What is the goal of penetration testing?

Penetration testing, as a crucial security measure, aims to simulate an attacker's perspective when targeting resources. This comprehensive process encompasses various tests that assess physical and digital infrastructure. Typically, tests are conducted with a limited scope, specifically focusing on evaluating the security controls of specific devices or areas. However, the scope can be adjusted throughout the testing process as sensitive areas are discovered, ensuring that all necessary controls are thoroughly examined.

During penetration testing, an essential aspect is maintaining effective client coordination. This collaboration between the penetration tester and the client is vital to ensure that the testing meets the client's requirements and expectations. By closely working together, the penetration tester can understand the client's specific needs and tailor the testing accordingly, ensuring that all potential vulnerabilities are adequately evaluated.

Unlike other security assessments, penetration tests prioritize examining the performance of security controls rather than avoiding detection. This approach allows the tester to assess how well the security infrastructure withstands an attack and whether the defensive measures effectively detect and respond to intrusions. Gradually increasing the intensity levels during the test provides valuable insights into the functionality of detection systems, aiding the defensive team in understanding the effectiveness of their overall security posture.

How often should penetration testing be conducted?

What is cloud penetration testing and why is it important?

What should be considered when choosing a pen test provider?

When choosing a pen test provider, you'll want to consider several important factors to ensure your organization's highest level of cybersecurity.

What is agile penetration testing and how does it differ from other types?

Agile penetration testing is a proactive and continuous approach to security assessments that focuses on collaborating with developers to identify and resolve potential vulnerabilities throughout the entire software development cycle. Unlike traditional methods, which often involve testing at isolated points in time, agile penetration testing involves integrating regular testing into the software development lifecycle (SDLC).

By integrating security assessments throughout the development process, agile penetration testing helps ensure that every release, whether it involves minor bug fixes or major feature updates, undergoes thorough vetting from a security perspective. This ongoing assessment goes hand-in-hand with the release schedule, allowing for real-time identification and mitigation of vulnerabilities.

The key distinction of agile penetration testing lies in its developer-centric approach. With traditional testing methods, developers may only receive feedback from security assessments infrequently, potentially leaving room for vulnerabilities to go undetected or unresolved. Agile penetration testing, on the other hand, emphasizes close collaboration between security professionals and developers, ensuring that security vulnerabilities are proactively identified and addressed in a timely manner.

Through this collaborative approach, agile penetration testing helps foster a more secure development process by integrating security considerations as an integral part of the overall development cycle. It aligns with agile development principles, promoting iterative and continuous improvement while ensuring that security risks are minimized. By doing so, agile penetration testing aims to deliver products that are more resilient to potential threats and provide customers with a higher level of confidence.

How can organizations benefit from agile penetration testing?

Agile penetration testing, also known as continuous pen testing or agile pen testing, offers numerous advantages for organizations. Organizations can enhance security measures and mitigate risks by integrating regular testing into the software development lifecycle (SDLC) rather than conducting infrequent testing.

One key benefit of agile penetration testing is its alignment with the release schedule. Unlike traditional pen testing, which can disrupt product release cycles, agile pen testing ensures that new software features are thoroughly tested for vulnerabilities without causing delays. This approach enables organizations to balance security and efficiency, as it addresses potential risks in a timely manner and ensures that the final product is secure before it reaches customers.

Furthermore, agile penetration testing reduces the reliance on a potentially time-consuming reconnaissance phase. Instead, adversaries are simulated by conducting testing that mimics their actions. This gives organizations insights into the vulnerabilities that a persistent attacker might exploit, similar to the knowledge an insider might possess. By conducting such grey box testing, organizations can authentically assess their security stance while saving time and resources.

Another advantage of agile pen testing is its ability to identify and address vulnerabilities throughout the entire SDLC. Integrating testing into the development process can identify potential weaknesses early on, preventing them from becoming critical security gaps later. This proactive approach ensures that security measures are not an afterthought but an integral part of the software development process.