Penetration Testing Services Overview

Our Penetration Testing Services include a remediation validation test (RVT) to validate your fix actions.
The Blue Goat team was a pleasure to work with. They were very passionate, and went above and beyond to ensure we fixed the main issues they identified. I highly recommend Blue Goat for penetration testing.
Blue Goat Cyber Review
Jorge Sandoval
Sr. Developer

Steps to Schedule Your Penetration Test:

blue goat cyber penetration testing

Blue Goat's Penetration Testing Overview

  • Highly trained and certified team with the following credentials: 
    • 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)
    • CARTP (Certified Azure Red Team Professional
  • We dive deeper than our competitors by focusing on manual analysis (automated tools are prone to false positives and false negatives)
  • Proven methodology that we continually refine
  • Includes remediation validation test (RVT) to validate your fix actions
  • Clear & concise reports with prioritized, actionable items
  • Includes Letter of Attestation
  • Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business with DoD cyberwarfare experience

How secure is your network or product? When was the last time you tested your cybersecurity defenses? Why not take steps to protect your systems, employees, and clients from a cyberattack? 

You cannot fix what you do not know. 

A penetration test strengthens your defenses by revealing weaknesses and recommending prioritized fix actions.

We offer full-spectrum cybersecurity penetration testing, from testing a single IP address or web application to full-blown Red Team engagements. As ethical hackers (penetration testers), we emulate hackers and cybercriminals by utilizing similar techniques to perform reconnaissance, identify vulnerabilities, and break into your systems. Unlike attackers, however, we play by our agreed-upon Rules of Engagement (ROE). We cease the test before exposing sensitive data or doing harm to your environment.

Blue Goat's Penetration Testing Portfolio

PCI Penetration Testing

SOC 2 Penetration Testing

Med Device Penetration Testing

HIPAA Penetration Testing

Web App Penetration Testing

Gray Box Penetration Testing

Black Box Penetration Testing

Mobile App Penetration Testing

White Box Penetration Testing

API Penetration Testing

Physical Penetration Testing

Application Penetration Testing

Social Engineering Pen Testing

Pen Test as a Service (PTaaS)

Insider Threat Pen Testing

When it comes to safeguarding your digital assets, the expertise behind the pen test makes all the difference. Blue Goat stands out as your premier choice for penetration testing services, and here’s why:

Highly Trained and Certified Experts

Our team is not just skilled; they’re proven masters of cybersecurity, holding prestigious credentials that include CSSLP, OSWE, OSCP, CRTE, CBBH, CRTL, and CARTP. This diverse certification portfolio ensures that we bring a comprehensive skill set to every penetration test, covering everything from secure software development lifecycles to specialized red team operations and web application exploitation.

Beyond Automated Testing

While many rely solely on automated tools that often miss nuanced vulnerabilities or flag irrelevant issues, Blue Goat emphasizes manual analysis. Our hands-on approach allows us to dive deeper, uncovering the kind of critical, complex vulnerabilities that automated scans can’t detect. This meticulous attention to detail means we provide not just a service, but a thorough security assurance.

Proven, Ever-evolving Methodology

Our methodology isn’t static; it’s a continually refined process that adapts to the latest threats and industry best practices. This proactive stance ensures that our penetration testing services remain effective, relevant, and ahead of the curve, providing you with the most accurate assessment of your cybersecurity posture.

Comprehensive Remediation and Validation

Identifying vulnerabilities is only half the battle. Blue Goat includes a Remediation Validation Test (RVT) to confirm the effectiveness of your remedial actions, ensuring that fixes are not just applied, but are genuinely fortifying your defenses. This critical follow-up step is a testament to our commitment to not just uncover problems but to see them resolved.

Clear, Actionable Reporting

Our reports cut through the noise, offering clear, concise insights accompanied by prioritized, actionable recommendations. Each report includes a Letter of Attestation, underscoring the thoroughness of our assessment and providing you with a valuable tool for demonstrating your security stance to stakeholders and regulators.

A Partner with a Purpose

Choosing Blue Goat also means partnering with a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business that brings DoD cyberwarfare experience to the private sector. Our background in some of the most challenging cybersecurity theaters adds a unique depth to our penetration testing services, blending discipline, precision, and strategic insight.

Partner with Blue Goat

For penetration testing that goes beyond the checklist, offers deep insights, and provides real solutions, Blue Goat is your trusted partner. Leverage our unparalleled expertise, proven methodologies, and comprehensive support to protect your assets and prepare your defenses against the cyber threats of tomorrow.

Penetration testing, often seen as a critical component of a robust cybersecurity strategy, delivers substantial return on investment (ROI) by uncovering vulnerabilities, mitigating risks, and enhancing security postures. Investing in penetration testing services like those offered by Blue Goat provides tangible and intangible benefits that far exceed the initial cost, contributing to the long-term success and resilience of your organization. Here’s how penetration testing delivers significant ROI:

Prevention of Costly Data Breaches

The most immediate and tangible ROI comes from the prevention of data breaches. The costs associated with a breach — including regulatory fines, legal fees, reputational damage, and loss of customer trust — can be devastating. Penetration testing identifies and mitigates vulnerabilities before they can be exploited, significantly reducing the likelihood of costly breaches and saving potentially millions in the aftermath.

Enhanced Compliance Posture

For many organizations, compliance with industry standards and regulations is non-negotiable. Penetration testing ensures that security controls meet the required standards, avoiding costly fines and penalties for non-compliance. Moreover, demonstrating a proactive approach to cybersecurity can reduce the scope and frequency of audits, further lowering compliance costs.

Protection of Brand Reputation and Customer Trust

In the digital age, consumer trust is a currency. A single security incident can severely damage a brand’s reputation, leading to lost customers and revenue. Penetration testing helps protect your organization’s reputation by ensuring that customer data is secured against potential threats, thereby maintaining customer trust and loyalty.

Optimization of Security Investments

Penetration testing provides detailed insights into your security posture, allowing for informed decisions on where to allocate resources effectively. By identifying the most critical vulnerabilities, organizations can prioritize remediation efforts, ensuring that investments in security controls deliver the maximum protective value.

Competitive Advantage

In markets increasingly aware of cybersecurity risks, demonstrating a commitment to security can differentiate your organization from competitors. Penetration testing not only secures your systems but also positions your brand as a leader in data protection, potentially attracting more customers and opening new business opportunities.

Long-term Cost Savings

Beyond immediate financial benefits, penetration testing contributes to long-term savings by establishing a culture of security within the organization. Regular testing and the continuous improvement of security practices can prevent the cycle of vulnerability exploitation and patching, leading to more stable and secure operations over time.

Strategic Risk Management

Penetration testing is a cornerstone of strategic risk management, offering insights not just into existing vulnerabilities but also into potential future threats. This forward-looking perspective enables organizations to develop robust security strategies that anticipate and neutralize threats before they emerge, securing not just current assets but also future developments.

Final Thoughts

The ROI of penetration testing encompasses not only the prevention of financial losses but also the preservation and enhancement of business value. By investing in penetration testing services like those offered by Blue Goat, organizations can secure their operations, protect their reputation, and position themselves for success in an increasingly complex cyber landscape.

At Blue Goat, we pride ourselves on a comprehensive and strategic approach to penetration testing that safeguards your organization’s digital assets against the most sophisticated cyber threats. Our high-level penetration testing methodology is meticulously designed to uncover vulnerabilities, simulate real-world cyber-attacks, and provide actionable insights to enhance security posture. Here’s a closer look at our methodology:

Phase 1: Planning and Reconnaissance

  • Objective Setting: Collaborate with your team to define clear goals, scope, and objectives for the penetration test, ensuring alignment with your business needs and security concerns.
  • Information Gathering: Employ advanced reconnaissance techniques to collect detailed information about your digital infrastructure, including publicly available data and internal insights provided by your team.

Phase 2: Threat Modeling and Analysis

  • Vulnerability Identification: Utilize state-of-the-art tools and manual techniques to identify vulnerabilities across your network, applications, and systems.
  • Threat Modeling: Develop comprehensive threat models that highlight potential attack vectors and the impact of successful exploits on your organization.

Phase 3: Exploitation

  • Controlled Exploitation: Execute controlled attacks to exploit identified vulnerabilities, mimicking the actions of potential attackers without causing harm to your systems.
  • Exploit Analysis: Analyze the results of exploitation attempts to understand the depth of potential breaches and their risk to your organization.

Phase 4: Post-Exploitation and Lateral Movement

  • Access and Escalation: Determine the level of unauthorized access gained and attempt to escalate privileges to uncover deeper vulnerabilities.
  • Lateral Movement: Explore the potential for lateral movement within the network to identify additional targets and security weaknesses.

Phase 5: Analysis and Reporting

  • Comprehensive Analysis: Conduct a thorough analysis of the findings, categorizing vulnerabilities based on severity, potential impact, and exploitability.
  • Detailed Reporting: Provide a comprehensive report that includes an executive summary, detailed findings, evidence of vulnerabilities, and prioritized remediation strategies.

Phase 6: Remediation and Validation

  • Remediation Guidance: Offer expert guidance on remediating identified vulnerabilities, including best practices and strategic advice for strengthening your security posture.
  • Remediation Validation Testing (RVT): Conduct follow-up testing to validate the effectiveness of your remediation efforts, ensuring vulnerabilities have been successfully addressed.

Why Blue Goat?

  • Expertise: Our team of certified professionals brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, holding prestigious credentials in cybersecurity.
  • Customized Approach: We tailor our penetration testing services to meet your organization’s unique needs, ensuring comprehensive coverage of your digital landscape.
  • Proven Methodology: Our methodology is continually refined to incorporate the latest tools, techniques, and industry best practices, providing you with the most effective security assessment.
  • Actionable Insights: Our reports are clear, concise, and action-oriented, providing actionable recommendations to enhance security defenses.

Partner with Blue Goat to leverage our high-level penetration testing methodology and protect your organization against emerging cyber threats. Our strategic approach identifies vulnerabilities and empowers you with the knowledge and tools to fortify your digital assets.

At Blue Goat, our commitment to enhancing your cybersecurity posture extends beyond the execution of comprehensive penetration tests. We pride ourselves on providing detailed, actionable deliverables that empower your organization with the knowledge and guidance to fortify your defenses against cyber threats. Our deliverables package is meticulously crafted to offer clear insights, prioritize vulnerabilities, and facilitate effective remediation strategies.

Comprehensive Penetration Testing Report

Executive Summary: Tailored for decision-makers, this section provides a high-level overview of the penetration test’s scope, key findings, and potential business impacts, emphasizing the most critical vulnerabilities and their implications for your organization.

Methodology Overview: A detailed description of our testing methodology, including the tools, techniques, and approaches used during the penetration test, gives stakeholders a clear understanding of how vulnerabilities were identified and assessed.

Detailed Findings and Vulnerabilities: Each identified vulnerability is documented in a comprehensive manner, including:

  • Description: A clear explanation of the vulnerability, its context, and how it was discovered.
  • Evidence: Proof of concept, including screenshots, logs, and other supporting materials, to substantiate the finding.
  • Risk Rating: An assessment of the vulnerability’s severity, based on its potential impact on your organization and the likelihood of exploitation.
  • Recommendations: Customized remediation strategies designed to efficiently address each specific vulnerability, facilitating prompt and effective resolution.

Compliance Overview: Where applicable, an analysis of how the findings relate to compliance with relevant standards and regulations, highlighting areas of non-compliance and providing guidance on achieving or maintaining compliance.

Appendices: Supplementary information, including in-depth technical data, exploitation methods, and references to best practice frameworks and guidelines, is valuable for technical teams responsible for remediation efforts.

Remediation Validation Testing (RVT) Report

After implementing recommended remediation strategies, Blue Goat conducts a Remediation Validation Testing (RVT) to verify the effectiveness of your actions. The RVT Report includes:

  • Pre-Remediation Recap: A brief overview of the original findings and the recommended remediations.
  • Validation Methodology: The approach and criteria used to reassess the vulnerabilities post-remediation.
  • Validation Findings: The results of the RVT indicate which vulnerabilities have been successfully mitigated and highlight any remaining security issues.
  • Further Recommendations: Additional guidance on addressing any unresolved vulnerabilities and suggestions for enhancing your cybersecurity measures.

Letter of Attestation

Blue Goat provides a Letter of Attestation upon completion of the penetration test and validation of remediation efforts. This document serves as formal recognition of the thorough assessment conducted by our team and the efforts your organization has made to address identified vulnerabilities, enhancing your credibility and demonstrating your commitment to cybersecurity.

Why Blue Goat’s Deliverables Stand Out

Blue Goat’s deliverables are designed to provide actionable intelligence, facilitating informed decision-making and strategic planning for your cybersecurity initiatives. Our clear, concise reports, expert recommendations, and post-remediation validation equip your organization with the tools needed to achieve a robust security posture. Partner with Blue Goat to identify vulnerabilities and pave a clear path toward a more secure, resilient future.

At Blue Goat, our Penetration Testing Service stands out for its customized, strategic approach to cybersecurity assessments. Recognizing that each organization’s security landscape is unique, we don’t rely on a one-size-fits-all toolkit. Instead, we select from a wide arsenal of advanced penetration testing tools, meticulously choosing those that align with the specific needs and challenges of your test. Here’s a glimpse into our adaptive toolset approach, highlighting just a sample of the tools we may deploy:

Dynamic Selection of Tools:

  • Burp Suite and OWASP ZAP: For comprehensive web application vulnerability scanning and exploitation.
  • Nessus and OpenVAS: Leading vulnerability scanners for uncovering weaknesses across networks and systems.
  • SQLMap and sqlninja: Specialized tools for detecting and exploiting SQL injection vulnerabilities.
  • Metasploit and Core Impact: Frameworks for developing, testing, and executing exploit code against target systems.
  • NMAP and Masscan: Essential for network discovery, port scanning, and service enumeration.
  • Wireshark and tcpdump: Network protocol analyzers for capturing and analyzing network traffic.
  • Aircrack-ng and Kismet: Tools focused on identifying vulnerabilities in wireless networks.
  • Gobuster and DirBuster: For directory and file enumeration on web servers.
  • Nikto: A web server scanner that performs comprehensive tests against web servers for multiple items.

This list represents just a fraction of the tools within our repertoire. Depending on the scope and objectives of the penetration test, we may employ various other specialized tools and custom scripts to ensure thorough coverage and accurate results.

Tailored Testing for Comprehensive Coverage: Leveraging hundreds of tests across these tools and others, our approach ensures comprehensive coverage of your digital infrastructure. However, the exact number of tests conducted is tailored to the unique aspects of each engagement, reflecting the complexity and specific requirements of your environment.

Why Blue Goat’s Adaptive Toolset Matters

Customized Testing Strategy: Our flexible approach means we deploy the most effective tools for your specific testing scenario, ensuring more accurate and relevant findings. Comprehensive Security Insights: By choosing tools based on the actual test, we cover a broader range of vulnerabilities, from surface-level weaknesses to deep-seated security issues. Actionable, Prioritized Recommendations: Our reports translate findings from diverse tools into clear, actionable advice, helping you prioritize remediation efforts effectively.

Partner with Blue Goat

Choosing Blue Goat’s Penetration Testing Service equips your organization with a dedicated, adaptable cybersecurity ally. Our dynamic tool selection and our team’s expert analysis offer a nuanced understanding of your security posture, empowering you with the insights needed to fortify your defenses against evolving cyber threats. Engage with us to benefit from a tailored, strategic penetration testing service designed to meet your unique security challenges.

Penetration Testing FAQs

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

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.

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:

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

  1. Planning and Preparation
  2. Reconnaissance / Discovery
  3. Vulnerability Enumeration / Analysis
  4. Initial Exploitation
  5. Expanding Foothold / Post-Exploitation
  6. Cleanup
  7. Report Generation

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.

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.

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.

Our purpose is simple – to secure your product and business from cybercriminals.

The number of cybersecurity incidents continues to climb. The variety of attacks continues to grow. It is no longer a question of if you will have a cyber event.