Good vs bad penetration testing

One of the most critical tools for protecting your organisation is penetration testing. Penetration testing provides a proactive way to discover these gaps before malicious actors exploit them. It helps organisations protect sensitive data, maintain business continuity, and prevent costly breaches.

Regular penetration testing is often required to comply with GDPR, PCI-DSS, and ISO 27001 standards. Beyond compliance, it builds trust with clients, partners, and stakeholders, showcasing your commitment to securing their data. However, not all penetration tests are executed equally. A high-quality penetration test can significantly strengthen your security, while a poorly executed one can leave you exposed and overconfident.

How penetration testing differs from vulnerability assessments

Penetration testing is a simulated cyber attack conducted by ethical hackers to uncover vulnerabilities that malicious actors could exploit. It involves active attempts to breach your systems to identify weaknesses and understand the real-world impact of potential attacks.

Many confuse penetration testing with vulnerability assessments. While a vulnerability assessment identifies and lists potential issues, a penetration test takes things further by attempting to exploit those vulnerabilities to assess their real-world impact.

Think of it this way: a vulnerability assessment tells you that your house has an unlocked door; a penetration test walks through that door, assesses what a threat actor could steal, and helps you secure it.

Types of penetration testing

Penetration testing comes in three main forms: black box, grey box, and white box testing.

In black box testing, the penetration tester starts with no prior knowledge of the system, mimicking the approach of an external attacker with no insider access. This method tests the effectiveness of your external defences, like firewalls and authentication mechanisms.

Grey box testing gives the penetration tester partial knowledge, such as user credentials or network architecture. This type of test represents an insider threat or a compromised user scenario, enabling a more targeted approach that still simulates real-world attacks.

Finally, white box testing gives the penetration tester complete access and detailed system knowledge, including source code and infrastructure details. This allows for the most comprehensive assessment, identifying vulnerabilities that might otherwise remain hidden.

Key elements of a high-quality penetration test

A good penetration test begins with a well-defined scope, ensuring all critical systems, applications, and networks are included. Clearly outlining the objectives and boundaries of the test prevents any key areas from being overlooked.

The success of a penetration test depends heavily on the skills and expertise of the penetration testers. High-quality penetration testers are not just technically proficient; they can think like attackers, understand your systems deeply, and adapt to each engagement’s challenges. Their ability to uncover complex vulnerabilities and assess their real-world impact separates effective penetration tests from superficial ones.

While high-quality penetration testing may come at a higher cost, they offer unparalleled value. They include thorough manual testing, detailed risk-based reporting, and tailored remediation guidance. Additionally, exceptional penetration testers maintain clear communication with clients, ensuring you stay informed and supported throughout the process. Choosing experienced and well-trained penetration testers is an investment in your organisation’s security.

Another hallmark of a high-quality penetration test is the provision of contextual recommendations. Findings are prioritised based on their risk level and the business impact they pose. Instead of generic advice, the remediation steps are actionable and tailored to your specific environment, making it easier to address vulnerabilities effectively. Effective communication is another critical aspect. Regular updates during the engagement keep you informed, while a well-structured final report summarises the findings in a way that is accessible to both technical teams and decision-makers.

Pitfalls of a low-quality penetration test

A bad penetration test often relies too heavily on automation, with little to no manual validation. Automated tools are excellent for identifying common vulnerabilities, but they can’t uncover complex issues or assess the real-world impact of findings. This over-reliance results in superficial testing.

The report generated from such a penetration test is often incomplete or vague, filled with technical jargon or irrelevant findings. Without actionable insights, these reports provide little value to organisations trying to improve their security.

Another glaring red flag is the lack of client context. Poor-quality penetration tests fail to account for your organisation’s unique business risks and operational environment. The result is findings that might be technically accurate but lack practical relevance, leaving your security posture largely unchanged.

The benefits of a high-quality penetration test

A good penetration test provides insights that help organisations improve their overall security posture. Uncovering systemic issues and providing precise, actionable guidance enables you to address root causes rather than just symptoms. This strengthens your defences against current threats and prepares you for emerging ones.

Additionally, good penetration tests empower organisations through knowledge sharing. By helping your team understand vulnerabilities, their impact, and how to remediate them, penetration tests foster a culture of security awareness. This leads to better security practices and more informed decision-making in the future.

Choosing the right partner

At Cognisys, we understand the difference a good penetration test can make. Our highly skilled penetration testers deliver thorough assessments, clear communication, and actionable insights. With our private reporting portal, SmartView, you receive real-time updates on critical findings; no need to wait for the final report.

A good penetration test is more than a checkbox activity; it’s an investment in your organisation’s future. Get in touch and speak with our expert team today.