What are penetration tests?

Penetration tests, often referred to as “pentesting” or “ethical hacking”, examine computer systems, applications, networks or embedded systems for vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit. These vulnerabilities can be caused by software bugs, design flaws or configuration errors. In contrast to routine administrative checks, penetration tests simulate real attacks to identify vulnerabilities from an attacker’s perspective. Regular testing is essential to stay one step ahead of potential threats, with the frequency of testing depending on the risk assessment and the organization’s requirements.

Why carry out penetration tests?

Penetration testing is a proactive approach to cyber security that uncovers vulnerabilities before attackers can find and exploit them. It strengthens a company’s security posture, helps prevent data breaches and ensures compliance with legal regulations. By simulating cyberattacks, penetration testers provide actionable insights into system weaknesses and how to fix them.

The most important advantages are

• Vulnerability detection: Penetration tests identify vulnerabilities in IT systems, networks and applications that could be exploited by attackers.
• Compliance and regulatory requirements: Many regulations and standards (e.g. GDPR, ISO 27001, PCI DSS) require regular security checks. A penetration test helps to meet these requirements and can serve as proof to auditors.
• Cost efficiency through prevention: The costs of a penetration test are usually significantly lower than the costs of an actual security incident, which can result in data loss, reputational damage or legal consequences.
• Error reduction: Regular pentesting helps developers understand vulnerabilities and apply better coding practices.
• Preparation for real attacks: Penetration tests serve as a “fire drill” for the company and ensure that the team knows how to deal with attacks effectively.

Companies should prioritize penetration testing after major IT upgrades, office relocations, the implementation of security patches or policy changes, and also schedule them regularly as part of a comprehensive security strategy.

What can be tested?

Anything complex enough to exhibit unexpected behavior can be a target. Common types of penetration tests include:

• Host-based testing: Examines individual computer systems, often with provided credentials, to identify vulnerabilities and recommend protective measures.
• Device tests: Focuses on hardware such as payment terminals, routers or ATMs. During these tests, all interfaces and services are examined for security vulnerabilities.
• Web application testing: Targets web applications, starting with intelligence gathering and ending with exploitation attempts, often targeting OWASP’s top 10 ^{vulnerabilities1}
• Infrastructure tests: Evaluates internal or external networks. Active systems, open ports and exploitable services are identified, often with the aim of uncovering sensitive information or gaining deeper access to the network.

Types of penetration tests: white box, black box and gray box

Penetration tests can be divided into different categories based on the tester’s knowledge of the target:

• White box testing: The tester is provided with detailed system information, e.g. source code, architecture diagrams and/or user accounts. This approach aims to comprehensively identify vulnerabilities.
• Black box tests: The tester has no prior knowledge of the system and simulates the perspective of an external attacker.
• Gray box testing: A hybrid approach in which the tester has partial knowledge of the system, such as limited access rights or the system architecture. This method creates a balance between the depth of testing and the realistic perspective of an attacker.

By combining these approaches, companies gain a comprehensive insight into their security landscape.

Invest in penetration testing for improved security

Penetration testing is not just about compliance, but also about protecting your organization’s reputation, data and operations. Whether it’s a network, a web application or a physical device, penetration testing helps you stay one step ahead of attackers. Regular testing combined with a rapid response to the results will ensure that your systems remain resilient to evolving threats.

Why you should choose us

SRC Security Research & Consulting GmbH has been a leader in the field of penetration testing for 25 years and offers you in-depth expertise and experience to optimize your IT security. Our many years of practical experience have given us the necessary know-how to develop customized security solutions for complex IT infrastructures. Particularly noteworthy is our specialization in individually adapted infrastructures that require special security requirements. We know how to test and effectively protect even the most demanding systems. In the area of compliance, we have successfully supported projects in accordance with standards such as PCI-DSS, BSZ, CC and §8a BSIG and help you to meet all regulatory requirements. With us at your side, your systems are optimally checked for security gaps and optimally prepared for future threats.

)¹ OWASP (Open Worldwide Application Security Project) is an open community that enables organizations to design, develop, acquire, operate and maintain software for secure and trusted applications.