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As cyber threats continue to evolve, organisations must take a proactive approach to securing their systems, data, and digital assets. One of the most effective ways to do this is through penetration testing. Penetration testing is a simulated cyberattack conducted to identify vulnerabilities before malicious hackers can exploit them. It is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Different tests target different aspects of an organisation’s security, from networks and applications to employee awareness and physical security.
Understanding the types of penetration testing available is critical for businesses looking to strengthen their security posture. However, selecting the right penetration test and provider can be challenging, given the complexity of modern IT environments. This is where Secon can help. With our deep industry expertise, we can guide you in identifying the right type of penetration test for your organisation and connect you with a trusted penetration testing provider to ensure your security needs are met effectively.
What are the different types of penetration tests?
Network Penetration Testing.
Network penetration testing is one of the most common forms of security assessments. It is designed to identify vulnerabilities in an organisation’s network infrastructure. It is divided into two categories: external and internal network testing.
External Network Testing.
External network penetration testing simulates an attack from outside the organisation’s perimeter, targeting internet-facing assets such as web servers, email servers, firewalls, and cloud environments. The goal is to identify weaknesses that could allow an attacker to gain unauthorised access. Testers employ various techniques such as port scanning, vulnerability exploitation, and brute-force attacks to assess the effectiveness of perimeter security controls.
Internal Network Testing.
In contrast, internal network penetration testing focuses on evaluating the security of systems within an organisation’s network. This type of test assumes that an attacker has already gained access. This could be either through compromised credentials, malware, or an insider threat. The objective is to determine how easily an attacker can move laterally, escalate privileges, and access sensitive data. Techniques such as credential dumping, Active Directory attacks, and privilege escalation tests are commonly used.
Web Application Penetration Testing.
Web applications are prime targets for cybercriminals due to their widespread use in business operations. This penetration testing focuses on identifying vulnerabilities within websites, web services, and APIs. This form of testing helps organisations detect security flaws such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), cross-site request forgery (CSRF), and insecure authentication mechanisms.
During a web application penetration test, ethical hackers analyse input validation processes, user authentication mechanisms, and session management protocols. They use automated tools like Burp Suite and OWASP ZAP to identify common vulnerabilities. This is followed by manual testing to uncover business logic flaws that automated scans may miss. Attackers often exploit poorly configured security settings or improperly sanitised input fields to gain unauthorised access, manipulate databases, or execute malicious code.
Since web applications are frequently updated, security testing must be performed regularly to keep up with changes in code and infrastructure. This is particularly important for businesses handling sensitive customer data, such as e-commerce platforms, financial institutions, and healthcare providers. Secon can support you by identifying the right web application penetration testing approach and ensuring your testing provider follows industry best practices.
Mobile Application Penetration Testing.
With the increasing reliance on mobile applications, securing these platforms has become a priority for organisations worldwide. Mobile application penetration testing assesses the security of iOS and Android applications by analysing their code, data storage mechanisms, API interactions, and authentication processes.
One of the most critical aspects of mobile application security is ensuring that sensitive data is not stored insecurely on the device. Many applications store credentials, payment information, or personal data without proper encryption, making them vulnerable to exploitation. Testers examine how the application handles data, whether it follows secure coding practices, and if it is susceptible to reverse engineering.
Additionally, mobile apps interact with various APIs and backend servers, which can introduce security risks if they are not properly secured. Testers intercept and analyse API requests to determine whether authentication tokens, session cookies, or API keys are being transmitted securely. Any weaknesses found could allow attackers to hijack user sessions, gain unauthorised access, or manipulate app functionality.
As mobile applications continue to evolve, comprehensive testing is necessary to ensure security is maintained across different devices, operating systems, and network conditions. Secon can help you navigate the complexities of mobile application security and find a penetration testing provider that specialises in assessing mobile app vulnerabilities.
Cloud Penetration Testing.
Cloud environments present unique security challenges due to their shared responsibility model, where both the cloud provider and the customer play a role in securing the infrastructure. This penetration testing is designed to identify misconfigurations, access control weaknesses, and data exposure risks within cloud platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.
One of the most common security issues in cloud environments is the misconfiguration of storage services. Publicly accessible storage buckets, unprotected databases, and overly permissive access controls can lead to massive data leaks. Ethical hackers perform cloud penetration tests by analysing IAM (Identity and Access Management) policies, API security configurations, and containerised environments to uncover vulnerabilities.
Since cloud platforms are constantly evolving, security teams must continuously test their cloud configurations to ensure compliance with industry standards like ISO 27001, NIST, and CIS benchmarks. Secon can assist in evaluating whether cloud penetration testing is right for your organisation and help you select a reliable testing provider that understands the complexities of cloud security.
Social Engineering Testing.
Human error remains one of the biggest security risks for organisations, making social engineering penetration testing an essential component of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. This type of test evaluates an organisation’s susceptibility to phishing, pretexting, baiting, and tailgating attacks.
In a typical phishing test, ethical hackers craft realistic-looking emails that attempt to trick employees into clicking malicious links, downloading malware, or revealing credentials. These tests help organisations assess how aware and prepared their staff are against cyber threats. If employees fall for these simulated attacks, it indicates a need for stronger security awareness training.
Beyond phishing, social engineering testing can include physical security assessments, where testers attempt to gain access to restricted areas by posing as contractors, delivery personnel, or other trusted individuals. Many data breaches occur because of poor physical security controls, making it crucial to evaluate both digital and physical entry points.
Since social engineering attacks rely on psychological manipulation, organisations must continuously educate employees and enforce robust security policies. Secon can provide guidance on strengthening human security defences and connect you with a penetration testing provider skilled in social engineering assessments.
What to Consider When Choosing a Penetration Test?
Choosing the right penetration test for your organisation requires careful consideration of several factors. Not all penetration tests are the same, and selecting the wrong one can result in unnecessary costs or incomplete security assessments.
Business Objectives and Compliance Requirements.
Before selecting a penetration test, it is important to define what you aim to achieve. Are you looking to comply with regulatory standards such as ISO 27001, DORA, GDPR, or PCI DSS? Do you want to assess the security of a specific system, such as a web application or cloud infrastructure? Different penetration tests serve different purposes, so aligning your security testing with your business and compliance goals is crucial.
Scope and Coverage.
Clearly defining the scope of the penetration test ensures that all critical assets are assessed without disrupting business operations. Organisations should determine whether they need a full infrastructure test, a specific application review, or a red team assessment. The scope should also include details such as the systems to be tested, the type of attacks to be simulated, and any exclusions that must be considered.
Depth of Testing.
Penetration testing can be performed at different levels of depth:
- Black box testing: Testers have no prior knowledge of the system and simulate an external attacker’s perspective.
- White box testing: Testers have full knowledge of the system’s architecture and source code, allowing for a more detailed assessment.
- Grey box testing: Testers have partial knowledge of the system, simulating an attack from an insider or a compromised account.
Choosing the right level of depth depends on your organisation’s security needs and threat model.
Reputation and Expertise of the Testing Provider.
Not all penetration testing providers offer the same level of expertise. It is important to work with certified ethical hackers and cyber security professionals who have experience in your industry.
Look for providers with recognised certifications such as:
- CREST
- OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional)
- CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
- CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)
Secon can help you navigate the selection process by connecting you with a trusted penetration testing provider that meets your security and compliance needs.
Remediation and Post-Testing Support.
A penetration test is only valuable if the findings lead to actionable improvements. Before choosing a penetration test, ensure that the provider offers detailed reports with clear remediation steps. Some providers also offer post-test support, helping organisations prioritise and implement security fixes.
Conclusion
Penetration testing is a crucial part of modern cyber security, helping businesses identify and remediate vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them. From network and web application testing to cloud security assessments and social engineering attacks, each type of penetration test serves a unique purpose in strengthening an organisation’s defences.
However, selecting the right penetration test, and the right provider, can be a complex task. Every business has different needs, infrastructure setups, and security challenges. Secon is here to support you by helping you determine which penetration test is most relevant for your business and connecting you with a trusted penetration testing provider that aligns with your security objectives.
Cyber threats will continue to evolve, but proactive security measures like penetration testing ensure that your business stays ahead of potential risks. Contact us today, and let us help you build a robust security strategy that keeps your organisation safe.