A penetration test (pen test) is a security assessment that simulates an attack on your IT systems to evaluate their resilience. At Black Sheep Support, our penetration testing experts mimic real-world threats, using advanced techniques and tools to identify vulnerabilities and demonstrate potential business impacts. A thorough pen test assesses a system’s robustness from authenticated and unauthenticated user perspectives and multiple roles within the network. Penetration testing can uncover valuable insights across various systems and applications to help fortify your security posture.

Benefits of Penetration Testing

Strong security starts with understanding vulnerabilities. Pen testing enables organisations to:

  • Identify system weaknesses proactively
  • Assess the effectiveness of existing security measures
  • Ensure compliance with standards such as PCI DSS, HIPAA, and GDPR
  • Provide management with actionable security insights to guide priorities and budgeting

Pen testing offers a practical, comprehensive approach to addressing security challenges, whether a business is looking to fortify data protections or comply with regulatory requirements.

Access Levels in Pen Testing

Depending on the test objectives, pen testers may be granted varying access levels.

Each access level provides unique insights, helping to ensure comprehensive security.

Black Box

Testers operate without prior knowledge of the system, simulating an outside attack to identify external vulnerabilities.

Grey Box

Testers have partial knowledge, such as user credentials, which allows a focus on vulnerabilities within specific roles or functions. 

White Box

Testers have full access to system details, including code and configuration files, enabling a deep dive into potential security gaps.

Phases of Pen Testing

A structured pen test includes the following phases:

Reconnaissance

Information gathering from public and private sources to identify potential attack vectors.

Scanning

Using tools to uncover vulnerabilities in the target system, such as open services or outdated software. 

Gaining Access

Pen testers attempt to exploit vulnerabilities to understand potential impacts, such as data access or system manipulation. 

Maintaining Access

Once access is gained, the test examines how a persistent attack could occur, simulating data exfiltration or functionality abuse. 

This phased approach ensures a realistic assessment, helping identify the system’s weakest points.

Types of Pen Testing

Penetration testing covers a wide range of environments, including: 

  • Web Applications: Assessing control effectiveness, vulnerabilities, and risk areas specific to web applications. 
  • Mobile Applications: Testing for mobile-specific vulnerabilities, such as data storage issues and encryption flaws. 
  • Networks: Examining internal and external networks for weaknesses in encryption protocols, access control, and exposed services. 
  • Cloud Environments: Addressing shared responsibility in cloud setups, including configuration, API, and data storage vulnerabilities. 
  • Containers: Evaluating containerised applications for risks like misconfigurations and dependency vulnerabilities. 
  • IoT Devices: Testing Internet of Things (IoT) devices for communication, configuration, and functional weaknesses, particularly in embedded systems. 
  • APIs: Ensuring API security by testing for risks such as improper authorisation, excessive data exposure, and rate limiting. 

Types of Pen Testing Tools

Different tools serve specific purposes in pen testing, categorised into:

  • Reconnaissance Tools: Discover network hosts and open ports.
  • Vulnerability Scanners: Identify weaknesses in web applications, networks, and APIs.
  • Proxy Tools: Simulate man-in-the-middle scenarios for web testing.
  • Exploitation Tools: Demonstrate potential impacts by gaining access to vulnerable systems.
  • Post-Exploitation Tools: Maintain access, interact with systems, and achieve test objectives.

A well-rounded toolset ensures that all potential attack surfaces are examined.

Pen Testing vs. Automated Testing

While pen testing combines manual methods with automated tools, it differs significantly from vulnerability assessments (automated testing):

  • Manual Pen Testing: Uncovers business logic flaws, unknown vulnerabilities, and false positives that automated tools may miss.
  • Automated Testing: Efficient for repeated scans, offering a baseline assessment that complements manual pen tests by detecting common issues.

Both methods provide value, with pen testing offering deeper insights that mirror real-world attack scenarios.

Book Appointment

Pros and Cons of Pen Testing

Advantages:

  • Identifies security gaps missed by automated assessments
  • Reveals vulnerabilities both known and previously undetected
  • Simulates real-world attacks for an authentic risk assessment

Limitations:

  • It can be labour-intensive and resource-heavy
  • Typically, it supplements rather than replaces ongoing security measures

Penetration testing remains a vital component of a comprehensive security strategy. It helps businesses proactively defend against threats while meeting industry requirements.

With Black Sheep Support’s Application Security Services, we provide businesses with tailored pen testing solutions, expert insights, and actionable recommendations for enhanced security across all system layers. 

Cyber Security Basic w

BASIC CYBER SECURITY

Cyber Security Advanced w

ADVANCED CYBER SECURITY

Cyber Security Cyber Essentials w

CYBER ESSENTIALS

Cyber Security Patch Management w

PATCH MANAGEMENT

Cyber Security Virus Protection w

VIRUS PROTECTION

Cyber Security Defender

DEFENDER MONITORING