What is penetration testing?
Penetration testing is a security exercise where our experts simulate cyberattacks on your IT systems, applications, or networks. The goal is to identify vulnerabilities or weaknesses that real attackers could exploit. By finding these issues first, you get the chance to fix them before any actual breach occurs – effectively strengthening your overall security.
Why is penetration testing important for my organisation?
Penetration testing is important because it provides an objective assessment of your security posture. It uncovers hidden flaws that day-to-day IT processes might overlook. By resolving the vulnerabilities identified, you reduce the risk of data breaches, financial loss, and reputational damage. In short, penetration testing is a proactive way to protect your business and ensure your defences truly work.
What types of penetration testing do you provide?
Computer One offers a full range of penetration testing services. This includes external network testing (simulating attacks from the internet), internal network testing (to find issues an insider or breached device could exploit), web and mobile application testing, wireless network security testing, and social engineering assessments like phishing simulations. We tailor the scope to fit your specific needs, covering the systems and scenarios that matter most to your business.
How often should we conduct penetration testing?
We recommend conducting penetration tests at least annually, and more frequently if your environment changes often or if you handle sensitive data. Major changes – such as deploying new infrastructure, launching a new application, or after significant security patches – are good triggers for a fresh test. Regular testing ensures new vulnerabilities are caught early and verifies that previous issues have been fixed properly, keeping your security posture strong over time.
Will penetration testing disrupt our operations or cause downtime?
No – our team takes great care to perform testing in a safe and controlled manner. We plan tests around your production schedule and use techniques that avoid impacting system availability. In rare cases where a critical vulnerability is identified during testing, we communicate immediately and coordinate with you. The process is designed to improve your security without interrupting your business, so you can continue operations as normal while we work.
What does the penetration test report include?
Our penetration testing report is a comprehensive document that details every significant finding. It includes an executive summary for a high-level overview and technical sections for in-depth analysis. For each vulnerability, we explain what it is, where it was found, the potential impact, and how we exploited it (if we did). Most importantly, the report provides clear remediation steps for each issue, prioritised by severity. This way, you and our managed services team know exactly what to fix, and in what order, to best improve your security.
Do we need penetration testing for compliance purposes?
Many industry standards and regulations either require or strongly recommend regular penetration testing. For example, PCI-DSS (for payment card security) and ISO 27001 mandate pen tests. Even if not explicitly required, having a documented penetration testing program demonstrates due diligence in security – which can help with audits and meeting legal obligations. In summary, pen testing not only bolsters security but also helps satisfy compliance requirements and gives stakeholders confidence in your protections.
How long does a penetration test take to complete?
The duration of a penetration test depends on the scope and complexity of the engagement. A basic external network test or single web application test might be completed in a few days, whereas a comprehensive assessment of a large environment (multiple networks, many applications) could take several weeks. During our initial scoping, we will give you a clear timeline. Rest assured, we work efficiently while thoroughly covering the agreed scope, so you get results as soon as possible without sacrificing quality.
How much does a penetration test cost?
The cost of a penetration test can vary widely based on factors like the number of systems or applications in scope, the complexity of your environment, and the depth of testing required. For example, testing a single web application is less costly than assessing a whole corporate network with hundreds of devices. Computer One will provide a detailed quote after scoping, so you know exactly what to budget. We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, professional testing at a competitive price, and we can help you prioritise what needs testing if you have budget constraints.
Do you help with remediation or retesting after the penetration test?
Yes. We view penetration testing as the first step to stronger security – the next step is fixing the issues found. If we are providing you a managed service, we will take ownership of the security issues and create a remediation project. And when collaborating with an internal team, our experts will be available to guide your staff through remediation of the identified vulnerabilities, if needed. We can also perform follow-up retesting once certain issues are addressed, to verify that the fixes are effective. The goal is to ensure your security gaps are fully closed. We are your partners in this process, helping implement the recommendations so that your organisation achieves tangible security improvements from the engagement.
