Maybe, but probably not as your first priority. Penetration testing is valuable when you've got the basics right and want to validate your security. If you haven't done the fundamentals, fix those first—you already know you have gaps.
Quick answer: Maybe, but probably not as your first priority. Penetration testing is valuable when you've got the basics right and want to validate your security. If you haven't done the fundamentals, fix those first—you already know you have gaps.
What a Pen Test Actually Does
A penetration test simulates real attacks against your systems:
- External testing: Attacking from the internet
- Internal testing: Attacking from inside your network
- Web application testing: Attacking your websites/apps
- Social engineering: Testing your people
When Pen Testing Makes Sense
You've done the basics. If you haven't patched, haven't enabled MFA, haven't configured your firewall properly—a pen test will just confirm what you already know. Fix the obvious gaps first.
Compliance requires it. PCI DSS, some ISO 27001 implementations, certain customer contracts require regular pen testing. If it's mandated, it's not optional.
You're launching something new. New web application, new customer portal, new infrastructure. Test before it goes live, not after.
You need assurance. You think you're secure but want validation. Pen testing checks whether your controls actually work.
After significant changes. Major infrastructure changes, cloud migrations, security improvements. Verify the new setup is solid.
Your customers expect it. Enterprise customers and regulated industries often require evidence of pen testing from suppliers.
When to Wait
You haven't done the fundamentals. No point paying for a pen test when you know you're running unpatched systems. The report will tell you what you already know. Fix it first.
You can't act on findings. A pen test report is useless if you can't or won't fix what it finds. Budget for remediation, not just testing.
One-time checkbox exercise. Annual pen test that nobody acts on is compliance theatre. Testing should drive improvement.
What to Expect
Cost: £2,000-10,000+ depending on scope. More systems, more testing time, higher cost.
Duration: Days to weeks depending on scope.
Deliverable: Report detailing vulnerabilities found, severity ratings, evidence, and remediation guidance.
Your effort: Time to scope, time to facilitate, time to remediate findings.
Types of Testing
External infrastructure Testing your internet-facing systems. Websites, email, VPN, anything visible from outside.
Internal infrastructure Testing from inside the network. What happens if someone gets in? How far can they go?
Web application Deep testing of specific applications. Authentication, input validation, business logic flaws.
Wireless Testing WiFi security. Encryption, segmentation, rogue access points.
Social engineering Testing people. Phishing simulations, pretexting, physical access attempts.
Choosing a Provider
Look for:
- Relevant certifications: CREST, CHECK, OSCP, CEH
- Methodology: Structured approach, not just automated scanning
- Reports: Clear, actionable findings with remediation guidance
- Experience: Relevant to your systems and industry
- Rock-bottom pricing (you get what you pay for)
- Vendors who only run automated tools
- Reports you can't understand or act on
Our Approach
We help clients prepare for pen testing:
- Ensuring basics are in place first (don't waste testing budget on known gaps)
- Scoping appropriately
- Coordinating with testing providers
- Remediating findings
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- we'll help you assess.
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