CREST Penetration Testing Services UK

A penetration test, or pen test, is a simulated cyberattack on a computer system or network designed to evaluate its security. Authorised attempts are made to exploit potential vulnerabilities to determine whether unauthorised access or other malicious activities are possible.

If they are found it can lead to compromised data, system breaches, and sometimes serious disruption of operations. The goal of the process is to identify any potential weaknesses and to provide recommendations for strengthening security measures.

Whether you are a large enterprise or an SME, security weaknesses can develop for any number of reasons across your IT ecosystem.

This could be down to out-of-date-software, security misconfigurations, new applications, or an unprotected BYOD. But if you can discover and remediate these issues before the bad guys do, you will be in a much stronger position to safeguard your brand.

Though some companies conduct pen tests on an ad-hoc basis, we don’t recommend undertaking CREST penetration testing as a one-off activity. To remain cyber-resilient, it’s important to have a proactive approach to tackling emerging threats.

Every day businesses face internal changes to their systems and network. Whether this is opening a new office, deploying a new security solution, installing new hardware or moving to the cloud. Each of these changes has the potential to introduce a security risk which could be exploited by cyber-criminals.

So how can you mitigate this? This is where penetration testing steps in!

Find out more about how often you should carry out penetration testing and the ideal pen test frequency based on your needs.

The difference between penetration testing and vulnerability scans?

There is a difference in the extent and scope of the two testing methods. Penetration testing involves simulating real-world cyber-attacks to actively identify and exploit vulnerabilities. It is more extensive than vulnerability scanning, which primarily involves automated tools scanning systems for known vulnerabilities.

Pen testing provides greater insight into potential attack routes and the effectiveness of existing security controls. This provides a more comprehensive evaluation of an organisation’s security posture. This uncovers hidden weaknesses that can evade automated scans, providing added insights into the depth and complexity of potential threats. 

Pen testing is a proactive approach to Cyber Security that can empower your organisation to better safeguard your assets and data against increasingly sophisticated security threats.

Are you considering investing in a penetration testing service? Do you have any doubts about the process, or are you concerned about finding penetration testing vulnerabilities and their consequences?

Find out more about:

• The order of events if you find vulnerabilities during a test.
• Whether exploitation could cause disruption.
• What guidance you receive during and after vulnerability identification.

Find out more about what happens when vulnerabilities are discovered.

When security leaders receive a penetration testing report, the real challenge begins. These reports can be daunting, filled with pages of vulnerabilities. But how do you start?

Find out how to not only resolve issues but also maximise the value of every report from your penetration testing company, right from the outset.

Discover how to simplify these extensive lists and transform them into actionable plans.

Our team of penetration testers are with you every step of the way of your testing journey.

We don’t disappear for days and suddenly emerge with a report, leaving you to pick up the pieces. You can rely on us to be there before, during and after testing. Communication is key to building our strong customer partnerships.

Which is why we never leave you in the dark, provide timely updates on vulnerabilities and actionable guidance to help you remediate against tight timeframes.

Learn more about why to choose a CREST accredited company for a penetration test.

Your choice of penetration test will depend on your specific requirements. Factors to consider include the complexity of your IT infrastructure, the sensitivity of your data, and your regulatory compliance needs. There are a range of options available, including CREST Penetration Testing, Web Application Penetration Testing, External and Internal Network Penetration Testing and Mobile App Penetration Testing. The experienced Cyber Security team at Equilibrium Security can help you determine the most suitable test for your organisational needs.

Aspects of penetration testing, such as vulnerability scanning, can be automated. This can provide a baseline test of known security weaknesses and provide insights into how they are performing. 

However, the core of penetration testing will typically require human expertise to accurately assess complex security scenarios, identify any vulnerabilities, and then attempt to exploit them in a controlled manner.

Automated tools may assist during certain phases of the process, but manual testing by skilled Cyber Security specialists is essential for comprehensive assessment. Human testers can bring critical thinking, adaptability, and creativity to the process, enabling them to uncover vulnerabilities that automated tools can overlook. 

This expertise ensures that assessments are thorough, providing organisations with actionable recommendations to effectively enhance their overall security posture.

The penetration testing cost will vary depending on a range of factors such as the scope of the testing, the complexity of your IT infrastructure, and the depth of analysis that is required. The prices for a pen test can range from hundreds to thousands of pounds. Working with an experienced and trusted Cyber Security firm such as Equilibrium Security can ensure that you receive a competitive quote for the comprehensive pen testing services that you require.

Contact us today for more information and for a free quote.

The duration of a penetration test will depend on a variety of factors. The key factors in the length of time the process takes include the scope and the complexity of the assessment. Small-scale tests may be completed within a few days, whereas more comprehensive evaluations that span several weeks may be necessary for larger, more complex systems. 

The testing provider should establish clear communication with the client regarding timelines, expectations, and any constraints that may be crucial for effective planning. At Equilibrium, we establish transparent timeline expectations upfront, ensuring that the testing process can be conducted thoroughly and efficiently to lead to more actionable results.

Penetration testing should be conducted regularly to proactively identify and address security weaknesses. Cyber Security threats are constantly evolving, so it’s important to ensure that your infrastructure is secure enough to cope with them. The frequency of testing will depend on a variety of factors such as changes to your IT infrastructure, introduction of new software or applications, alongside regulatory requirements, and your industry best practices.

As a general rule, organisations should perform annual penetration tests as a baseline. More frequent testing may be necessary if significant changes have occurred in systems or environments. A regular testing schedule can help ensure that any evolving threats are promptly addressed. This ensures that an organisation’s security posture is maintained in the face of complex emerging threats.

Learn more about how often to conduct a penetration test.

Experienced penetration testing providers will work to minimise the impact of the testing process. This sometimes includes tests being scheduled during off-peak hours, and coordinating with the client’s team to ensure that there is minimal disruption to business operations.

Additionally, testing methodologies will prioritise controlled exploitation to avoid causing any damage or downtime to an organisation’s critical systems.

Proper planning will mitigate any potential disruptions, allowing organisations to maintain operational continuity while essential security tests are carried out. By collaborating closely with the testing provider, organisations can effectively manage any temporary inconveniences, while prioritising the security of their infrastructure.

If you’re looking for an experienced penetration testing company, or a CREST certified penetration tester, then it’s essential to look for a company with CREST certification. This ensures that penetration testing providers can meet rigorous standards of professionalism, technical competence, and ethical conduct.

A CREST-certified provider offers assurance that the testing is conducted by experts who adhere to the highest professional standards. CREST pen testing providers can play a key role in ensuring the effectiveness of Cyber Security measures and overall risk management strategies.

It’s possible for penetration testing to be conducted remotely. Remote testing methods provide flexibility, enabling testers to assess systems from different locations without requiring physical access. Remote testing requires robust security measures to be in place to safeguard sensitive data and to maintain confidentiality throughout.

Encryption protocols, access controls, and secure communication channels are essential to mitigate the risks associated with remote assessments. This ensures that the testing process is effective while ensuring that the integrity and confidentiality of the organisation’s information assets are effectively protected.

Learn more about remote penetration testing here.

After completing the penetration test, the testing provider will deliver a detailed report outlining any vulnerabilities that have been identified, along with recommendations for remediation. Remediation efforts can then be implemented, with priority placed on the areas of greatest identified risk. 

Continuous monitoring and periodic retesting will also help to ensure that any vulnerabilities are effectively addressed. Regular testing is critical to maintain the security posture of the organisation.

For penetration vulnerability testing to be credible and trusted, clear guidelines and methodologies must be followed. In the early days of penetration testing, this clarity was lacking, often leading to variable results that hampered trust in the process.

The CREST accreditation has been developed to provide clarity and strengthen trust in Cyber Security measures and best practice for penetration testing.

Learn more about why being CREST accredited is important here.

CREST accredited companies will usually deploy a range of methods of penetration testing. The key principles of the CREST penetration method are designed to ensure high-quality, ethical, and comprehensive testing.

CREST requires stringent standards for accreditation with companies required to undergo a thorough assessment process. Throughout this, they must demonstrate their adherence to best practices, their technical proficiency, and quality assurance protocols.

Testing companies are also required to adhere to a strict code of ethics, including principles such as integrity, responsibility, and transparency. This is to ensure that all testing activities are conducted in a legal and ethical manner that safeguards client interests.

Read more about the CREST penetration methods here.