CREST Penetration Testing Services UK
Get peace of mind with certified penetration testing services. These services check the security of your network, systems, applications, and employee awareness. Our expert pen testing services uncover vulnerabilities before anyone can exploit them, keeping your business safe.
Pen Testing UK: Unlock deeper insights, defend against realistic attacks
Our threat-led CREST Penetration Testing Services are designed to go beyond tick-box security assessments. We delve deep into the heart of your digital landscape, uncovering hidden weaknesses that others overlook. Unlike many pen testing companies, we give you clear insights. These insights create a roadmap to improve your security strategy and meet compliance.
Our CREST Cyber Security Penetration Testing Services offer:
- In-depth vulnerability assessments to detect weaknesses that could expose your network infrastructure and computer systems to threats.
- Protection against data breaches by identifying exploitable vulnerabilities in your internal networks and operating systems.
- Compliance-focused assessments, including PCI DSS requirements, to ensure your security measures meet industry standards.
Certified by CREST and Offensive Security, our qualified testers employ real-world hacking techniques to uncover profound insights.
Looking For An Expert CREST Penetration Testing Company? We’re at your service.
Equilibrium specialises in delivering exceptional penetration testing for CISOs, IT Directors, and business owners.
We chose to work with Equilibrium because, from our very first meeting, it was clear they were knowledgeable, open, and genuinely cared about protecting their customers. Equilibrium carried out penetration testing on our network and provided a comprehensive report. This proved extremely valuable, as it gave us a clear roadmap with defined actions for our IT partner to follow. Having this type of testing carried out externally was also an important part of ensuring objectivity and thoroughness.
What stood out most was the clarity of information and the team’s clear, straightforward communication throughout the process. Equilibrium has given us greater confidence in our business continuity, and we would absolutely recommend them to others seeking Cyber Security services. They made the entire process simple, and their findings were clearly and effectively communicated.
Ryan Ginty
Managing Director, Auger Torque
Our Different Types of UK CREST Penetration Testing Services
We offer pen testing services to meet your needs. This can be a one-time check or regular testing. The right penetration testing service depends on your security goals and compliance needs. As a CREST penetration testing provider, we help identify weaknesses and strengthen your defences with expert support.
Using advanced manual testing methods, we can assess security and uncover vulnerabilities in your internal infrastructure.
Let our team of expert penetration testers assess the security of your public information and external-network facing assets.
By discovering security flaws in your mobile applications, you can strengthen your future software development cycle.
We can help you identify, patch and understand the potential impact of wireless infrastructure vulnerabilities.
Gain insight into the strength of your social engineering controls with combined phishing and physical access testing.
What is CREST Penetration Testing?
CREST UK or ‘the Council of Registered Ethical Security Testers’ is a not-for-profit accreditation body which provides advanced professional CREST certifications for organisations who offer penetration testing services.
CREST’s internationally recognised methodologies and certifications are used by credible companies who strive to offer the highest quality security testing. Being a CREST certified company demonstrates the competency of an organisation and the testers within them.
CREST was originally set up as there was an industry need for more regulated cyber security penetration testing. Worryingly many companies who offer pen testing services are often unregulated. Penetration tests can be potentially high risk if they are conducted by unqualified testers.
This is why it is important to engage with highly qualified CREST approved testers who follow best practice and methodologies.
Why choose Equilibrium's IT Penetration Testing?
- CREST Accredited Penetration Testing Company: You can feel safe knowing our Penetration Testing service meet a recognised industry standard.
- Our Team of highly skilled Penetration Testers is here to help. With our ethical hackers, you can trust penetration testing. Gain the insights you need to protect your sensitive data.
- We don’t stop at testing. With Equilibrium, you get a partner focused on improving your defences and boosting your long-term security and compliance.
Our CREST penetration testing process
Before testing commences, our experts will take time to understand your penetration testing requirement in more detail. This means defining the scope of what to test, collecting the needed technical information, and getting the required access to test properly.
Using a variety of penetration testing tools our qualified testers will manually assess your systems to identify security weaknesses/vulnerabilities which require patching and remediation. Throughout the testing process, we keep you in the loop with daily RAG email updates, so you can start fixing issues as we find them.
In this phase we will interpret the results, and (if permitted and approved) exploit any vulnerabilities discovered. This will determine whether a hacker could use the vulnerability as leverage to gain wider access to your systems. However, some customers prefer to patch and remediate, rather than risking the potential service disruption that exploitation could cause.
Our experts will analyse the results and present the finding in a comprehensive penetration testing report. This will list and categorise the vulnerabilities found. They rank as ‘Critical, High, Medium, or Low’. We will also provide the instructions on how to fix, patch, and strengthen your defences.
After remediation, we can retest your systems to check that all patches have been applied and security holes have been mitigated.
Take Control Of Your Compliance With Penetration Testing
Penetration testing isn’t just a box-ticking exercise – it’s a key best practice that many Cyber Security and information security standards require. Partnering with a trusted pen test provider can help you meet compliance with these standards:
While some regulations don’t explicitly require penetration testing, they recommend it to enhance Cyber Security defences or aid compliance. Below are key regulations that encourage organisations to incorporate penetration testing into their security strategy:
Curious About The Craft Behind Penetration Testing CREST?
It’s a blend of art and science. Explore our playbook for the methodologies our experts use in each test.
Meet Our Pen Testers
The Benefits of CREST Penetration Testing UK
1
Strengthen Security Posture
By finding weaknesses, we can strengthen your security. Pen testing gives clear insights into how well you’re protected.
2
Contextualising cyber-risks
Would your security defences stand their ground against a simulated attack? Our team can put them to the test.
Discover hidden security holes
Our ethical hackers are like computer detectives, we’re experts at analysing your systems and uncovering hard-to-detect vulnerabilities.
Prioritising Security Spending
By identifying gaps in your security defences, you gain the insight needed to spend your security budget wisely.
Customer Feedback
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Why is it important for businesses to carry out CREST Penetration Tests?
Our CREST approved penetration testing service can help you discover harmful gaps in your organisations security posture.
If these are left unpatched, your systems, applications and infrastructure could easily be compromised by bad actors. Our ethical ‘white hat’ hackers can attempt to access your critical data to test the strength of your security controls that protect your sensitive information.
Businesses must also be able to reduce information security risk to comply with certain regulations such as GDPR.
CREST approved companies like Equilibrium Security can help identify security weaknesses, and ensure you have all the right processes and controls in place to prevent future attacks.
Equilibrium has provided CREST pen testing services since 2018. For a trusted, certified team, we’re the company for you.
What are the benefits of conducting CREST approved pen testing?
To achieve the CREST certification pen testing companies uk must undertake a series of thorough examinations which are assessed and approved by GCHQ and NCSC. CREST approved companies are required to follow a stringent framework to ensure tests follow pen testing best practice.
There are many benefits of carrying out CREST security pen testing, these include:
- The benefits of engaging with a CREST certified penetration testers like ourselves is that we have up to date knowledge of the latest vulnerabilities and methods used by real life cyber criminals.
- It allows you to evaluate how effective your security controls and policies are. This provides valuable insight into how you can improve your security posture and what areas you need to prioritise for remediation.
- CREST penetration testing also helps you gain visibility into vulnerabilities which could be exposing you to cyber breaches.
- The cyber threat landscape is constantly changing, which is why it is highly beneficial to carry out CREST penetration testing on a regular basis. Regularly testing your internal and external security controls gives you the confidence that you are staying one step ahead of the hackers.
Looking for top Penetration Testing services providers?
Why settle for basic checkbox-style CREST penetration tests? We’re committed to assisting you in focussing on your critical risks. Our approach goes deep into your digital landscape, revealing hidden vulnerabilities that commonly go undetected.
This insight allows you to smartly allocate your security investments where they matter the most, ensuring your brand’s safety.
Get your fast penetration testing quote today and discover why Equilibrium is recognised as one of the best penetration testing companies UK and a trusted name among pen testing firms.
Explore the types of penetration testing we offer, find detailed penetration testing service costs, and request a quote below.
- Identify unknown zero-day attack vulnerabilities
- White box, grey box or black box testing available
- Understand key vulnerabilities and their exploitability
- Test for all the critical vulnerabilities in the OWASP Top 10 including SQL Injection and XSS
- Detailed penetration testing report, with step-by-step remediation guidance prioritising critical risks
Pen Testing Services Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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.