Find and Fix Security Gaps Before Attackers Do
Penetration (or Pen) Testing is a proactive cyber security practice a business should take to protect itself from cyber threats. It simulates real-world attacks to identify vulnerabilities before cyber criminals can exploit them, proving it to be critical for an organisation’s security.
Combining human expertise with automated security testing, penetration testing helps uncover cyber threats across your infrastructure. Without regular testing, businesses risk leaving gaps in their defences, exposing sensitive data, and facing costly breaches. At Red Helix, we provide you with expert-led penetration testing to help organisations uncover weaknesses, strengthen security controls, and stay one step ahead of attackers.
Pen Testing for Compliance
Beyond identifying technical flaws, penetration testing delivers tangible business benefits. It helps organisations meet compliance requirements for frameworks such as ISO 27001, PCI DSS, and Cyber Essentials, ensuring they adhere to industry best practices.
Penetration testing helps organisations meet these compliance requirements by providing documented evidence that the organisation is actively assessing and improving its security posture. It also builds customer and stakeholder confidence by demonstrating a commitment to security, reducing the risk of reputational damage from a cyber incident.
Pen Testing for Risk Management
Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and a one-time security check is never enough. Automated scanning ensures that as your business grows and systems change, your security is regularly updated and remains strong. At Red Helix, we go beyond simple vulnerability scans, we provide expert analysis, actionable recommendations, and a clear roadmap for improving your defences.
Penetration testing plays a vital role in building modern cyber security frameworks. By identifying system vulnerabilities, organisations can build an incident response plan for potential scenarios. Regular assessments mean that this can be constantly updated and improved alongside emerging threats. Pen testing provides reporting and recommendation capabilities which allow security teams to assess current vulnerabilities, along with the recommended steps for remediation.
Pen testing also reinforces the importance of cyber security best practises. Seeing first hand how attackers can infiltrate systems and exploit vulnerabilities increases awareness across your organisation and promotes vigilance against phishing or social engineering attacks. This means that employees are better equipped when dealing with sensitive data.
Pen testing Best Practices
-
Conduct regular tests (at least annually, or when major changes occur).
-
Combine automated and manual techniques.
-
Include social engineering where relevant.
-
Use realistic attacker scenarios.
-
Work with remediation teams to apply fixes.
-
Maintain strong communication, legal clarity, and safe execution.
| Type | Focus | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|
| External Network Testing | Attacker outside tries to penetrate perimeter systems | Web facing apps, firewalls |
| Internal Netwrok Testing | Simulates threat from inside (e.g. compromised device) | Corporate LAN, internal services |
| Web Application Testing | Tests web apps/ APIs for injection, authentication, etc. | Public apps, customer-facing portals |
| Wireless / IoT Device Testing | Exploits weak WiFi, IoT protocols | Smart devices, remote sensors |
| Social Engineering | Phishing, impersonation to test user awareness | All employees |
| Cloud Infrastructure Testing | Tests misconfigurations, insecure storage, IAM | Cloud workloads, data stores |
Choosing the Right Penetration Testing Provider
When selecting a pen test provider, ensure they offer:
-
Experienced ethical hackers with certifications (OSCP, CREST, etc.).
-
Clear methodology aligned with standards like OWASP, NIST SP 800-115, ISO 27001.
-
Scope flexibility: internal, external, web app, cloud, IoT, social engineering.
-
Transparent reporting & prioritisation of findings.
-
Post-test support: retesting, guidance, and remediation advice.
-
Confidentiality, legal safeguards, rules of engagement clearly established.
-
Integration with your security stack (vulnerability management, incident response).
FAQs
Penetration Testing (pen testing) is the simulation of real-world cyber attacks on an organisation’s systems to find potential vulnerabilities.
It is important for proactively identifying and fixing vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by bad actors. It assesses existing security measures to see where needs improvement. This helps with understanding and prioritising risks, ensuring compliance, and protecting organisation’s from reputational harm.
Penetration Testing is required when an organisation needs to assess their current cyber security posture. This is especially important after big IT changes, or regulatory compliance demands.
Penetration Testers carry out Pen Testing. These are security professionals who use hacking tools and techniques to identify security weaknesses and help organisations fix them.
Penetration Testing works by cyber security experts simulating real-life attacks in a controlled environment. This is done to recognise vulnerabilities within systems, networks, applications, and other digital assets.
Identify, Protect, and Stay Ahead of Cyber Threats with Red Helix Pen Testing
Proactively identify vulnerabilities, strengthen security controls, and stay one step ahead of cyber threats with expert-led Penetration Testing
Get in toouch
