Red Flags to Be Aware of in Penetration Testing Companies

Penetration testing, also called "pen testing," is a vital means to check how secure a company's systems and assets are. By replicating real-world cyber-attacks, penetration testing companies help you figure out where your company's systems and assets are weak or vulnerable. But not all security testing companies are the same. There are red flags that could signal you're getting bad service.

Below we will discuss some warning signs to watch out for when choosing a penetration testing company. Whether you're looking for the best penetration testing services or reviewing your current ones, these tips will help you make an informed choice. They will also ensure that you keep your company's security safe.

Penetration Testing Companies Lacking Expertise

One of the first red flags to be cautious of is a penetration testing company that lacks proper certification and expertise. A reputable provider should have professionals certified in industry-standard certifications. For example, the following:

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

These certifications ensure that the company's employees possess the necessary skills and knowledge. They are crucial for conducting effective and reliable tests.

Cookie-Cutter Approaches to Pen Testing

When it comes to choosing a penetration testing company, one of the key aspects to consider is their approach to testing. A good company understands that each company has unique security requirements that demand a customized approach.

To get the best results for your business, you need a penetration testing company that:

• Thoroughly assesses your systems
• Customizes their testing methods to fit your needs
• Uses both manual and automated testing

Beware of providers that offer cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all testing methodologies. Companies that do not take the time to understand your company's specific needs and challenges.

Specific Needs and Challenges in Penetration Testing

A reputable penetration testing company will have in-depth conversations to gain working knowledge about the following:

• Your systems
• Your infrastructure
• Business processes
• Unique security concerns
• Regulatory requirements
• Past issues and how they were remediated

By deeply understanding your organization, they can design a testing strategy that aligns with your specific requirements.

Thorough Assessment of Systems

A good pen testing company will carefully look at your systems to find any possible weaknesses. This will require a thorough look at the following:

• Your network designs
• Programs and applications
• All databases
• The locations of sensitive or regulated data
• Critical components of your infrastructure

By looking closely at these areas, they can get a full picture of your company's security environment. This way, they can find possible gaps that hackers could use.

Tailored Testing Methodologies in Pen Testing

Once the initial assessment is done, a good penetration testing company will change how they test to address the weaknesses and risks. They will use both manual and automated methods to model real-world attack scenarios. This will make sure that all possible entry points and weak links are carefully checked.

By tailoring their method, they can give you accurate and thorough results that reflect the security problems that are unique to your business.

Complete Set of Results and Useful Conclusions

After doing penetration testing, a good company will give detailed reports. They should give you reports on the following:

• The vulnerabilities found
• How bad they could be, prioritized by risk rankings
• What specific steps should be taken to fix them

These reports should be clear, short, and easy to understand. This is so that you can immediately fix the problems they point out.

A good penetration testing company will give you ongoing support and advice. They will help you put the security measures and remediation methods they suggest into place. They won’t walk away after filing a report. They will also, if relevant, re-test your systems after the issues identified by pen testing are remediated.

Inadequate Reporting and Communication

Clear and concise reporting is crucial when it comes to penetration testing. Be cautious of companies that fail to provide comprehensive reports detailing the following:

• Vulnerabilities identified
• Their potential impact
• Preventative steps

A reputable pen testing company will find vulnerabilities and offer solutions to improve security for businesses. In addition, make sure that the company keeps you updated on the testing process and responds quickly to any queries or issues you may have.

Insufficient Follow-Up Support

When it comes to security, pen testing is only the first step. If the company does the testing and then departs, leaving you to deal with the security flaws on your own, that's a red flag.

After conducting a pen test, a reputable company should be there to help you follow up. They should help you with anything from implementing the suggested security measures to answering any queries you may have. They should also suggest re-testing, once identified vulnerabilities are fixed.

Limited Scope of Testing

Another red flag is a pen testing business that only does certain kinds of tests. Your company's security should be examined from many angles, including the following:

• Your entire network
• All applications used by the company
• Physical and social engineering

Be wary of companies that only care about one thing and ignore others. A thorough review makes sure that all possible weaknesses are fixed. This reduces the chances of attacks and breaches.

Lack of Proactive Approach

A reliable pen testing company is always thinking about security. They not only find the weaknesses that already exist, but they also make suggestions for preventing them in the future.

It's a red flag if a provider only looks for security flaws and doesn't offer advice on how to improve your company's security. Look for a vulnerability testing company whose goal is to help you stay ahead of possible threats and keep improving your security.

Secure Your Business with a Top-Notch Pen Testing Company

Choosing the right penetration testing company is essential for ensuring the security of your business. You can avoid penetration testing companies that fail to perform well by being aware of the red flags we've discussed.

Investing in a reputable penetration testing company will protect your business from potential threats. Knowing that your company's security is in capable hands will provide peace of mind.

Ready to secure your business with top-notch penetration testing services? Don't leave your company's security to chance; fortify your defenses with professional penetration testing services.

For more information about a penetration test or a free quote, please contact jmiller@ermprotect.com or call 305.447-6750.