Penetration Testing Services | Pen Testing - Cobweb

Penetration Testing Services

Penetration testing, or pen testing, is a proactive security assessment where experts simulate cyberattacks to identify vulnerabilities in systems, networks, or applications. This process helps organisations understand their security weaknesses, assess risk exposure, and implement measures to strengthen their defences.

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Expert Pen Testing Services

At Cobweb, we offer comprehensive penetration testing services designed to uncover vulnerabilities before cybercriminals do. Our expert team conducts thorough assessments to simulate real-world attacks, helping you understand and address potential security risks within your systems. Whether you need to meet compliance requirements or simply want peace of mind, we tailor our approach to suit your organisation’s needs.

Learn more about the different types of pen testing below, and get in touch with our team to see how testing can benefit your business from both a security and compliance perspective.

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Types of Penetration Testing

There are several types of penetration testing, each targeting specific aspects of an organisation’s security. Speak to our team today to learn more about which tests would best suit your organisation.

Web Applications

Web application penetration testing involves assessing the security of web applications by identifying vulnerabilities such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and insecure authentication methods.

APIs

API security testing focuses on identifying vulnerabilities in application programming interfaces (APIs), such as improper authentication, data leaks, and insecure endpoints. The aim is to ensure that APIs are secure, preventing unauthorised access and safeguarding data exchange between systems.

Network Infrastructure

Network infrastructure penetration testing evaluates the security of an organisation’s network, including routers, firewalls, switches, and servers. It aims to identify vulnerabilities, such as open ports, misconfigurations, and weak access controls, to prevent unauthorised access and potential attacks on the network.

Cloud Security

Cloud security penetration testing is the process of simulating attacks on cloud-based systems – including Microsoft 365 and Azure, AWS and Google Workspace – to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses in cloud infrastructures, applications, and services. This type of testing focuses on aspects such as misconfigured settings, insecure APIs, weak access controls, and potential data breaches.

Pen Testing FAQs

We’ve listed some of our most frequently asked questions below. Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Get in touch with our team, today!

Penetration testing should be conducted at least annually to stay ahead of evolving threats. However, more frequent testing is recommended if you deploy new systems, make significant updates, or experience organisational changes. Regular testing ensures your defences remain strong and compliant with industry standards.

The cost of penetration testing varies depending on the scope, complexity, and type of test required. Basic tests may start at a few thousand pounds, while more comprehensive assessments, such as those for large networks or specialised applications, can cost significantly more. Factors like the size of your organisation, the systems being tested, and compliance requirements also influence pricing. Get in touch today for a quote for your organisation.

External penetration testing focuses on identifying vulnerabilities in public-facing systems, like websites and servers, simulating attacks from outside the organisation. Internal penetration testing examines security within the organisation, simulating threats from insiders or compromised access. Both are critical for a comprehensive security assessment.

No – vulnerability scanning and penetration testing are distinct processes. Vulnerability scanning automates the detection of known weaknesses, such as outdated software or misconfigurations. It highlights potential risks without attempting to exploit them. Penetration testing, on the other hand, involves ethical hackers actively trying to exploit vulnerabilities to assess the real-world impact of those weaknesses. While scanning helps identify issues, penetration testing provides a deeper understanding of the risks associated with those vulnerabilities. Both are crucial for a comprehensive security strategy.

Penetration testing is mandated or strongly recommended in several industries, particularly those that handle sensitive data or are subject to strict regulations. Key industries include:
 
Finance and Banking (e.g., PCI-DSS compliance)
 
Healthcare (e.g., HIPAA requirements)
 
Retail (e.g., PCI-DSS for payment data security)
 
Government and Defence (e.g., FISMA, NIST guidelines)
 
Technology and SaaS (e.g., GDPR compliance)
 
Energy and Utilities (e.g., critical infrastructure security)
 
These industries require regular penetration testing to ensure compliance, safeguard sensitive data, and mitigate the risks of cyberattacks.