Security Guide

When Do I Need a Penetration Test?

A penetration test simulates real-world attacks on your systems to uncover vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. This guide helps you decide whether now is the right time.


Quick Decision

Very likely necessary

New systems, cloud environments, sensitive data, or regulatory pressure.

Probably useful

No testing for a long time, unclear attack surface, or rapid growth.

Start with the basics

No MFA, no asset overview, no patch process.


When Is a Penetration Test Necessary?

Typical triggers
  • new web apps or APIs
  • cloud migration (Azure, AWS, M365)
  • major architectural changes
  • M&A or system consolidation
  • before audits or certifications
  • after security incidents
Rule of thumb

Whenever your attack surface has changed.


Warning Signs from Real Incidents

exposed admin interfaces

weak authentication

forgotten test systems

over-privileged API tokens

missing segmentation

no asset inventory

Many of these issues would be detected early through a pentest.


What a Pentest Does – and What It Doesn’t

Does
  • realistic attack simulation
  • prioritization of technical risks
  • concrete remediation recommendations
  • management-ready results
Does not
  • provide permanent security
  • offer complete coverage
  • replace monitoring
  • replace processes

Preparation

  • system overview
  • IP ranges / domains
  • test accounts
  • technical point of contact
  • decision-making authority

Decision Support

Pentest now
  • production systems online
  • external access
  • sensitive data
  • cloud or hybrid
Baseline first
  • no MFA
  • no logging
  • no patch process
  • no asset list

Conclusion

A penetration test provides clarity.

If you cannot confidently say how exposed your environment is,
that alone is already a strong argument for a pentest.


Next step

Briefly describe your environment — we’ll help you assess it.

Request assessment