Penetration Testing Services: Simulated Attacks for Real Security

• Penetration testing services simulate real cyberattacks to find vulnerabilities in your systems.
• They are recommended by experts and often required by regulations e.g. PCI DSS mandates external/internal pen tests.
• Common test types include network, web app, mobile, cloud, and social engineering assessments covering OWASP Top 10 flaws on the app side.
• Penetration tests reveal critical gaps that scanners miss and can prevent costly breaches IBM reports the average breach cost $4.4M.
• Modern providers offer on demand PTaaS platforms, detailed reporting, and retesting to keep your defenses strong.

Penetration testing services are proactive security assessments where experts simulate hacker style attacks against your network, applications, and cloud environments. In a nutshell, a pen test launches a mock cyberattack on your systems to expose weaknesses that could let real attackers in.

This is like a fire drill for your IT defenses by safely exploiting flaws now, your team can fix them before a breach happens. As IBM explains, penetration tests actively mimic malicious hackers to find ways to bypass security controls.

In today’s threat landscape, regular pentesting is mission critical. Cyberattacks continue to surge. One report noted a 38% jump in incidents in early 2023 and attackers are using automated tools and AI to hunt for vulnerabilities.

Meanwhile, data breaches remain outrageously expensive. According to IBM’s latest research, the global average cost of a data breach is about $4.4 million. Penetration testing helps avoid those costs by finding and fixing holes before criminals exploit them. It also supports compliance many standards like PCI DSS, HIPAA, and SOC 2 expect organizations to regularly test their defenses.

In this guide we’ll cover what penetration testing services are, why they matter in 2025, the types of tests available, how they work, and how to choose a provider. By the end, you’ll understand how these services strengthen your security posture with real world, actionable insights.

What Are Penetration Testing Services?

Penetration testing or pen testing is a type of security assessment in which skilled ethical hackers simulate cyberattacks on a system or network to identify and exploit vulnerabilities. These services are delivered by security professionals often certified, e.g. CISSP or OSCP who use the same techniques as attackers, but under controlled conditions.

The goal is not just to list weaknesses, but to show how an adversary could chain them together to break in. For example, IBM explains that testers actively exploit vulnerabilities in simulated attacks to reveal how a hacker might penetrate a system.

A penetration testing engagement typically includes defining a scope which assets will be tested and what is allowed, then carrying out a series of attack phases. In practice, organizations can hire a third party penetration testing company to run these tests, or build an internal red team.

A good service will combine automated scanning tools with manual testing to ensure depth and accuracy. Unlike a basic vulnerability scan, which only flags potential issues, a true penetration test attempts to prove whether a flaw can actually be exploited.

For businesses, pen testing is essentially a security fire drill it answers questions like Could an attacker steal customer data? or What happens if someone phishes an executive? By safely answering those questions now, the security team can fix problems before real attackers strike.

Even if the test finds no major vulnerabilities, that result is valuable confirmation that your current controls are effective. In short, penetration testing services turn guesswork into facts showing exactly where to focus your security efforts.

Why Penetration Testing Matters in 2025

The threat environment in 2025 is more complex than ever. Cybercriminals are wielding AI enhanced phishing, automated exploit kits, and constantly scanning for new security gaps. Meanwhile, organizations’ attack surfaces have exploded with cloud services, APIs, and remote endpoints. In this context, relying on static defenses or annual security reviews isn’t enough.

Penetration testing provides a critical advantage a real world view of risk. By uncovering attack paths before a breach, pen tests help prevent catastrophic outcomes. For example, consider that IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach report pegs the average loss at $4.4M. Spending far less on regular pen tests can save millions by avoiding even one breach.

Moreover, pen tests often reveal issues that automated scans miss, such as business logic flaws or chained exploits. As one expert puts it, pentesting goes a step further than vulnerability scanning by actually demonstrating what data or systems an attacker could reach.

Regulatory compliance is another driver. Many standards now treat penetration testing as a best practice or requirement. For instance, PCI DSS explicitly mandates both external and internal penetration tests to protect payment data.

HIPAA and GDPR require organizations to implement appropriate security controls, pentesting is widely recognized as a way to validate those controls. In industries like finance and healthcare, pentest adoption is well above 70%, reflecting these demands.

Investing in pen testing also boosts security maturity and confidence. It tests your incident detection and response if your team detects the simulated attack, it means your monitoring works. If not, it reveals gaps in your alerting.

Finally, the process yields education developers and staff learn from the findings e.g. Oops, we hard coded a password or This phishing tactic really fooled us. In a time when attackers innovate quickly, penetration testing ensures you evolve too.

Types of Penetration Testing

Penetration testing services cover a range of attack surfaces. Common test types include:

Network Penetration Testing:

• Examine your IT network infrastructure. This often splits into external tests simulating an attacker on the internet targeting your firewalls, VPNs, servers and internal tests simulating an insider or a breach that’s already inside your perimeter.
• A network test might scan for open ports, weak network services, or unpatched systems. For example, IBM notes that external tests focus on internet facing assets, while internal tests assume access to the network.
• For a deeper dive, see our difference between internal and external penetration tests guide.

API Penetration Testing & web application penetration testing:

• Focuses on websites, web applications, and APIs. Testers look for flaws in code and configuration, such as SQL injection, cross site scripting, authentication bypasses, and other OWASP Top 10 issues.
• This test simulates attackers manipulating form inputs or API calls to see if they can steal data or hijack sessions.
• We recommend tailored web application penetration testing services to secure any online service you provide.

Mobile Application Penetration Testing:

• Targets mobile apps on iOS, Android, or other platforms. These tests check how the app stores data, how it authenticates users, and how it communicates with servers.
• Testers might try to extract data from a phone, intercept network traffic, or manipulate the app’s logic.
• A mobile app penetration testing solution will examine both the device side code and the backend APIs it calls, to uncover weaknesses that could leak user information.

Cloud Penetration Testing:

• Assess your cloud environments AWS, Azure, GCP, etc.. This involves checking cloud specific configurations for example, open S3 buckets, permissive IAM roles, unencrypted storage, or container vulnerabilities.
• Experts review your cloud architecture to ensure settings like network security groups and identity permissions are locked down.
• Since misconfigurations in the cloud are common, cloud pentests are increasingly critical.
• Note you usually coordinate with your cloud provider and follow their rules for testing.

IoT & Hardware Penetration Testing:

• Examines Internet of Things devices and physical hardware like routers, industrial controllers, smart devices. This can include firmware analysis, wireless interface testing, and even physical inspection of ports.
• For example, testers might try to reverse engineer a device’s firmware or jam its wireless signal.
• These tests reveal if a hacker could break into your connected devices and use them to pivot deeper into your network.

Social Engineering & Physical Tests:

• Assess your human and physical security. Testers use tactics like phishing emails vishing by phone, smishing by SMS or try physical breaches tailgating through doors, bypassing locks.
• For instance, a phishing test might send a realistic fake email to see if employees click a malicious link.
• A physical test might involve attempting to enter an office by pretending to be a delivery person.
• IBM notes that human tests can trick employees into revealing passwords or access, highlighting gaps in security culture.
• These tests help train staff and verify that policies like badge requirements are actually followed.

Each type of test targets a different part of your attack surface. Many providers offer comprehensive packages covering all these areas, or you can focus on what’s most critical for your business.

For example, an e-commerce company might prioritize web and cloud testing, while a manufacturer might emphasize network and IoT assessments.

Comparing Testing Approaches

Different testing approaches serve different purposes. The key comparisons include:

Black box testing shows what an outsider can see, while white box testing can be more efficient at finding hidden issues. Many engagements use a gray box strategy, balancing realism and completeness.

Another important comparison is pen testing vs vulnerability scanning. A vulnerability scan is an automated check for known issues, it’s useful for broad coverage and continuous monitoring.

But scanners only flag potential problems and often produce false positives. In contrast, manual penetration testing goes a step further by exploiting vulnerabilities to prove real risk.

In other words, a scan might say SQL injection is possible, while a pen tester will actually perform the injection to show what data can be retrieved. This makes pen test results more actionable.

In practice, organizations use both run automated scans regularly for baseline security and schedule manual penetration tests on critical systems or after major changes. See our vulnerability assessment vs penetration testing guide for more on this.

Penetration Testing Process Step by Step

A typical penetration test follows a structured process to mimic a real attack lifecycle. Here’s a breakdown of the main steps:

Planning & Reconnaissance:

• First, the testing team and your organization agree on the scope which systems are in scope, test timing, and rules of engagement. This includes choosing black/white/gray box level.
• Testers then gather intelligence about the target using methods like Open Source Intelligence, whois lookups, and network scanning. For example, they might map your network or scrape public website info.
• IBM notes that reconnaissance often includes using tools like packet sniffers and gathering employee details from social media.

Scanning & Discovery:

• Next, testers use automated tools like Nmap or Nessus alongside manual probing to identify potential entry points.
• They look for open ports, running services, outdated software, and obvious misconfigurations.
• For instance, they might run a port scan to find an HTTP server or open SMB share, then search for known exploits on that software.
• They build a list of candidate vulnerabilities to test in the next phase.

Exploitation Attack:

• In this core phase, testers attempt to exploit the identified weaknesses.
• Depending on the target, this could involve SQL injection to extract database contents, cross site scripting XSS to hijack user sessions, brute force password attacks, or even social engineering.
• IBM provides examples of common exploits SQL injection, cross site scripting, denial of service, social engineering, brute force, and man in the middle attacks are all used to gain access.
• For each successful exploit, the tester achieves a foothold like a user shell or admin account on a system.

Lateral Movement & Escalation:

• After an initial breach, testers try to move deeper into your environment. This may involve pivoting to other machines, dumping password hashes, or exploiting further vulnerabilities.
• The aim is to escalate privileges e.g. from a normal user to administrator and reach high value assets like databases or domain controllers.
• IBM describes this as vulnerability chaining using one exploit to get credentials that unlock the next stage.
• For example, a tester might plant a keylogger on a user’s computer, capture their credentials, and then use those credentials to access sensitive data.
• This phase demonstrates how a real attacker could expand their breach.

Reporting & Cleanup:

• Once testing goals are met or time runs out, testers clean up their traces removing any tools, backdoors, or test accounts they created. This prevents any unintended security issues from the test itself.
• Finally, they deliver a detailed report. The report outlines each significant finding, it describes the vulnerabilities found, the steps used to exploit them often with screenshots or logs, the business impact, and recommendations for remediation.
• The report typically includes an executive summary for leadership. It should serve as a clear roadmap for your engineers what needs fixing and how.
• Many firms will also discuss the findings in a debrief session to answer questions and plan the next steps.

By following these steps, penetration testing services replicate the full lifecycle of an attack from initial reconnaissance to deep compromise within a safe, controlled environment. This comprehensive approach ensures you see not only where you’re weak, but how an exploit can lead to broader damage.

Key Benefits of Penetration Testing

Engaging professional penetration testing services provides many tangible advantages:

• Uncover real risks: Penetration testers don’t just scan, they actively attack your systems, proving which vulnerabilities lead to data exposure. This shows you which issues are most critical, so you can prioritize fixes effectively. A simple example, a forgotten test server might exist, but only a pentest would reveal that attackers could use it to reach sensitive data.
• Prevent costly breaches: Fixing weaknesses identified in testing can avert disastrous incidents. Consider the cost IBM reports the average data breach now runs about $4.4 million. In contrast, penetration tests typically cost a small fraction of that. By identifying and patching holes early, pen testing acts as an insurance policy. It can also minimize downtime from future incidents by keeping your defenses robust.
• Meet compliance requirements: Many regulations and standards require evidence of penetration testing. For example, PCI DSS explicitly calls for internal and external pen tests, and auditors for SOC 2, HIPAA, or ISO 27001 will look favorably on regular testing. A formal penetration test provides documented proof that you’ve validated your security controls, which can satisfy auditors and regulators.
• Validate security controls: Pen tests double as a check on your monitoring and defense tools. If testers succeed without triggering alerts, it signals gaps in your detection or response processes. Conversely, if your security team spots and stops the test quickly, that’s a win. In either case, you learn whether your firewalls, intrusion detection, and incident response plans are effective.
• Gain expert insight and training: The detailed findings educate your team. Developers learn which coding mistakes led to vulnerabilities; IT staff learn about misconfigurations or missing patches. Even non technical staff benefit if social engineering is tested it sharpens their ability to recognize scams. In this way, a pen test raises overall security awareness across the organization.

Compliance & Regulatory Requirements

Beyond security, a major reason to conduct penetration testing is to satisfy compliance. Different industries have specific rules, but pentesting is a common theme:

• PCI DSS Payment Card Industry: This credit card security standard explicitly mandates annual and after any change penetration tests on the cardholder data environment. Merchants and payment processors must show evidence of both external internet facing and internal network tests to stay compliant. Our PCI DSS 11.3 penetration testing guide provides detailed guidance.
• HIPAA Healthcare: The HIPAA Security Rule requires covered entities to implement reasonable security measures to protect patient data. While it doesn’t name penetration testing explicitly, industry best practices interpret this as requiring regular security assessments. A thorough pen test helps uncover the vulnerabilities that could expose Protected Health Information PHI. For healthcare providers, our HIPAA penetration testing checklist maps how tests align with HIPAA requirements.
• SOC 2 / ISO 27001: Many service organizations like cloud and SaaS vendors pursue SOC 2 or ISO 27001 certifications. Auditors for these frameworks expect proof of technical security testing. Including penetration test results in your audit deliverables shows that security controls have been rigorously evaluated. See our article on SOC 2 penetration testing requirements.
• FedRAMP Government Cloud: Cloud systems used by U.S. federal agencies must follow FedRAMP. One FedRAMP requirement is an annual penetration test by a FedRAMP certified 3PAO third party assessment organization. This ensures federal data in cloud environments gets independent security validation. Our guide on FedRAMP penetration testing explains these rules.
• Other regulations: In finance, GLBA and FFIEC guidance call for periodic testing. In payments, evolving PCI 4.0 updates maintain strong pentesting language. Even privacy regulations like GDPR imply that security measures including pentesting should be state of the art for sensitive data. Additionally, cyber insurance providers often require proof of pentesting as part of underwriting.

In summary, penetration tests are more than just nice to have, they are often a compliance checkbox. But done right, they also improve real security. After a pen test, you’ll have a report that can be submitted to auditors or regulators as evidence that you’re actively verifying your defenses.

Pricing Models and Penetration Testing Cost

How much does a penetration test cost? It varies widely based on scope, but understanding common models helps with budgeting:

• Fixed Price Projects: Many providers will define a scope e.g. number of IPs, apps, or users to test and give a flat fee. Small web app tests might run $5,000-$20,000, while comprehensive enterprise network and application tests can range $50,000-$150,000 or more. The advantage is cost certainty, but it requires a very clear scope.
• Time & Materials Hourly/Daily: Some consultants charge by the hour or day. Typical senior pentester rates in the U.S. might be $200-$300 per hour. This is flexible if the scope is uncertain, but the total cost is open ended.
• Subscription/PTaaS: With the rise of PTaaS, some providers offer retainer or subscription models. You pay a monthly or annual fee, and can schedule multiple tests or ongoing scanning within that budget. This continuous pentest model often integrates a continuous penetration testing platform that issues reports as soon as issues are found. Subscriptions can be more economical for companies who need frequent testing e.g. every release cycle.
• Bug Bounty / Results Based: A different approach is crowdsourced testing e.g. HackerOne, Bugcrowd. Here, you pay rewards for each valid vulnerability found. You might set a pool of bounties say $30K and a fixed platform fee. This can find bugs quickly and incentivize creative attackers, but cost is variable and findings may need more review.

To give ballpark figures one industry analysis found small businesses typically spend under $20K for a basic pentest, whereas large organizations often budget $200K-$500K per year for ongoing assessments.

According to DeepStrike data, an SMB might invest around $10K-$50K per year for targeted tests, while enterprises can invest well into six figures. Key factors that drive cost include the number of targets applications, IP addresses, test depth black box vs white box, and any special requirements e.g., compliance reporting.

Getting multiple quotes is wise. Examine what each includes. Are social engineering or physical tests covered? How many days of testing? Is retesting included after you fix issues? A very low quote may mean the provider will only run automated scans. Balance price with confidence in quality.

Choosing the Right Penetration Testing Provider

Selecting a penetration testing service is about more than price, you’re trusting someone to attempt a controlled attack on your business. Here are some tips:

• Expertise and Reputation: Look for providers with certified, experienced testers. Credentials like OSCP, OSWE, CISSP, GIAC, or CREST are good signals. Ask if they’ve worked in your industry e.g. fintech, healthcare, SaaS. Check client references or case studies. A top provider will have a track record of uncovering non trivial vulnerabilities.
• Comprehensive Methodology: The best firms follow established frameworks OWASP for web, PTES/NIST SP 800 115 for overall testing. They won’t just run a scanner and call it done. Ensure they include both automated scanning and deep manual testing. As IBM notes, pentesters should exploit vulnerabilities to verify them, not just report potential issues. For details, see our comparison manual vs automated penetration testing.
• Clear Reporting: Ask for a sample report or outline of their deliverables. A good report has an executive summary, a technical breakdown of each finding, and remediation guidance. It should prioritize issues by risk and explain the business impact. Avoid providers whose reports are just raw tool outputs you want narrative evidence screenshots, logs that proves each exploit.
• Support and Retesting: Testing shouldn’t end at delivery. Check if the provider offers time to answer follow up questions many do a debrief call. Ideally, they should re test any fixes to confirm issues are resolved often included at no extra charge if done soon after remediation. This shows they’re invested in your security, not just writing a report and moving on.
• Logistics and Communication: Confirm the rules of engagement e.g., can testing cause downtime? Are there blackout periods?. Ensure they will avoid destructive tests unless agreed. They should be willing to sign NDAs and have liability insurance. Clear communication during the engagement regular status updates is a plus.
• Value vs Cost: Weigh the cost against what’s included. A cheap scan only test might miss critical flaws, costing much more in a breach later. A slightly higher cost provider who thoroughly tests your crown jewels and helps with fixes can save you money in the long run.

In summary, a trustworthy penetration testing company combines skilled people, human expertise, proven processes, and transparent service. Don’t hesitate to ask detailed questions during the vetting process, a quality firm will answer them openly.

Emerging Trends: Continuous Testing and PTaaS

The penetration testing industry is evolving to meet modern demands. Two key trends in 2025 are:

Penetration Testing as a Service PTaaS:

• Rather than one off tests, many companies now prefer on demand, subscription based testing. PTaaS platforms provide an online portal where you can launch tests against your assets e.g. a new app or IP range whenever needed.
• Results stream in real time, and you can track remediation in the same dashboard. This approach fits agile/DevOps workflows for example, after a new code release you can trigger a quick test via CI/CD integration.
• DeepStrike, for instance, offers such a continuous penetration testing platform that lets teams manage testing as part of their normal cycle.
• Security experts note that the industry is moving away from annual tests toward more frequent or continuous testing strategies.
• In fact, recent data shows only 38% of companies rely solely on 1 2 annual tests, many are shifting to quarterly or on demand models.

AI and Automation:

• Advances in AI are changing how tests are done and how attacks happen. Testers are using machine learning tools to automate reconnaissance for example, AI can scan documentation or code to suggest potential vulnerabilities.
• At the same time, attackers are using AI to craft convincing phishing and to discover zero days.
• One report warns that most organizations are already using AI but only 66% test their AI systems for security.
• Expect to see pentesters using AI to generate and fuzz inputs more efficiently, while also testing defenses of AI driven systems.
• For example, attackers have already explored prompt injection or model poisoning as a new class of exploit.

Crowdsourced and Hybrid Models:

• Besides traditional consultancies, many teams use bug bounty programs or crowdsourced testers to complement pentests.
• Platforms like HackerOne and Bugcrowd allow you to invite vetted hackers to test your systems for a set period.
• This can surface unusual bugs quickly, though it requires triage of reports.
• Often the best approach is hybrid use an internal/contract firm for scheduled assessments and a bug bounty for continuous, community driven testing.

Integration with DevOps:

• Modern pentesting is embedding into development pipelines. Tools can automatically scan new builds, and results can be fed back to issue trackers e.g. Jenkins integration. This shift means security left in the development cycle.
• For example, some PTaaS offerings integrate directly with GitHub or Jira. This trend makes pentesting less of a one time project and more of an ongoing part of your lifecycle.

Overall, penetration testing is becoming more continuous, scalable, and tech enabled. The old model of once a year pen test is giving way to dynamic, data driven approaches. The goal is to catch new vulnerabilities as soon as they appear, keeping pace with a landscape where attackers never slow down.

Penetration testing services give your organization a reality check on security. By simulating real attacks, they uncover hidden vulnerabilities and show you how far an intruder could get.

We’ve seen that regular pentesting can save you from costly breaches averaging $4.4M in losses, help meet compliance requirements, and strengthen your defenses in a rapidly changing threat landscape.

Ready to strengthen your defenses? The threats of 2025 demand readiness, not just awareness. If you want to validate your security posture, identify hidden risks, or build a resilient defense strategy, DeepStrike is here to help.

Our expert team provides clear, actionable guidance to protect your business. Explore our penetration testing services to see how we can uncover vulnerabilities before attackers do. Drop us a line we’re always ready to dive in.

About the Author

Mohammed Khalil is a Cybersecurity Architect at DeepStrike, specializing in advanced penetration testing and offensive security operations. With certifications including CISSP, OSCP, and OSWE, he has led numerous red team engagements for Fortune 500 companies, focusing on cloud security, application vulnerabilities, and adversary emulation. His work involves dissecting complex attack chains and developing resilient defense strategies for clients in the finance, healthcare, and technology sectors.

FAQs

What is penetration testing?

• Penetration testing often called pen testing is a security exercise where experts simulate cyberattacks on your systems to find vulnerabilities.
• It goes beyond automated scans by actively exploiting flaws to demonstrate their impact.
• In other words, pen testing shows you exactly how a hacker could break in, so you can fix problems before they are abused.

How often should I perform penetration testing?

• It depends on your risk and changes in your environment. Most standards expect at least annual tests, but many organizations test more frequently.
• According to industry data, about 38% of companies do 1-2 tests per year, while others have moved to quarterly or continuous testing.
• Best practice is to test after major changes like new web apps or infrastructure and regularly e.g. quarterly to stay ahead of new vulnerabilities.

How much does penetration testing cost?

• Costs vary widely based on scope. Simple tests for a small web app might start around $5,000-$10,000. Larger engagements entire networks, many applications, compliance scope can reach $50,000-$150,000 or more.
• Industry data suggests SMBs often budget $10K-$50K per year for targeted tests, while large enterprises budget hundreds of thousands.
• Factors include the number of assets, depth of testing black box vs white box, and compliance requirements.
• Some firms charge fixed fees per project, while others use hourly rates or subscription models PTaaS.
• It’s best to get detailed quotes and ensure the scope matches your needs.

What is the difference between penetration testing and a vulnerability assessment?

• A vulnerability assessment is an automated scan that identifies known issues like missing patches or default passwords.
• Penetration testing goes further skilled testers attempt to exploit those vulnerabilities in a controlled attack.
• In short, a scan says here are potential problems, while a pen test shows here’s how we can break in.
• Both are useful use scans for broad coverage and pen tests for deep, hands-on evaluation of critical systems.

What is the difference between black box and white box penetration testing?

• In black box testing, the testers have no prior knowledge of the system just like an external hacker. They must discover everything from scratch.
• In white box testing, testers are given full information source code, architecture, credentials. White box tests are thorough and efficient at finding deep logic flaws.
• Gray box testing is in between testers have some limited info.
• Black box simulates a real external attack, while white box can uncover issues that might not be apparent from the outside.

How do I choose a good penetration testing company?

• Look for experience and transparency. A reputable pentesting firm will have certified experts OSCP, CISSP, etc., use standard methodologies, and produce clear reports.
• Check that they do manual testing not just automated scans and that they cover your scope fully. Ask for sample reports and client references.
• Ensure they support remediation for example, by retesting fixes and that their pricing aligns with a well defined scope.
• Basically, choose a partner you trust to handle your security responsibly.