Network Pen Testing - What It Is and Why You Need It
Replace uncertainty with evidence - Discover how your systems stand up to a real world cyber attack with penetration testing.
What is penetration testing?
Penetration (pen) testing is a controlled and ethical attempt to gain access to your systems. It shows you how your systems would stand up to a real-world attack, not in theory, but in practice. Instead of relying on assumptions or checklists, it tests whether weaknesses can actually be exploited and what impact that would have on your business.
Regular assessment of your network is essential to gauge your cyber security effectiveness. It explores how those issues could be chained together and what an attacker might realistically achieve as a result. That might include accessing confidential data, escalating user privileges, or moving laterally through your network.
The result is a far more accurate picture of your true security posture.
The benefits of pen testing
Penetration testing replaces uncertainty with evidence. It provides clear, actionable insight rather than long lists of theoretical problems.
Here's some of the benefits:
Real-world simulation
Get a clear view of how an attacker could access your environment to assess your security measures and Identify weaknesses that automated tools and audits often miss.
Risk prioritisation
Prioritised recommendations and explanation of business impact, so you can understand which risks need addressing first.
Vulnerability identification
Exposes security vulnerabilities to reveal potential entry points.
Comprehensive security assessment
Evaluates current security controls to ensure systems can withstand cyber threats, giving confidence that your security decisions are grounded in reality.
Compliance with regulations
Evidence you can use for compliance, insurance, and governance.
Customer data protection
Addresses vulnerabilities that lead to breaches, identity theft or unauthorised access.
Proactive offense
Reduce attack opportunities and the likelihood of a successful breach through regular assessments.
Why work with an MSP for penetration testing?
As a managed service provider, we see your environment as a whole. That context matters.
Rather than delivering a standalone report and walking away, we understand how findings fit into your wider IT landscape, operational constraints, and long-term security goals. Remediation advice is practical, achievable, and aligned with how your business actually works.
It also means pen testing is not a one-off activity. When used properly, it becomes part of a continuous improvement cycle, helping you reduce risk over time rather than simply ticking a box.
At no point is guesswork involved. Everything is evidence-based.
Penetration testing FAQ's
Will penetration testing disrupt our systems or day-to-day work?
Penetration testing is designed to be safe and controlled. Testing is carried out in a way that avoids disruption to users and business operations. In most cases, staff will not notice anything happening, and any activity is carefully monitored throughout.
Is penetration testing the same as a vulnerability scan?
No. A vulnerability scan identifies potential weaknesses, but it does not confirm whether they can actually be exploited. Penetration testing goes further by safely attempting to use those weaknesses to understand real-world risk and impact.
How often should penetration testing be carried out?
For most organisations, annual testing is a sensible baseline. Additional testing is often recommended after significant changes, such as new systems, major upgrades, or changes to how users access data. Some compliance frameworks dictate their own testing cadence.
Will the results be technical or business-focused?
You receive clear explanations of what was found, why it matters, and what should be prioritised. Technical detail is available where needed, but the focus is on business impact and practical next steps.
Does penetration testing help with compliance or cyber insurance?
Yes. Penetration testing is commonly used to demonstrate due diligence for regulatory frameworks and is often requested by cyber insurers as evidence of proactive risk management.
Are your pen tests CREST compliant?
Yes. Our pen-testing platform is CREST certified. CREST certification is considered the 'Gold standard' for security testing. You can read more here.
What kind of reports and deliverables can be expected from a penetration test?
We typically supply an executive summary, a technical report, and a vulnerability report (or spreadsheet) as part of the final deliverables for your network penetration test. These reports are specifically tailored for executive and technical audiences to help them understand the risks the environment poses to your organisation.
What happens after the test is completed?
Once testing is complete, findings are reviewed and prioritised. Remediation guidance focuses on achievable improvements rather than theoretical fixes, helping you reduce risk in a practical and measurable way.
Go beyond traditional security assessments
If you are unsure whether penetration testing is necessary, an initial conversation can help clarify your risks and options.
Book a chat with Paul to start your journey with PS Tech today.
