PENETRATION TESTING
Assess the integrity and security of your network with Penetration Testing for London and the South East
Identify Weaknesses Before They’re Exploited
Cyber threats are increasing both in complexity and in the volume that they occur. Organisations need to be proactive in their approach in order to mitigate the risk of reputational damage, financial implications or regulatory penalties.
Penetration testing offers a comprehensive approach to assessing your security posture by emulating real-world cyber attacks. By systematically probing your network, applications, devices, and systems for vulnerabilities and potential entry points, penetration testing enables organisations to act upon identified risks before they cause real issues.
As a trusted partner for penetration testing services in London and the wider UK, we bring a wealth of experience in partnering with organisations of all sizes to address their cyber security needs.
Get in touch with one of our experts to find out more about our pen testing services:
What Is Penetration Testing?
Penetration testing is a way of assessing potential vulnerabilities that exist within your IT infrastructure. It’s a valuable exercise to undertake as an organisation’s infrastructure grows or working patterns change and is a vital piece of a robust cyber security strategy.
Against this background, organisations have had to cede a certain amount of control over how people interface with their systems. It’s in this environment that cyber criminals can take advantage, and is the reason why you need to understand where the gaps are in your defences.
Penetration testing allows you to get into the head of the enemy trying to gain access to your systems, from their first contact with an internet-connected device to the type of access they are, in theory, able to achieve.
Penetration testing differs from other security assessments by simulating real-world cyber attacks to identify vulnerabilities. It goes beyond surface-level scanning, providing a comprehensive evaluation of your organisation’s security posture and identifying areas for improvements.
The Akita Penetration Testing Advantage
We offer unparalleled expertise in penetration testing, providing a tailored approach to assess and fortify your organisation’s security posture. With years of experience under their belt, our professionals are adept at conducting thorough tests that simulate real-world cyber attacks.
We know that each organisation’s requirements are unique, so we tailor our testing plans to suit your specific needs and infrastructure, ensuring that we uncover vulnerabilities efficiently and effectively. Leveraging cutting-edge technology and advanced methodologies, we deliver comprehensive assessments that provide actionable insights to fortify your defences.
Our Penetration Testing Services Explained
Akita offers two types of testing depending on an organisation’s requirements
- External penetration testing looks at all parts of your company’s network with an IP address that are visible on the internet and assesses where there could be unauthorised access. External penetration testing also assesses any web applications, company websites, email servers, legacy systems and domain name servers (DNS). It can therefore give a strong indication of potential points of entry into an organisation’s systems.
- Internal penetration testing looks at any devices or systems attached to your network that are visible to someone already behind your firewall. This type of testing identifies risks from within your organisation, either by a rogue employee, somebody who has had their password stolen or where someone has introduced something malicious to your systems.
Our approach to penetration testing follows a similar approach for internal and external testing:
- Initial consultancy to confirm areas that an organisation would like us to test. Where an organisation is unsure, we’ll be happy to advise on best practice based on requirements.
- Testing then commences on desired internal and/or external systems led by one of consultants
- Once complete, a report is produced. Risk findings are categorised at 4 levels from Critical to Low. This allows organisations to prioritise remediation measures.
- Alongside findings, our consultants will provide recommendations for improving defences or processes. They’ll also advise where Akita can make remediations if desired to.
Why Penetration Testing Is Essential
Penetration testing plays a critical role in safeguarding your organisation against cyber threats by identifying vulnerabilities, ensuring compliance, and protecting against data breaches.
Cyber attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, posing significant risks to organisations of all sizes. By identifying vulnerabilities before they can be exploited, penetration testing enables you to take pre-emptive action to mitigate risks and strengthen your security posture.
For UK organisations, penetration testing is particularly relevant due to local compliance standards. Regulatory requirements, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), mandate the protection of personal data and require organisations to implement appropriate security measures. Penetration testing helps ensure compliance with these regulations by identifying vulnerabilities and addressing them proactively.
FAQs About Penetration Testing
When is the best time to conduct a penetration test for my organisation?
Penetration testing should ideally be conducted regularly as part of your organisation's cyber security strategy. Akita recommend scheduling tests after significant changes to your infrastructure, such as network upgrades or new system implementations, and before major events like product launches or regulatory audits.
How long does a penetration test typically take?
The duration of a penetration test can vary depending on factors such as the scope of the test and the size and complexity of your organisation's infrastructure. Generally, a comprehensive penetration test may take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to complete.
Will penetration testing disrupt my operations?
Penetration testing is designed to identify vulnerabilities without causing disruptions to your operations. It will typically require stakeholder time and engagement. There is also a possibility of disruptions if vulnerabilities are identified that require immediate remediation.
What types of vulnerabilities can a penetration test uncover?
A penetration test can uncover a wide range of vulnerabilities, including but not limited to software flaws, misconfigurations, weak or default passwords, insecure network protocols, and vulnerabilities in third-party applications or services.
Getting Started With Akita’s Penetration Testing Services
To schedule penetration testing for your organisation please contact one of our experts:
Call us on: 0330 058 8000
Email us on: info@akita.co.uk
Or alternatively complete our contact form below and one of our specialists will be in touch:
