Penetration Testing Methodology

A structured methodology ensures penetration tests are thorough, repeatable, and aligned with the client's objectives and legal boundaries.

Planning and Scoping

Every engagement begins with defining the scope, rules of engagement, and objectives in a signed agreement, establishing exactly which systems can be tested and what techniques are permitted.

Reconnaissance and Scanning

Testers gather information about the target through passive and active reconnaissance, then use scanning tools to identify live hosts, open ports, and running services that could present attack surfaces.

Gaining Access and Exploitation

Using the information gathered, testers attempt to exploit identified vulnerabilities to gain access, carefully documenting each successful technique and its potential impact on the organization.

Reporting and Remediation

The engagement concludes with a detailed report outlining findings, risk ratings, and remediation recommendations, followed often by a retest to confirm that identified issues have been properly fixed.