Offensive Security
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Expert Penetration Testing Services UK

Simulated cyber attacks to identify vulnerabilities in your systems, networks, and applications before malicious actors can exploit them.

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What is Penetration Testing?

Penetration testing is a proactive security assessment that simulates real-world cyber attacks against your organisation's systems, networks, and applications.

Our expert security consultants use the same tools, techniques, and methodologies employed by malicious hackers to identify security weaknesses before they can be exploited. Unlike automated vulnerability scans, penetration testing involves manual exploitation attempts to demonstrate the real-world impact of discovered vulnerabilities.

We go beyond simply finding vulnerabilities - we provide detailed analysis of how these weaknesses could be chained together to achieve significant compromise, helping you understand and prioritise your security risks.

Real-world attack simulation
Detailed technical reporting
Risk-prioritised findings
Ethical Hacking

Comprehensive Testing Coverage

We test across your entire attack surface to identify vulnerabilities wherever they may exist.

Network Infrastructure

Internal and external network testing to identify misconfigurations, vulnerable services, and pathways attackers could exploit. We assess your ransomware readiness, test for lateral movement opportunities, and identify privilege escalation vectors that could allow attackers to compromise your entire network from a single foothold.

Active Directory Lateral Movement Privilege Escalation Ransomware Readiness

Web Applications

In-depth testing of web applications against OWASP Top 10 and beyond. We identify critical vulnerabilities including Broken Access Control, IDOR (Insecure Direct Object References), SSRF (Server-Side Request Forgery), SQL injection, XSS, and complex business logic flaws that automated scanners miss.

OWASP Top 10 Broken Access Control IDOR SSRF

APIs & Web Services

REST, GraphQL, and SOAP API testing to identify authentication bypass, authorisation flaws, and data exposure vulnerabilities in your APIs.

REST GraphQL SOAP OAuth

Mobile Applications

iOS and Android application testing covering insecure data storage, network communication, authentication mechanisms, and reverse engineering vulnerabilities.

iOS Android MASVS API Security

External Testing

Simulating attacks from outside your network perimeter. We assess your public-facing assets, identify exposed services, and test your defences against external threat actors.

Perimeter OSINT Attack Surface Reconnaissance

Structured Testing Approach

We follow industry-recognised methodologies to ensure comprehensive and consistent testing.

01

Reconnaissance

Gathering information about your organisation's digital footprint, identifying targets, and mapping the attack surface.

02

Enumeration & Scanning

Identifying open ports, services, and potential entry points using industry-leading tools like Burp Suite Professional, Nmap, and Nessus, combined with rigorous manual testing techniques.

03

Vulnerability Analysis

Identifying and validating security weaknesses, eliminating false positives through manual verification.

04

Exploitation

Attempting to exploit identified vulnerabilities to demonstrate real-world impact and potential for further compromise.

05

Reporting & Remediation

Comprehensive documentation of findings with risk ratings, evidence, and detailed remediation guidance.

Industry Standards We Follow

OWASP Testing Guide
PTES Penetration Testing Execution Standard
NIST Cybersecurity Framework
CREST Testing Methodology

What You'll Receive

Comprehensive reporting that empowers you to take action.

Executive Summary

High-level overview of findings and risk posture for leadership and stakeholders, with clear business impact assessment.

Technical Report

Detailed documentation of each vulnerability including evidence, exploitation steps, and specific remediation guidance.

Risk Prioritisation

CVSS-based severity ratings with contextual analysis to help you prioritise remediation efforts effectively.

Debrief Session

Interactive walkthrough of findings with your technical team, including Q&A and remediation planning support.

Retest Verification

Optional follow-up testing to verify that remediation efforts have successfully addressed identified vulnerabilities.

Attestation Letter

Formal documentation suitable for compliance requirements and third-party assurance purposes.

Pentesting for UK Compliance & Certifications

Our penetration testing services help you meet regulatory requirements and achieve industry certifications.

Cyber Essentials Plus

Our testing satisfies the vulnerability assessment requirements for Cyber Essentials Plus certification. We help identify and remediate issues before your official assessment, increasing your chances of first-time certification.

ISO 27001

Penetration testing is a key control for ISO 27001 compliance. Our reports provide the evidence auditors need, demonstrating your commitment to identifying and addressing security vulnerabilities systematically.

PCI DSS

PCI DSS Requirement 11.3 mandates regular penetration testing for organisations handling card data. Our testing methodology aligns with PCI DSS requirements, helping you maintain compliance and protect cardholder data.

GDPR & UK Data Protection

Demonstrate due diligence in protecting personal data with regular security testing. Our assessments help identify vulnerabilities that could lead to data breaches, supporting your GDPR compliance efforts.

Vulnerability Assessment vs. Penetration Testing

Understanding the difference helps you choose the right approach for your security needs.

Vulnerability Assessment
Penetration Testing
Approach
Automated scanning to identify known vulnerabilities
Manual testing simulating real attacker behaviour
Depth
Broad coverage, surface-level analysis
Deep analysis with exploitation of vulnerabilities
Frequency
Monthly or quarterly automated scans
Annual or after significant changes
Output
List of potential vulnerabilities with CVE references
Demonstrated impact with exploitation evidence
Best For
Continuous monitoring, patch management
Compliance, risk assessment, security validation

Our recommendation: Use both approaches as part of a comprehensive security programme. Regular vulnerability assessments catch known issues quickly, while annual penetration testing validates your overall security posture and identifies complex attack chains.

Penetration Testing Questions

Common questions about our penetration testing services.

Penetration testing costs in the UK typically range from £3,000 to £20,000+ depending on scope. Key factors include the number of IP addresses or applications in scope, testing type (external, internal, web application), complexity of the environment, and whether you need CREST-certified testing. We provide detailed quotes after understanding your specific requirements.

Black Box testing simulates an external attacker with no prior knowledge of your systems. We only have publicly available information. White Box testing provides full access to documentation, source code, and architecture details, enabling deeper analysis. Grey Box testing sits between the two, typically with user-level credentials but limited internal knowledge. Each approach has its merits depending on your objectives.

Cyber Essentials Plus requires a vulnerability scan rather than a full penetration test. However, many organisations choose to conduct penetration testing before their CE+ assessment to identify and fix issues proactively. This increases your chances of passing first time and provides deeper assurance than the required vulnerability scan alone. We offer both services and can advise on the best approach for your situation.

Testing duration depends on scope and complexity. A focused web application test typically takes 3-5 days, while comprehensive internal network testing may require 5-10 days. We also allocate time for reporting and can schedule testing during business hours or outside them to minimise disruption. Rush engagements are available when needed.

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Discover vulnerabilities before attackers do. Get in touch to discuss your requirements and receive a tailored quote.