Penetration Testing Services
Leverage a proven methodology to identify vulnerabilities.
- Network Penetration Testing
- Web Application Penetration Testing
- Cloud Penetration Testing
- Vulnerability Assessments
- Network Penetration Testing
- Web Application Penetration Testing
- Cloud Penetration Testing
- Vulnerability Assessments
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What is a Penetration Test?
Penetration testing, also known as a pen test or ethical hacking, simulates the adversarial tactics and techniques hackers use to compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of IT assets and resources to evaluate their security strength. The goal of a penetration test is to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses that malicious hackers could exploit.
These simulations can be performed from the vantage point of an outside attacker with only a public-facing attack surface and an insider’s perspective with limited or unlimited internal access. Depending on the objective of the engagement (e.g., compliance, due diligence, policy), the scope of a penetration test can be scaled up or down.
The penetration tester employs automated scanning tools and manual techniques to identify vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, or weaknesses in the target system’s infrastructure, web and applications, network, or IoT devices. These tests may include source code reviews (aka white box), source code assisted penetration tests (aka grey box ), and no-source-code testing (black box). This can include testing for common security issues such as weak passwords, outdated software, insecure network configurations, or inadequate access controls.
Once vulnerabilities are discovered, the penetration tester documents and reports them to the organization or individual responsible for the system’s security. This enables the system owner to take appropriate actions to mitigate the identified vulnerabilities, strengthen their security defenses, and protect against potential real-world attacks.
Penetration tests are valuable for organizations as they help to identify and remediate security weaknesses before malicious actors can exploit them. By conducting these tests, organizations can enhance their security posture, protect sensitive data, comply with industry regulations, and minimize the risk of costly data breaches or unauthorized access incidents.
What is the Cost of Penetration Testing Services?
The cost of a penetration test can vary depending on several factors, including the scope of the test, the size and complexity of the target system, the level of expertise required, and the specific requirements of the organization or individual requesting the test.
Here are some factors that can influence the cost of a penetration test:
- Scope: The size and complexity of the target system or network will impact the cost. Larger and more complex systems generally require more time and effort to assess, which can increase the cost.
- Testing Methodology: The specific type of penetration test required can affect the cost. Different types include external network testing, internal network testing, web application testing, wireless network testing, or a combination of these. Each type may involve different techniques and tools, leading to variations in cost.
- Engagement Duration: The time required to conduct the penetration test can influence the cost. Longer engagements generally involve more extensive testing, analysis, and reporting, which can increase the overall cost.
- Expertise and Experience: The penetration tester or testing company’s level of expertise and experience will impact the cost. Highly skilled professionals with extensive experience typically command higher rates.
- Reporting and Documentation: The depth and quality of the final report and documentation provided by the penetration tester can affect the cost. A comprehensive report detailing identified vulnerabilities, potential risks, and recommended remediation measures may incur additional costs.
Given the variability in these factors, it is easier to provide an exact cost estimate with specific project details. It is advisable to consult with our firm’s professional penetration testers to obtain accurate cost estimates tailored to your specific requirements.
Who Needs Penetration Testing?
Penetration testing benefits organizations and individuals who want to ensure the security of their computer systems, networks, and applications. Here are some examples of who may benefit from penetration testing:
- Businesses: Companies of all sizes and across industries can benefit from penetration testing. It helps organizations identify vulnerabilities in their infrastructure, applications, and networks before malicious hackers can exploit them. By conducting regular penetration tests, businesses can strengthen their security defenses, protect sensitive data, comply with industry regulations, and safeguard their reputation.
- Software as a Service (SaaS) Companies: SaaS companies that provide online services, platforms, or online marketplaces are attractive targets for cybercriminals. Penetration testing helps identify vulnerabilities in web applications, databases, and payment systems, ensuring the security of customer data and maintaining trust.
- Government Agencies: Government entities, including federal, state, and local governments, often handle sensitive information and critical infrastructure. Penetration testing assists government agencies in identifying and addressing security weaknesses to protect their networks, systems, and citizen data.
- Financial Institutions: Banks, credit unions, insurance companies, and other financial institutions handle large volumes of sensitive customer data and face significant cyber threats. Penetration testing helps them assess their security posture, protect against unauthorized access, and comply with regulations such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).
- Healthcare Organizations: Hospitals, clinics, healthcare providers, and health insurance companies store vast amounts of personal health information. Conducting penetration tests assists these organizations in identifying vulnerabilities and securing their systems, protecting patient confidentiality, and complying with regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
- Software Development Companies: Developers and software companies can benefit from penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities in their software products. Regular tests throughout the development lifecycle helps ensure that security is prioritized and potential vulnerabilities are identified and resolved early on.
- Individuals and High-Profile Figures: High-profile individuals, celebrities, politicians, and public figures at risk of targeted attacks can employ penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities in their personal digital infrastructure and protect their privacy.
It is important to note that the need for penetration testing extends beyond these examples. Any individual or organization that values the security of its systems, data, and online presence can benefit from conducting regular penetration tests.
Penetration Testing Process
Step One: Schedule a free consultation
During your free consultation, we will take the time to understand your current IT security posture, environment, and security initiatives. This is also an excellent opportunity to ask questions regarding our process and methods.
Step Two: Complete the pre-engagement questionnaire
Our pre-engagement questionnaire helps identify the assets deemed in scope for the engagement.
Step Three: Scope Agreement
We will use the pre-engagement questionnaire to generate a scope of work (SOW) that identifies the assets to be tested and the methodology for testing each. The SOW also outlines our responsibilities and yours to ensure a seamless testing process.
Step Four: Scheduling
After the SOW is agreed upon, you will be introduced to your project manager, who will handle scheduling, milestones, and delivery for the entire project.
Step Five: Pre-kickoff
Within a week of the engagement start date, we will schedule a pre-kickoff call to ensure resources are in place, accounts are created, and both sides are ready to engage.
Step Six: Testing
Testing will be performed during the day(s) and time(s) outlined in the SOW. We will also provide daily or weekly updates about our testing and findings (customer preference). Customers are notified immediately about any high- or critical-severity issues.
Step Seven: Reporting and Readout
Within a week of the end of the engagement, you will receive a report, including an executive summary and technical documentation of all findings and remediation steps. We will also schedule a readout meeting with key stakeholders to ensure an accurate understanding of the findings and recommendations.
Step Eight: Retesting
The SOW includes a block of hours that can be used for retesting completed mitigations. A new report will be generated, marking the updated findings as remediated.
Big 4 IT Auditors
Our highly-experienced auditors will perform thorough testing and provide you with clear cut instructions on what you need to do to secure your environment(s).
Our
Auditors
Why Choose Linford & Company LLP?
Threat Intelligence Informed Testing:
Though many security consultancies take the “shotgun” approach, which entails discovering as many vulnerabilities in the environment as possible within a predetermined amount of time, Linford & Company takes a different approach, one that takes into account the business value of the assets to be tested, as well as the type of attacker who is most likely to be interested in compromising your systems.
This information is ascertained through a process known as Threat Modeling, which is a valuable tool for identifying the risk businesses may face from a successful attack. Threat modeling also allows companies to focus on the remediation and protection of critical assets. In other words, it provides threat-intelligence-informed and focused penetration testing, which can reduce costs and increase value.
Industry Expertise
Our testers, who form the backbone of our penetration testing team, are industry experts and possess unparalleled knowledge gained through more than two decades of immersive, hands-on penetration testing experience. With over 20 years of practical experience, they have encountered a wide array of complex security challenges, making them adept at tackling any cybersecurity issues that may arise.
Additionally, our penetration testers have gone above and beyond by acquiring numerous esteemed industry certifications, including but not limited to the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), the InfoSec Evaluation Methodology (IEM), the InfoSec Assessment Methodology (IAM) – both offered through the National Security Agency, and the Global Information Assurance Certification (GSEC). These certifications testify to their dedication to staying at the forefront of information security and continuously expanding their knowledge base to safeguard our client’s systems and networks.
Your Security Ally
At Linford & Company, our commitment to our clients goes beyond simply delivering a comprehensive report and considering the engagement complete. We understand cybersecurity is an ongoing process, and we firmly believe in fostering long-term relationships to ensure our clients receive continuous support and guidance in their security initiatives. As trusted partners, we prioritize open communication and accessibility, remaining readily available to address any security-related questions or concerns that may arise.
Our dedicated team of experts is committed to offering timely assistance, leveraging our extensive knowledge and experience to provide valuable recommendations tailored to your needs. Whether it’s clarifying aspects of the report, seeking advice on implementing recommended security measures or addressing emerging threats, we stand by our clients as a dependable resource in navigating the cybersecurity landscape.
Request a Penetration Testing consultation
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