What is a penetration test?
A penetration test is an authorized attempt to find and safely demonstrate exploitable weaknesses in a defined environment. It goes beyond an automated vulnerability scan by testing whether weaknesses can be combined or used to reach agreed objectives.
When is penetration testing worth doing?
Testing is useful when the business exposes important systems to the internet, handles sensitive information, is preparing for a customer or insurer review, has completed a major change or needs independent evidence that controls work as intended.
What must be agreed before testing begins?
The business and testing provider must define written authorization, systems in scope, excluded systems, testing dates, permitted techniques, emergency contacts, data-handling rules and stop conditions. Testing should never begin from an informal request.
Will a penetration test prove the company is secure?
No. A test covers a defined scope during a limited period. It can reveal important weaknesses and validate attack paths, but it does not replace secure operations, monitoring, updates, backups, employee practices or incident preparation.
What should happen after the report?
Rank findings by business impact and exploitability, assign an owner and deadline, correct the underlying causes and retest important fixes. A report without remediation and validation is unfinished work.
Who performs Applied Bandwidth penetration tests?
Applied Bandwidth coordinates an independent specialist third-party testing service. The customer approves the scope and authorization, receives the findings and works through a documented remediation plan. The testing relationship is disclosed rather than presented as an in-house security lab.