Guides
Security testing, explained plainly.
Straight answers for founders, engineering leads and IT teams buying security testing for the first time, or doing it better the second time. No fear, no jargon left unexplained.
Fundamentals
What security testing is and how the main approaches differ.
- What is a penetration test?A penetration test is an authorized, simulated attack that proves which weaknesses in your systems can be exploited. Types, timing and deliverables.5 min read
- Penetration testing vs vulnerability scanningA vulnerability scan is automated and broad; a penetration test is human-led and proves exploitability. When each fits, and when a scanner is enough.5 min read
- Vulnerability assessment vs penetration testA vulnerability assessment identifies weaknesses; a penetration test exploits them to prove impact. The terms overlap, so check what a provider does.5 min read
- Black box vs gray box vs white box penetration testingBlack box testers get no inside information, gray box get accounts and some docs, white box get full access including code. Tradeoffs and how to choose.4 min read
- Continuous penetration testing: what it is and when it is worth itContinuous penetration testing attacks your systems on an ongoing basis, not once a year. How it compares to annual tests and PTaaS, and when each fits.4 min read
- Responsible disclosure and bug bounties: how they work and how to set one upCoordinated disclosure gives researchers a safe way to report flaws; bug bounties add rewards. How they differ from a pentest and how to set one up.4 min read
- AI penetration testing: what autonomous testing can and cannot doAI agents test known weakness classes at scale but still need human validation. What AI penetration testing does well and where it falls short.5 min read
Buying
Budgeting for a test and choosing who should do it.
- How much does a penetration test cost?Penetration test cost is driven mostly by tester time, which depends on scope, depth, surfaces, retesting and reporting. What raises or lowers a quote.4 min read
- How to choose a penetration testing companyChoose a penetration testing company by its sample report, who tests, how findings are proven, retest policy, legal paperwork and data handling. Checklist.4 min read
Process
Preparing, scoping, reading the report and closing findings.
- How to prepare for a penetration testPrepare for a penetration test by fixing goals and scope, listing assets, issuing test accounts, taking backups and naming contacts. Full checklist inside.5 min read
- How to read a penetration test reportRead a pentest report by checking the summary, then each finding's evidence, impact and fix. How to prioritize beyond CVSS and what to ask your vendor.5 min read
- Rules of engagement for penetration testingRules of engagement are the written agreement that authorizes a pentest and sets scope, timing, limits, stop conditions, contacts and data handling.4 min read
- Retesting and fix verificationA retest re-runs the original attack after a fix to prove it no longer works. Why fixes fail, what a proper retest checks, and how to document closure.4 min read
- How often should you run a penetration test?Most organizations should penetration test at least yearly and after significant changes. How compliance, release cadence and risk change that baseline.5 min read
Compliance
What the major frameworks actually require.
Looking for a definition? The security testing glossary covers the terms these guides use.
Find out what an attacker could do with your systems.
Book a short scoping call. Nothing is tested until scope and rules of engagement are signed, and every finding comes with proof.