How confident are you that your cybersecurity would stand up to a real attack?
Many businesses believe their defences are strong, yet the first time a weakness is discovered is often after a breach has already occurred. Penetration testing removes that uncertainty by safely testing your security in a controlled, real-world scenario.
What Is Penetration Testing?
Penetration testing, often referred to as pen testing, is a structured attempt to compromise your systems in order to assess how secure they really are. It is carried out by experienced professionals using the same techniques and tools that real attackers rely on.
The key difference is intent. A penetration test is authorised, controlled, and designed to improve your security without putting your business at risk.
If My Business Is Secure, Why Do I Need a Pen Test?
No two networks are the same, and there is no single approach that guarantees complete protection. Even well-designed security measures can have gaps that only become visible when tested by someone actively trying to break through them.
Penetration testing gives you clarity. If your defences are strong, you gain reassurance. If weaknesses exist, you learn about them before a real attacker has the opportunity to exploit them.
What a Penetration Test Can Cover
A penetration test can assess multiple areas of your organisation, depending on scope. This may include:
- Firewalls, internet-facing services, and network security controls
- Endpoint protection and antivirus effectiveness
- Email security and employee awareness through social engineering tests
- User access control and privilege escalation risks
- Physical security of offices and server rooms where required
The Five Stages of Penetration Testing
| Stage | What Happens | What You Learn |
|---|---|---|
| Planning and Reconnaissance | Publicly available information is gathered about your business and systems | What attackers can learn without touching your network |
| Scanning | Automated tools scan for open ports and technical vulnerabilities | Where weaknesses exist in exposed services |
| Gaining Access | Vulnerabilities and techniques are used to attempt entry | How attackers could initially breach your defences |
| Maintaining Access | The tester attempts to remain undetected and escalate privileges | How far an attacker could move within your environment |
| Post Mortem | Detailed reporting and remediation guidance | Exactly what needs fixing and why |
How Penetration Testing Fits Into Your Wider Security Strategy
Penetration testing works best when combined with strong foundations. Understanding what is on your network and how it is configured makes test results more meaningful.
This is why penetration testing pairs naturally with a network assessment, giving you both visibility and proof of how your security performs under pressure.
How Carden IT Services Arranges Penetration Testing
At Carden IT Services, penetration testing is delivered in a way that mirrors real-world conditions. We always use a tester who has no prior familiarity with your systems, either from our wider team or through a trusted third-party specialist.
This ensures results are unbiased, realistic, and genuinely useful. Following the test, we work with you to prioritise remediation and strengthen your defences across network security, access control, email security, and cloud services.
Prove Your Defences Before Someone Else Does
Penetration testing replaces assumptions with evidence. It shows how attackers think, where your weaknesses lie, and what actions will make the biggest difference to your security posture.
If you want confidence in your cyber-defences and clear guidance on what to improve, contact Carden IT Services today to discuss penetration testing and our wider cyber-defence services.
