Pentesting is the act of testing a computer, network, or application to find vulnerabilities and weaknesses. Pentesting can uncover security threats such as malware or unpatched software before they become a problem. In this article, we will cover the basics of pentesting, answer who is pentesting for, how often you should perform them as well as how to select the best company for your needs based on these factors. Finally, we’ll provide you with a list of the top five pentesting companies in the UK right now.
Pentesting basics:
What is pentesting?
Pentesting is the act of testing a computer, network, or application to find vulnerabilities and weaknesses. Pentests can uncover security threats such as malware or unpatched software before they become a problem.
Who does pentesting?
Pentesting is often done by a reputed cybersecurity organisation. It is also common for pentesters to be hired by organizations that have been breached in order to determine how the attack occurred and what damage was done.
How does pentesting work?
The process of pentesting can vary depending on the size and complexity of the environment being tested. However, in general, a pentester will start by studying the target system and identifying any potential vulnerabilities. He or she will then exploit these vulnerabilities to see if they can gain access to sensitive data or take control of the system. Finally, he or she will document their findings and provide recommendations for fixing any security flaws found.
Why is pentesting important?
There are many reasons why pentesting is important. Perhaps the most obvious is that they find the loopholes in your security first so that you can fix them before anyone else finds them. Pentesting can also help organizations identify vulnerabilities that may have been missed by other security measures. And finally, pentesting can help organizations recover from a breach by identifying the extent of the damage and providing recommendations for mitigating it.
Who needs pentesting?
Pentesting is not just for large companies or government agencies. In fact, any organisation housing sensitive data/confidential information should consider performing regular pentests. This includes businesses of all sizes, schools, hospitals, and even private individuals.
How often should you perform pentests?
The frequency of pentesting will vary depending on the environment being tested and the level of risk involved. However, most experts recommend performing at least one pentest per year.
How to select a pentesting company:
When selecting a penetration testing company, there are several factors to consider. The most important of these is the company’s experience and expertise in pentesting. You should also make sure that the company has a good reputation and is certified by recognized organizations such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Finally, make sure that the provider has the resources to handle your specific needs.
The top five pentesting companies in the UK right now are:
1) Astra Security:
Astra Security offers pentesting, security audits, blockchain security testing, smart contract audits, cloud testing, and other services. The Astra Pentest tool is a vulnerability assessment and penetration testing product that they have developed and includes the following features:
- Interactive and user-friendly dashboard with real-time threat updates
- Recommendations to fix each vulnerability
- On cloud assessments for SaaS apps
- Risk scores
- Testing against 2500+ known vulnerabilities
They also have experts in the field to help you with manual testing.
2) BreachLock:
BreachLock is a UK-based cybersecurity company. They have integrated AI (Artificial Intelligence) into their pentesting solution giving an automated-manual hybrid approach. They have experience in a variety of industries including finance, retail, healthcare, and more.
3) Jumpsec:
Jumpsec is a group of pentesters and security analysts that offer great penetration testing services. they will help you improve your overall security posture and knowledge.
4) Mitigate Cyber:
Mitigate Cyber is a pentesting company that offers services such as penetration testing, vulnerability scanning, and risk assessments. They have a team of experienced pentesters who are skilled in various areas including network security, web application security, and more.
5) Cyber Tec Security:
Cyber Tec specialises in antivirus, compliance, data breach prevention, data protection, data security, firewall installation and management, incident and breach response consulting services.
Conclusion
Pentesting is a process of attacking an information system in order to find security weaknesses. Pentesters use a variety of methods to exploit vulnerabilities and gain access to systems. Pentesting is important because it can help prevent attacks, identify vulnerabilities, and help organizations recover from a breach. When selecting a pentesting company, it’s important to consider the company’s experience and expertise, as well as its reputation. The top five pentesting companies in the UK right now are- Astra Security, BreachLock, Jumpsec, Mitigate Cyber, and Cyber Tec Security.
