What Is Penetration Testing & Why Should I Consider It? - Telecommunications Management for National Accounts

Overview and Definition

Penetration testing, also referred to as “pen testing” or “ethical hacking,” is the process of testing a computer network, application, or computer system to identify security issues that could be exploited by a cyber attacker. It’s also called a “white hat attack” because authorized testers attempt to break in before malicious actors identify vulnerabilities.

How Penetration Tests Are Conducted

Penetration tests can be performed manually or automated using software. The core objective is to gather information about the target, identify possible entry points, attempt to penetrate the network or device, and then report findings to IT management. A clear penetration testing methodology structures the discovery, exploitation, and reporting phases.

Goals and Benefits

The primary goal of a pen test is to identify potential security problems before they’re exploited by a cybercriminal. Such testing can also be used to validate a company’s security procedures and ensure employees understand and adhere to security policies, reducing the likelihood of unanticipated security incidents.

Common Scopes and Environments

Approaches vary across on‑premises systems and cloud networks, including dedicated cloud penetration testing when appropriate. Many organizations also run application penetration testing to evaluate web, mobile, and API security. Depending on risk, engagements may focus on specific IP addresses, network infrastructure, source code, and protocols used.

Reporting and Remediation

Information gathered during an engagement is compiled and provided to IT management to highlight lapses in security and guide remediation. A formal penetration testing report provides detailed feedback and actionable items so the company can prioritize security investments. These reports also educate developers on how attacks succeeded, enabling them to prevent recurrences and fix current issues. Thorough assessments include technical assistance, follow-up, and verification to ensure vulnerabilities are corrected and do not reappear in future tests.

How Often Should You Perform Penetration Testing?

Ideally, once a year is a good rule of thumb. In addition to regulatory-mandated assessments, penetration tests should also be performed when your business:

Adds new applications or network infrastructure
Invests in significant upgrades to premise infrastructure or applications
Opens a new office
Installs security patches

Each engagement is tailored to the individual business and its industry risk factors. Using a clear penetration testing methodology helps the ethical hacker focus on identified systems and understand which attacks could cause the most impact.

Q&A

Question: What is penetration testing and why is it considered “ethical hacking”?

Short answer: Penetration testing (pen testing) is a controlled security exercise where authorized experts attempt to break into a network, application, or system to find vulnerabilities before criminals do. It’s called “ethical hacking” or a “white hat attack” because the “good guys” simulate real-world attacks to help an organization identify and fix weaknesses proactively.

Question: How is a penetration test conducted, and what methodology is used?

Short answer: Pen tests can be performed manually or automated with software. The core objective is to gather information about the target, identify likely entry points, attempt to exploit them, and then report findings to IT leadership. A clear methodology structures the work into discovery, exploitation, and reporting phases, ensuring focused testing and clear, actionable results.

Question: What systems and environments should be included in a pen test?

Short answer: Scope typically spans on‑premises systems and cloud environments, with dedicated cloud penetration testing when appropriate. Many organizations also include application penetration testing for web, mobile, and APIs. Depending on risk, engagements may focus on specific IP addresses, network infrastructure, source code, and the protocols in use.

Question: How often should we perform penetration testing?

Short answer: As a rule of thumb, at least annually. In addition to any regulatory-mandated assessments, you should also test when you add new applications or network infrastructure, make significant upgrades, open a new office, or install security patches. Each engagement is tailored to your business and industry risk factors.

Question: What deliverables and outcomes should we expect from a pen test?

Short answer: You’ll receive a formal penetration testing report with detailed findings and actionable remediation items, helping IT leadership prioritize security investments. The results can also validate security procedures and employee adherence to policy, and they educate developers on how issues were exploited so they can prevent recurrences. Thorough assessments include technical assistance, follow-up, and verification tasks to ensure fixes are effective and remain in place.

Next Steps

If you would like additional information on penetration testing for your organization, fill out the form on this page and someone from our company will be back in touch with you promptly.