Cyberattacks are a constant risk for any organisation that relies on digital systems. Firewalls and monitoring tools are essential, but without regular testing, you can’t be sure your defences will hold up when it matters. That’s why penetration testing is essential. At North IT, we deliver controlled, expert-led assessments that replicate real attacker behaviour to uncover weaknesses before criminals exploit them.
Penetration testing, often shortened to “pen-testing”, is a structured process designed to assess the security of your applications, networks, and infrastructure. By adopting the mindset of a hacker, skilled testers identify flaws, assess risks, and provide detailed remediation advice. The findings give you a clear picture of your security posture and practical steps to strengthen it.
Why is Penetration Testing Performed?
The primary reason penetration testing is carried out is to identify vulnerabilities that could allow unauthorised access, data theft, or disruption of services. Every organisation has potential weak points, whether through outdated software, poor password policies, or overlooked configurations. A penetration test highlights these issues before they can be abused.
It’s not just about discovering technical flaws. Penetration testing from an experienced team examines how far an attacker could progress if they gained an initial foothold. This includes assessing whether sensitive data can be reached, whether accounts can be compromised, and whether systems can be disrupted. These insights let businesses prioritise fixes based on likely impact.
Compliance is another major factor. Industry standards such as PCI DSS, ISO 27001, and GDPR place strong emphasis on proactive security testing. Regular penetration testing demonstrates commitment to these requirements and shows regulators, clients, and partners that security is taken seriously.
Planning and Reconnaissance
Every penetration test begins with a planning phase. This stage defines the scope of the engagement, the rules of engagement, and the objectives. At North IT, we work closely with clients to determine what will be tested – whether that’s a web application, an internal network, or a cloud environment. This ensures the assessment is focused and relevant.
Reconnaissance follows, where testers gather as much information as possible about the target systems. This may involve scanning for exposed services, mapping infrastructure, and researching publicly available data. The goal is to build a picture of the attack surface, just as a real attacker would.
Gaining Access (Exploitation)
Once reconnaissance is complete, the testing team moves on to exploitation. This is where vulnerabilities are actively used to gain entry into systems. Techniques might include SQL injection against a web application, exploiting unpatched software, or using weak credentials to log in.
The objective here is not to cause disruption, but to demonstrate what a malicious actor could achieve. By proving that a vulnerability can be exploited, the test provides clear evidence of the risk and its potential business impact.
Examples of exploitation methods include:
- Injection attacks such as SQL injection or command injection
- Exploiting weak or default credentials
- Misconfigured cloud storage or servers
- Cross-site scripting (XSS) in web applications
- Unpatched operating systems or outdated frameworks
- Social engineering techniques such as phishing
This step highlights the entry points attackers could realistically use, allowing your organisation to focus on addressing the most pressing weaknesses first.
Maintaining Access
After initial access is achieved, testers may attempt to maintain that access. This mirrors the behaviour of real attackers who seek persistence inside a network. They might create backdoor accounts, use scheduled tasks, or exploit trust relationships between systems to remain undetected.
Testing persistence helps measure how well monitoring and response controls detect ongoing malicious activity. It also reveals whether attackers could move laterally across systems to reach more sensitive data or higher-value targets.
Comprehensive Reporting
Once the assessment is complete, a detailed report is produced. At North IT, our reporting is designed to be clear, actionable, and tailored for both technical teams and business leaders. Each vulnerability is explained with evidence, proof of exploitation, and practical remediation advice.
Reports also include a risk rating, allowing organisations to prioritise fixes in line with business impact. Alongside technical detail, executive summaries provide high-level insights for non-technical stakeholders, making it easier to secure buy-in for required improvements.
Contact North IT For Your Professional Pen-Test Now
Penetration testing is the most reliable way to understand how secure your systems really are. It shows you where weaknesses exist, how they could be exploited, and what steps will make your organisation stronger against real-world threats. Without testing, you’re relying on assumptions – and in security, assumptions are dangerous.
At North IT, we’ve been delivering professional penetration tests since 2012. Our certified experts use proven methodologies to give you a complete view of your security posture and clear, prioritised recommendations. Contact our team today to arrange your penetration test and take a proactive step towards protecting your business.