Service Overview
Visual Edge IT's Penetration Testing services provide comprehensive security validation through controlled, simulated cyberattacks conducted by certified ethical hackers. Unlike vulnerability assessments that only identify weaknesses, our penetration testing services actively exploit discovered vulnerabilities to demonstrate real-world impact and attack paths that could be leveraged by malicious actors targeting your organization.
Available as either Internal Penetration Testing (simulating an insider threat or compromised internal access) or External Penetration Testing (simulating attacks from outside your network perimeter), these services deliver actionable insights into your security posture with clear remediation guidance prioritized by risk level.
Service Options
Visual Edge IT offers two distinct penetration testing services to evaluate different aspects of your security posture:
| Service | Focus Area | Simulation Scenario |
|---|---|---|
| Internal Penetration Testing | Internal network infrastructure, systems, and lateral movement | Attacker who has already gained basic access to your environment |
| External Penetration Testing | Internet-facing assets, perimeter defenses, and initial access vectors | Outside attacker attempting to breach your organization |
Key Benefits
- Real-World Attack Simulation: Tests conducted using the same techniques as actual threat actors
- Validated Vulnerabilities: Confirmation of exploitable weaknesses beyond automated scanning
- Actionable Remediation: Clear, prioritized guidance for addressing identified issues
- Regulatory Compliance: Supports requirements for PCI DSS, HIPAA, CMMC, and other frameworks
- Security Validation: Verification of existing security control effectiveness
- Risk Quantification: Clear demonstration of potential business impact from successful attacks
- Third-Party Perspective: Unbiased assessment from certified security professionals
Methodology & Standards
All Visual Edge IT penetration tests adhere to industry-recognized methodologies and standards:
| Framework | Purpose | Application |
|---|---|---|
| PCI DSS Penetration Testing Guidance | Card data environment testing requirements | Payment card processing environments |
| Penetration Testing Execution Standard (PTES) | Comprehensive testing methodology | Overall test structure and approach |
| NIST 800-115 | Technical testing guidelines from National Institute of Standards | Government and regulated industries |
| OWASP Web Security Testing Guide | Web application security testing framework | Web applications and services |
These established methodologies are supplemented by our security consultants' specialized knowledge, training, and experience to ensure thorough and effective testing that uncovers both common and sophisticated vulnerabilities.
Service Components - Internal Penetration Testing
The Internal Penetration Testing service simulates an attacker who has already gained basic access to your environment and is attempting to escalate privileges and move laterally throughout the network:
| Component | Description | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Environment Mapping & Scoping | Detailed documentation of internal assets and testing boundaries | Ensures complete coverage of critical systems |
| Dedicated Certified Tester | Assignment of a qualified penetration testing professional | Provides expertise in identifying complex attack paths |
| Manual Testing | Human-led investigation of all internal assets | Discovers vulnerabilities that automated tools miss |
| Internal Vulnerability Assessment | Comprehensive scanning for known vulnerabilities | Establishes baseline of security weaknesses |
| Automated Testing | Tool-based exploitation of common vulnerabilities | Efficiently identifies widespread security issues |
| Controlled Exploitation | Safe demonstration of vulnerability impact | Validates real-world risk without causing damage |
| Comprehensive Report | Detailed documentation of findings with exploitation evidence | Provides clear understanding of vulnerabilities and impact |
| Report Review Call | Interactive discussion of results and remediation priorities | Ensures understanding and appropriate response planning |
Internal penetration testing examines numerous attack vectors, including but not limited to:
- Active Directory misconfigurations and privilege escalation
- Password strength and authentication controls
- Network segmentation effectiveness
- Internal service vulnerabilities
- Lateral movement opportunities
- Data access controls
- Endpoint security bypass techniques
Service Components - External Penetration Testing
The External Penetration Testing service simulates an outside attacker attempting to gain unauthorized access to your organization's systems, data, or networks:
| Component | Description | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Dedicated Certified Tester | Assignment of a qualified penetration testing professional | Provides expertise in perimeter attack techniques |
| Manual Testing | Human-led investigation of all internet-facing assets | Discovers sophisticated attack vectors |
| Employee Phishing & Vishing | Social engineering exercises targeting staff | Tests human security awareness and response |
| External Vulnerability Assessment | Comprehensive scanning of exposed services | Identifies internet-visible security weaknesses |
| Automated Testing | Tool-based exploitation of common vulnerabilities | Efficiently identifies widespread external issues |
| Controlled Exploitation | Safe demonstration of vulnerability impact | Validates actual external risk without causing damage |
| Comprehensive Report | Detailed documentation of findings with exploitation evidence | Provides clear understanding of external exposure |
| Report Review Call | Interactive discussion of results and remediation priorities | Ensures understanding and appropriate response planning |
External penetration testing examines numerous attack vectors, including but not limited to:
- Public-facing web applications and services
- VPN and remote access solutions
- Email security controls
- Cloud service configurations
- Social engineering susceptibility
- Authentication systems
- Network perimeter defenses
Testing Methodology
Each penetration test follows a structured methodology:
- Reconnaissance: Gathering information about the target environment
- Scanning: Identifying potential vulnerabilities and attack surfaces
- Vulnerability Analysis: Determining exploitability of discovered weaknesses
- Exploitation: Safely demonstrating impact of vulnerabilities
- Post-Exploitation: Exploring potential for privilege escalation and lateral movement
- Documentation: Recording findings, impact, and remediation recommendations
- Reporting: Delivering comprehensive results with clear guidance
Deliverables
Each penetration test includes the following deliverables:
- Executive Summary: Business-focused overview of key findings and risks
- Technical Report: Detailed documentation of all discovered vulnerabilities
- Exploitation Evidence: Screenshots and documentation proving successful exploitation
- Risk Ratings: Clear classification of issues by severity and potential impact
- Remediation Guidance: Specific recommendations for addressing each finding
- Interactive Review: Post-assessment discussion with security professionals
Visual Edge IT Responsibilities
As your penetration testing provider, Visual Edge IT will:
- Assign certified penetration testing professionals to your assessment
- Conduct testing according to agreed scope and timeline
- Follow safe testing practices to avoid service disruption
- Document all findings with clear evidence and impact statements
- Provide specific, actionable remediation recommendations
- Maintain confidentiality of all discovered information
- Deliver a comprehensive report within the agreed timeframe
- Conduct an interactive review session to discuss findings
- Provide clarification and support during remediation efforts
- Issue attestation documents for compliance purposes as needed
Client Responsibilities
To ensure successful testing, clients are responsible for:
- Providing accurate scope information and testing authorization
- Designating a primary point of contact for testing coordination
- Ensuring testing windows are communicated to appropriate stakeholders
- Providing necessary access and credentials according to test type
- Notifying Visual Edge IT of any changes to the environment during testing
- Participating in the post-assessment review session
- Implementing remediation actions for identified vulnerabilities
- Informing third parties (e.g., hosting providers) of planned testing when required
Planning & Scheduling
Penetration testing requires careful planning to ensure thorough assessment without business disruption:
- Scope Definition: Clear documentation of systems to be included and excluded
- Testing Window: Established timeframe for assessment activities
- Communication Plan: Protocols for reporting critical findings during testing
- Emergency Contacts: Designated personnel to address any testing concerns
- Rules of Engagement: Defined boundaries and limitations for testing activities
Why Choose Visual Edge IT's Penetration Testing?
- Certified Professionals: Testing conducted by experienced, certified security consultants
- Comprehensive Methodology: Multi-faceted approach based on industry standards
- Manual Testing Focus: Human-led investigation that goes beyond automated scanning
- Actionable Results: Clear, prioritized remediation guidance based on business risk
- Safe Exploitation: Controlled testing that demonstrates impact without causing damage
- Regulatory Alignment: Testing that satisfies common compliance requirements
- Integrated Approach: Testing that complements other Visual Edge IT security services
Integration with Visual Edge IT Services
Penetration Testing complements other Visual Edge IT security and managed services:
- vCISO services (for strategic remediation planning)
- Vantage Point security monitoring
- Vulnerability Management services
- Security awareness training
- Enhanced SentinelOne endpoint protection
Getting Started
For more information about Penetration Testing services or to schedule an assessment, contact your Visual Edge IT Account Manager or reach our security team .
Visual Edge IT's Penetration Testing services provide validated security insights through real-world attack simulations, helping your organization identify and address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors.