Penetration testing

Penetration testing is an authorized, simulated attack in which skilled testers try to break into your systems to find weaknesses before real criminals do.

Often called a pen test, this is more hands-on than an automated scan. Testers combine tools with human judgment to chain together small weaknesses, the way a real attacker would. Tests can target your external internet presence, your internal network, web applications, Wi-Fi or even staff through simulated social engineering. The result is a report showing what they got into and how to fix it.

For Alberta businesses, a pen test provides independent evidence of how well your defences hold up. Larger clients, regulators and insurers sometimes request one, especially for organizations that handle sensitive personal, financial or health information.

Practical tip: agree on a written scope and rules of engagement before testing begins, including what is off limits and who to call if something breaks. Plan time and budget to fix the findings, then retest. A pen test is only valuable if the results lead to changes.