Your external infrastructure is one of your most commonly targeted attack surfaces. Perform an external infrastructure penetration test to identify vulnerabilities and ensure that your perimeter is fortified against attackers who may attempt to gain deeper access into your organisation.
External Infrastructure penetration testing
External Infrastructure penetration testing with OnSecurity
OnSecurity highlights weaknesses within your organisation’s external infrastructure. By proactively addressing potential weaknesses, you can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorised access and safeguard critical systems and data from cyber threats.
Gain insight into your vulnerabilities
You'll be able to understand where your external network is most vulnerable, see how attackers could exploit these vulnerabilities snd receive clear, practical guidance to address and fix identified security issues.
Enhance perimeter defence
Ensure you only make sure only authorised users can access critical systems, improve the security of the network services and configurations and block unauthorised attempts to gain access to the network.
Safeguard sensitive data
You'll be able to identify weaknesses that could lead to data breaches, verify your encryption methods protect data in transit and eliminate vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers.
What is network penetration testing?
External network penetration testing involves ethical hacking of your organisation’s internet-facing systems and networks. External systems can include web applications, networks, FTP servers, mail, routers, login systems, and sub-domains. This process simulates the techniques used by real-world attackers to test your defences, identify vulnerabilities, and evaluate your security posture. The key objectives include being able to:
- Discover unpatched systems where outdated software could be exploited.
- Assess insecure configurations that could leave your network exposed.
- Attempt to breach systems by simulating an attack and evaluating of how well your defences hold up.
- Investigate if there are secure authentication mechanisms in place and secure passwords.
- Explore any potential software flaws and ineffective firewall rules.
- Data exfiltration testing and weak encryption protocol testing to see if sensitive data could be extracted by attackers.
- Internal network access attempts by simulating efforts to breach the internal network from the outside. Replicates the techniques real-life attackers use when targeting an organisation.
Get an Instant External Infrastructure Pentest Quote
Want to know how much an external infrastructure pentest would cost? Try out our instant quote generator to get started.
Why do you need an external network infrastructure pentest?
External network infrastructure is a primary entry point for cybercriminals. Regular pentesting helps identify vulnerabilities like missing patches, weak firewall rules, and misconfigured software before attackers can exploit them. By simulating real-world threats, you can prevent data breaches, service disruptions, and reputational damage, while also demonstrating a commitment to security and compliance with industry regulations. The knowledge of your network's vulnerabilities puts you in a great place to develop your security measures and better protect yourself against attackers.
Crest-accredited external infrastructure pentesting
At OnSecurity, we deliver top-tier penetration testing services, validated by our CREST (Council of Registered Ethical Security Testers) accreditation. This ensures our methodologies, processes, and procedures meet the highest standards in the industry.
Why trust OnSecurity for your external infrastructure pentesting?
- CREST-accredited: Our practices are externally vetted, guaranteeing top-quality testing,
- Certified experts: Most of our testers are CREST-certified, proven in rigorous assessments.
- Manual-first approach: We focus on hands-on testing to catch vulnerabilities automated tools might miss.
Choose OnSecurity for expert-driven, reliable external network security.
External infrastructure security challenges
Securing your external infrastructure presents unique challenges that require specialised knowledge and proactive measures:
Exposure to cyber attacks
Internet-facing systems are constantly targeted by attackers probing for weaknesses.
Complex attack vectors
Sophisticated attackers can exploit a combination of vulnerabilities across different systems.
Evolving threat landscape
The tactics used by cybercriminals are constantly evolving, requiring regular assessments to keep defences up-to-date.
Quick, high-quality pentests
Discover why our user-friendly platform and consultative approach make pentesting hassle-free.
Instant quote and booking
Get a 60 second cost estimate with our user-friendly instant quote tool.Platform access
No lengthy scoping process. Book your test directly through our platform or connect with our sales team for personalised assistance. Manage all communications via the platform and integrate workflows for notifications.Real-time testing
Get progress notifications through workflow integrations. Communicate directly with testers through in-platform comments.Immediate reports
Access findings in real-time through our platform. Generate PDF reports at any time with options for high-level summaries or detailed technical information. No waiting.Free retests
We retest any findings you’ve fixed without charge within a flexible window of the test completion date.Continued access
Ongoing attack monitoring year round. Sign up to Scan and Radar tools to continuously monitor through automated vulnerability scanning and gain situational awareness with threat intelligence.
Other types of penetration testing
Find the penetration test to best suit your business and cybersecurity needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is penetration testing?
Pentesting, also known as penetration testing, is a critical security practice where a security professional adopts a hacker’s mindset to identify security issues in an organisations IT infrastructure. Penetration testing simulates real-world hacking activities, comprehensively evaluating your digital defences. By engaging in pentesting, businesses can uncover and remediate vulnerabilities before malicious hackers exploit them.
What’s the difference between manual and automated pentesting?
Automated pentesting and vulnerability scanning relies on software tools to quickly assess for known vulnerabilities. Manual pentesting uses experts to identify complex vulnerabilities, tests in real-time and uncovers subtle issues that automated tools might miss. We believe in manual-first testing, and investing in developing talent through a structured and rigorous training programme. That's how we keep the quality of our tests so high.
Do I need a penetration test?
A penetration test is the best way to know for sure if your organisation is an easy target for hackers. The test will show you both how strong your cyber defences are, but what the potential outcomes of a breach could be. It can also ensure compliance with security regulations and enhance customer trust through demonstrated security commitment. Recent research reveals that the average breach now costs $4.35 million, with global cybercrime expenses projected to surge by 23% annually. By 2027, these costs could reach a staggering $23.84 trillion per year. This alarming trend underscores the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures. Penetration testing is a vital cyber security solution. As cyber attacks grow more sophisticated and frequent, proactive testing of your defences becomes even more important. Safeguard against potential breaches and avoid devastating financial impacts. Implementing pentesting services is no longer optional – it’s a necessity for many businesses seeking to protect their assets and reputation.
What should I get pentested?
All types of computer systems, networks, applications, and devices that are used to store, process, or transmit sensitive data should be tested. This includes web applications, mobile applications, wireless networks, cloud-based systems, and IoT devices. The scope of the penetration test should be determined by the organisation's risk assessment and compliance requirements. It's important to test all systems and applications that have access to valuable data to ensure that they are secure and protected against potential attacks.
How much does a pen test cost?
The cost of a penetration testing service can vary depending on the scope, duration, and complexity of the project. Generally, factors that can affect the cost of a penetration test include the number of systems to be tested, the depth and breadth of the testing, the type of testing required (e.g., web application, network, mobile), and the level of reporting and follow-up support needed. Our transparent, hourly billing means that everybody pays the same rate, and we quote to the nearest hour, not the nearest day. If you are interested in obtaining a quote for a penetration test, you can get an instant quote from our quote builder.
What's the difference between vulnerability scanning and pentesting?
A vulnerability scan is done using an automated tool to sweep your systems for known vulnerabilities. Penetration testing is a highly skilled, manual process in which a tester finds and attempts to exploit a vulnerability. Find out more about our efficient vulnerability management tool and start your 14 day free trial.
How many scoping questions do you ask? / How do you scope a pentest?
OnSecurity requires just two simple scoping questions to determine the scale of your test. We then use an algorithm to generate you an estimated quote in just a few clicks.
Are your pentests disruptive? Can I continue working while the test is being done?
Our tests are carried out in a safe and controlled manner by experienced testers, so you can continue with work as normal. We tell you about the security issues we find in real-time, so you can fix them before criminals have a chance to exploit them.
Can I speak to my tester directly?
Yes! You can chat directly to your tester in-platform or via Slack during the test.
How can I be sure my test is cost effective?
OnSecurity works in hours, not days, so you get a quote based on the actual time your test will take, without any padding or rounding up to the nearest day. Plus, we report as we go - so no waiting around while a tester spends days writing up a report before you can action any findings.
When will I be notified of findings?
Our testers report in real time as they test, so you can get notified immediately when something is found, instead of having to wait until the test is complete and a report written up.
Do you offer free retesting?
Yes! OnSecurity will retest any findings you've fixed for free, just book them in directly through our platform within 7 days of the test completion date.
How long does a pentest take?
How long a test will take will depend on the size of your target and its function. We ask 2 simple scoping questions to gauge the complexity of your environment which then informs the time we think it will take to test.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule a test?
No problem! We know that things don't always go to plan, so we don't charge you any fees to cancel or reschedule a test.