Penetration Testing as a Service

By Gareth Shaw, Founder of Pera Prometheus Consulting Ltd.

At Pera Prometheus Consulting Ltd, we are dedicated to helping businesses stay secure in a world where threats evolve daily, both online and in the physical realm. I am proud to lead a team that offers penetration testing services designed to pinpoint vulnerabilities and reinforce your Information security comprehensively. Application of security controls and frameworks is effective, but nothing comes close to finding your vulnerabilities like then proactive penetration testing does. We help protect what you’ve worked so hard to build.

This blog aims to explain what penetration testing entails, why it is important for business security, and how our dual expertise in cyber and physical testing sets us apart. It will also outline our meticulous process and show why Pera Prometheus can be your ideal partner for information security.

What Is Penetration Testing?

Penetration testing, often referred to as “pen testing,” is an authorised, ethical simulation of attacks on your business’s cyber systems or physical premises. It involves a skilled individual or team, like our experts at Pera Prometheus, acting as threat actors actively looking to identify and exploit weaknesses in your security processes and procedures. The goal? To identify and rectify your vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by actual threat actors.

Unlike basic scans, pen testing is dynamic and thorough, conducted under strict, pre-approved conditions to ensure your business information remains secure while delivering actionable insights. It is a proactive measure to protect your data, assets, and reputation from real-world risks.

Why Is Penetration Testing Important for Businesses?

Businesses face constant threats from hackers attacking your systems or physical intruders committing acts of theft, damage or espionage. That is why pen testing is so important, especially for companies handling sensitive information. From my experience, businesses that use pen testing don’t just survive these risks, they stay ahead and do better in maintaining information and cybersecurity.

Here are some key reasons why it matters:

• Finds Weak Spots: Pen testing uncovers problems that automated tools or general physical assessments might miss, like old software, unprotected access points or weak application of procedures, before they turn into big issues.
• Keeps You Legal: Many industries have strict rules, like General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), or International Organisation for Standardization 27001 (ISO 27001), that require security checks. Pen testing demonstrates diligence and verification of controls designed to meet compliance requirements.
• Builds Trust: A security breach can quickly scare off customers and partners. Regularly testing your defences shows your commitment to maintaining information secure.
• Saves Money: Fixing a security problem after an attack can cost a fortune. Spending on pen testing upfront is a cheaper, smarter way to protect your business.

Cyber and Physical Penetration Testing: A Dual Defense

At Pera Prometheus, we recognise that true security requires a holistic approach. Our pen testing services cover both cyber and physical realms, addressing vulnerabilities from every angle.

Cyber Penetration Testing

Cyber pen testing is vital to effective security, involving a team using the same/similar tools as hostile actors to actively probe and attack your systems: networks, applications, servers, and more. Conducted under strict, pre-approved conditions, these tests protect the Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability of your business information while delivering a robust assessment.

Note.  Cyber penetration testing captures a moment in time. Once a system updates, new vulnerabilities may emerge.

Physical Penetration Testing (PPT)

Physical pen testing assesses the effectiveness of your organisation’s physical security processes, practices, and procedures at offices and facilities. It evaluates resilience against external and internal threats using techniques like social engineering, Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) gathering, non-destructive method of entry, and overcoming barriers, both overtly and covertly.

Physical Penetration Testing (PPT) is tightly controlled requiring prior written authorisation from site owners or custodians. The authorisation document will define the scope, limitations, and constraints of the PPT, ensuring our testers operate ethically, legally and with minimal disruption to you business processes. Post-test, we provide a detailed Client Report outlining vulnerabilities, any exploitation that occurred, and recommendations to enhance your site security without disrupting your business. As experts, we recommend both cyber and physical pen testing. Why both? A cyber breach could start with a physical intrusion like someone plugging into your network onsite and our dual approach ensures no weak link goes unchecked.

Our Process for Providing Penetration Testing Services

The industry is saturated with many service providers but business need to partner with an experienced and committed team. At Pera Prometheus, we follow a process to ensuring best service tailored to your business, balancing thoroughness with minimal impact. Here is how we do it:

1. Planning and Permission: We begin by getting to know your needs and agreeing on what we’ll test whether it’s your cyber systems, physical locations, or both. Before we start, we’ll get a Letter of Authority to make sure everything we do is approved and stays within bounds.
2. Information Gathering: Using Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) and reconnaissance, we collect data on your systems and sites, mirroring the preparations of a real attackers to identify exploitation points.
3. Testing and Exploitation
   • Cyber: We simulate attacks with tools and tactics used by threat actors, targeting vulnerabilities while safeguarding your Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability (CIA) triad.
   • Physical: Our highly skilled team tests your defences with techniques like social engineering and by-passing security features, all conducted discreetly to avoid disruption.
4. Reporting: Based on our finding, a clear, concise, and jargon free comprehensive Client Report detailing vulnerabilities, exploitations, and their implications will be provided.
5. Rectification Support: We don’t just point out problems, we guide you through fixes, from patching systems to improving physical security measures ensuring lasting resilience.

Conclusion: Secure Your Future with Pera Prometheus

Penetration testing is your shield against an unpredictable world. At Pera Prometheus Consulting Ltd., we are dedicated to helping businesses like yours neutralise threats whether they strike through cyberspace or your front door. Our penetration testing services combine rigorous cyber penetration testing with expert physical assessments, delivering a defence that is as strong as your ambition.

I founded Pera Prometheus to empower businesses with security they can trust and my team shares that drive. Contact us today to explore how our skilled team can protect your operations without disruption.

With Pera Prometheus, you are not just secure, you’re future proof.