Here at Resolute, we take security seriously. That’s why we want to arm you with the knowledge to distinguish between two industry standard security assessments: vulnerability tests and penetration tests. While they sound similar, they offer vastly different values.

Vulnerability Tests: The Automated Scanner.

Imagine a vulnerability test as an automated watchdog scanning your systems. It meticulously searches for known weaknesses in software, configurations, and security patches. It excels at identifying potential issues and flagging them for your attention. However, a vulnerability test has limitations:

  • Limited Scope: It focuses on pre-defined vulnerabilities, not necessarily those unique to your specific systems or attacker tactics.
  • False Positives: Sometimes, these tests trigger alerts for vulnerabilities that may not be exploitable in your particular environment.
  • Limited Insight: It doesn’t delve into the potential impact of a vulnerability or how an attacker might exploit it.

Penetration Tests: The Ethical Hacker’s Arsenal

A penetration test, on the other hand, is like a simulated cyberattack conducted by ethical hackers – the good guys! These security experts employ the same tools and techniques as real attackers to uncover vulnerabilities in your defences and then exploit them.

Penetration tests offer a much deeper level of analysis compared to vulnerability tests.

Here is what sets them apart:

  • Real-World Scenarios: They simulate real-world attack methods, providing a more accurate picture of your security posture’s effectiveness, an automated tool can’t delve into a test like a skilled professional can.
  • Exploitation Attempts: Pen testers actively try to exploit vulnerabilities, not just identify them. This reveals the true severity of a vulnerability and its potential consequences.
  • Customised Approach: Penetration tests can be tailored to target specific areas of your system, like web applications or internal networks, ensuring a more comprehensive assessment.

Why We See Mislabelled Assessments (and Why It Matters)

Unfortunately, we’ve noticed a troubling trend – many “penetration tests” we receive for second opinions are actually vulnerability assessments with a misleading label. This can create a false sense of security, leaving your organisation exposed to unique and complex security issues a hacker could find but a tool cannot.

At Resolute, we firmly believe in providing first-class testing services that deliver genuine value. We prioritise true penetration testing to give you a clear picture of your security vulnerabilities and the potential damage they could inflict.

Invest in Real Protection: Choose Resolute for your security assessment.

By opting for a genuine penetration test from Resolute, you gain a comprehensive analysis of your security posture, allowing you to:

  • Prioritise vulnerabilities based on exploitability and potential impact.
  • Implement targeted remediation strategies to address the most critical issues.
  • Develop a more robust security posture that thwarts real-world attacks.

Don’t settle for a false sense of security. Choose Resolute for authentic penetration testing and gain the peace of mind that comes with knowing your systems are truly protected.