Penetration testing in Farnborough, Hampshire
Penetration testing for Farnborough and Hampshire businesses
We test your defences the way a real attacker would, then explain in plain English what we reached and how to close it. Network, Wi-Fi, Microsoft 365, cloud and website pen tests for businesses across the Blackwater Valley.
Trusted pen testing, industry certified.
The basics
What is penetration testing?
Penetration testing, also called pen testing or ethical hacking, is an authorised, simulated cyber attack on your systems. The tester uses the same methods as a real attacker to find weaknesses in your network, cloud accounts and websites, proves which ones can be exploited, and shows you how to fix them.
It isn't the same as a vulnerability scan. A scan is automated software that lists possible problems. A penetration test puts a person in charge: they check which problems are real, link small issues together the way attackers do, and rank what matters most to your business.
The aim is a clear, practical fix list before a criminal, insurer, customer or auditor forces the issue.
Penetration testing & vulnerability assessment
Our penetration testing services
Find out where your network, cloud and websites are really exposed, then get a clear, ranked plan to fix them. Tell us what you need tested and we'll agree the scope with you and give you a fixed price first.
One-off assessment
External vulnerability assessment
A focused check of everything you have facing the internet, looking for the gaps an attacker would find first.
- We check your websites, open ports and public IP addresses
- You get a plain summary of what we found and how serious it is
- A sensible first step if your security has never been tested
- Useful groundwork before Cyber Essentials Plus
Ongoing, part of a managed plan
Regular penetration testing
Testing repeated on a schedule, so your security keeps up as your business and systems change.
- We test from inside and outside your network
- Each report ranks the findings by risk and explains how to fix every one
- Tests are repeated as your apps, users and cloud services change
- Supports compliance checks and cyber insurance applications
- Our own support team can carry out the fixes
Common weaknesses
What a penetration test can uncover
None of these are unusual. They're common because they're easy to miss, and just as easy for attackers to find.
Exposed services
Open servers, admin pages and remote access that shouldn't be public.
Weak passwords
Passwords that are easy to guess or reused often.
Misconfigurations
Firewall and device settings that miss good practice.
Cloud risks
Gaps in Microsoft 365, Azure or other cloud platforms.
Website flaws
Vulnerabilities in your website or online portals.
The benefits
Why it matters for SMEs
Attackers look for weak spots, not big names. A penetration test shows you exactly where you're exposed and what to fix first, so you can cut risk early, keep the business running and show customers you take security seriously.
At the end of the test you get two things: a short summary for decision makers, and a full report listing every finding, the risk it carries and the steps to fix it.
Get ahead of attackers
Find the gaps before criminals do and close them early, leaving less for anyone to exploit.
Proof you can share
Test results give customers, suppliers and auditors clear evidence that you check your defences.
Keep the business running
Spot the weaknesses behind ransomware, outages and breaches, then fix them in order of risk.
Priced up front
A focused scope, a clear report and fixes you can actually carry out, with a fixed price agreed before any testing starts.
How it works
Careful testing, on your terms
Testing your own systems shouldn't feel risky. Everything is agreed in writing first: what we test, when, what's off-limits and who we call if something looks wrong.
- 1
Scope the test
Agree what's included and how deep we go.
- 2
Map the attack surface
Identify key systems, users and ways in.
- 3
Find and validate
Look for real, exploitable weaknesses.
- 4
Test safely
Carry out the testing without disrupting your work.
- 5
Report and retest
You get a clear report, then we check the fixes worked.
Your report
Your penetration test report
The report is the part you keep, so we write it for two readers: whoever approves the budget, and whoever does the fixing. We talk through the findings with you on a call.
Local to you
Penetration testing in Farnborough and across Hampshire
We test for businesses across the Blackwater Valley and the Hampshire and Surrey border, including Farnborough, Cove, North Camp, Hawley, Frimley, Mytchett, Deepcut, Aldershot, Camberley and Fleet.
External, cloud and website testing runs remotely, with on-site visits from our Farnborough office.
Frequently asked questions
Penetration testing questions, answered
What is a penetration test?
An authorised, simulated cyber attack on your systems. A tester uses the same methods a real attacker would to find weaknesses, proves which ones can actually be exploited, and shows you how to fix them.
What's the difference between a vulnerability scan and a penetration test?
A scan is automated software that lists possible problems. A penetration test puts a person in charge, who checks which problems are real, links small issues together the way attackers do and ranks what matters for your business.
Do we need an internal or external penetration test?
An external test looks at what anyone on the internet can reach, such as your website, email and remote access. An internal test shows what someone could do once inside your network, for example from a stolen laptop. Many businesses start with external and add internal later. We'll recommend what fits when we scope the test.
Do you test remotely or on site?
External, cloud and website testing runs remotely. Internal network and Wi-Fi testing may need us on site, and we can visit businesses in and around Farnborough.
Will testing disrupt the business?
It shouldn't. We agree in writing what we test, when and what's off-limits, and we avoid anything likely to take systems down. If something looks wrong during the test, we stop and call the contact you've named.
How much does a penetration test cost?
It depends on what's being tested and how big it is. Once we've agreed the scope, you get a fixed quote up front, with no surprises later.
How long does a test take?
That depends on the scope too. A small external test is far quicker than a large internal or application test. We'll agree a timeline with you before we start.
We've got Cyber Essentials. Do we still need a penetration test?
Cyber Essentials checks that the basic controls are in place. A penetration test goes further and shows whether an attacker could actually get past them. Many businesses use both: Cyber Essentials as the baseline, and a pen test for real-world assurance.
Can you test Microsoft 365?
Yes. We look at how your Microsoft 365 tenant is set up, including sign-in security, admin accounts, sharing settings and email protection, and show you where it could be tightened.
Can you test Azure or AWS?
Yes. We review your cloud setup for exposed services, weak access controls and risky settings, then give you clear steps to fix what we find.
Should we test our live system or a test copy?
Usually the live system, because that's what attackers see. We test it carefully within the agreed limits. If a system is fragile or business-critical, testing a copy is an option and we'll talk it through with you.
How often should we have a penetration test?
At least once a year, and again after big changes such as a new website, a new system or a move to the cloud. Some insurers and customers ask for a yearly test.
What happens after the report?
We go through the findings with you on a call so you know what to fix first. Once the fixes are in, we retest to check they worked.
What is included in the report?
A short summary for whoever approves the budget, plus a full technical section for whoever does the fixing. Every finding comes with its risk level, evidence and the steps to fix it.
Other questions
Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us and our team will be happy to help.
Get in touch
Talk to a penetration tester in Farnborough
Send a few details about what you need checked, or ask about an external assessment if you're not sure where to start. Call 01252 204513 or email hello@farnboroughitsupport.co.uk.
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