Penetration Testing: What Is It and Who Needs It?

Every business today relies on technology, but with that reliance comes risk. Cybercriminals are always looking for ways to exploit vulnerabilities, and the thought of a security breach can feel overwhelming.

You’re not alone in this challenge. The good news is, you can take control of your cybersecurity with penetration testing—a proactive way to uncover and fix weaknesses before attackers exploit them.

Novatech is here to guide you through the process, helping you build a stronger, more secure business.

 

In This Article, You Will Learn:

• What penetration testing is and why it’s critical for businesses.
• The five phases of penetration testing and how they uncover security weaknesses.
• Who benefits the most from penetration testing and why compliance matters.
• The cost of penetration testing and how it compares to the risk of a data breach.
• How often businesses should conduct penetration testing to stay secure.
• Why Novatech is the trusted partner for businesses looking to safeguard their IT infrastructure.

 

What Is Penetration Testing?

Penetration testing, or ethical hacking, is a simulated cyberattack conducted by security professionals to identify weaknesses in an organization’s IT infrastructure. The goal is to uncover vulnerabilities before malicious actors exploit them.

 

The Five Phases of Penetration Testing

Penetration testing consists of five key phases:

1. External Penetration Testing – Simulating an external hacker attempting to breach your network.
2. Internal Penetration Testing – Assessing what an attacker can do once inside your network.
3. Wireless Penetration Testing – Identifying vulnerabilities in Wi-Fi networks and connected devices.
4. Social Engineering Attacks – Testing how employees respond to phishing, smishing, and vishing attempts.
5. Physical Penetration Testing – Assessing security by attempting to gain unauthorized physical access to facilities.

 

Who Needs Penetration Testing?

Penetration testing is essential for:

• Regulated Industries – Organizations handling sensitive data (e.g., healthcare, finance, government) require regular security assessments.
• Medium to Large Businesses – Companies with 50+ employees should test their security posture to mitigate risks.
• Organizations Seeking Compliance – Businesses that must comply with CMMC, HIPAA, or PCI DSS benefit from regular testing.

 

How Much Does Penetration Testing Cost?

The cost of penetration testing varies based on the scope and complexity:

• Single-phase tests: $8,000 – $20,000
• Comprehensive multi-phase testing: $40,000 – $120,000

While this may seem costly, the price is minimal compared to the financial and reputational damage of a data breach. Of course your situation may require more or less than what we mentioned here, we just want to give you an understanding of the “ballpark” costs associated with penetration testing.

 

How Often Should You Conduct Penetration Testing?

Security professionals recommend:

• Annual penetration testing for ongoing security assurance.
• Bi-annual testing for organizations with high security risks or compliance requirements.
• After major system changes to ensure new vulnerabilities are addressed.

 

The Novatech Difference

Cyber threats evolve daily, and businesses must stay ahead of attackers. Novatech provides expert penetration testing services to help companies uncover vulnerabilities, strengthen security measures, and maintain compliance.

Our team of cybersecurity professionals works with businesses to ensure they have the best defense against evolving threats.

 

Final Thoughts

Penetration testing is a proactive strategy to identify vulnerabilities before cybercriminals can exploit them. Businesses that invest in regular security assessments improve their cybersecurity resilience and protect sensitive data from breaches.

With Novatech, you have a trusted partner in safeguarding your IT infrastructure.