Validate risk through controlled simulation.
Penetration Testing tests whether vulnerabilities and weak configurations can be combined to gain unauthorized access, elevate privileges, access data, or move between systems. Unlike an extensive scan, it prioritizes manual validation and understanding plausible attack paths.
Types of tests
- authenticated web applications and portals;
- REST API, GraphQL and application integrations;
- external perimeter and internal infrastructures;
- Active Directory, identities and privilege escalation paths;
- wireless networks and segmentation;
- cloud configurations and authorization chains;
- agreed black box, gray box or white box scenarios.
Rules of engagement
Before start-up, authorization, objectives, included and excluded systems, timetables, permitted techniques, data management, contacts and stop conditions are formalized. Potentially destructive, persistent, or exfiltrative activities are not performed without specific authorization and appropriate controls.
Method
- reconnaissance and mapping of the reachable surface;
- analysis of authentication, authorization, sessions and configurations;
- research and validation of relevant vulnerabilities;
- controlled demonstration of impact with minimal alteration;
- reconstruction of the attack chain and collection of evidence;
- immediate discussion on urgent critical issues;
- reporting, remediation workshops and retests.
Output
The report distinguishes evidence, technical risk and business impact. Each finding includes preconditions, client-safe reproduction steps, affected assets, and recommendations. The executive summary translates the results into scenarios that management understands and supports the definition of priorities.
The test does not certify the absence of vulnerability: it reduces uncertainty on a defined perimeter and in a defined period. This is why NESQ recommends combining it with continuous vulnerability management, secure development and monitoring.