How is a penetration test different from a vulnerability scan?

A vulnerability scan is automated, it runs a tool against your systems and produces a list of known weaknesses. A penetration test is performed by a human analyst who attempts to exploit those weaknesses, chain them together, pivot through your environment, and achieve a defined objective, like accessing sensitive data or compromising a domain controller. Scans tell you what might be vulnerable. Pen tests tell you what actually is, and how bad it could get.

How often should we run a penetration test?

Annual testing is the baseline for most businesses. You should also test after significant infrastructure changes, after a major application release, after an acquisition, or if your compliance framework requires it. ISO 27001, Essential Eight at higher maturity levels, and DISP all have testing requirements, we can align the test scope and frequency to your compliance obligations.

What does the deliverable look like?

You receive a written report with an executive summary (plain language, board-ready), a technical findings section (each vulnerability with severity rating, evidence, and remediation steps), and a risk-prioritised remediation roadmap. We walk you through the report in a debrief session, so your technical team understands exactly what needs fixing and in what order.

Information Security · Penetration Testing · Adelaide-based Certified Ethical Hackers

Find the gaps before someone else does.

A penetration test is a controlled, authorised attempt to breach your systems, to find vulnerabilities before attackers do. Our certified team uses the same techniques real threat actors use, then gives you a clear remediation roadmap.

Book a Discovery Call What's included

Authorised. Controlled. Thorough.

Your defences tested by people
who think like attackers.

Our penetration testers are certified security professionals who approach every engagement with the mindset of a real adversary, looking for the same attack paths, the same misconfigurations, and the same human-layer weaknesses that actual threat actors target. All engagements operate under Australian law. Engagement data stays onshore and subject to Australian privacy obligations. Our testers have assessed environments across South Australian government, finance and healthcare.

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Penetration Testing

Every attack surface tested. Every finding clearly explained.

We scope each engagement to match your environment and risk profile. Whether you need a quick external network test or a full red team exercise, we design the test to answer the questions that matter most for your business.

What's covered in every engagement

External network: What's visible and exploitable from the internet
Internal network: What an attacker could reach from inside your environment
Web application: OWASP Top 10 and beyond for custom or SaaS applications
Cloud configuration: Microsoft 365 and cloud security review
Phishing simulation: Testing your people, not just your systems
Wireless security: Network assessment and access point review
Physical security: Access controls, tailgating and USB drops (on request)
Lateral movement: Post-exploitation and network traversal testing
Retesting: Verified remediation with Certificate of Completion issued on request

Plain-language reporting

A penetration test report that only your security team can understand isn't useful. Every report we write includes an executive summary a board can read in five minutes, a prioritised finding list your IT team can act on immediately, and a remediation roadmap with clear ownership.

Testing finds the gaps. GRC and compliance work closes them systematically. Pair both for a security programme that's verified, not just documented.

Methodology

Industry-standard methodology. No shortcuts.

Our testing methodology is aligned to recognised industry frameworks, so findings are comparable, reproducible, and defensible in any audit or compliance context.

OWASP

OWASP Testing Guide

The gold standard for web application security testing. We test against the OWASP Top 10 and the full OWASP Testing Guide for custom applications and APIs.

PTES

Penetration Testing Execution Standard

PTES defines the phases of a penetration test: pre-engagement, intelligence gathering, threat modelling, exploitation, post-exploitation and reporting. We follow it for all infrastructure engagements.

CREST-aligned

CREST-aligned practices

Our processes are aligned to CREST standards for professional, ethical and technically rigorous penetration testing, the same framework used by Australian government agencies.

100% Australian-based

Our team operates entirely under Australian law. All engagement data stays onshore, no overseas outsourcing, no offshore processing, full Australian privacy compliance.

Certificate of Completion

Post-remediation retesting is included on request. When vulnerabilities are resolved and verified, you receive a formal Certificate of Completion, shareable with clients, insurers and auditors.

Why it matters

Why South Australian businesses run penetration tests.

A penetration test isn't just a compliance exercise. Here's what actually drives businesses to engage:

Client requirements

Enterprise and government clients increasingly require evidence of penetration testing before awarding contracts or renewing agreements. A test report is the answer to that question.

Cyber insurance

Insurers are tightening requirements. Many policies now require annual penetration testing as a condition of coverage or carry premium discounts for businesses that demonstrate tested controls.

Compliance frameworks

ISO 27001, Essential Eight at higher maturity levels, DISP and PCI DSS all have penetration testing requirements. We scope and document tests to satisfy each framework's specific evidence requirements.

After a major change

New cloud migration, system rebuild, acquisition, or significant infrastructure change? Testing after major changes validates that your new environment is secure before attackers find what your team missed.