If you've never experienced a data breach, consider yourself lucky. If you have, you know it's an absolute nightmare. With cyber criminals looking for vulnerabilities, a strong cybersecurity strategy is the best way to combat these risks and protect your critical intelligence.
Conducting regular penetration tests can help. A pentest works to uncover hidden weaknesses before attackers exploit them. How?
A pentest finds security gaps before threat actors do, but not all providers are created equal. Ask the right questions, and you'll find a partner who protects your business.
Following are five penetration testing interview questions you need to ask before making a decision, because who you hire matters.
5 Questions to Ask Pentesting Companies
Not all penetration testing companies are built the same. The right team will do more than just run tests, they’ll find real security risks and help you fix them.
We’ve compiled the following questions to help you choose the best security partner before granting anyone network access.
1. What Type of Penetration Testing Do You Specialize In?
When choosing a penetration testing company, make sure they specialize in the types of penetration testing most relevant to your organization.
Some pentesters only focus on your external network, and search for open source intelligence (OSINT) to find a way in. Others focus on internal networks, using social engineering to bypass security and launch attacks from the inside—one of the top ways breaches happen today.
Overall, the best providers will give you actionable recommendations to strengthen your cybersecurity strategy.
Below are the most common types of pen tests.
- Social Engineering Testing
- Red Team Engagements
- External Network Penetration Testing
- Internal Network Penetration Testing
- Application Penetration Testing
- Wireless Penetration Testing
- Physical Penetration Testing
2. How Much Do Penetration Tests Cost?
The cost of penetration testing varies based on several factors, including:
- The size and complexity of your business.
- The scope of the test and the attack surfaces being analyzed.
- The experience and reputation of the penetration testing company.
While it's important to budget wisely, cybersecurity isn't an area to cut corners.
In 2025, cybersecurity losses are projected to exceed $9.5 trillion globally. And with millions of phishing attacks launched each year, businesses that postpone security testing often pay far more in breach remediation and data recovery than they would for a proactive pentest.
A quality penetration test is an investment in your company's security. Without it, your data, finances, and reputation could be at risk.
For a breakdown of pricing and what to budget for, check out our Penetration Testing Cost Guide.
3. What Certifications Does Your Company Hold?
A penetration testing company’s certifications are a direct reflection of their expertise. The best in the game have industry-recognized credentials that prove they know their stuff. If they don’t, move on.
Here are the key certifications to look for:
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) – Covers basic hacking techniques.
- GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN) – Focuses on penetration testing fundamentals.
- CompTIA PenTest+ – An intermediate-level certification for skilled testers.
- Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) – An advanced certification for elite pentesters.
While CEH and GPEN are entry-level, PenTest+ is a step up. The most experienced penetration testing companies often hold OSCP+, a certification that requires hands-on expertise.
If a company lacks high-level certifications, they may not be ready for complex security challenges.
Beyond certifications, choose a pentest provider with a strong track record. Look for a company with experienced senior testers and long-term clients who trust their expertise. A provider that has been in the industry for years brings deep knowledge and real-world testing experience.
Additionally, we'd recommend working with an alternative firm every few years to get a fresh perspective (because no single team catches everything.)
4. What Does Your Penetration Testing Process Look Like?
Every penetration testing company has a different approach, so it's important to understand their process and make sure they're the right fit for your business.
A well-structured pentest should include:
- Planning Phase: Defines the test scope, timeline, number of devices, and attack methods.
- Pre-Attack Phase: Outlines engagement rules and expectations and ensures testing won't disrupt operations.
- Penetration Attack: The provider simulates real-world attacks based on agreed rules.
- Penetration Testing Report: A detailed breakdown of security weaknesses and recommended fixes.
Knowing how a pentest provider operates helps you choose a team that delivers real insights, not just another report.
5. What Does Your Penetration Testing Report Include?
Your pentest report is where the real value is. Beyond finding vulnerabilities, this report will show you how to fix them. Ask what’s included and confirm that the provider shares their findings with you. A solid report should give you a plan with clear next steps for tightening your security.
Here’s what to look for:
- A summary of the penetration test
- A detailed walkthrough of the engagement
- A list of recommendations that to mitigate risks
Once you’ve addressed vulnerabilities, your provider should retest to ensure the fixes work.
Some organizations use short-term solutions first; at Mitnick Security, our follow-up testing checks if they hold or need further improvements.
Secure Your Business with the World’s Best in Penetration Testing
A pentest is only as good as the team behind it. To truly protect your business, you need a penetration testing company that puts security first.
At Mitnick Security, our The Global Ghost Team™ has a 100% success rate in social engineering pentests. We’re also known as the world’s top cybersecurity experts.
Take our Pentest Readiness Quiz and find out now, how secure your business really is.
