How secure is your critical data from cyber threats? If you’re not sure, a penetration test can provide the answer.
A penetration test (a simulated cyberattack) uncovers weaknesses before threat actors can exploit them. But the real value isn’t just in the results, it’s in the pentest report, which gives you clear insights into security gaps and how to fix them.
But some findings may surprise you.
Beyond discovering technical flaws, penetration testing also informs you of security awareness training weaknesses that expose the safety of your company's most valuable records.
Here are three unexpected findings you might find when performing a pen test and why they matter.
Weak passwords are one of your biggest cybersecurity risks.
They often appear in penetration test results as a common security vulnerability and contribute to 81% of corporate data breaches. Making the issue a critical concern for businesses of all sizes.
Threat actors easily exploit weak, reused, or stolen passwords to bypass security controls and gain unauthorized access. A pentest report will reveal where employees use simple or recycled passwords, putting sensitive data at risk.
Applying best practices to password security like multi-factor authentication (MFA), using password managers, and strict password policies can reduce these risks. Security awareness training also plays a key role in educating employees on safe password practices, helping them avoid phishing attacks and credential theft.
Many industries, like healthcare (HIPAA) and finance, require strict cybersecurity compliance to protect sensitive client data. A key part of compliance is risk analysis, which helps identify security weaknesses before they lead to breaches.
But compliance isn’t security.
A penetration test uncovers vulnerabilities that wouldn’t meet these standards, issues that routine security scans might miss. Thankfully, your pentest report provides clear steps to fix these weaknesses and align with industry regulations.
If your business has already experienced a security breach, a cybersecurity consultant can guide you through the report, helping you get back on track and strengthen your defenses.
According to Verizon’s 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report, 68% of breaches stemmed from non-malicious human error or social engineering attacks.
With threat actors using increasingly sophisticated attack methods to break into networks, most employees aren’t prepared to be the last line of defense. Even something as simple as hovering over a suspicious link can trigger malware installation, giving hackers access to your internal systems.
When these advanced tactics are combined with common social engineering attacks, like phishing emails, employees become easy entry points for attackers.
A penetration testing report will reveal which social engineering tactics were successful and who fell for them, providing powerful insights into your organization’s security gaps. By investing in security awareness training, you can empower employees with the knowledge to recognize and prevent these threats, turning them into proactive defenders rather than vulnerable targets.
No organization wants its name in the next big data breach headline. But the reality is most breached organizations thought they had great defenses.
If you don’t know where your security vulnerabilities exist, a penetration test can help. Plus, your pentest report won’t just reveal weaknesses; it will show you exactly how attackers could exploit them and what steps you need to take to stay protected.
Want to see how Mitnick Security can help?
Request more information about our penetration testing process today.