Penetration testing in Basingstoke, Hampshire
Penetration testing for Basingstoke and Hampshire businesses
Our penetration testing works the way a real attacker would: we try to get in, then tell you in plain English what we reached and how to shut the door. Network, Wi-Fi, Microsoft 365, cloud and website tests for firms across Basingstoke.
Trusted pen testing, industry certified.
The basics
What is penetration testing?
Penetration testing, often shortened to pen testing or called ethical hacking, is a cyber attack you have agreed to in advance. A tester uses the methods criminals use to probe your network, cloud accounts and websites, confirms which weaknesses can really be exploited, and explains how to fix each one.
It goes further than a vulnerability scan. A scan is a tool that produces a list of possible issues. In a penetration test a person does the work: they check which issues are genuine, link minor flaws together as an attacker would, and rank the results for your business.
What you get is a practical fix list, in hand before a criminal, insurer, customer or auditor asks the question.
Penetration testing & vulnerability scanning
Our penetration testing services
See where your network, cloud services and applications are genuinely exposed, then get a ranked plan from our cyber security team to put it right. Ask for a pen test quote and we'll give you a clear price before any work starts.
One-off check
External vulnerability scan
A first look at everything you have on the internet, searching for the gaps an attacker is likely to find first.
- We check your websites, open ports and public IP addresses
- You get a short summary of each finding and how serious it is
- A sensible first step if your security has never been tested
- Quick to arrange, with no long-term contract
Ongoing, part of a managed plan
Managed penetration testing
Repeat testing by our cyber security team, so your defences keep pace as your business changes.
- We test from outside and inside your network
- Each report ranks findings by risk and sets out how to fix them
- Tests are run again as your apps, staff and cloud services change
- Supports compliance checks and cyber insurance applications
- You speak directly to the team that ran your test
Common weaknesses
What a penetration test can uncover
None of this is unusual. These problems are common because they're easy to miss, and easy for attackers to spot.
Exposed services
Servers, admin pages and services open to the internet by mistake.
Weak passwords
Simple passwords, or ones that never change.
Misconfigurations
Security settings that fall short of good practice.
Cloud risks
Gaps in Microsoft 365, Azure and other cloud services.
Website flaws
Weaknesses in your website or web applications.
The benefits
Why it matters for SMEs
Attackers look for weak spots, not famous names, and smaller firms often have fewer defences. A penetration test shows where you're exposed and what to fix first, so you cut the risk early, keep trading and show customers you take security seriously.
At the end of the test you receive two things: a brief executive summary for decision makers, and a full report that lists every finding, the risk it poses and how to deal with it.
Stay ahead of attackers
Find the gaps before criminals do and close them, so there's less left for anyone to exploit.
Evidence you can share
Independent test results give customers, partners and auditors something concrete to rely on.
Keep the business running
Find the weaknesses that lead to ransomware, outages and breaches, then fix them in order of risk.
Sensibly priced
Careful testing with a clear scope, readable reports and fixes your team can carry out, without an enterprise-sized bill.
How it works
Careful testing, on your terms
Testing your own systems shouldn't feel risky. We agree everything in writing first: what we test, when we test it, what's off-limits and who we contact if anything looks wrong.
- 1
Scope the test
Agree what's in scope and how deep we go.
- 2
Map the attack surface
List the key systems, users and ways in.
- 3
Find and validate
Confirm which weaknesses can be exploited.
- 4
Test safely
Run the testing without disrupting your day.
- 5
Report and retest
You get a clear report, then we confirm the fixes worked.
Your report
Your penetration test report
The report is what you keep, so we write it for two people: whoever approves the budget, and whoever makes the fixes. We then talk you through the findings on a call.
Local to you
Penetration testing in Basingstoke and across Hampshire
We test for businesses in Basingstoke and the surrounding area, including Basing View, Chineham, Old Basing, Hook, Oakley, Tadley and Overton, as well as firms across the wider county.
External, cloud and website testing is done remotely, with on-site visits from our Worting House base.
Frequently asked questions
Penetration testing questions, answered
What is a penetration test?
A simulated cyber attack on your systems that you have authorised. The tester uses the techniques a real attacker would to find weaknesses, proves which ones can be exploited, and explains how to fix them.
What's the difference between a vulnerability scan and a penetration test?
A scan is automated software that produces a list of possible issues. In a penetration test a person takes charge, checks which issues are real, joins small flaws together as attackers do and ranks what matters most to your business.
Do we need an internal or external penetration test?
An external test covers what anyone on the internet can reach, such as your website, email and remote access. An internal test shows what someone could do once inside your network, for example with a stolen laptop. Most firms start external and add internal later. We'll suggest what suits you when we scope the work.
Do you test remotely or on site?
External, cloud and website testing is done remotely. Internal network and Wi-Fi testing may need us in the building, and we visit businesses in and around Basingstoke.
Will testing disrupt the business?
It shouldn't. We agree in writing what we test, when and what's off-limits, and we steer clear of anything likely to take systems down. If anything looks wrong during testing, we stop and phone the contact you've named.
How much does a penetration test cost?
It depends on what's being tested and how large it is. Once the scope is agreed, you get a fixed quote up front, so there are no surprises later.
How long does a test take?
That also depends on the scope. A small external test is quicker than a larger internal or application test. We give you a timeline before any testing starts, so you can plan around it.
We've got Cyber Essentials. Do we still need a penetration test?
Cyber Essentials confirms the basic controls are in place. A penetration test goes further and shows whether an attacker could actually get past them. Many firms use both: Cyber Essentials as the baseline and a pen test for real-world assurance.
Can you test Microsoft 365?
Yes. We check how your Microsoft 365 tenant is configured, including sign-in security, admin accounts, sharing settings and email protection, and show you where it can be tightened.
Can you test Azure or AWS?
Yes. We review your cloud setup for exposed services, weak access controls and risky settings, then give you clear steps to fix what we find.
Should we test our live system or a test copy?
Usually the live system, because that's what an attacker sees. We test it carefully within the agreed limits. If a system is fragile or critical to the business, testing a copy is an option and we'll talk it through with you.
How often should we have a penetration test?
At least once a year, and again after major changes such as a new website, a new system or a move to the cloud. Some insurers and customers ask for a yearly test.
What happens after the report?
We go through the findings with you on a call so you know what to tackle first. When the fixes are in, we retest to confirm they worked.
What is included in the report?
A short executive summary for whoever approves the budget, plus a detailed technical section for whoever makes the fixes. Each finding comes with its risk level, evidence and the steps to put it right.
Other questions
Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us and our team will be happy to help.
Get in touch
Talk to a penetration tester in Basingstoke
Send a few details about what you'd like tested, or ask for an external scan if you're unsure where to begin. Call 01256 247226 or email hello@basingstokeitsupport.uk.
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