What is Network Penetration Testing?

Penetration testing, also known as pen testing, is the practice of simulating cyberattacks on a system to identify potential vulnerabilities. 

Network penetration tests employ a range of hacking techniques to identify weaknesses within your network. The idea here is to employ the same methods a threat actor might use to get insights into the security of your network.

Unlike vulnerability scans, penetration testing combines both automated tools and manual techniques carried out by security professionals. This approach provides a realistic picture of how resilient a company’s networks are against real-world threats.

In this article, we will explore what network penetration testing involves, how it works, the process behind it, why companies choose to conduct these assessments, and the benefits they bring.

How Does Network Penetration Testing Work?

A network penetration test is designed to mimic the techniques of external and internal attackers. Testers look for flaws such as:

• Misconfigured firewalls and routers
• Weak or reused passwords
• Outdated software and missing patches
• Insecure remote access services
• Exposure of sensitive data through poorly protected protocols

The test involves reconnaissance, active scanning, exploitation attempts, and post-exploitation activities to evaluate what an attacker could achieve once inside. The findings are then documented in a detailed report, providing the business with clear visibility of risks and practical recommendations for remediation.

The Network Penetration Testing Process

While approaches may differ slightly depending on the testing company, most network penetration tests follow a structured methodology. The main stages are:

1. Planning and Scoping

The first step involves discussions between the client and the testing provider. Objectives, scope, and rules of engagement are clearly defined. This includes deciding whether the test will simulate an external threat or an internal threat.

2. Information Gathering

Testers collect as much data as possible about the target network. This could include IP addresses, domain details, and information about the technologies in use. The goal is to map out the infrastructure to identify potential points of entry.

3. Scanning 

Automated tools and manual probing are used to identify open ports, running services, and potential vulnerabilities. 

4. Exploitation

During this phase, testers attempt to exploit discovered weaknesses. This could involve gaining unauthorized access to systems, escalating privileges, or capturing sensitive data. Exploitation is carefully controlled and monitored to avoid disruption.

5. Maintaining Access

To simulate a real attacker, testers may attempt to maintain access once inside the network. This helps organizations understand the potential impact of a long-term compromize and how attackers might move across systems.

6. Analysis and Reporting

Finally, all findings are compiled into a detailed report. The report highlights each vulnerability, explains how it was exploited, assesses the potential business impact, and provides recommendations for remediation. A presentation or debrief session may also be included to walk stakeholders through the results.

Why Companies Perform Network Penetration Tests

Organizations conduct network penetration testing for several reasons:

• Risk identification – finding vulnerabilities before attackers do.
  
  
• Regulatory compliance – many industries, such as finance and healthcare, require penetration testing to meet compliance standards.
  
  
• Third-party assurance – demonstrating to customers, investors, and partners that security is taken seriously.
  
  
• Incident readiness – evaluating how well detection and response measures perform during a simulated attack.

Ultimately, a penetration test provides businesses with a realistic view of their cyber risk and highlights where investments in security should be prioritized.

How Often Should Penetration Testing Be Conducted?

The frequency of penetration testing depends on a few different factors, including the size of your organization, the complexity of your systems, and regulatory requirements. As a general guideline:

• At least annually: Most organizations benefit from a full penetration test once a year to identify new vulnerabilities and ensure ongoing security.
  
  
• After major changes: Any system updates, network expansions, or deployment of new applications should trigger a pen test to verify security.
  
  
• Following a security incident: If your organization experiences a breach or attempted attack, conducting a penetration test can help identify weaknesses and prevent recurrence.
  
  
• For compliance purposes: Certain industries require regular testing to meet regulatory standards, which may dictate more frequent assessments.

Continuous penetration testing helps reduce the risk of attacks and protects important data.

What Should Be Included in a Network Pen Test Report?

A well-structured report is one of the most valuable outcomes of a penetration test. It should include:

• Executive summary – an overview tailored for non-technical stakeholders.
  
  
• Detailed technical findings – including descriptions of each vulnerability, proof-of-concept exploits, and screenshots where appropriate.
  
  
• Risk ratings – categorising findings by severity to help with prioritization.
  
  
• Impact assessment – explaining the potential consequences of each issue.
  
  
• Remediation guidance – clear, practical recommendations for fixing vulnerabilities.

A strong report is not only a record of discovered issues but also a roadmap for strengthening security.

Network Security Threats and Attacks

Network penetration testing helps organizations identify and address a range of security threats. Some common types of attacks that can be tested include:

Malware and Ransomware

Malware is the harmful software that can disrupt systems or steal information, while ransomware locks or encrypts data and demands payment for its release. 

Network penetration testing can mimic these threats to see how well defences hold up, whether security tools detect them quickly, and if recovery plans are effective. This helps organizations strengthen protections and reduce the risk of serious damage.

Phishing and Social Engineering

Attempts to manipulate employees into revealing sensitive information can be tested to evaluate awareness and response. 

Phishing Assessments mimic the entire lifecycle of a phishing attack, helping you to identify vulnerabilities, improve employee awareness, and prevent costly breaches. 

Denial-of-Service (DoS) Attacks

A distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack happens when multiple compromised systems overwhelm a target, preventing legitimate users from accessing it. 

These attacks can be directed at servers, websites, or other network resources. They are performed by generating excessive connection requests, malformed packets, or other malicious traffic.

Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks

A man-in-the-middle (MitM) attack is where an attacker secretly intercepts and possibly alters communication between two parties who believe they are communicating directly with each other.

In practice, this means the attacker positions themselves between the sender and receiver.. They can then eavesdrop on sensitive data or manipulate the communication for malicious purposes.

Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs)

An Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) is a long-term cyberattack where intruders gain access to a network and remain hidden to steal sensitive data. Unlike quick attacks, APTs focus on maintaining continuous access, often targeting high-value organizations such as governments or large corporations. 

These complex attacks are usually carried out by organised cybercriminal groups or state-sponsored hackers, making them especially difficult to detect and defend against.

Weak Authentication and Passwords

Weak authentication processes and poor password practices are among the most common security gaps in networks. If login mechanisms are not properly protected, attackers can exploit them to gain access to systems and sensitive data.

Addressing weak authentication not only prevents unauthorized access but also reduces the risk of data breaches and compromised accounts.

What Are the Benefits of Network Penetration Testing?

The main advantage of conducting network penetration testing is that it provides businesses with a clear understanding of their security, enabling them to address vulnerabilities proactively before attackers can exploit them. Other benefits also include:

Identifying Vulnerabilities Before Attackers Do

Pen testing exposes weaknesses in your systems, networks, and applications, allowing you to address them before cybercriminals can exploit them.

Improving Security Measures

By understanding potential attack paths, organizations can strengthen firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and other security controls to protect sensitive data better.

Reducing Risk of Data Breaches

Proactively finding and fixing vulnerabilities lowers the likelihood of costly data breaches, protecting both your company’s reputation and customer trust.

Regulatory Compliance

Many industries require regular security assessments. Penetration testing helps organizations meet compliance standards and avoid penalties.

Improving Incident Response

Simulated attacks reveal how well your team detects and responds to threats, highlighting areas for improvement in your incident response plan.

These benefits not only reduce the likelihood of breaches but also increase organizational awareness of cyber threats.

How Can Rootshell Security Help?

Rootshell Security specialises in delivering high-quality infrastructure penetration testing. 

Our team of skilled security consultants combines automated tools with manual expertize to uncover vulnerabilities that automated scanners alone may miss.

By partnering with Rootshell Security, you gain access to trusted experts who can replicate the tactics of real attackers in a controlled and safe manner. The result is greater visibility of risks, prioritized recommendations, and a clear path towards stronger defenses.