External penetration testing services: find what attackers can reach from the internet
External penetration testing finds and tests the systems, applications and services your organization exposes to the internet, the way an attacker would approach them. Rootshell’s accredited testers cover attack surface discovery, external infrastructure and external web applications, with results delivered in the Rootshell Platform.
Trusted by companies of all shapes and sizes
How external testing works
External penetration testing is a controlled test of everything an attacker can reach from outside your network: your internet-facing servers, network services, web applications and the assets you may not know you have. Testers look for weaknesses that could give an attacker a foothold, then report what they found, how serious it is and how to fix it.
It differs from a vulnerability scan, which lists known issues automatically. A tester works out which weaknesses are real and how they could be combined.
What external penetration testing covers
Attack surface discovery
We establish what you expose: domains, subdomains, IP ranges, certificates and forgotten or unmanaged assets, once or continuously.
External attack surface management →External infrastructure
Testing of internet-facing servers, network services and firewalls for weaknesses and misconfigurations.
Infrastructure penetration testing →External web applications
Testing of public websites, portals and customer-facing applications for flaws in authentication, access control and business logic.
Web application penetration testing →Why start with the outside?
Your external attack surface is the first thing an attacker sees, so it is where many organizations start. In the continuous threat exposure management (CTEM) projects we enable with clients, the work often starts with an external infrastructure penetration test, because it shows what is exposed and gives a clear first set of priorities.
From there, testing usually progresses to authenticated web application testing, where testers sign in as a user to find flaws that outside testing cannot reach, and then to continuous penetration testing, so new exposure is found as your systems change rather than once a year. New to the topic? Read what external penetration testing is and why it matters.
Recognized industry leader in penetration testing as a service (PTaaS)
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Reasons to Work With Us
As a trusted PTaaS provider for leading organizations, we blend innovative technology with expert insights to deliver bespoke cybersecurity solutions. Our platform seamlessly integrates external penetration testing into your wider security program.
Comprehensive pentesting packages
Alongside external penetration testing, we offer a range of essential penetration testing as a service (PTaaS) and attack surface management solutions, helping you address vulnerabilities on all fronts.
Cyber security expertise
Our team of highly experienced consultants and testers brings a wealth of expertise to ensure your business is protected against the latest threats.
Dynamic vulnerability management
The Rootshell Platform offers real-time insights into your security posture so you always have the most current and actionable information at your fingertips.
Aligned to your goals
We take a fully tailored approach to external penetration testing, starting with an in-depth consultation to understand your organization’s goals, risks, and IT environment.Â
Ongoing support
We don’t just tell you what’s wrong – we guide you to fix it. You can rely on our team for actionable advice and retesting after you’ve received your reports.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can’t find the answer to your question? You can always contact our team of experts for a chat!
How does external penetration testing work?
We agree the scope with you, then discover and test what is reachable from the internet: your external infrastructure and web applications. A tester reviews the findings, rates them by severity and reports how to fix them.
How often should we test externally?
At least once a year, and after significant changes to your internet-facing systems such as new applications, infrastructure or cloud services. Many organizations test more often through continuous testing so that new exposure is found sooner.
What is the difference between external and internal penetration testing?
External testing looks at what an attacker can reach from the internet. Internal testing looks at what an attacker could do from inside your network, for example with a stolen password or laptop. Many organizations do both.
How do we receive the results?
Through the Rootshell Platform, where findings appear in real time with severity, evidence and remediation advice, so you can track fixes.
Who carries out the testing, and are they accredited?
Rootshell consultants hold certifications from a number of recognized bodies, including CREST, CHECK, SANS and Offensive Security. See our accreditations for the full list.
Does external testing include finding assets we do not know about?
Yes. Discovery of domains, subdomains and exposed assets is part of the approach, so testing is based on what is really exposed and not only on a list you provide.
