Small businesses in the United States now consider cyberattacks their biggest threat, according to a report by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. With ransomware, phishing, and data breaches on the rise, it’s clear that no business is too small to be targeted. That’s why penetration testing services and regular cybersecurity evaluation are essential.
Our team at EMPIST offers detailed testing that goes beyond surface-level scans to uncover real vulnerabilities. Our team of ethical hackers uses real-world techniques to simulate attacks and help you strengthen your defenses.
In this handy guide, we’ll walk you through seven leading penetration testing services to explore, including the ones we offer. Whether you’re building a security strategy or tightening what’s already in place, these services are worth knowing. Let’s begin.
1. Network Penetration Testing
Network penetration testing focuses on finding vulnerabilities within your organization’s internal and external networks. These tests simulate attacks that target:
- Servers
- System firewalls
- Switches
- Other network components
The goal is to identify weaknesses like open ports, misconfigured firewalls, or outdated software that could be exploited by attackers.
At EMPIST, our team performs both internal and external network testing to give you a full view of your exposure. We go beyond automated tools and use manual techniques to uncover deeper risks.
After the test, we provide a clear report with the vulnerabilities found and steps to fix them. This type of testing is essential for maintaining a strong and secure IT foundation.
2. Web Application Penetration Testing
Web application penetration testing focuses on the security of websites, apps, and portals that interact with users. These systems often handle sensitive data like login credentials, payment details, or personal information, which makes them prime targets for cyberattacks. This type of testing simulates real-world attacks to uncover vulnerabilities such as:
- SQL injection
- Cross-site scripting (XSS)
- Broken authentication
- Insecure APIs
By actively trying to exploit flaws in the application’s logic, access controls, and input validation, testers can determine how an attacker might gain unauthorized access or disrupt services.
Web app testing is a key part of any cybersecurity evaluation, especially for businesses that rely on customer-facing platforms or handle user data online.
3. Social Engineering Testing
Social engineering testing focuses on the human side of cybersecurity. Instead of targeting networks or software, it assesses how easily employees can be manipulated into giving away sensitive information or access.
This testing often includes simulated phishing emails, phone calls, or even in-person attempts to trick staff into revealing credentials or bypassing security protocols. The goal is to see how well employees recognize and respond to deceptive tactics used by real-world attackers.
By identifying weak spots in awareness and response, businesses can strengthen training and internal processes. Social engineering testing is a vital part of penetration testing services for any organization aiming to improve its defenses against one of the most common cyberattack methods.
4. Wireless Network Penetration Testing
Wireless networks are convenient but can be risky if not secured properly. Weak encryption, outdated protocols, or poorly configured access points can expose your systems to attackers. Wireless network penetration testing checks for these vulnerabilities by simulating real-world attacks on your Wi-Fi infrastructure.
At EMPIST, we take a close look at how your wireless network is set up. We work to:
- Assess the strength of your encryption
- Identify unauthorized access points
- Test how easily someone could gain entry without proper credentials
All of this helps reveal gaps that could allow cybercriminals to breach your network. When you fix these issues early, you can protect your business from wireless-based attacks. It’s a key step in building a stronger, more reliable cybersecurity defense.
5. Mobile Application Penetration Testing
Mobile application penetration testing, meanwhile, is designed to uncover security issues in mobile apps that could be exploited by cybercriminals. With so many businesses relying on mobile platforms, these tests are essential for protecting sensitive data and ensuring secure user experiences.
Testers examine both the front-end (the app itself) and the back-end (servers and APIs), looking for vulnerabilities like:
- Insecure data storage
- Weak authentication methods
- Flaws in data transmission
These checks help identify risks such as unauthorized access or data leakage. By performing mobile app penetration testing, businesses can fix vulnerabilities before they become serious problems, maintain user trust, and improve the overall security of their mobile applications.
6. Cloud Penetration Testing
Next, cloud penetration testing focuses on identifying vulnerabilities in cloud-based systems and applications. As more businesses move their data and services to the cloud, ensuring its security is more critical than ever.
At EMPIST, we conduct thorough testing of your cloud infrastructure, examining areas such as cloud storage, APIs, and access controls. We simulate cyberattacks to identify potential weaknesses that could be exploited by hackers.
Proactively addressing these vulnerabilities means businesses can avoid data breaches and ensure their cloud environments remain secure. Cloud penetration testing is essential to safeguarding valuable assets and maintaining a robust cybersecurity defense.
7. Physical Penetration Testing
Lastly, it’s also worth mentioning physical penetration testing, which evaluates a company’s physical security measures to identify vulnerabilities that could allow unauthorized access. This testing simulates real-world scenarios where attackers try to breach physical barriers like locks, gates, or security systems.
Testers examine the effectiveness of access controls, locks, surveillance cameras, and security personnel. They also look for ways to bypass these measures or gain access undetected.
Identifying weaknesses in physical security helps businesses strengthen their defenses, protecting sensitive information and assets from theft or unauthorized access. It ensures a comprehensive security strategy that covers both digital and physical threats.
Top Penetration Testing Services to Explore
The bottom line is that penetration testing services are essential for businesses looking to strengthen their cybersecurity defenses and identify potential vulnerabilities before they are exploited.
Here at EMPIST, we offer comprehensive IT security services designed to protect your organization from a wide range of threats. Whether you’re concerned about network security, web applications, or physical access, our expert team is equipped to provide professional testing and actionable insights.
Reach out to us today for thorough penetration testing services to ensure your business stays secure and compliant with the latest cybersecurity standards.