There are security gaps in every IT landscape — the only question is whether they are identified before someone else exploits them. Penetration tests, often simply called “pentests,” are considered one of the most effective tools for putting your own IT to the test. But there is often a gap between technical analysis, threat simulation and actual implementation — and that is exactly where it is decided whether a company is just testing or actually protecting.
The most important things in brief
- Pentests uncover real weaknesses, but are only effective if their results are consistently implemented.
- Typical errors such as too tight scope, lack of follow-up or incorrect expectations significantly reduce the benefits of many tests.
- Devices are the most common entry point for attackers — over 90% of successful ransomware attacks use unsecure or poorly maintained endpoints
Softtailor supports system hardening, patching and endpoint management — so that security gaps do not even arise in the first place or can be effectively closed after a pentest.
1 What is a penetration test?
A penetration test (pentest) is a controlled security audit of an IT system in which professional security experts try to identify and exploit vulnerabilities — similar to what real attackers would do. The aim is to uncover potential security gaps early on before they are discovered and misused by cyber criminals.
In contrast to a vulnerability scan, which automatically detects known vulnerabilities, a pentest goes much further: Testers think and act like attackers, use manual techniques and simulate real attack scenarios. This gives companies a realistic assessment of their IT security situation.
A well-planned pentest delivers:
- Specific attack scenarios and their chances of success
- Risk assessments for business processes and data
- Recommended measures to address the discovered vulnerabilities
2 Why are pentests so important today?
Cyber attacks are constantly increasing — in frequency, professionalism and economic damage. Organizations of all sizes are in the crosshairs of attackers using automated tools, zero-day exploits, and social engineering. A professional pentest helps to make these risks measurable — and to specifically minimize them.
Important reasons for a regular pentest:
- Increased threat level: New vulnerabilities arise every day. Pentests show how vulnerable your systems actually are.
- Compliance & legal requirements: Regulations such as GDPR, KRITIS regulation, ISO 27001 or TISAX require or recommend regular security tests.
- Customer and reputation protection: A successful attack can cause enormous reputation damage. Pentests are an active means of building trust with customers, partners and auditors.
Pentests are therefore not just a technical tool — they are a strategic part of any modern security architecture.
3 The most common types of pentests
Pentests can be classified in different ways — depending on what information the tester has, which systems are to be tested, or which threat is to be simulated. A clear look at the various types of tests helps to find the right scenario for your own security strategy.
According to the tester's knowledge
Depending on how much information the pentester receives in advance about the target system, the approach changes significantly. These categories are based on real attack scenarios — from external attackers to insiders.
- Black Box Testing: The tester has no previous knowledge. Like an external attacker, he first collects publicly available information and then tries to find and exploit vulnerabilities. This method simulates a real attack from outside.
- White box testing: Here, the pentester receives complete system information — for example source codes, network plans or admin access. The focus is on in-depth analysis to identify hidden weak points yourself.
- Grey Box Testing: A hybrid form - The tester knows selected information, such as user access or partial aspects of the infrastructure. This scenario reflects threats that could come from business partners, employees, or service providers.
By attack target and environment
The environment to be tested also significantly influences the type of pentest. This is about the attack surface, which is simulated.
- External pentests: The aim is to test systems that are publicly accessible — such as web servers, VPN access or email gateways. These tests reflect the typical threat scenario from external attackers.
- Internal pentests: This simulates the scenario that the attacker is already within the company network — for example due to a compromised computer or a weak spot in the WLAN. Internal testing is particularly important to protect against the spread of attackers should they find an entry point and also so-called insider threats.
By type of system tested
Different systems require different testing approaches — depending on the technical architecture and risk profile.
- Application Pentest: Web applications, mobile apps, or desktop software are tested for vulnerabilities such as SQL injections, XSS, or authentication errors. This test is essential, especially for online services.
- Network Pentest: Here, the focus is on network infrastructure and communication channels. Firewalls, switches, servers and network protocols are tested — both internally and externally.
- Social Engineering: Attacks that target the “human factor”: phishing emails, fake phone calls, or physical access attempts. This type of test tests how susceptible employees are to manipulation.
SOFTTAILOR really shows its strength when it comes to social engineering: Our approach combines Raising awareness of end users with the technical protection of terminal devices. Because a trained employee alone is not enough — and neither is a hardened laptop without awareness. Only the interplay of the two components creates effective safety. With targeted phishing simulations, realistic attack scenarios and accompanying endpoint protection, we help companies strengthen the last line of defense: the connection between man and machine.
4 Common mistakes when using pentests
For a pentest to be fully effective, it must be carefully planned and followed up. In practice, however, there are typical mistakes that significantly reduce the success of a test. One of the most common is a scope that is too narrow: If the scope of testing is too limited, for example to individual systems, potentially dangerous vulnerabilities in the environment remain undetected. Implementing it once is also problematic — because new security gaps arise all the time. Only regular tests realistically reflect the current threat status.
A central problem is the missing or delayed Reworking the results. Although the test provides specific weak points, eliminating them takes time, requires resources and often falls between responsibilities. As well as Vulnerability Scans regularly provide information without automatically leading to improvements, even a successfully completed pentest remains ineffective if the measures are not consistently implemented.
An unclear definition of objectives is just as critical: If it is not clearly defined in advance what exactly should be tested and what results are expected, the test can come to nothing. And last but not least, we meet again and again incorrect expectations — for example, the assumption that a pentest is all-round insurance against cyber attacks. In reality, he points out Where action is needed — not more, but also not less.
Anyone who is aware of these pitfalls and specifically avoids them secures maximum added value from their pentest project — and sustainably increases the security level of their IT.
5 How much does a pentest cost? — Expenditure, resources & price factors
The costs of a penetration test vary widely — depending on scope, complexity, and objectives. A simple test, such as a web application, can start at around 3,000€. Complex analyses of entire IT infrastructures are often in the five-digit range.
Factors such as the scope of the systems tested, the depth of testing, and the desired methodology are decisive for pricing. The tester's level of information also plays a role: A black box test requires more research than a white box test with full system access. In addition, special compliance requirements and the qualification of pentesters influence costs.
A reputable provider always calculates the price individually — tailored to the specific threat situation and actual needs. Ultimately, a professional pentest is an investment that is often significantly cheaper than the consequences of a successful cyber attack.
6 Conclusion — Pentesting shows weak points, we make systems secure
A pentest is an indispensable tool for making real weak points visible — but most security gaps do not arise in the data center, but at the periphery: on the device. Studies show that over 90% of successful ransomware attacks are due to insufficiently managed or outdated endpoints.
This is exactly where SOFTTAILOR comes in. We help companies set up their IT landscape in such a way that pentests become a touchstone and not a wake-up call: through System hardening, safe patch management, automated vulnerability remediation, and targeted endpoint protection measures.
We prepare environments for pentests, assist customers in analyzing the results and ensure that identified weak points are closed concretely, efficiently and sustainably. In this sense, the pentest becomes a test report — for the quality of our daily work.
Dorian has been involved in corporate and IT strategy since 2011. Due to the endpoint security deficiencies of many companies and the information overload, he developed the endpoint strategy. Dorian is co-founder of the “Endpoint Management” expert group at IAMCP e.V.
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