As an MSP or vCISO, you know security assessments are not all the same. Your clients trust you to handle complex cybersecurity needs, but the industry often creates problems with high prices, poor testing, and slow turnarounds. This puts your clients at risk and hurts your reputation. You need a reliable, channel-only partner who delivers affordable, fast, and manual penetration testing that you can easily white-label and resell.
Understanding the different penetration testing types is the first step. A solid pentest builds on a strong security foundation, so it's important to have basics like essential network security best practices in place first. This guide explains the most important types of pentesting, helping you choose the right assessment for any client. We'll help you meet compliance goals like SOC 2, HIPAA, and PCI DSS, find real vulnerabilities, and show clear value to your clients.
Understand Black Box Penetration Testing Methods
Black box penetration testing is a "zero-knowledge" test. Think of it like a surprise quiz where the pentester has no inside information about your client's systems. Acting like a real-world attacker, our certified pentesters use only public information to find and exploit weaknesses. This test shows how a real hacker would target an organization from the outside.
This type of testing is perfect for MSPs and vCISOs who need to check the security of public-facing assets like websites or external networks. For example, we could test an e-commerce site to see if customer data is safe. The goal is to find security holes before a real attacker does.
Our OSCP and CREST-certified experts use a mix of automated tools and deep manual pentesting. This affordable and fast approach gives you a clear picture of external risks, helping your clients meet compliance standards like SOC 2 and PCI DSS.
Discover White Box Penetration Testing Benefits
White box penetration testing is a "full-knowledge" approach. Our pentesters are given complete access to your client's environment, including source code, network maps, and admin logins. This "insider" view allows us to perform a very thorough security check, simulating a threat from a rogue employee or an attacker who has already broken in.
This test is ideal for securing critical internal systems or applications before they are launched. For instance, we can do a deep security review on a new software build to meet strict HIPAA compliance. This method finds complex vulnerabilities that external scans would completely miss.
Our OSCP and CREST-certified experts combine automated analysis with careful manual pentesting and code review. This affordable and efficient approach provides a detailed view of internal vulnerabilities, helping your clients build more secure products and achieve critical compliance with frameworks like ISO 27001.
Learn About Gray Box Penetration Testing
Gray box penetration testing is a mix of black box and white box methods. Pentesters are given some information, like a standard user account. This simulates an insider threat or an attacker who has already gained some access, making it one of the most popular penetration testing types because it shows what a privileged user could do.
This testing is great for MSPs and vCISOs who want to know the potential damage from a compromised account. We could use a normal employee account to see if it's possible to access admin functions or other users' data. The goal is to check internal security controls and see how an attacker could move through the network.
Our OSCP and CEH certified team uses this partial knowledge to get straight to testing high-value targets. This makes the assessment both affordable and effective. It helps your clients strengthen their internal security and meet compliance rules like HIPAA and ISO 27001.
Explore External Network Penetration Testing Types
External penetration testing focuses on all your client's systems that are accessible from the internet. This test simulates an attack from a remote hacker with no inside access. Our pentesters check everything facing the internet, like websites, firewalls, and VPNs, to find vulnerabilities from an outsider's view.
This is a must-have for clients with a big online presence, like an e-commerce store or a software-as-a-service (SaaS) application. We look for outdated software, weak passwords, and other security gaps. The goal is to lock the doors an attacker would try to open from the outside, which is critical for PCI DSS and SOC 2 compliance.
Our CREST and OSCP-certified experts deliver a fast and affordable assessment that combines automated scanning with deep manual pentesting. We provide you with clear, actionable steps to strengthen security against real-world remote attacks, ensuring their most exposed assets are safe.
Review Internal Network Penetration Testing
Internal penetration testing simulates an attack from inside your client's network. This assumes the attacker is already in, either as a malicious employee or a hacker who got past the first line of defense. Our pentesters work inside the local network to see how far an intruder could go and what sensitive data they could access. It's a key part of the penetration testing types for evaluating insider threats.
This test is crucial for clients who handle sensitive information or need to meet compliance rules like HIPAA and ISO 27001. For example, we could test if someone on the guest Wi-Fi can get into the main corporate network. The goal is to find and close internal paths that could lead to a major data breach.
Our CREST and OSCP-certified experts use a mix of automated tools and hands-on manual pentesting to find hidden problems. This provides a detailed view of internal risks, helping you conduct a more accurate internal security risk assessment and protect your client's data from the inside.
See How Targeted Penetration Testing Works
Targeted penetration testing, also known as red teaming, is an advanced attack simulation. A "red team" acts like a sophisticated hacker trying to compromise specific high-value targets. This tests your client’s entire security program, including technology, people, and procedures, under realistic pressure.
This method is for mature clients who need to test their defenses against serious threats. A red team exercise might combine social engineering, physical break-ins, and network attacks to access critical systems. The goal isn't just to find vulnerabilities but to test how well the organization detects and responds to a real attack.
Our OSCP-certified experts run these engagements carefully, with clear rules to ensure a controlled but realistic test. This service is valuable for clients who need to meet strict compliance requirements or protect critical infrastructure.
Analyze Web Application Penetration Testing
Web application penetration testing is a specialized test focused only on finding security flaws in websites, web apps, and APIs. Since so much business is done online, these are prime targets for hackers. Our certified pentesters simulate real-world attacks to find issues like SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS), following the well-known OWASP Top 10 framework.
This test is essential for any client with a website, from SaaS platforms to online stores. We check every part of the application to keep data and users safe. For more tips, you can review these essential website security best practices. Finding these weaknesses is key to preventing data breaches.
Our OSCP and CREST-certified experts use both automated tools and in-depth manual pentesting to find vulnerabilities that scanners often miss. This thorough approach provides the evidence your clients need to achieve compliance with standards like PCI DSS and SOC 2. You can learn more about our process by exploring common web application security testing tools.
Examine Physical Security Penetration Testing
Physical penetration testing checks the real-world security of your client's buildings and restricted areas. This is not about digital threats. Our pentesters try to get unauthorized physical access by bypassing locks, security guards, and badge systems. This test is vital for organizations where physical security protects important data and equipment.
This is important for clients with data centers or sensitive corporate offices. For example, we could try to tailgate employees or clone access cards to get inside. The goal is to find gaps in physical security that could lead to data theft or a breach of compliance rules like ISO 27001 and HIPAA.
Our certified experts plan these tests carefully, always getting written permission first. We document all potential weak spots and give you a clear report of your client's physical security risks. This affordable and thorough assessment ensures their most valuable assets are truly protected.
Define Social Engineering Penetration Testing
Social engineering penetration testing evaluates your biggest security risk: people. Instead of looking for technical problems, our pentesters use deception to see how well employees follow security rules. This test simulates real-world attacks like phishing emails to measure security awareness.
This method is crucial for MSPs and vCISOs whose clients need to validate their security awareness training and meet compliance requirements. For example, we can send a controlled phishing email to see how many employees click a fake malicious link or give away their passwords.
Our OSCP and CREST-certified experts work with you to set clear rules for a safe and effective test. We use both automated platforms and manual pentesting techniques. This fast and affordable approach helps your clients strengthen their human firewall, a key part of SOC 2 and ISO 27001 compliance. These tests are a great addition to our security awareness training programs.
Understand Compliance-Based Penetration Testing
Compliance-based penetration testing is designed to check if an organization is following specific rules and standards. Unlike other penetration testing types that look for any vulnerability, this test focuses on the controls required by regulations like PCI DSS, HIPAA, SOC 2, and ISO 27001. We customize the test to meet audit requirements, ensuring it aligns with what auditors want to see.
This testing is essential for MSPs and vCISOs with clients in regulated industries. For example, we can perform a PCI DSS pentest for a fintech client to make sure their credit card data environment is secure. The result is a detailed report that serves as proof for auditors, making the compliance process much smoother.
Our certified experts understand the details of each framework. We use a mix of automated tools and targeted manual pentesting to test the controls relevant to your client's needs. This fast, affordable, and channel-only service provides the documentation you need to pass audits and position your clients for success.
Penetration Testing Environment Types
External Network Pentesting: This is your client's front door to the internet. We test everything publicly accessible to a hacker: firewalls, servers, routers, and any internet-facing services. The goal is to see what an attacker can find and exploit without any internal access or credentials. This is always required for most compliance.
Internal Network Pentesting: This test simulates what happens if an attacker, or a rogue employee, gets inside your client's network. We test the devices and systems that are only accessible when connected to the local network or VPN. This scope is crucial because it often uncovers the biggest vulnerabilities.
Web Application Pentesting: This is an in-depth test of a specific website or, most commonly for your SaaS clients, their web-based product. We look for flaws like SQL injection, broken authentication, and business logic errors that an automated scanner completely misses. This is usually the most important test for SOC 2.
Mobile Application Pentesting: This test focuses on the actual mobile app installed on a device (iOS/Android). We look at how the app stores data on the phone, how it talks to the server, and whether sensitive information is being handled securely.
API (Application Programming Interface) Pentesting: The API is how your app's different parts talk to each other, or how your app talks to a partner's app. We test the API endpoints directly for critical vulnerabilities like broken authorization or excessive data exposure. This is becoming just as critical as the Web App test.
Cloud (Configuration Review): This isn't a pentest of the cloud provider itself (like AWS or Azure), but a review of your client's specific configuration. We check their security settings, identity and access management (IAM) policies, and storage configurations to make sure they haven't accidentally left the back door open.
Partner With Us for Your Pentesting Needs
Knowing the different penetration testing types is the first step. Choosing the right one and doing it well is what makes a security assessment truly valuable. Each testing method, from a black-box test that simulates an external attacker to a white-box test with full visibility, has a unique purpose. The key is to match the test to the goal, whether that's securing a web app or meeting compliance rules like SOC 2 or PCI DSS.
For MSPs, vCISOs, and GRC firms, the challenge is delivering these specialized services effectively and profitably. Your clients depend on you, and offering strong manual pentesting is no longer optional. The right test finds vulnerabilities that automated scanners miss, giving you the insights needed to prevent a breach and build client trust. There is no single "best" penetration test; the most effective strategy uses a mix of these different penetration testing types over time.
As a channel-only partner, we understand your business. Our goal is to empower you, not compete with you. We solve the industry's common problems of high pricing and long waits by offering an affordable, fast, and white-labeled solution. Our certified pentesters (with certifications like OSCP, CEH, and CREST) become part of your team, delivering expert services under your brand. This lets you focus on managing client relationships and growing your business while strengthening your security and compliance offerings. Contact us today to learn more.
Ready to improve your security services? MSP Pentesting is your dedicated, channel-only partner for all penetration testing types. We provide affordable, manual assessments and white-label reports that build your brand. Learn more at MSP Pentesting and start building a more profitable security practice today.
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