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Manual Pentesting for Audits
Some audits do require manual pentesting, others have an industry standard of a manual pentest, and some suggest a manual pentest.
So which framework explicitly require manual pentesting?
For PCI DSS, manual penetration testing isn’t optional—it’s written directly into the standard:
"A manual process that may include the use ofvulnerability scanning or other automated tools,resulting in a comprehensive report."
With frameworks like SOC 2 and HIPAA, the lines aren’t as strict but many CPAs and assessors will still look for manual testing as a signal of maturity and credibility.
Automated tools may be faster and cheaper, but they don’t always satisfy the people reviewing the reports.
Where Manual Penetration Testing Is Required
The PCI Security Standards Council is clear that vulnerability scans , automated penetration testing, and AI powered hackers are not a substitute for a manual penetration tests for compliance. Their official guidance requires organizations to perform manual testing that goes beyond surface-level scanning to identify security issues.
Automated tools can identify missing patches or misconfigurations. But they can’t simulate a real attacker chaining those flaws together. They can’t test business logic. And they can’t adapt in real-time to how your environment actually functions.
SOC 2 & HIPAA: Manual Pentesting and Trust
In these frameworks, the focus is on how data is protected. If your pentest doesn’t demonstrate an actual audit of your system but another security SaaS solution, an auditor may question whether the security controls are actually effective.
Manual pentesting provides the testing needed to evaluate how the data is protected. It shows how systems behave under attack.
Although manual pentesting is not explicityly listed it is often assumed.
AI Pentesting Is a SaaS, Not an Audit
“AI-powered” or “automated” pentest tools promising results at a low price to prey on users looking to check the box. While these tools have their place—for continuous testing or baseline scanning they don’t meet the bar for some audits.
An AI-generated pentest report is a SaaS product. A manual pentest is part of the audit. If the goal is to check a box, automation might get you there. But if the goal is to validate real security and pass a credible audit, it needs to be human-led.
Why Are You Getting the Pentest?
Audits demand evidence of real security validation, and that means manual testing. It’s what auditors trust, it’s what frameworks increasingly expect, and it’s the only way to ensure that what gets tested truly reflects the organization’s risk.
MSP Pentesting recommends manual pentesting but offers both solutions. Get in touch today!
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