Network Penetration Testing
Comprehensive network security assessment covering external perimeter, internal infrastructure, and critical assets. Our certified professionals identify real exploitation paths before attackers do.
What Is Network Penetration Testing?
Network penetration testing is a controlled security assessment that simulates real-world attacks against your infrastructure. We attempt to gain unauthorized access to systems, escalate privileges, and move laterally across your network—just as a threat actor would. Our goal is to identify vulnerabilities and misconfigurations before criminals exploit them.
Unlike automated vulnerability scanning, our manual testing approach finds real exploitation chains. We don't just report that a service is outdated; we demonstrate how it can be exploited to compromise your systems.
Network testing is essential for organizations of any size. Your network is often the first target for attackers looking for initial access, sensitive data, or lateral movement to critical systems. A single weakness in network security can expose your entire infrastructure.
External vs. Internal Network Tests
External Network Testing
We test your network from the internet, the same perspective an attacker has. We discover exposed services, find misconfigurations in firewalls and edge devices, and attempt to exploit vulnerabilities to gain initial access.
Includes:
- Port scanning and service enumeration
- Firewall evasion techniques
- VPN and remote access testing
- DNS and domain security review
- Exploitation of known vulnerabilities
Internal Network Testing
Simulates an attacker who has already gained initial access to your network—whether through a compromised workstation, insider threat, or successful phishing. We test lateral movement, privilege escalation, and access to sensitive data.
Includes:
- Active Directory enumeration and attacks
- Lateral movement across network segments
- Privilege escalation paths
- Credential theft and reuse
- Access to sensitive systems and data
Most organizations benefit from both external and internal testing. Together, they provide comprehensive coverage of your network attack surface.
What We Test
Network Infrastructure
Firewalls, routers, switches, and network segmentation. We look for misconfigurations, weak ACLs, and improper network separation that could allow lateral movement.
Active Directory
Domain controller security, user account policies, privilege escalation paths, Kerberos attacks, and credential reuse. AD is often the crown jewel of network attacks.
Access Control Systems
VPN security, remote access protocols, MFA implementation, and authentication mechanisms. We test for bypass techniques and weak credential handling.
Credential Attacks
Password spray attacks, credential reuse, LLMNR/NBNS poisoning, and Kerberoasting. We identify weak password policies and credential exposure.
Wireless Networks
WiFi security testing, WPA2/WPA3 analysis, rogue access point detection, and guest network isolation. We verify your wireless doesn't become an attack vector.
Sensitive Data Access
File shares, databases, and data repositories. We test access controls and demonstrate what sensitive information is accessible to different user accounts.
Our Network Testing Process
1. Reconnaissance & Enumeration
We gather information about your network environment, including active systems, services, and network topology. For external tests, this is done from the internet. For internal tests, we begin with network mapping from a compromised position.
2. Vulnerability Discovery
We combine automated scanning with manual analysis to identify potential vulnerabilities. This includes outdated software, weak configurations, missing patches, and security misconfigurations.
3. Exploitation & Validation
For each vulnerability found, we attempt to exploit it to validate it's actually exploitable in your environment. We don't report theoretical vulnerabilities—only real, proven issues.
4. Post-Exploitation Testing
Once initial access is gained, we test for lateral movement, privilege escalation, data access, and persistence mechanisms. This shows the real-world impact of vulnerabilities in your environment.
5. Detailed Reporting
We deliver a comprehensive report with findings, severity ratings, reproduction steps, business impact, and remediation recommendations. Each issue is explained in terms your organization understands.
Network Penetration Testing Pricing
AI-Assisted Network Testing
From $500
Automated vulnerability scanning combined with AI analysis. Great for regular security assessments and compliance requirements.
Includes:
- Automated network scanning
- AI vulnerability prioritization
- Quick turnaround (1-2 weeks)
- Executive summary report
Manual Network Testing
From $2,000
In-depth manual testing by certified professionals. Discovers exploitation chains and real-world attack paths automated tools miss.
Includes:
- Full external & internal testing
- Lateral movement testing
- Privilege escalation attempts
- Detailed technical report
Pricing depends on network size, scope, and testing approach. Contact us for a custom quote based on your environment.
Compliance & Standards Coverage
Network penetration tests help satisfy security requirements across multiple compliance frameworks:
SOC 2 Type II
Demonstrates security controls through regular penetration testing and vulnerability assessment.
PCI DSS
Requirement 6.5 (injection flaws), 6.6 (security controls), and 11.3 (annual pen testing) satisfied.
HIPAA
Security Rule requires assessment of network infrastructure vulnerability and risk analysis.
ISO 27001
Annex A.12.6.1 requires vulnerability scanning and management testing controls.
NIST CSF 2.0
Governance (GV), Identify (ID), and Protect (PR) functions require regular security testing.
CMMC 2.0
Level 2 requires assessment and continuous monitoring of network security controls.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between external and internal network testing?
External testing evaluates your network perimeter from the internet, simulating an attacker trying to gain initial access. Internal testing assumes an attacker already has access and tests lateral movement, privilege escalation, and access to sensitive data from within your network.
How long does a network penetration test take?
Testing duration depends on your network size and complexity. AI-assisted tests typically take 1-2 weeks, while comprehensive manual tests take 2-4 weeks. We'll provide a specific timeline during the scoping phase based on your environment.
Do you test Active Directory during network pentesting?
Yes, Active Directory security is a critical component of internal network testing. We test domain controller security, privilege escalation paths, credential attacks (Kerberoasting, AS-REP roasting), and lateral movement through AD environments. See our internal pentesting service for details.
Will network testing impact my systems?
We take precautions to minimize impact, but penetration testing does involve active attack attempts that could affect systems. We coordinate with your team on timing, test with care to avoid data loss, and can perform testing during maintenance windows if needed. Scope and destructiveness are discussed during planning.
What compliance standards require network penetration testing?
Network pen tests satisfy requirements for SOC 2, PCI DSS, HIPAA, ISO 27001, NIST CSF 2.0, CMMC 2.0, and FedRAMP. Most frameworks require regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing as part of their security control framework.
Related Services
External Penetration Testing
Focused testing of your external network perimeter from the internet. Identify vulnerabilities attackers can exploit to gain initial access.
Internal Penetration Testing
Test lateral movement and privilege escalation from inside your network. Focus on Active Directory and sensitive systems.
Read more about network testing in our blog: External Network Testing | Internal Network Testing