Threat Led Penetration Testing
Transform your security posture with intelligence-driven penetration testing that mirrors real-world attacks. Our threat-led approach delivers precise, actionable insights that align your cybersecurity investments with actual risks, not theoretical vulnerabilities.
Comprehensive Penetration Testing Services
Our complete range of penetration testing services covers all aspects of your digital infrastructure with specialised methodologies for each testing domain
Threat Led Penetration Testing
Advanced testing methodology that simulates real-world attack scenarios specific to your industry threat landscape and business context.
Methodology:
Intelligence-driven testing approach combining threat actor profiling, attack path modelling, and scenario-based testing. Utilises current threat intelligence to simulate techniques, tactics and procedures (TTPs) used by threat actors targeting your industry.
- Industry-Specific Threat Modelling
- Advanced Persistent Threat Simulation
- Supply Chain Attack Scenarios
- Targeted Social Engineering
- Zero-Day Vulnerability Research
Red Team Exercises
Advanced adversarial simulation testing detection, response capabilities, and security maturity using real-world attack scenarios.
Methodology:
MITRE ATT&CK framework-based methodology simulating advanced persistent threats (APTs), multi-stage attacks, persistence mechanisms, and testing incident response capabilities with realistic attack scenarios.
- APT Simulation Testing
- Multi-Stage Attack Scenarios
- Persistence & Stealth Testing
- Incident Response Testing
- Security Maturity Assessment
Purple Team Exercises
Collaborative security testing combining red team attack simulation with blue team defence to improve detection and response capabilities.
Methodology:
Collaborative approach where red team attackers work alongside blue team defenders to test, validate, and improve security controls, detection rules, and incident response procedures in real-time.
- Real-Time Attack & Defence
- Detection Rule Validation
- Security Control Testing
- Incident Response Improvement
- Knowledge Transfer Sessions
Web Application Penetration Testing
Comprehensive security testing of web applications using OWASP methodology to identify vulnerabilities before attackers do.
Methodology:
OWASP Testing Guide, ASVS verification, comprehensive security analysis combined with manual testing techniques including authentication bypass, session management flaws, injection attacks, and business logic vulnerabilities.
- SQL Injection & NoSQL Testing
- Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
- Authentication & Session Management
- Business Logic Flaw Assessment
- API Security Testing
Network Penetration Testing
External and internal network security assessments following NIST and PTES methodologies to identify infrastructure vulnerabilities.
Methodology:
PTES (Penetration Testing Execution Standard) methodology including reconnaissance, scanning, enumeration, vulnerability assessment, exploitation, and post-exploitation activities with detailed network mapping.
- External Perimeter Testing
- Internal Network Segmentation
- Privilege Escalation Testing
- Lateral Movement Assessment
- Network Device Configuration Review
Mobile Application Security Testing
Comprehensive security assessment of iOS and Android applications following OWASP Mobile Security Testing Guide (MSTG).
Methodology:
OWASP MSTG framework covering static and dynamic analysis, runtime testing, binary analysis, network communication assessment, and platform-specific security controls validation.
- Static & Dynamic Code Analysis
- Runtime Application Self-Protection
- Data Storage Security
- Network Communication Security
- Authentication & Cryptography
Cloud Security Assessment
Multi-cloud security assessment covering AWS, Azure, and GCP using cloud-specific security frameworks and best practices.
Methodology:
Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) framework, NIST Cloud Computing Security, provider-specific security benchmarks (CIS), configuration review, identity and access management assessment, and serverless security analysis.
- Multi-Cloud Environment Assessment
- IAM & Access Control Review
- Container & Kubernetes Security
- Serverless Security Testing
- Cloud Storage Security Assessment
Infrastructure Security Testing
Comprehensive security assessment of critical infrastructure including servers, databases, and operational technology (OT) systems.
Methodology:
Multi-layered infrastructure testing approach covering server hardening, database security, virtualisation platforms, and industrial control systems using NIST frameworks and industry-specific standards.
- Server Hardening Assessment
- Database Security Testing
- Virtualisation Security
- OT/ICS Security Testing
- Critical Infrastructure Protection
Wireless Security Assessment
Comprehensive wireless network security testing including WiFi, Bluetooth, and IoT device security assessment.
Methodology:
802.11 security testing methodology covering WPA/WPA2/WPA3 security, enterprise wireless assessment, rogue access point detection, and wireless client security testing using specialized tools and techniques.
- Enterprise Wireless Security
- Guest Network Assessment
- Rogue Access Point Detection
- Wireless Client Security
- IoT Device Security Testing
API Security Testing
Specialized security testing of REST, GraphQL, and SOAP APIs following OWASP API Security Top 10 methodology.
Methodology:
OWASP API Security Testing methodology including authentication testing, authorization bypass, input validation, rate limiting, error handling assessment, and API-specific business logic testing.
- REST API Security Assessment
- GraphQL Security Testing
- Authentication & Authorization
- Rate Limiting & Throttling
- API Gateway Security
Social Engineering Assessment
Human element security testing including phishing campaigns, physical security assessment, and social engineering awareness testing.
Methodology:
Multi-vector social engineering methodology including email phishing, vishing (voice phishing), smishing (SMS phishing), physical security testing, and social media reconnaissance to test human security controls.
- Email Phishing Campaigns
- Voice & SMS Phishing
- Physical Security Assessment
- Social Media Intelligence
- Security Awareness Testing
Supply Chain Security Assessment
Comprehensive security evaluation of third-party vendors, software dependencies, and supply chain attack vectors.
Methodology:
End-to-end supply chain risk assessment including vendor security posture evaluation, software composition analysis, dependency scanning, and third-party integration security testing.
- Vendor Risk Assessment
- Software Composition Analysis
- Third-Party Integration Testing
- Dependency Vulnerability Scanning
- Supply Chain Attack Simulation
OT/ICS Penetration Testing
Specialized security testing of Operational Technology and Industrial Control Systems to ensure critical infrastructure protection.
Methodology:
ICS/SCADA security testing methodology following NIST guidelines and IEC 62443 standards, including network segmentation analysis, HMI security testing, and protocol-specific vulnerability assessment.
- SCADA System Assessment
- HMI Security Testing
- Network Segmentation Analysis
- Industrial Protocol Testing
- Safety System Impact Analysis
Maritime Penetration Testing
Comprehensive security assessment of maritime vessel systems, navigation equipment, and port infrastructure technology.
Methodology:
Maritime cybersecurity framework covering vessel IT/OT systems, satellite communications, navigation systems, cargo management systems, and port interface security following IMO guidelines.
- Navigation System Security
- Satellite Communication Testing
- Ship-to-Shore Interface Assessment
- ECDIS & GPS Security
- Maritime Protocol Analysis
Super Yacht Penetration Testing
Specialized security testing for luxury yacht technology systems including entertainment, navigation, and guest networks.
Methodology:
Luxury vessel security assessment covering guest and crew networks, entertainment systems, satellite communications, navigation equipment, and luxury automation systems with discretion and minimal service disruption.
- Guest Network Security
- Entertainment System Assessment
- Satellite Communication Security
- Luxury Automation Testing
- Crew System Segregation
Family Office Security Testing
Discreet security assessments for ultra-high-net-worth family offices protecting sensitive financial and personal information.
Methodology:
Confidential security testing approach designed for UHNW families covering wealth management systems, personal data protection, family communication platforms, and private staff access controls with utmost discretion.
- Wealth Management Security
- Personal Data Protection
- Family Communication Security
- Staff Access Control Assessment
- Confidential Asset Protection
MDR/SOC/XDR Validation Testing
Test the effectiveness of your security operations centre or managed detection and response service with realistic attack simulations
What is Security Solution Validation?
Security Solution Validation Testing evaluates the effectiveness of your Managed Detection and Response (MDR), Security Operations Centre (SOC), or Extended Detection and Response (XDR) services through controlled attack simulations.
Unlike traditional penetration testing which focuses on finding vulnerabilities, validation testing specifically targets your security operations capability by using known attack methods to stress test detection and response systems. We simulate real threat actor behaviour to evaluate whether your SOC can identify, analyse, and respond to threats effectively.
This targeted approach tests the human and technological elements of your security operations, validating alert quality, investigation procedures, escalation processes, and incident response capabilities. We measure detection coverage, response times, and the accuracy of threat classification to ensure your security investment delivers real protection.
The testing methodology focuses on realistic attack scenarios that mirror current threat landscapes, ensuring your security team can handle sophisticated adversaries who use legitimate tools and living-off-the-land techniques to evade traditional security controls.
Detection Testing
Simulate realistic attack techniques to test if your security solution can detect malicious activities across endpoints, network, and cloud environments.
Response Validation
Evaluate the quality and speed of your security team's incident response, including alert triage, investigation, and containment actions.
Time-to-Detection
Measure how quickly threats are detected and escalated, ensuring your security solution meets agreed service level objectives.
Common Validation Scenarios
Credential Theft & Lateral Movement
Simulate credential harvesting and lateral movement across your network
Malware Deployment & Persistence
Test detection of various malware families and persistence techniques
Data Exfiltration
Validate detection of sensitive data being stolen from your environment
Living-off-the-Land Attacks
Use legitimate tools for malicious purposes to test advanced detection
Cloud & Container Attacks
Test cloud-specific attack detection and container security monitoring
Supply Chain Compromises
Simulate third-party compromise and software supply chain attacks
Insider Threat Simulation
Test detection of malicious insider activities and privilege abuse
Advanced Persistent Threats
Multi-stage attack campaigns simulating real APT group tactics
Validate Investment
Ensure your security solution provides the protection you're paying for. This is particularly critical for third-party SOC services where you're trusting external teams with your security monitoring. Validation testing provides independent verification that your SOC provider delivers on their service level agreements and can effectively protect your organisation.
Identify Gaps
Discover blind spots in your detection and response capabilities
Improve Coverage
Work with your security provider to enhance detection rules and processes
Measure Performance
Benchmark response times against industry standards and SLAs
Specialised Regulatory Compliance Testing
Expert penetration testing services for regulated industries with specific compliance requirements across different jurisdictions
DORA (Digital Operational Resilience Act)
Comprehensive EU regulation mandating operational resilience requirements for financial entities, including mandatory penetration testing and third-party risk management.
Key Requirements:
Testing Requirements:
Annual penetration testing with threat-led scenarios, comprehensive ICT risk assessment, incident reporting within 4 hours, and stringent third-party ICT service provider oversight with contractual arrangements.
Scope & Coverage:
All EU financial institutions including banks, insurance companies, investment firms, payment institutions, e-money institutions, crypto-asset service providers, and critical ICT third-party service providers.
Penalties:
Up to 1% of annual turnover or €1 million
TIBER-EU (Threat Intelligence-based Ethical Red Team)
ECB-developed framework for controlled, bespoke, intelligence-led cyber attack simulations against live production systems of systemically important financial institutions.
Key Requirements:
Testing Requirements:
Multi-phase testing including threat intelligence gathering, scenario development, red team attack simulation, and blue team response evaluation with real-time monitoring and controlled environment testing.
Scope & Coverage:
Systemically important financial institutions, financial market infrastructures, central banks, and critical service providers supporting EU financial sector operations.
VARA (Virtual Assets Regulation Authority)
Comprehensive regulatory framework for virtual asset service providers operating in Abu Dhabi, requiring robust cybersecurity measures and regular security assessments.
Key Requirements:
Testing Requirements:
Quarterly penetration testing, comprehensive security architecture reviews, mandatory incident response testing, continuous security monitoring, and detailed risk assessments for virtual asset platforms and custody solutions.
Scope & Coverage:
Cryptocurrency exchanges, digital wallet providers, token issuers, virtual asset custodians, and other virtual asset service providers operating in or from the ADGM special economic zone.
DFSA (Dubai Financial Services Authority)
Regulatory framework governing financial institutions in DIFC, mandating comprehensive cybersecurity risk management and regular penetration testing for operational resilience.
Key Requirements:
Testing Requirements:
Annual comprehensive cybersecurity assessments, penetration testing of all critical systems, third-party security assessments, incident response capability testing, and ongoing security monitoring programmes.
Scope & Coverage:
Banks, insurance companies, asset managers, capital market institutions, and all other financial service providers operating within the Dubai International Financial Centre jurisdiction.
Our Penetration Testing Methodology
Structured approach following industry-standard frameworks including OWASP, NIST, PTES, and MITRE ATT&CK
Pre-Engagement & Scoping
Comprehensive project scoping, legal agreements, rules of engagement definition, and testing methodology selection based on specific requirements and compliance needs.
Intelligence Gathering & Reconnaissance
Passive and active information gathering using OSINT techniques, network reconnaissance, and target profiling to understand the attack surface and potential entry points.
Threat Modelling & Attack Planning
Development of attack scenarios based on relevant threat actors, creation of attack trees, and prioritisation of testing activities based on business risk and threat landscape.
Vulnerability Discovery & Analysis
Systematic vulnerability identification using automated tools and manual testing techniques, vulnerability validation, and impact assessment with detailed technical analysis.
Exploitation & Post-Exploitation
Careful exploitation of discovered vulnerabilities to demonstrate real-world impact, privilege escalation testing, persistence mechanisms, and lateral movement assessment.
Reporting & Recommendations
Comprehensive reporting with executive summary, detailed technical findings, risk ratings, remediation guidance, and strategic security recommendations.
Remediation Support & Validation
90-day support period for remediation assistance, re-testing of fixed vulnerabilities, and validation of implemented security controls to ensure effective remediation.
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