A penetration test, or pentest, is a technical operation carried out by a cybersecurity professional to simulate a real attack on an information system, in a controlled environment.
What is a pentest?
Penetration testing is based on a precise methodology, aimed at finding exploitable flaws in a digital infrastructure. These may be technical vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, gaps in access policies or software development flaws. Pentesting can be external, when it targets services exposed on the Internet, or internal, when it simulates a scenario where the attacker already has access to the corporate network. It can also be application-based, focusing on a specific web or mobile application, or physical, when the aim is to test the resistance of physical access to a building or server room. The test takes place in several stages: reconnaissance, mapping, vulnerability analysis, controlled exploitation and detailed reporting. The result is not a simple list of vulnerabilities, but a concrete assessment of the real risk associated with each one, accompanied by appropriate recommendations.
The pentest is conducted by an ethical hacker, or pentesteur, whose role is to think and act like an attacker, while respecting a strict contractual framework. This offensive, yet controlled, approach provides organizations with a clear picture of their exposure to current cyberthreats. Companies that invest in this type of approach are part of a proactive cybersecurity strategy, aimed at detecting vulnerabilities before a malicious actor discovers them and exploits them for fraudulent purposes.
How to choose a slater
Choosing a penetration test provider is not just a question of price or location. Above all, it’s based on the assessment of solid technical skills, a proven methodology, the ability to deliver understandable and exploitable results, and an irreproachable ethical stance. A good slater masters the tools of analysis and exploitation, but doesn’t just execute them. They know how to interpret the results, contextualize the flaws identified, adapt their scenarios to the company’s business, and propose concrete avenues for remediation. They work within a framework of trust, with a clear commitment to the confidentiality of the data they handle.
A serious service provider will propose a precise framework for the mission, clearly defining the scope of the test, the conditions of execution, the tools to be used, the guarantees of non-destruction of data, and the means of reporting the results. The final report, a true strategic deliverable, must enable the technical teams to understand the origin of the vulnerabilities, their potential impact, and the actions to be taken to remedy them. The slater must also be able to talk to management teams, explaining safety issues in layman’s terms if necessary, without distorting the technical rigor of the analysis.
Whether to call on a freelancer, a specialized SME or a large cybersecurity company depends on the customer’s priorities. Some will prefer the flexibility and responsiveness of a recognized freelancer, while others will seek the capacity of a group to respond to complex audits over several weeks. Experience, past references, the ability to cover several types of tests, understanding of the customer’s business challenges, and the quality of post-audit follow-up are more relevant criteria than mere reputation.
Should I choose a Paris-based slater?
For an effective security audit, you don’t have to limit yourself to slotters located in Paris. Geographical location is no longer a decisive criterion, except in the case of strict constraints linked to physical presence on site, such as for certain physical intrusion tests or internal audits requiring direct access to equipment. In the majority of cases, and particularly for external pentests, applications or clouds, analysis can be carried out remotely with the same level of rigor. Many competent professionals are based in the regions or work from home, with levels of expertise equivalent to, or even superior to, those of Paris-based structures. Limiting your search to the Paris region can mean missing out on specialized, agile and available profiles, who offer quality support outside the traditional channels.
The choice of a consultant should therefore be based on his or her skills, reliability, methodology and the relevance of the results, and not on his or her postal address. It is often more effective to work with an independent professional based in the provinces, able to offer personalized support and a directly usable audit report, than with a large firm whose approach may be more standardized. What’s important is the service provider’s ability to understand the customer’s challenges, to adapt his approach to the realities on the ground, and to build a long-term relationship based on trust.