Penetration Testing Cycle overview

Semi-annual workflow where authorised security professionals attempt to compromise production or staging systems to identify exploitable vulnerabilities before malicious actors do. The cycle begins with scoping — defining targets, rules of engagement, and success criteria with security and legal stakeholders. An external penetration testing firm or internal red team conducts the test over a defined window using agreed methodologies. Findings are documented in a penetration test report with severity ratings, proof-of-concept evidence, and remediation guidance. Engineering teams prioritise and remediate findings, and a retest validates critical fixes. Results inform the vulnerability management programme and security roadmap.