Penetration Testing Services
How easy would it be for a hacker to gain access to your IT systems?
CloudTech24 uses the latest pen testing techniques to simulate real‑world attacks and uncover vulnerabilities in your environment.
Why penetration testing matters for your business
Penetration testing is used to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities within your IT infrastructure. Also known as ethical hacking or white-hat hacking, the goal is to uncover every potential avenue of compromise and assess how each one could be exploited to gain unauthorised access to your company’s sensitive systems and data.
Cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving, and technology is advancing faster than ever, making it increasingly challenging to protect networks from external attacks. We utilise the latest tools, frameworks, and methodologies to uncover vulnerabilities, including stealth attacks, zero-day exploits, social engineering techniques, and more.
Penetration testing not only identifies weaknesses that could allow hackers to gain entry but also provides the detailed insights needed to strengthen your overall security posture and minimise risk. The results of a penetration test reveal gaps in your defences while delivering actionable guidance to enhance compliance, resilience, and long-term protection.
Whether you’re a growing business or an established enterprise, penetration testing is essential for staying ahead of cybercriminals and safeguarding your reputation, data, and operations.
Benefits of penetration testing services
There are several clear benefits of penetration testing to your overall organisations security posture and resilience – some of the most important include:
Improved security
- Identifies Vulnerabilities: Penetration testing uncovers weaknesses and vulnerabilities in your systems, networks, and applications before malicious hackers can exploit them.
- Enhances Defence: By addressing vulnerabilities and strengthening security measures, your organisation can better protect sensitive data and assets.
Risk reduction
- Risk Assessment: Penetration testing assesses potential risks and the impact of security flaws, helping organisations make informed decisions about risk management.
- Prevents Data Breaches: Mitigating security vulnerabilities through penetration testing reduces the likelihood of data breaches, safeguarding customer trust and reputation.
Compliance and regulation
- Meets Regulatory Requirements: Penetration testing is often required to comply with industry regulations and data protection laws, ensuring legal and regulatory compliance.
- Demonstrates Due Diligence: By conducting regular penetration tests, organisations can demonstrate their commitment to cybersecurity and due diligence.
Cost-effective security
- Cost Savings: Detecting and addressing vulnerabilities early in the development process is more cost-effective than dealing with the aftermath of a security breach.
- Avoids Financial Loss: Preventing data breaches and financial losses due to cyberattacks is one of the most significant cost-saving benefits of penetration testing.
Continuous improvement
- Actionable Recommendations: Penetration testing provides organisations with actionable recommendations to improve security, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Staying Ahead: Regular pen testing helps organisations stay ahead of evolving threats by identifying and addressing new vulnerabilities as they emerge.
Customer trust
- Protects Reputation: Successful penetration testing helps maintain customer trust and brand reputation, as it shows a commitment to safeguarding sensitive information.
- Competitive Advantage: Demonstrating a strong security posture can give organisations a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
Peace of mind
- Confidence in Security: Knowing that your systems are regularly tested and fortified against cyber threats provides peace of mind for both businesses and customers.
- Focus on Business: With enhanced security, organisations can focus on their core business activities without the constant fear of cyberattacks.
How to choose a penetration testing provider
Selecting the right penetration testing partner is an important decision. When evaluating providers, it’s essential to evaluate costs, proven capabilities, reviews and accreditations.
Start by narrowing your options to accredited providers that meet recognised security standards such as CREST. Having relevant penetration testing accreditation ensures the provider has been externally validated for their services and that they follow proven methodologies, employ qualified professionals, and delivers reports you can rely on for compliance and remediation.
Also consider the provider’s experience within your industry, their testing methodologies, and the clarity of their deliverables, comprehensive, actionable reports are crucial for addressing vulnerabilities effectively. Finally, evaluate their communication and post-test support, as the best partners act as trusted advisors rather than one-time vendors.
CloudTech24 is a CREST-accredited penetration testing company operating in full alignment with PCI DSS, CREST, and ISO 27001 standards. Our team of certified ethical hackers brings extensive industry experience and continuously updates their skills to stay ahead of emerging threats, ensuring no vulnerability is overlooked.
CREST penetration testing
CREST is the gold‑standard accreditation for cybersecurity penetration testing, recognised globally for its rigorous technical, legal, and ethical standards. CloudTech24 is a CREST‑accredited penetration testing provider, validated to deliver high‑integrity security assessments that meet the expectations of regulators and auditors.
Our CREST‑certified penetration testers are vetted, experienced professionals who combine deep technical skill with structured, framework‑aligned methodologies to simulate real‑world attacks against your systems. We continually review our pen testing processes and invest in staff development to ensure our CREST‑accredited services not only meet but exceed the standards set by the accreditation, helping our business to support through our penetration testing engagements.
What are the different types of penetration testing?
Penetration testing follows a similar process to vulnerability scanning but takes the assessment further by actively attempting to exploit identified weaknesses. The goal is to gain access to systems and data that should normally be inaccessible, even under the assumption of unlimited time and resources.
These tests target network assets such as servers, workstations, and associated services (including FTP, SMTP, HTTP, as well as database services like MSSQL and MySQL). Throughout the process, controlled attack simulations are performed using a range of techniques to test the effectiveness of your organisation’s defences.
Different penetration testing methodologies focus on uncovering specific types of vulnerabilities, and each assessment is tailored to your environment and security objectives. Once we understand your requirements, we can determine which approach best meets your needs.
The most common types of security penetration tests include:
Penetration testing process
Our penetration testing services follow a structured process.
The reconnaissance phase
In the recon phase, our ‘would-be attacker’ gathers information about the target system to decide how best to exploit it later. The information gathered depends on what kind of vulnerability we’re looking for (whether it’s an authentication or configuration problem) and what type of pen test/audit we are performing
Scanning
The scanning phase consists of identifying vulnerabilities in the target system. This is done using tools such as Nessus, Nexpose, SNMP check, Hydra, and Metasploit (to name a few) or even manually. There are countless web application scanning tools available and knowing which one to use depends on the task. Most pen testers will conduct a static or dynamic analysis. If there is an upgrade in the system, the scan will also look for old security patches that a hacker could exploit.
Gaining access
This stage involves accessing the system using information from the scanning stage. Once we’ve identified the entry points, we can exploit these vulnerabilities using techniques like SQL map, Metasploit, SQL injection, etc. This is where we actually perform the attack. The important part about this phase is not just finding a vulnerability but also knowing how to use it.
Maintaining access
The tester will try to discover how much hackers can exploit the identified weakness. The tester acts as a persistent attacker trying to access privileged areas of the network. This phase consists largely of maintaining access for as long as possible without being detected.
One example of this technique is using worms – think of malware that spreads across an entire network without any user interaction required. They can help increase your attack surface by automatically finding new vulnerabilities in other systems, all the while hiding the fact that it’s an attack
Covering tracks phase
This phase requires proficiency in removing all evidence of the attack for good – if a hacker doesn’t, then all their hard work could be in vain. Generally, this is done by deleting logs, removing or disabling security software, and hiding files/folders so they can’t be found.
Analysis and reporting
In the final stage, we provide a comprehensive report that breaks down our findings along with a list of prioritised, actionable recommendations to strengthen your security posture. Identifying the vulnerabilities is just the starting point for sealing the holes in your system and reducing the risk of a cyber-breach.
What is Vonahi pen testing?
Vonahi’s vPentest is an advanced, automated penetration testing platform that simulates real-world cyberattacks to uncover vulnerabilities across your network. Delivering results in as little as 48 hours, it provides clear, actionable insights to strengthen your organisation’s security posture. As a trusted Vonahi partner, CloudTech24 helps businesses perform comprehensive internal and external network assessments using the same tactics and techniques employed by ethical hackers — from exploiting misconfigurations to testing privilege escalation pathways.
Our Penetration Testing as a Service (PTaaS) solution is ideal for organisations requiring frequent, scalable, and compliance-driven testing. Whether adapting to ongoing infrastructure changes or meeting regulatory standards, CloudTech24 ensures your systems remain continuously monitored and resilient against emerging threats.
CloudTech24 penetration testing services
The digital landscape evolves every day, and with innovation comes new cybersecurity risks. As your business expands and your IT infrastructure grows, maintaining control of your security posture requires a proactive approach to assessing vulnerabilities.
CloudTech24 provides complete pen testing services to identify vulnerabilities before attackers do. By simulating real-world cyberattacks, our experts uncover weaknesses in your network, systems, and applications, ensuring your client and organisational data remain secure.
Our detailed pentest reports provide clear insights and practical recommendations, helping you prioritise resources, meet compliance requirements, and continuously strengthen your defences.
Speak with the CloudTech24 team today to discuss how we can protect your organisation with premium penetration testing services.
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FAQs: Penetration Testing Services
Who needs penetration testing?
If your company or organisation uses any IT infrastructure to conduct business operations, you’re susceptible to cyber-attacks and thus should have pen tests. More businesses are embracing remote working with staff accessing sensitive company data from multiple devices, increasing cyber security vulnerability. Businesses ranging from hospitals, financial institutions, and ecommerce platforms to retailers in various industries can all benefit from penetration testing services.
How much does penetration testing cost?
The cost of penetration testing can vary widely and is contingent on several factors, primarily dictated by the scope and complexity of what is being tested. Testing a simple web application may be less expensive compared to conducting a comprehensive assessment of an entire network infrastructure. Factors such as the size of the organisation, the depth of the testing, and the specific methodologies employed all play a role in determining the cost. While some may perceive penetration testing as an upfront expense, it’s essential to view it as an investment in proactive security.
How often should pen testing be carried out?
The frequency of your tests will depend on several factors, including the size of your business, the sensitivity of your data and any changes you make to your overall security strategy. A good starting point is once every few months for smaller businesses with limited liability or less sensitive information. Larger organisations are more likely to see benefits from carrying out pen testing every quarter, especially if they implement new systems or applications regularly and make changes to their network infrastructure. Remember that you do not need to wait for an annual review to conduct a penetration test. If you feel that there may be a security flaw in your organisation or network, it is always better to address this sooner rather than later.
Is penetration testing legal in the UK?
Penetration testing is generally legal in the UK, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind. It’s crucial to have explicit permission from the owner of the system or network being tested. Unauthorised penetration testing can potentially lead to legal consequences, as it may be considered a violation of computer misuse laws.
What is a PCI pen test?
A PCI test, or PCI compliance test, refers to a assessment designed to evaluate and ensure adherence to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). This standard sets requirements for organisations that handle credit card transactions to protect cardholder data and prevent security breaches. A PCI test typically involves assessing an organisation’s systems, processes, and controls to verify compliance with these standards.
What is CREST certification?
CREST certification is an internationally recognised accreditation from the Council of Registered Ethical Security Testers (CREST), a non-profit body that sets professional standards for cybersecurity services like penetration testing, incident response, and threat intelligence. CloudTech24 is a CREST-certified penetration tester, independently verified by an awarding body.
How does PTaaS work?
Pentesting as a Service (PTaaS) works by running pen tests continuously on a schedule agreed with the client. As opposed to regular pen tests, which are performed at intervals on a project-by-project basis. CloudTech24 have platforms where we can provide scheduled penetration testing to ensure your business is regularly evaluated for new threats.
Trusted by over 250 companies globally
More than 250 companies trust us to manage their IT and cybersecurity. We’re known for our rapid response and friendly service. Not tech savvy? No problem; we explain what we’re doing in plain English, so you know what to expect and have clear timelines. You’ll always receive a warm welcome from our team.
What our clients say about us
I work directly with CloudTech24 as a vendor of theirs, CloudTech24 are a very mature and forward thinking MSP. Their processes are carefully mapped out and diligently analysed – they carefully leverage AI and automation to assist with their day-to-day offerings with the customer as the forefront of their decision making.
I had full confidence when first dealing with the team at CloudTech24 as their communication from start to finish was exceptional and made me feel at ease. When IT is an essential part of business, it can be stressful when things go wrong but with CloudTech24 they have regularly exceeded my expectations.
Swift response and resolution to any issues. The Service Desk team are always proactive and helpful.
I had a fantastic experience when dealing with CloudTech24. Their team are quick, knowledgeable and friendly and they solved my issue very promptly.
We’ve partnered with CloudTech for many years now, and the team are always super friendly and are experts at what they do.
We’ve partnered with CloudTech24 for several years, and they always go above and beyond for their clients. They are a pleasure to work with, and we would 100% recommend them to anyone looking for IT support!
We’ve had the pleasure of partnering with CloudTech24 for several years, and it’s a relationship we genuinely value. They’re a fantastic team, always going the extra mile for their clients and bringing real care to everything they do. Great people, great attitude, and a joy to work alongside.
The team have been great! Very easy to work with and keep things as simple as possible for me. Thanks again 🙏🏼
Working with CloudTech24 has been a genuinely smooth and valuable experience from start to finish. The onboarding process was structured and efficient, with the team taking time to fully understand our setup, risks, and goals before implementing any solutions.
Day-to-day, their support has been consistently reliable. Issues are handled quickly, often before they become real problems, and there’s a clear proactive approach rather than just reactive fixes.
Their cybersecurity expertise has also added a strong layer of confidence, we know our systems, data, and users are properly protected.
What stands out most is the level of service. Communication is clear, response times are fast, and nothing feels like too much trouble. They operate more like an extension of our team than an external provider, which makes a big difference.
Overall, it’s taken a lot of stress away from managing IT internally and allowed us to focus on growing the business, knowing everything behind the scenes is in safe hands.
Long Term Customer of Cloudtech24 – since November 2019.
Always answer the questions, they are always happy to bounce ideas off.
Seem to be very knowledgeable and on top of their game.
Responsive and friendly team
CloudTech24 have been a huge support to Positively Adam, providing reliable IT and cybersecurity services here in London.
From day one, their approach has been proactive rather than reactive. Their 24/7 support gives real peace of mind, issues are handled quickly, communication is clear, and nothing feels left hanging. It’s reassuring to know our systems are constantly monitored and protected.
They’ve strengthened our Microsoft 365 setup, tightened our security, and made our overall IT infrastructure far more streamlined and resilient. Most importantly, they explain everything in straightforward terms, which makes decision-making easy and stress-free.
If you’re looking for an IT partner that genuinely adds value and helps your business run smoothly, I highly recommend CloudTech24.
We’ve been working with CloudTech24 for our IT support and cybersecurity in London, and the service has been outstanding.
Their 24/7 support genuinely makes a difference. Any issues are picked up quickly, resolved efficiently, and communicated clearly, no chasing, no confusion. You can tell they proactively monitor systems rather than just reacting when something breaks.
What really stands out is their professionalism and technical expertise. From Microsoft 365 support to strengthening our overall cybersecurity posture, everything feels structured, secure, and well-managed. They explain technical matters in plain English, which is invaluable for non-technical teams.
If you’re a London-based business looking for reliable, proactive IT support that actually feels like a partnership rather than a helpdesk, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend CloudTech24.
CT24 have regularly provided outstanding support. The team are always responsive, polite, helpful and a pleasure to work with. A big thanks to all the team!
great job and helped me out.
Setting up a new business can be daunting but the team at CT24 assisted me with all the tech set up. Their response time in amazing, they were calm and patient with my million questions. I cannot recommend them more highly.
I can’t say enough nice things about CloudTech24 IT support. For the past year of working with them, they have always responded professionally and quickly. A little shoutout to Ethan who helped me resolve an issue today. He stayed on the call with me until the issue was resolved. When things aren’t working… you want an IT company that can resolve issues quickly, highly recommend them. I’m located in Denver, CO.
Excellent service.
This service works well.
Quick response to resolve my issue, thank you!
Great service. Ethan is very helpful
Fast
Best IT support!
I’ll definitely use this again.
Always great service. Speedy, patient and helpful
Long term customer of Cloudtech24 – today was particularly useful as there is no one as nerdy as me in our company, and it was good just to bounce the problem off the team. I eventually found the answer myself – sort of ‘once you have excluded everything that should be causing it, you’re left with what it couldn’t be’. And it was!
Helpful & cheerful as always thank you Yassi
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