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.
Our bespoke CREST-accredited pen tests deliver clear insights into your security posture and the steps you need to take to strengthen your IT environment.
Why penetration testing matters for your business
As technology and AI evolve, so do cyber-attacks and threats, making it increasingly difficult to protect your systems and networks.
CloudTech24’s penetration testing services use the latest tools, frameworks, and methodologies (including stealth attacks, zero-day exploits, and social engineering techniques) to uncover vulnerabilities and mitigate vulnerabilities within your IT infrastructure.
Also known as ethical hacking or white-hat hacking, the goal is to uncover weaknesses or potential avenues of compromise and assess how each one could be exploited to gain unauthorised access to your company’s sensitive systems and data. The results of your pen test will reveal any gaps in your defences and deliver detailed insights plus actionable guidance on how to enhance compliance and resilience, minimise risk and improve your overall security posture.
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 pen testing – some of the most important include:
Improved security
- Identifies vulnerabilities: Penetration testing uncovers weaknesses and vulnerabilities in your systems, networks, and applications before 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/compliance requirements: Penetration testing may be required to comply with industry regulations and data protection laws.
- Demonstrates due diligence: By conducting regular penetration tests, organisations can demonstrate their commitment to cybersecurity and due diligence.
Cost-effective security
- Value for money: Detecting and addressing vulnerabilities early is more cost-effective than dealing with the aftermath of a serious security breach.
- Avoids financial loss: Preventing data breaches and their associated financial losses is a key benefit of penetration testing.
Continuous improvement
- Actionable recommendations: CloudTech24’s pentest reports include clear guidelines on improving security.
- Staying ahead: Regular pen testing helps you keep pace with evolving threats by identifying and addressing new vulnerabilities as they emerge.
Customer trust
- Protects your business reputation: By safeguarding sensitive information you maintain customer trust and brand reputation.
- Competitive advantage: Demonstrating a strong security posture can give you the competitive edge in the marketplace.
Peace of mind
- Confidence in security: Peace of mind knowing that your systems are regularly tested and fortified against cyber threats.
- Focus on business: With enhanced security, our customers can focus on their core business activities.
How to choose a penetration testing provider
Selecting the right pen testing partner is an important decision. When evaluating providers, it’s essential to evaluate costs, proven capabilities, reviews and accreditations.
An excellent place to start, is to ensure that all the providers on your shortlist 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 deliver reports you can rely on for compliance and remediation.
We would also recommend you consider the provider’s industry experience, their testing methodologies, and the clarity of their deliverables. You need to ensure you will receive a comprehensive, actionable report that enables your vulnerabilities to be effectively addressed.
Finally, evaluate the providers’ communication and post-test support. The best pentest partners act as trusted advisors rather than one-time vendors.
CREST-accredited
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.
Penetration testing process
Our penetration testing services follow a structured process.
The reconnaissance phase
In this 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. Depending on the task, this is done using tools such as Nessus, Nexpose, SNMP check, Hydra, and Metasploit (to name a few) or even manually. Our 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’ and use the vulnerabilities identified to gain access.
Maintaining access
The tester will try to discover the extent to which the identified weaknesses could be exploited by a hacker. The tester acts as a persistent cyber-attacker trying to access privileged areas of the network. This phase consists largely of maintaining access for as long as possible without being detected.
Covering tracks phase
This element of the pentest requires the tester to be proficient at permanently removing all evidence of the attack. If a real hacker doesn’t do this, then all their hard work could be in vain. Generally, this can be achieved 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.
What is Vonahi pen testing?
Vonahi’s vPentest is an advanced, automated penetration testing platform that simulates real-world cyber-attacks to uncover vulnerabilities across your network and delivers results in as little as 48 hours. As a trusted Vonahi partner, our Penetration Testing as a Service (PTaaS) solution helps businesses perform comprehensive internal and external network assessments using the same tactics and techniques employed by ethical hackers.
PTaaS is ideal for organisations requiring frequent, scalable, and compliance-driven pen testing. Whether adapting to ongoing infrastructure changes or meeting regulatory standards, CloudTech24 continuously monitors your systems to ensure they remain resilient against emerging cyber threats.
Book a discovery call
Book a time that works for you to talk to our sales team about how a team of global engineers from around the world deliver 24/7 cybersecurity and IT services.
FAQs: Penetration Testing Services
Take a look at some of the questions we receive about our penetration testing services. If you have a query we haven’t covered, please do contact us.
Who needs penetration testing services?
Cyber-attackers indiscriminately target organisations, so penetration tests are a valuable tool for most businesses. The number of hybrid and remote workers is rising, and with staff accessing sensitive company data from multiple devices, this has an impact on your vulnerability.
How much does penetration testing cost?
The cost of penetration testing depends on a number of factors but is primarily dictated by the scope and complexity of what is being tested, for example, testing a simple web application versus 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.
Penetration testing is an investment in proactive security, preventing costs that would be incurred coping with a major cyber-attack.
How often should pen testing be carried out?
The optimum frequency of your pen tests will depend on your organisation size, the sensitivity of your data and any changes you make to your overall security strategy.
A good starting point is once every 3-6 months for smaller businesses with limited liability or less sensitive information. Larger organisations are likely to benefit from pen testing every quarter, especially if implementing new systems or applications or making changes to network infrastructure on a regular basis.
Don’t wait for an annual review to conduct a penetration test. If you are concerned there may be a security flaw in your organisation or network, it is much better to address this immediately.
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 pen test, or PCI compliance test, refers to an 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.
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 vulnerability assessments. CloudTech24 has been independently assessed against rigorous standards. We are CREST-accredited for penetration testing and vulnerability assessments.
How does PTaaS work?
As opposed to regular pen tests, which are performed at intervals on a project-by-project basis, Pentesting as a Service (PTaaS) works by running pen tests continuously on a schedule agreed with the client.
CloudTech24 has platforms where we can provide ongoing penetration testing, ensuring your business is regularly evaluated for new cyber-threats and proactively protected.
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
CloudTech24 were more expensive than my previous provide but quickly identified security issues with our setup, since transitioning to them we are assured of the capabilities of the team and the protection they offer, to allow us to concentrate on running the business
We recently had an issue with a potential breach, which they responded to immediately and gave us advice and best practice guidance. It’s one of the few renewals I have no problem signing off when it arrives!
They provide high-quality advice, excellent IT support, and fast service.
CloudTech24’s speedy response to questions is impressive.
Great team, fast support A+
We’ve been really impressed with CloudTech24 and the support they’ve provided to our business. They took over the management of our Microsoft 365 provisioning, backups, security, and 24-hour IT support, making the whole process seamless and straightforward.
Their team has been professional, responsive, and knowledgeable, giving us peace of mind that our systems and data are being properly looked after. Having reliable 24-hour IT support available has also made a big difference to our day-to-day operations.
We would definitely recommend CloudTech24 to any business looking for a dependable IT partner.
Fantastic team always sort out our problems fast
Great service from these guys. Very responsive, helpful, knowledgable and technically competent – we get excellent IT support from them.
Received detailed information and feedback that was clearly explained in a timely manner.
What a great team! I can’t recommend them highly enough.
Very helpful and resolved my issues quickly. Many thanks
Very helpful team, provided quick responses and services, highly recommend!
Great Team and services!
CloudTech24 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.
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.
Quick support by Ralph. Smooth service amidst difficult technicalities
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.
Very speedy response team
CloudTech24 always delivers on time.
We recently made the transition from an in-house IT setup to working with CloudTech24 as our first ever outsourced IT provider and we couldn’t be happier with the decision. From the very start, their professionalism, expertise and attention to detail have been outstanding.
Their knowledge of Microsoft 365 is second to none, but what really stands out is that their skills and support stretch far beyond that. They’ve guided us smoothly through the transition, provided clear advice at every stage and are always on hand when we need them.
It’s a huge reassurance knowing that as a client we can rely on them not just to fix issues, but to proactively keep our systems running at their best. They’ve genuinely raised the bar for what IT support should look like and we’d highly recommend them to any business looking for a reliable, knowledgeable and supportive partner.
Extremely quick and efficient response
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.
Quick response
Excellent team to work with. Customers are really at the core of what they do!
Understood the pain point, fixed it, job done!
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CloudTech24 manage our ICT equipment end-to-end, from sourcing and configuring laptops and devices to installing software, security tools and updates before issuing equipment to staff. New starters receive devices ready to use from day one, making onboarding smooth and efficient.
Their remote support is excellent, allowing issues to be resolved quickly with minimal disruption. The CloudTech24 team are responsive, knowledgeable and communicate clearly when supporting staff.
They also provide valuable business continuity support through spare laptops and rapid replacement arrangements, helping minimise downtime when issues arise.
CloudTech24 has also been instrumental in strengthening our cyber security, particularly through our Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus journey. Their guidance, expertise and proactive approach have been invaluable.
Day-to-day support is consistently strong. They respond promptly to tickets, assist with troubleshooting, proactively flag suspicious emails and potential phishing attempts, and help us maintain a secure IT environment.
The account management is excellent. Our account manager understands our organisation, is responsive to our needs and acts as a trusted adviser rather than simply a supplier.
What stands out most is that CloudTech24 feels like an extension of our team. They are proactive, reliable and genuinely invested in helping us improve our IT infrastructure, security and ways of working.
Overall, we’ve been extremely happy with CloudTech24 and would have no hesitation in recommending them. Having worked in finance and operations for over 20 years and worked with a number of IT support providers during my career, I would say CloudTech24 has been the best IT partner I’ve worked with.