Ethical Hacking That Protects Your Business: Pen Testing Explained
Every system has weaknesses. What matters is who discovers them first.
Penetration testing or pen testing is the authorised hacking of your technology – your networks, your websites, your cloud setups and sometimes even your people.
These controlled, simulated cyberattacks are performed by cybersecurity professionals who aim to uncover your organisation’s weak spots before real attackers can. By revealing what a genuine threat actor could exploit, we empower you to fix issues before they turn into costly incidents.
Think of it as a health check and prescription for your IT.
RADSENTRY
Our RADSENTRY penetration testing service follows globally recognised frameworks such as OWASP, MITRE ATT&CK, and NIST to ensure every test is performed safely, consistently, and to international best-practice standards.
We target three main areas:
- External tests: Simulate attacks on public-facing assets like websites, servers, or email gateways to identify what outsiders could access.
- Internal tests: Assume an attacker has already gained entry (through a stolen laptop or insider threat) and explore what they could do from within.
- Cloud security tests: Review cloud configurations, identity and access controls, and data storage safety.
The Value of Compliance
Pen testing not only strengthens security but also supports regulatory compliance. By simulating real-world attacks, pen tests reveal where sensitive data could be exposed and help organisations put stronger controls in place to prevent that exposure. This ensures that private information remains confidential and only accessible to those authorised to see it.
As a Licensed Data Controller in Zimbabwe, we are positioned to help organisations meet both local and international data protection standards, using pen testing as a key tool to maintain secure, compliant systems.
Certain regulations explicitly require penetration testing. By combining human-led, expert testing with adherence to industry frameworks we help businesses not only meet compliance obligations but also reduce the risk of costly data breaches.
Our human-led testing approach combines automated precision with expert analysis to ensure findings are both accurate and actionable.
How a professional test works
Every professional penetration test follows a structured process to keep results meaningful and safe:
- Planning & Rules of Engagement: Define the scope, targets, timing and legal boundaries.
- Reconnaissance: Gather public information such as domains, IPs and employee emails.
- Vulnerability Analysis: Use automated tools and manual review to uncover weaknesses.
- Exploitation: Attempt controlled, safe attacks to confirm vulnerabilities are real.
- Post-Exploitation & Impact Analysis: Assess what data or systems could be accessed once inside.
- Reporting & Remediation Guidance: Provide a clear report with findings, severity ratings and actionable fixes.
Common Questions
> How often should we test?
At minimum annually and after major changes (new website, cloud migration, large software update). More frequently if you’re in a high-risk sector.
> Will testing break our systems?
A professional will plan safe tests and avoid disrupting production. Always agree to a scope and emergency contact beforehand.
> Who performs a penetration test?
Pen tests are carried out by certified cybersecurity professionals known as ethical hackers. They often hold credentials like OSCP, CEH or GPEN, and follow strict legal and ethical guidelines.
> What’s the difference between a vulnerability scan and a pen test?
A vulnerability scan is automated and identifies known issues, but it doesn’t prove whether those issues can actually be exploited. A penetration test simulates real-world attacks to determine how serious the weaknesses are and what damage an attacker could cause if they were exploited.
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Penetration testing is a practical, expert-led way to turn uncertainty into a clear action plan. Done correctly, it’s an investment that prevents costly breaches, builds customer trust and keeps your business running.
Schedule a meeting with our team today and find out more: [email protected]
