Fresh Blood: Why Changing Pentest Providers Can Improve Your Security Posture

Penetration testing (pentesting) is a crucial component of an effective security program. It involves simulating an attack on an organization's network or systems to identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious actors. A pentest can help identify security weaknesses that may have been overlooked or not yet discovered, allowing the organization to address them before they can be exploited.

While pentesting is essential, the process is not perfect. The effectiveness of a pentest depends largely on the experience, skillset, and methodology of the provider. Therefore, it is important to consider changing pentest providers from time to time to mitigate the human factor, reduce pricing, and improve the security level.

Here are some reasons why changing pentest providers is a good idea.

Mitigate the human factor

Pentesting is often carried out by human experts, and while they can be highly skilled and experienced, they are still subject to human error. Even the most experienced pentesters can make mistakes, overlook vulnerabilities, or make assumptions that lead to incorrect conclusions. Changing pentest providers can mitigate the risk of human error by bringing in a fresh set of eyes and new perspectives.

Reduce pricing

As with any service, prices can vary greatly between providers. By changing pentest providers, organizations can compare prices and potentially find a better deal. In addition, some providers may be willing to negotiate pricing or offer discounts to win new business.

Improve security level

Different pentest providers use different methodologies and approaches, and may have different areas of expertise. By changing providers, organizations can benefit from a wider range of expertise and knowledge, which can lead to a more thorough and effective pentest. A new provider may also be able to identify vulnerabilities that the previous provider missed or provide new insights into the organization's security posture.

In addition to these benefits, changing pentest providers can also help ensure that the organization is meeting regulatory or compliance requirements. Some regulations and standards may require that pentesting is carried out by a third-party provider or that providers are changed periodically.

However, it's important to note that changing pentest providers should not be done lightly. It can be time-consuming and may require a significant amount of effort to vet and select a new provider. It's also important to ensure that the new provider is trustworthy and has the necessary skills and expertise to carry out a thorough pentest.

Conclusion

In conclusion, changing pentest providers is a decision that should be made with careful consideration, and the benefits can be significant. By mitigating the human factor, reducing pricing, and improving the security level, organizations can ensure that their security posture is as strong as possible. It is also important to evaluate the reputation of potential providers, ensure that they comply with regulatory requirements, clarify expectations, and maintain clear communication throughout the engagement.

If you're looking to get started with a pentest, it's important to understand the scope of the engagement and what you can expect. To help with this, we suggest filling out our pentest scoping QnA form, which will guide you through the process and help you determine the goals, scope, and timeline of your pentest. By doing this, you can ensure that you're getting the most out of your pentest and that you're working with a provider that understands your needs and goals. Click the following link to access the form: https://forms.gle/zUReV2jPRYraRWQs7.