What is Penetration Testing? Why is it Important?

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Penetration testing is a professional security service that simulates techniques used by real attackers to detect security vulnerabilities in information systems. These tests are systematically conducted through our BARLAS penetration testing services in compliance with international standards.

Our Istanbul Kağıthane-based team focuses on measuring and improving corporate cybersecurity levels by providing web application, network, server and mobile application penetration testing services for organizations operating in Istanbul European and Asian Sides, across Türkiye and in Europe.

Why is Penetration Testing Important?

Penetration tests are critical for assessing and improving an organization's cybersecurity posture. Through these tests:

  • Security vulnerabilities are detected before attackers do
  • System resilience against real-world attacks is tested
  • The effectiveness of security measures and configuration errors are revealed
  • Legal compliance requirements are met (KVKK, ISO 27001, etc.)
  • Concrete risk and impact reports are presented to senior management, directing security investments to the right areas.

How Often Should Penetration Testing Be Conducted?

A one-time penetration test provides only a snapshot; however, since the threat landscape, technologies, and applications are constantly changing, penetration tests should be repeated at regular intervals.

  • At least once a year, a comprehensive corporate penetration test
  • Additional testing after critical application or infrastructure changes
  • Preventive testing before launching a new product, mobile application, or internet-accessible service
  • More frequent and comprehensive tests in regulated sectors (finance, healthcare, telecom)

Penetration Testing Process

As BARLAS Cyber Security, we follow a systematic approach in penetration testing that complies with international standards (OSSTMM, PTES, OWASP):

  1. Information Gathering and Reconnaissance: We gather detailed information about target systems, domains, IP ranges, services, and technologies.
  2. Vulnerability Scanning: We detect potential security vulnerabilities using automated and manual methods, eliminate false positives, and highlight real risks.
  3. Penetration Testing: We attempt controlled penetration into systems using detected vulnerabilities and test privilege escalation, data exfiltration, and lateral/vertical movement capabilities.
  4. Analysis and Reporting: We report discovered security vulnerabilities with technical details, exploitation steps, screenshots, and business impact, and we provide technical and managerial recommendations.
  5. Re-testing: After security vulnerabilities are remediated, we perform re-testing to verify the effectiveness of the measures taken and update the results.

Types of Penetration Testing

We offer specialized penetration testing services for different system types and needs:

  • Web Application Penetration Testing: We test the security of your e-commerce, portal, API, and corporate web applications against common vulnerabilities, primarily the OWASP Top 10.
  • Network Penetration Testing (Internal/External Network): We evaluate your internal and external network infrastructure end-to-end through firewalls, routers, switches, and other network components.
  • Server Penetration Testing: We detect operating system, service, and configuration-related vulnerabilities in your Windows and Linux servers.
  • Mobile Application Penetration Testing: We analyze security vulnerabilities in the client side, API communication, and data storage processes of your iOS and Android mobile applications.

Who Needs Penetration Testing?

Almost every organization that processes digital assets, critical data, or customer information needs regular penetration testing. Especially:

  • Finance, payment services, e-commerce, and telecom companies
  • Healthcare, insurance, and personal data-focused sectors
  • Organizations targeting KVKK and ISO 27001 compliance
  • Critical infrastructure providers and companies offering cloud-based services

To Test the Security of Your Systems

Our BARLAS Cyber Security experts help you identify potential security vulnerabilities by comprehensively testing the security of your systems.

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