Pentest in practice: how to identify and fix vulnerabilities before an attack

How can your company identify and fix vulnerabilities before attackers exploit them? The answer lies in a strategic approach: Penetration Testing (Pentest). 

Cybersecurity has never been more critical for businesses of all sizes. Cyberattacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and the trend is that they will occur with greater frequency. 

Security flaws can compromise sensitive data, disrupt critical operations, and even damage your company’s reputation. Most vulnerabilities go unnoticed until it is too late. 

Pentesting is an essential approach for preventing attacks, mapping vulnerabilities, and strengthening defenses. It helps anticipate threats before they cause irreparable damage. 

If your company is looking for strategies to avoid financial losses and maintain customer trust, keep reading. In this content, you will learn what a Pentest is, its key steps, and how it can protect your company against the cybersecurity challenges of the digital age. 

Discover how a Pentest can be the missing piece in your cybersecurity strategy. Let’s dive in! 

What is a Pentest? 

A Pentest, or Penetration Test, is a strategic cybersecurity practice used to identify vulnerabilities in systems, networks, and applications. It executes controlled attacks, replicating the methods and behaviors that an attacker would use to exploit flaws. 

By adopting the attacker’s perspective, Pentesting provides a clear view of an organization’s weaknesses. It helps fix these issues before they are exploited, ensuring data protection and business continuity. 

Unlike Vulnerability Assessment, which identifies and lists known vulnerabilities, Pentesting goes further. It does not just uncover security gaps but actively tests their impact. This provides a detailed report prioritizing risks and guiding the implementation of necessary corrections. 

While Vulnerability Assessment is broader and automated, Pentesting is targeted, hands-on, and executes controlled attacks to ensure corporate defenses are effective. 

In summary, Pentesting is the practice of testing system security through controlled and analyzed attacks. Conducting a Penetration Test helps identify critical flaws and ensure that your company is prepared to handle real threats. 

Pentesting is, therefore, an indispensable tool for organizations looking to protect themselves in an environment where cyber threats are constantly evolving. 

How does a Pentest help identify and fix vulnerabilities? 

A Pentest is more than just a technical assessment – it is a strategic approach that identifies system weaknesses and guides their resolution. It maps vulnerabilities in networks, systems, and applications, revealing flaws that often go unnoticed by traditional security measures. 

This practice uses controlled attacks to evaluate the effectiveness of existing defenses, providing a clear view of the risks a company faces. Additionally, Pentesting is not just about identifying problems—it also delivers actionable recommendations to ensure these issues are addressed before they cause harm. 

Identifying critical flaws 

A Pentest is designed to uncover vulnerabilities that can directly compromise an organization’s security. Some of the most common issues found include: 

• Weak credentials: Simple or reused passwords that attackers can easily crack. 

• Outdated software: Applications or systems that lack the latest security patches, exposing them to known attacks. 

• Misconfigurations: Firewall errors, excessive permissions, or open ports that leave systems vulnerable. 

These issues are mapped and documented in the Pentest report, giving organizations a clear overview of critical security gaps that need attention. 

Fixing vulnerabilities 

Beyond identifying issues, a Pentest provides a detailed guide to fixing the discovered vulnerabilities. The reports generated at the end of the process are among the greatest benefits of this practice. 

These reports include: 

• Risk prioritization: A list of vulnerabilities ranked by severity, helping IT teams focus on the most urgent issues. 

• Actionable solutions: Clear, step-by-step recommendations for mitigating each identified flaw. 

• Technical and executive documentation: A technical summary for IT teams and an executive summary for leadership, aligning security efforts across the company. 

By following Pentest recommendations, companies can implement improvements that not only fix existing issues but also strengthen their defenses against future attacks. 

With these steps, a Pentest turns vulnerabilities into improvement opportunities, helping your company reduce risks and maintain a high level of security. 

What are the different types and modalities of Pentests? 

There are various types and methodologies of Pentests, each designed to address specific cybersecurity needs. Choosing the right approach depends on the company’s infrastructure, technology environment, and security objectives. 

Types of Pentests 

Pentests can focus on securing networks and critical data, as well as mobile applications, wireless networks, and system integrations. Next, learn about the main types of Pentests and when to apply them! 

External Pentest 

Focused on identifying vulnerabilities in systems exposed to the internet, such as web applications, external servers, and remotely accessible networks. It is ideal for protecting assets that may be targeted by external attackers. 

Example: Testing a corporate website to check for security gaps that could allow intrusions or data leaks. 

Internal Pentest 

Evaluates security flaws within the organization, simulating actions of a malicious employee or an attacker who has gained internal network access. It is useful for validating access control policies and network segmentation. 

Example: Checking if an employee with basic permissions can access confidential data or compromise internal systems. 

Mobile Pentest 

Analyzes applications for Android and iOS devices, identifying vulnerabilities that could compromise user data security.  

Example: Testing a mobile banking app to ensure there are no security gaps that allow unauthorized access or credential theft. 

Wireless Pentest 

Tests the security of wireless networks, verifying vulnerabilities that may allow unauthorized access or data interception.  

Example: Evaluating a corporate Wi-Fi network to ensure there are no misconfigurations that could allow sensitive communications to be intercepted. 

API Pentest 

Evaluates the security of programming interfaces used for system integration, identifying vulnerabilities that could expose sensitive data or allow automated attacks.  

Example: Testing an e-commerce system’s API to verify that there are no flaws enabling unauthorized access to transaction data or customer information. 

Pentest modalities 

You might be wondering about the difference between types and modalities of Pentests. While the type defines the criteria for conducting a Penetration Test, the modality determines the process to be followed. 

In Pentesting, there are three main modalities, each representing different levels of access granted to the ethical hackers conducting the test. Check them out below! 

BlackBox Pentest 

The analyst does not receive prior information about the system. They conduct tests from the perspective of an external attacker, attempting to exploit visible vulnerabilities. 

When to use: Assess the security of systems that are publicly accessible, such as websites and external networks. 

GrayBox Pentest 

The analyst has limited access to information, such as user credentials with restricted permissions. This approach simulates an attack by an internal user or a partner with partial access. 

When to use: Test internal risks and verify if limited access privileges can be exploited. 

White Box Pentest 

The analyst has full access to the system, including source code, configurations, and administrative credentials. This modality is ideal for detailed and in-depth security analyses. 

When to use: Ensure the security of critical systems or proprietary applications by identifying and fixing structural flaws. 

The steps of a Pentest in practice 

Source: iT.eam

Pentesting follows a structured process based on frameworks such as the Penetration Testing Execution Standard (PTES). This standard ensures that each phase is executed methodically and efficiently, from initial planning to the delivery of detailed reports. Understand how each phase contributes to identifying and fixing critical vulnerabilities before they are exploited! 

Pre-engagement and Intelligence Gathering 

The process begins with pre-engagement, where the Pentest scope is defined in collaboration with the company. This stage establishes the testing rules, the systems to be analyzed, and the necessary permissions for conducting the evaluation. 

Next, intelligence gathering takes place, using techniques such as Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) to collect data about the target environment. This includes analyzing domains, IP addresses, public configurations, and social networks, as well as identifying potential attack surfaces. 

Objective: Map vulnerable points and understand the system’s infrastructure, preparing the ground for threat modeling. 

Threat Modeling and Vulnerability Analysis 

With the collected information, threat modeling assesses how potential attackers could exploit vulnerabilities within the systems. This phase identifies critical assets, such as confidential data or high-value systems, and maps possible attack vectors. 

Following this, vulnerability analysis is conducted, combining automated tools with manual testing. The goal is to identify specific flaws such as outdated software, misconfigurations, and weak credentials. 

Objective: Prioritize identified risks and prepare the environment for the next phase: exploitation. 

Exploitation and Post Exploitation 

During the exploitation phase, the identified vulnerabilities are tested in a controlled environment to assess their real impact. This stage validates whether the flaws can be used to compromise the system or access critical data. 

After the exploitation, the post exploitation phase evaluates what an attacker could do with the obtained access. This includes: 

• Assessing the value of accessed data. 

• Determining if access can be maintained (persistence). 

• Evaluating the possibility of escalating privileges or accessing other systems within the network. 

Objective: Demonstrate the potential impact of vulnerabilities and provide a practical risk assessment. 

Report 

The final stage involves generating a detailed report that consolidates all findings from the Pentest. This report includes: 

• Executive summary: A high-level overview for managers, highlighting critical vulnerabilities and their implications. 

• Technical details: In-depth explanations for IT teams, including exploitation methods and observed impacts. 

• Action plan: Practical and prioritized recommendations for fixing identified vulnerabilities. 

Objective: Provide the company with a clear and actionable guide to fix vulnerabilities and strengthen its security. 

Examples of vulnerabilities discovered in Pentests 

Pentests reveal vulnerabilities that often go unnoticed until they are exploited. Below are some common examples! 

Common scenarios of critical flaws 

Some of the most frequently identified vulnerabilities in Pentests include: 

Misconfigurations 

Improper firewall configurations, such as open ports that should not be accessible. These flaws provide attackers with a direct entry point into the network. 

Outdated applications 

Software or systems that do not receive regular security patches remain vulnerable to known exploits, making them easy targets for cybercriminals. 

Weak or poorly configured credentials 

Simple, reused, or improperly stored passwords can be exploited, compromising entire systems. 

How to fix these issues 

Pentest reports are designed to offer clear and practical recommendations to resolve identified vulnerabilities. Some commonly applied solutions include: 

Fixing misconfigurations 

Firewall settings should be reviewed and adjusted to ensure that only essential ports are open. Network segmentation policies should also be implemented to limit access to critical data. 

Updating applications and systems 

Keeping software updated with the latest security patches is a simple and effective measure. Automating updates helps reduce the risk of human error. 

Strengthening credentials 

Implementing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), requiring strong passwords, and using credential management tools are best practices to prevent unauthorized access. 

Discover the benefits of a Pentest 

A Pentest not only reduces the risk of cyberattacks but also provides strategic benefits that help protect data, ensure legal compliance, and preserve a company’s reputation. Below, you’ll understand how this practice delivers tangible results. Keep reading! 

Regulatory compliance 

Regulations such as LGPD in Brazil and GDPR in Europe require companies to implement strong measures to protect customer and employee data. A Pentest is an effective way to meet these requirements and avoid penalties for non-compliance. 

How a Pentest supports compliance: 

• Generates detailed reports that can be used as evidence in compliance audits. 

• Identifies vulnerabilities that could lead to data breaches and significant fines. 

• Aligns the company’s systems and policies with regulatory requirements. 

A Pentest is not just a preventive measure but also a clear demonstration of a company’s commitment to data protection and privacy. 

Cost savings and reputation protection 

Beyond operational disruptions, cyberattacks also result in high costs related to incident response and reputational damage. According to the IBM Cost of Data Breach Report 2024, the global average cost of a data breach reached $4.88 million, a 10% increase compared to the previous year. 

Conducting regular Pentests can help companies avoid regulatory fines, which can reach millions depending on the severity of the incident. Additionally, by identifying vulnerabilities before attackers do, businesses can minimize the costs associated with operational downtime and system recovery. 

Another key benefit of Pentesting is protecting a company’s reputation—by preventing cyberattacks, organizations maintain customer and partner trust. Furthermore, companies that demonstrate strong cybersecurity practices have a competitive advantage, making them more likely to attract new business and retain their client base. 

How iT.eam can help your business 

Waiting for a security incident to take action is not an option. The consequences of a security breach can be devastating, ranging from financial losses to irreparable damage to a company’s reputation. That’s why investing in a Pentest now can make all the difference. 

iT.eam offers customized Pentest solutions, tailored to each client’s specific needs. Our team consists of highly experienced pentesters with the best certifications in the industry. 

We use recognized and proven methodologies, such as the PTES framework, to ensure precise and reliable results. Additionally, our reports are clear and detailed reports to simplify the vulnerability remediation process. 

Want to learn more about Pentesting and how iT.eam can help your company implement improvements efficiently? Download our free eBook now!