"Pentest" and "vulnerability assessment" are used interchangeably far too often. They are different tools for different jobs.
Vulnerability assessment: breadth and frequency
A vulnerability assessment scans widely and regularly to find known weaknesses across your estate. It is automated, repeatable and ideal for continuous coverage and compliance evidence. The trade-off: it finds potential issues, not proven impact.
Penetration testing: depth and proof
A penetration test is a manual, expert-led engagement that exploits and chains weaknesses to prove real impact — how far an attacker could actually get. It finds the business-logic and authorization flaws scanners miss.
So which do you need?
Most organizations need both, at different cadences:
- Run a vulnerability assessment monthly or quarterly for broad, ongoing visibility.
- Run a penetration test at least annually, and after any major change.
Want help choosing the right mix for your risk and budget? Get in touch.