Penetration Testing — An Overview

Metis Security delivers professional penetration testing that combines infrastructure and web application testing to identify real-world risk.

Our approach goes beyond automated scanning. We manually analyse, exploit, and validate vulnerabilities to show what can actually be compromised, not just what tools detect.

We focus on:

Internet-facing infrastructure, cloud services, and applications
Authentication, access control, and business logic
Chained attack paths across systems and layers
Clear prioritisation aligned to business risk

The outcome is a concise, defensible assessment that supports remediation, compliance, and executive decision-making.

Typical Triggers for Penetration Testing

Penetration testing is most effective when aligned to change, exposure, or assurance needs. Common triggers include:

Before Go-Live

Launching a new web application or API
Exposing systems to the Internet for the first time
Migrating services to cloud platforms such as Azure

Goal: identify high-impact weaknesses before attackers do.

For Compliance & Assurance

Cyber Essentials Plus assessments
ISO 27001 technical testing requirements
Customer, supplier, or partner security reviews

Goal: provide credible, defensible evidence of security testing.

Following a Security Incident

Suspected compromise or confirmed breach
Credential exposure or unauthorised access
Detection of suspicious activity

Goal: understand what else could be exploited and prevent recurrence.

After Significant Change

Major application updates or new features
Infrastructure or network redesign
Cloud configuration changes or tenant restructuring

Goal: ensure new functionality hasn’t introduced unintended risk.

On a Regular Cycle

Annual or biannual testing for high-risk environments
Periodic testing for internet-facing systems

Goal: maintain confidence as threats and environments evolve.

Who This Service Is (and Isn’t) For

Penetration testing works best when paired with sensible baseline controls and a willingness to remediate meaningful issues.

This Service Is Right for You If:

You operate internet-facing infrastructure, applications, or APIs
You rely on cloud or hybrid environments
Security incidents would have financial, regulatory, or reputational impact
You need assurance, not just vulnerability lists
You want actionable findings, not scanner noise
You’re accountable to customers, regulators, or a board

This Service May Not Be Right If:

You only want a cheap, automated scan
You’re looking for compliance theatre rather than real insight
No systems are externally accessible
You’re not prepared to act on findings
You want penetration testing to replace basic security hygiene

Penetration testing with Metis Security provides confidence that your security posture has been tested realistically — and that identified risks genuinely matter.

David Morgan

Founder & Consultant

Trusted Microsoft Cloud Security Advisor with 27 years experience | Empowering Businesses to Embrace Cloud Innovation with Confidence

Skills chart of the author David Morgan, high level expertise in Cyber Security, Network Security, Azure, Microsoft 365, Penetration Testing & Breach Attack Simulation

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Penetration Testing — An Overview