Antivirus software and firewalls alone are no longer enough — cyberattacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated and diverse. The threat landscape has intensified significantly in recent years: hacking tools are freely available on the internet, enabling even inexperienced attackers to launch attacks. At the same time, organized hacker groups are systematically targeting companies to exploit security vulnerabilities.

Why are pentests essential? Here are five compelling reasons:

1. Saving costs through prevention

A pentest costs money — but the investment pays off. Fixing vulnerabilities before an attack occurs is significantly more cost-effective than dealing with the aftermath.

  • According to the Cost of a Data Breach Report 2023, the average cost of a data breach has reached 4.45 million US dollars — a new record.
  • Beyond the financial impact, organizations face operational downtime, legal consequences, and serious reputational damage. Regular pentesting helps minimize these risks early and proactively.

2. Detect vulnerabilities before attackers do
Cybercriminals are constantly scanning companies for security vulnerabilities — and often succeed. Organizations that conduct regular pentests gain a crucial advantage: simulated attacks reveal exactly where your IT infrastructure is vulnerable, allowing you to take action before real attackers do.

3. Protect your company’s reputation and customer trust
Data breaches and cyberattacks can cause long-term damage to your company’s image. Today’s customers and partners expect a high level of security. Organizations that actively invest in cybersecurity demonstrate responsibility, build trust, and avoid negative headlines. Regular pentests help protect not just your systems — but also your reputation and business relationships.

4. Preparation for a constantly growing threat situation

Cyberattacks are no longer the exception — they are the norm.

  • According to an EY study (2023), 78% of companies in the DACH region have already fallen victim to a cyberattack.
  • The Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report 2023 confirms a renewed increase in ransomware attacks.
  • AI-driven attack methods make cyber threats more dangerous and harder to detect than ever before.

A pentest provides a realistic assessment of your IT security and helps you prepare for new threats — before they become a reality.

5. Fulfill compliance and regulatory requirements

Many companies are subject to strict security and data protection guidelines. Regular pentess help to ensure compliance with standards, such as:

  • ISO 27001

  • GDPR

  • NIS2 directive

  • BAIT, KRITIS & industry-specific requirements

A certified and verifiable security posture not only supports audits and legal compliance — it also strengthens customer and partner trust and can serve as a clear competitive advantage.
 

Conclusion: Act proactively before it's too late

Cyberattacks can cost companies millions — both financially and in terms of reputation. A professional pentest is a critical measure to protect your organization against security risks. Take action now and have your IT security assessed by our experts.

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About the author

Bernd Koberwein is Head of Security Services at BearingPoint and supports organizations with security solutions against cyber threats. With over 20 years of experience at BearingPoint, he is both an expert in offensive and defensive security services.

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