Today, cybersecurity is a critical issue for companies of all sizes, across all industries. Penetration tests (pentests) are among the most effective ways to strengthen IT security. In this article, we explain what pentests are, describe the different types available, and highlight why they’re essential for protecting your systems.

What is a penetration test (pentest)?

A penetration test is a targeted security assessment in which a specialized pentester attempts to find vulnerabilities within IT systems (e.g. servers, networks or applications). The goal is to uncover potential attack vectors that cybercriminals could exploit—whether to steal sensitive data or gain full control over the system.

During a pentest, testers simulate real-world attack scenarios, behaving like genuine attackers. The findings from these tests help organizations assess cybersecurity risks and determine appropriate measures to address and eliminate identified vulnerabilities.

What types of penetration tests are there?

Penetration tests are divided into three main categories: black box, white box, and gray box. Each type has specific advantages and is suitable for different scenarios. Choosing the right pentest depends on several factors, such as your security objectives, the scope of the assessment, and available resources. With the Pentesting+ service, BearingPoint offers tailored penetration tests specifically designed for your organization's unique requirements.

  • Black box pentest

    Testing from the perspective of an external attacker

    In a black box pentest, the tester has no prior information about the system. Acting from the viewpoint of an outsider, the tester relies solely on publicly available data (such as IP addresses or URLs). The goal is to uncover vulnerabilities that could realistically be exploited by attackers without internal system knowledge.

    Common attack vectors include cross-site scripting (XSS), SQL injections, and remote code execution (RCE). For example, the tester might receive only a URL for a web portal and attempt to identify vulnerabilities to compromise the system.

  • White box pentest

    Comprehensive system access

    A white box pentest provides the tester with extensive knowledge of the system, including source code and internal documentation. This approach allows for an in-depth analysis and identification of specific vulnerabilities that would remain hidden from external attackers.

    A common example is static code analysis, where the source code is checked for potential security vulnerabilities. Tools and best practices, such as the OWASP-ASVS framework, help to examine the code for vulnerabilities.

  • Grey box pentest

    A middle ground between black and white box

    A grey box pentest combines elements of both black box and white box tests. The tester is provided with limited information, such as API documentation or user credentials. This enables focused testing and the discovery of vulnerabilities that might be exploitable by authenticated users.

    An example of a grey box test is the checking of a web portal with user login data. Here, security vulnerabilities such as SQL injections or cross-site scripting are checked for.

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 an expert in offensive and defensive security services.

Would you like to find out more about pentesting? Get in touch with us.

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