When you sign up for Penetration Testing as a Service (PTaaS), you’re effectively handing over the keys to your digital kingdom, trusting a third-party provider to uncover and address vulnerabilities. That’s why performing thorough due diligence is essential
Below, you’ll find eight red flags that indicate a PTaaS provider might not be up to the task, along with a checklist of green flags to guide your choice. Stick around for a PTaaS provider selection criteria checklist at the end.
8 Red Flags to Watch For When Choosing A PTaaS Provider
1. Lack of Certifications
When choosing the right PTaaS provider, certifications are a must-have. If a company lacks certified professionals, that’s a red flag. Look for providers with team members who hold certifications like Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). These credentials indicate the necessary skills and expertise to conduct thorough, reliable testing.
2. Lack of Customized Approaches
Every business has unique security needs. A high-quality provider will take the time to assess your specific requirements and tailor their testing methodology accordingly. Beware of PTaaS providers that use a one-size-fits-all approach; this suggests they’re prioritizing convenience over the security of your systems.
3. Reporting Is Not A Priority (And Does Not Appear in Product Literature)
Comprehensive and accessible reporting is essential in evaluating PTaaS providers. The PTaaS provider should deliver reports that clearly outline identified vulnerabilities, their impact, and actionable steps for remediation. If they gloss over reporting or provide excessively technical reports without clarification, it’s a warning sign that you may not receive the support needed for addressing issues.
4. The Other Extreme: Overloaded, Hard-to-Decipher Reports
In the best-case scenario, your report will be straightforward, giving you clear actions for addressing vulnerabilities. However, some PTaaS providers produce overly complex reports that require high-level expertise to understand, making it challenging to implement fixes. Some providers intentionally complicate reports to create dependence on their services. If you feel you need a “cryptographer” to interpret their findings, that’s a PTaaS provider red flag.
5. Ghosting Clients After Initial Testing
If a PTaaS service provider completes the testing but is nowhere to be found for post-test support, it’s a major warning sign. The process shouldn’t end with the report. Look for providers that include a Remediation Validation Test (RVT), which verifies that your fixes have closed the gaps in your security. An effective PTaaS provider will support you from start to finish, offering guidance on implementing security measures and suggesting re-tests as necessary.
6. Limited Scope in Testing
Some companies only test certain aspects of security, which leaves your organization vulnerable in other areas. A reliable PTaaS provider will evaluate your network, applications, cloud security, and even IoT devices. Avoid companies that restrict their services, as they may overlook critical vulnerabilities that could expose you to risk.
7. Over-Reliance on Automation
Automation has its place in pen testing, but it’s not a substitute for the keen eye of a skilled tester. Automated tools can lead to false positives and negatives, undermining the accuracy of the assessment. A reliable provider will combine automation with hands-on testing to ensure a well-rounded and precise evaluation of your security posture.
The reverse is also true. You also don’t want to work with a provider who overlooks the merits of automated testing entirely—automation helps your service provider to pass on better rates to you and augments human efforts.
Ideally, you want a balance between automated and human testing.
8. Excuses for Unreplicable Environments
Some providers might try to explain away issues by claiming that the testing environment couldn’t be replicated. This lack of accountability can be a cover for poor testing practices. Choose a PTaaS provider who is committed to replicating your environment accurately. You want a team that takes responsibility for testing outcomes.
Green Flags: What to Look for in a PTaaS Provider
While warning signs are critical to note, you should look out for positive indicators too. A reputable provider should display these green flags:
- Comprehensive Credentialing: Look for a team with certifications like CEH, OSCP, BCP, eWPTx, and CRTP
- Full-Spectrum Testing: The best providers can assess everything from traditional networks to cloud setups and IoT environments.
- Clear Communication and Customization: Strong PTaaS providers take time to understand your business, designing solutions tailored to you and providing actionable insights.
- Robust Reporting and Post-Test Support: Reporting is integral to the process, and good providers will support you in interpreting and acting on findings.
- Vulnerability Prioritization: A dedicated provider will help you address vulnerabilities in order of criticality, ensuring a focused, effective response.
Looking for a reliable PTaaS Provider?
Choosing the right PTaaS provider is the difference between a proactive security posture and a vulnerable, risky position. The right partner will support you with transparent reporting, thorough testing, and ongoing guidance.
One provider that demonstrates all the necessary green flags is Siemba. Recognized in the Gartner Hype Cycle 2024 for Security Operations as a sample vendor, Siemba offers the choice of PTaaS or full funnel offensive security in the form of Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM). Schedule a demo today to see how the Siemba platform works.
