How often should I pen test my business?

Determining how often to conduct a penetration test for your company can be a challenging task. The frequency of your pen-tests should be based on various factors such as industry, size, and risk. In this blog post, we will discuss the different factors that should be considered when determining the frequency of your pen-tests and provide guidelines on how often your company should conduct them.

The first factor to consider when determining the frequency of your pen-tests is your industry. Industries that handle sensitive information, such as healthcare and finance, have a higher risk of cyber attacks and should conduct pen-tests more frequently. For example, healthcare companies should conduct pen-tests at least twice a year to ensure that their systems are secure and that patient data is protected.

The size of your company is another important factor to consider when determining the frequency of your pen-tests. Smaller companies may not have the same level of resources or expertise as larger companies, making them more vulnerable to cyber attacks. As a result, small businesses should conduct pen-tests more frequently than larger companies. It's recommended that small businesses conduct pen-tests at least once a year, or even more frequently if they handle sensitive information.

The risk level of your company is another important factor to consider when determining the frequency of your pen-tests. Companies that operate in high-risk industries or handle sensitive information should conduct pen-tests more frequently. For example, a company that handles sensitive government data should conduct pen-tests at least twice a year to ensure that their systems are secure.

Another important factor to consider when determining the frequency of your pen-tests is the changes that have occurred within your company. Any changes in your company's systems, software, or network configurations should trigger a pen-test. This includes updates to your network infrastructure, new software deployments, or changes to your security protocols. Additionally, you should conduct pen-tests after any major incident, such as a data breach.

It is important to note that penetration testing is not a one-time process. Regular pen-tests are necessary to ensure that your systems remain secure as they evolve and change over time. This can include testing new software or systems, as well as testing the existing systems after changes have been made. Additionally, you should conduct pen-tests regularly even if no changes have been made, as new vulnerabilities may be discovered over time.

In conclusion, determining the frequency of your pen-tests should be based on various factors such as industry, size, risk, and changes within your company. Industries that handle sensitive information, such as healthcare and finance, should conduct pen-tests more frequently. Smaller companies should conduct pen-tests more frequently than larger companies. Companies that operate in high-risk industries or handle sensitive information should conduct pen-tests more frequently. Additionally, any changes within the company should trigger a pen-test, and regular pen-tests are necessary to ensure that your systems remain secure over time. It's recommended that small businesses conduct pen-tests at least once a year, or even more frequently if they handle sensitive information, while larger companies should conduct them at least twice a year.