Penetration testing is a crucial component of any organisation’s cybersecurity strategy, helping businesses to identify and address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by attackers.
But once the testing is complete, what comes next? How do you interpret the findings, how should you prepare for a re-test of the big issues discovered and what should you expect from a penetration test report?
Navigating Your Penetration Testing Report
Whether you’re a seasoned IT professional or new to the world of cybersecurity, understanding the structure and significance of a pen testing report will help you make informed decisions and take actionable steps toward protecting your systems from potential threats.
In this Guide:
We’ll walk you through the essential elements of a penetration test report, shedding light on what information it should contain and how to use it effectively to enhance your organisation’s security posture.
- Why a Penetration Testing Report Matters
- Turning Penetration Testing Insights into Action
- Anatomy of a Penetration Test Report
- You’ve Received Your Report, What Are Your Next Steps?
- Retesting: Why it’s Essential
- Treat Your Penetration Test Report as a Roadmap
- How Secora Consulting Conducts Penetration Tests
Why a Penetration Testing Report Matters
A pen testing report provides a strategic view of your security risks, allowing you to:
- Understand where your systems are most vulnerable
- Prioritise high-risk issues that need immediate attention
- Implement actionable security improvements
- Ensure compliance with cybersecurity regulations
By understanding the report’s findings and taking the right steps, your organisation can significantly reduce their attack surface and enhance long-term security.
Turning Penetration Testing Insights into Action
A penetration test report isn’t just a list of vulnerabilities—it’s a roadmap for strengthening your organisation’s security. After the test is complete, the findings will give you a clear picture of where your systems are vulnerable, and more importantly, what actions need to be taken to mitigate those risks.
Actionable Insights for your Organisation
For you, this means gaining actionable insights that go beyond simply knowing that a problem exists. The report should prioritise vulnerabilities based on severity, helping you understand which issues need immediate attention and which ones can be addressed in the longer term.
Remediation Recommendations
You’ll also get specific, detailed recommendations on how to remediate vulnerabilities— whether that means patching software, improving your network defences, or tightening up internal policies. It’s a chance to proactively fix weaknesses before they can be exploited by malicious actors.
In short, the report is a valuable tool for risk management. It empowers you to make informed decisions, allocate resources effectively, and ensure that your systems are as secure as possible moving forward.
Whether you’re aiming for compliance, bolstering your defences, or simply preventing future attacks, the insights in this report will help guide your next steps.
Anatomy of a Penetration Test Report
A typical penetration test report will include several key sections that break down the findings in a clear and actionable way. It usually begins with an executive summary, which provides a high-level overview of the test, its scope, and any critical vulnerabilities identified, making it easy for non-technical stakeholders to understand the risks.
Testing Objectives and Methodology
This section outlines the penetration tester’s objectives and the structured approach to the assessment. The details will vary based on the type of test, the technology involved, and your organisation’s specific requirements.
Vulnerability Findings & Risk Prioritisation
Following that, the report will detail the vulnerabilities discovered, categorised by severity (critical, high, medium, or low). Each vulnerability will typically come with an explanation of the potential impact and risk, along with remediation recommendations—concrete steps to resolve the issues.
There may also be an evidence section, where the report documents the test findings with screenshots, logs, or other proof that a vulnerability was successfully exploited. Finally, the report may conclude with a risk assessment and overall security posture summary, giving you a clear sense of your organisation’s current security landscape and priorities for improvement.
You Have Received Your Report, What Are Your Next Steps?
Once you have your penetration test report, the next crucial step is to read it thoroughly. It’s tempting to glance through the findings quickly, but this is your roadmap to a more secure system, and every detail matters.
Vulnerability Ratings
Understand the vulnerabilities listed, the severity ratings, and most importantly, the recommended solutions. If some of the technical jargon or concepts don’t make sense, take the time to ask questions or get clarification from your security professionals. They are always here to help!
This is a learning opportunity, and ensuring you fully understand the report will help you address the issues effectively.
Implementing the Penetration testing recommendations
After you have read through the report and grasped the vulnerabilities, it’s time to implement the recommended fixes. The steps suggested might include patching software, reconfiguring network settings, or enhancing password policies.
For instance, if the report identifies outdated software that’s vulnerable to exploits, your next step should be to ensure that it’s updated or patched according to the tester’s advice. Similarly, if weak passwords are flagged as a risk, enforcing stronger password policies or implementing multi-factor authentication should be prioritised.
Retesting: Why it’s Essential
Fixing vulnerabilities isn’t enough. Once the recommended changes are made, it’s essential to test the fixes to ensure they actually work. This can involve running a follow-up penetration test on the patched systems or using automated vulnerability scanners to check for any lingering weaknesses.
A re-test typically takes only a fraction of the time required for the original penetration test, as testers focus solely on verifying that the vulnerabilities identified in the initial penetration test have been successfully remediated, rather than searching for new issues.
It’s also essential to manually verify that patches or configuration changes haven’t unintentionally introduced new security risks.
If a vulnerability persists or the fix is incomplete, further review and additional remediation steps may be necessary.
The Goal of Re-testing
Ultimately, the goal is to close the security gaps, but also to ensure that the system remains robust after remediation. This process of implementing fixes and verifying their effectiveness helps ensure that the vulnerabilities are truly addressed, reducing the likelihood of future breaches.
Treat Your Penetration Test Report as a Roadmap
A penetration testing report is not just about identifying risks—it’s about taking proactive steps to strengthen security.
By reviewing findings, implementing fixes, and conducting follow-up tests, organisations can:
- Close security gaps before attackers exploit them
- Ensure compliance with industry regulations
- Continuously improve their cybersecurity posture
Remember, a penetration test isn’t just about finding flaws—it’s about taking proactive steps to protect your assets and data. By treating the report as a roadmap for ongoing improvement, you’ll be better prepared to stay one step ahead of potential threats.
How Secora Consulting Conducts Penetration Tests
At Secora Consulting, we are committed to delivering world-class cybersecurity solutions, helping organisations proactively defend against cyber threats.
Our process ensures that organisations receive clear, actionable insights to strengthen your cybersecurity posture.
- Industry-Recognised Methodologies – We follow frameworks such as OWASP and CREST, ensuring comprehensive security assessments.
- Advanced Testing Techniques – Our experts combine manual testing with automated scanning to uncover complex vulnerabilities that automated tools alone might miss.
- Detailed, Actionable Reporting – Our reports go beyond technical findings, prioritised risk ratings, and step-by-step remediation guidance tailored to your business.
- Post-Test Support & Retesting – After implementation, we help validate fixes with follow-up testing and expert guidance.
By working with our expert team, your organisation will not only gain a detailed report, but a partner in cybersecurity your overall cybersecurity improvements.
Need expert guidance on penetration testing? Get in touch with our team today.
