Penetration Testing

The Penetration Test is a controlled simulation of a cyber attack that allows vulnerabilities in applications, networks and APIs to be identified before they can be exploited by hackers or malicious attackers.

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Penetration Testing

A Penetration Test (PT) is a controlled cyberattack simulation carried out by certified security professionals to identify and analyze vulnerabilities in systems, networks, or applications. The goal is to uncover weaknesses before cyber criminals can exploit them, enabling effective mitigation.

This activity can target various types of applications and infrastructures, though the two most common are Web Applications and Mobile Applications. Each asset subjected to a Pen Test has unique characteristics that influence execution methods, tools used, and vulnerabilities to analyze.

Penetration Tests are conducted using one of three approaches:

Black Box: the tester has no initial information;
Grey Box: the tester receives limited credentials or documentation;
White Box: the tester has full visibility into source code, architecture, and logic.

Web Application Penetration Test (WAPT)
The WAPT simulates cyberattacks against websites, corporate portals, or online applications to identify exploitable vulnerabilities and assess risk exposure.

Main activities include:
Detailed analysis of the surface exposed to the public:

Domains and subdomains;
Open ports and services;
Technologies used (CMS, backend frameworks, JavaScript libraries);
Application structure and logic visible to external users.

Identifying and mapping critical components:

Login and registration forms;
APIs and integration points;
Authentication and session management mechanisms;
User input validation and client/server interactions.

Security checks against:

OWASP Top 10 (SQL Injection, XSS, CSRF, etc.);
Misconfigurations;
Weak access controls;
Application-specific logical vulnerabilities.

Where vulnerabilities are identified, targeted tests assess potential impacts, including:

Unauthorized access or privilege escalation;
Data exfiltration or manipulation;
User impersonation.

A final technical report details discovered vulnerabilities, methodologies used, risk severity (CVSS-based), and recommended remediation actions.

Mobile Application Penetration Test (MAPT)
This service aims to uncover security flaws that could compromise user data or system integrity by analyzing both client (device) and server (API/backend) sides of mobile apps.

All activities adhere to OWASP Mobile Top 10 and MASVS Checklist (Mobile Application Security Verification Standard) guidelines for structured, in-depth, and reliable analysis.

Key MAPT activities include:
Static code analysis by decompiling the app to inspect:

Source code, resources, and configurations;
Permissions, hardcoded API keys or tokens;
Sensitive data stored in plaintext and exposed client logic;
Embedded vulnerabilities.

Dynamic analysis and runtime testing on device or emulator to observe the behaviour during use in order to analyse:

Traffic via tools like Burp Suite or mitmproxy;
Security of communications with the backend;
Workarounds for protections like certificate pinning, root/jailbreak detection, anti-debugging.

Backend API testing focusing on:

Authentication and authorization;
Session management;
Parameter injection and manipulation;
Unauthorized data exposure.

Local storage analysis, verifying handling of sensitive data in:

File SQLite, XML/JSON, SharedPreferences (Android) or Keychain (iOS);
Potential exposure of credentials, tokens, sessions, or configuration.

The process concludes with a report detailing identified vulnerabilities, techniques used, potential impact, and recommended security measures aligned with OWASP Mobile Top 10.

Argo Cyber

Why Choose Us

Effective cyber security is built on expertise, experience, and continuous improvement.

With a team of certified professionals and cutting-edge technologies, we ensure integrity, confidentiality, and full compliance with current regulations at every stage of the service. Our methodology constantly evolving and supervised by strict legal oversight provides proactive protection and effective defense against the most sophisticated cyber threats.

Relying on Argo Cyber for cyber security management means choosing a reliable, innovative, and excellence-driven partner.

Tailor-Made Solutions

We design tailor-made cyber security and intelligence solutions based on an in-depth analysis of your company’s specific needs.

24/7 Support

Our cyber security specialists are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ready to handle unexpected events and ensure your business is always protected and supported.

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of cyber attacks target small and medium-sized businesses, which often lack adequate protection.

seconds is the average time between one ransomware attack and the next in today’s digital world.

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of malware attacks are delivered via phishing emails disguised as legitimate communications.

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trillion dollars: the estimated global cost of cybercrime each year, and it’s continuously growing.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

When is it recommended to perform a Penetration Test?

A Penetration Test is typically recommended:

During security audits or pre-certification assessments;
Periodically (at least once a year) to enhance overall cybersecurity posture;
After significant changes to the infrastructure or application code;
Following a security incident or breach, to check for unknown vulnerabilities.

What happens if critical vulnerabilities are found during the test?

If high-impact vulnerabilities are discovered, Argo Cyber immediately notifies the client and provides clear guidance for urgent mitigation. All identified vulnerabilities are then classified and included in the final report with assigned priorities and recommended corrective actions.

What are the main phases of a Penetration Test?

A well-structured and professional PT is typically divided into six main phases:

Planning: definition of objectives, assets to be tested, testing approach, and rules of engagement.
Reconnaissance (Information Gathering): collecting information about the target systems (e.g., third-party software, frameworks used, exposed endpoints).
Scanning and Vulnerability Mapping: identifying known vulnerabilities through automated tools and manual analysis.
Exploitation: controlled simulation of cyberattacks to assess the real-world impact of vulnerabilities.
Post-Exploitation: analysis of the depth of the intrusion and potential consequences of a successful attack.
Reporting: a technical document that outlines discovered vulnerabilities, identified risks, potential impacts, and recommended remediation actions.

Each phase is performed in a controlled manner by certified professionals to ensure safety and reliability.

Can a Penetration Test cause service disruptions?

No. The tests are conducted in a safe and controlled manner by certified experts, using techniques and tools specifically designed to avoid disrupting production systems. Any potentially invasive activities are planned in coordination with the client, preferably in staging or non-production environments.

Contact us

For information or to request a personalized consultation, fill out the form, call us at number +44(0)7435131959 or write to us at email info@argocyber.it.
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Discover how to effectively protect your company from cyber threats. Our team of experts is ready to assess your security needs and design tailor-made cyber security solutions.

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