Should you have an internal or external network penetration test performed?

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Why is an internal or external penetration test important?
From Intake to Improvement in 5 Steps
Clear insights and concrete next steps

Frequently Asked Questions About Internal and External Network Penetration Testing
Our specialists have compiled a list of frequently asked questions for you. If your question isn't listed here, please contact us.
We will contact you within one business day to schedule a no-obligation scoping meeting. Together, we will determine which systems, networks, locations, and environments need to be assessed and agree on a suitable schedule.
That depends on the risk you want to investigate.
An external network penetration test reveals whether attackers can gain access to your environment from the internet.
An internal network penetration test shows what happens after an attacker gains access—for example, through phishing, ransomware, or stolen login credentials.
To gain a comprehensive picture of their cyber resilience, many organizations combine both types of penetration tests. This provides insight into both the likelihood of a successful attack and its potential impact.
Cybercriminals are constantly on the lookout for vulnerabilities in networks and systems. A network penetration test helps identify these weaknesses in a controlled manner before attackers can exploit them.
This helps organizations to:
- Prevent data breaches.
- Reducing ransomware risks.
- Better protection for critical systems.
- Prevent disruptions to business processes.
- To structurally improve cyber resilience.
A network penetration test:
- Identifies vulnerabilities before attackers do.
- Assesses the effectiveness of existing security measures.
- Simulates realistic attack scenarios.
- Provides insight into risks to systems, networks, and data.
- Provides specific recommendations for improvement.
This will give you insight into the actual resilience of your network environment.
Among other things, we test:
- Internal corporate networks
- External Network Perimeters
- Active Directory environments
- Data Center Environments
- Cloud Environments
- VPN Solutions
- Firewalls
- Servers and Workstations
- Production Networks
- Guest and Office Networks
During the scope meeting, we determine which components are included in the study.
A new network penetration test is recommended:
- In the event of major changes to the infrastructure.
- After migrating to a new environment.
- For new locations or network segments.
- Following changes to security measures.
- Periodically, for example, annually.
The results of the penetration test will help you determine when additional or repeat tests are advisable.
Afterward, you’ll receive an executive summary, a technical report with findings and risk assessments, an overview of recommended improvements, and a consultation with one of our ethical hackers. This will give you immediate insight into the key risks and next steps.
The duration depends on the size of the network environment, the number of systems, and the selected scope. A network penetration test typically takes several days, including preparation, execution, reporting, and explanation of the results.
The exact scope varies by organization, but typically includes:
- Active Directory
- Servers and Workstations
- Network Segmentation
- User Rights
- Authentication and Authorization
- File Servers
- Privilege escalation
- Lateral movement within the network
This allows us to identify what an attacker can do once they have gained access to the internal network.
The exact scope varies by organization, but typically includes:
- Public IP addresses
- Firewalls
- VPN Services
- External Network Services
- Remote Access Solutions
- Internet-based systems
- Email Environments
- External Access Portals
With this, we are investigating what attack vectors are available to attackers from the Internet.
Yes. A network penetration test provides valuable input for information security, risk management, and compliance initiatives. The results help organizations demonstrably identify, assess, and manage cyber risks.
Among other things, the report can contribute to:
- The cybersecurity and risk management requirements set forth in the Cybersecurity Act (NIS2).
- Information security standards such as ISO 27001.
- Government frameworks such as the BIO.
- Internal and external security audits.
- Risk assessments for the board and executive management.







