Penetration Testing Process

How does the process flow of a penetration test work?

A penetration test follows a detailed procedure starting with scope definition, threat modeling, vulnerability assessment, exploitation, and culminating in a detailed report.

The penetration testing process begins with the scoping phase where specific goals and boundaries are set, followed by threat modeling to identify potential vulnerabilities. Testers then proceed to assess these vulnerabilities, attempting to exploit them to understand the impact of potential security breaches. The final phase involves compiling the findings into a comprehensive report that provides an overview of the vulnerabilities discovered, their severity, and recommended mitigation strategies, thereby enabling organizations to enhance their security posture effectively.

Structured

Process

5 Phases

Testing

Quality

Reports

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Our Process

Structured, but not rigid

Many providers follow a rigid schema - we don't. Every penetration test is individual, because every system is different. Our process gives us structure, but we adapt flexibly to your requirements, technologies and timelines.

What sets us apart: We communicate transparently with you throughout the entire process. Critical findings are reported immediately - not just in the final report. This way you can react quickly and prevent damage.

5-Phase Process

How a penetration test works at DSecured

A structured, transparent process - from initial contact to final verification of fixes. Every step is designed to deliver maximum value for your security.

Kickoff Meeting

1-2 Hours

In a kickoff meeting, we work together with your responsible personnel to lay the foundation for a successful penetration test. We clarify what will be tested and how, and ensure that all expectations are aligned.

What is discussed?

Define test scope & objectives
Understand application functions
Clarify roles, permissions & test accounts
Test environment vs. production
Define no-gos & limitations
Discuss technology stack

Individual Customizations

Establish communication channels (Slack, email, phone)
Coordinate test times & windows
VPN access & technical requirements
Escalation process for critical findings

Outcome: Clear expectations, defined scope and optimal test conditions for maximum efficiency.

Test Execution & Exploitation

3-10 Days (depending on scope)

Now it gets serious: Our team systematically searches for security vulnerabilities within your defined scope. We combine automated tools with manual expertise - just like real attackers.

Reconnaissance & Analysis

Understand target & analyze regular functions
Identify technology stack
Map entry points & attack surface
If needed: Use OSINT & threat intelligence

Vulnerability Assessment

Structured testing of each function
OWASP Top 10 & framework-specific vulnerabilities
Identify business logic flaws
Uncover configuration errors

Our Tools

Burp Suite Nmap Metasploit Custom Scripts OSINT Tools

Optional: Red Teaming Component
If desired, we extend the scope with creative attack vectors: Access to source code through GitHub leaks, credentials from dark web databases, or social engineering.

Outcome: Complete list of all vulnerabilities with severity rating, impact assessment and proof-of-concept.

Reporting & Documentation

2-3 Days

We create a comprehensive pentest report as PDF - with executive summary for management and technical details for your developers.

Report Structure

Executive Summary: Management-friendly overview
Methodology & Scope: What was tested and how?
Findings: All vulnerabilities with CVSS score
Proof-of-Concept: Reproducible exploits
Remediation: Concrete fix recommendations
Best Practices: Proactive improvement suggestions

Quality Assurance

Reproducible PoCs for developers
Code examples for fixes
Prioritization by business impact
Indications of future risks

Unique: Live Dashboard for Findings
During the test, our testers add findings directly to our client dashboard. You have real-time access to the current status at all times - no waiting until the final report. For critical vulnerabilities, you are notified immediately and can start remediation in parallel to the testing phase.

Secure Delivery: The final report is additionally provided as PDF via an encrypted channel (e.g. PGP, secure file transfer).

Outcome: Professional report that gives both management and developer teams clear action items.

Final Meeting & Q&A

1-2 Hours

In the final meeting, we walk through the report together, answer all questions and ensure that your team has fully understood the impact of each vulnerability.

Agenda

Walkthrough of critical findings
Live demonstration of selected exploits
Clarification of technical questions
Discussion of remediation strategy
Discuss timeline for fixes

Participants

Typically participating: CTO/CISO, lead developer, DevOps team and if applicable management for strategic discussions.

Outcome: Complete understanding of all findings and clear action plan for remediation.

Retesting & Verification

Optional: 1-3 Days

After your developers have fixed the vulnerabilities, we verify the fixes - and actively try to bypass them. This ensures that the solutions are truly robust.

What is tested?

Verification of all fixed vulnerabilities
Bypass attempts with alternative payloads
Check for new vulnerabilities introduced by fixes
Test edge cases & unexpected scenarios

Completion & Certification

After successful retesting, you receive an updated version of the report with the status of all findings: Fixed, Partial, or Still Vulnerable.

Additionally, we provide you with an official verification letter - a certificate confirming that a professional penetration test was conducted and all vulnerabilities were successfully remediated. You can share this document with your customers, partners or auditors to demonstrate your security measures.

Verification Letter - Your Security Proof
After successful retesting, you receive an official verification letter from us. This certificate confirms that a professional penetration test was conducted and all vulnerabilities were remediated. Ideal for presentation to customers, partners, insurance companies or in compliance audits (ISO 27001, NIS2, GDPR, etc.).

Recommendation: Retesting is optional, but we strongly recommend it - especially for critical vulnerabilities. This way you avoid unpleasant surprises.

Outcome: Confirmed security - all vulnerabilities are verifiably fixed and tested against bypass attempts. Plus: Official verification letter as proof for your stakeholders.

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