How often should you repeat a pentest?
Regular penetration testing is crucial for maintaining robust security postures, with many experts recommending tests at least once a year or following any major network updates or new system implementations. For organizations in dynamic industries or those handling sensitive data, conducting penetration tests bi-annually or quarterly can be advantageous to address emerging vulnerabilities swiftly and reinforce security measures against evolving cyber threats.
How Often Should a Penetration Test Be Repeated?
Finding the right testing frequency for your security strategy
The Absolute Minimum: Annually
Once per year is the absolute minimum for penetration tests. This aligns with common industry practice and is often preferred for cost reasons. For most organizations, this represents a reasonable compromise between security and budget.
The Better Choice: Biannually or Quarterly
Biannual or quarterly tests are significantly more effective. They enable you to respond to changes promptly and identify security gaps earlier. Particularly beneficial for:
- Regular feature releases
- New API versions
- Technology migrations
- Major relaunches
The Gold Standard: Continuous
Continuous security testing through Pentest as a Service or Bug Bounty programs provides maximum protection. These approaches enable immediate testing of changes and integrate security into your development process.
"While thorough execution cannot completely rule out a successful attack, it significantly reduces the likelihood of one. However, the effectiveness of a penetration test diminishes relatively quickly due to advancements in the IT field. The higher the protection needs of the systems, the more frequently penetration tests should be conducted to keep the likelihood of a successful attack at an acceptable level for the company."Implementation Concept for Penetration Tests by the BSI
IT is Dynamic - Your Pentest Strategy Should Be Too
From our practical experience, we know: IT systems are never static. Whether website, mobile app, or network - they change continuously. Sometimes intentionally through new features, sometimes unintentionally through errors or misconfigurations.
Human Error
Careless employees can create security vulnerabilities where none were found during the last test
Code Changes
An inadequately reviewed commit can open a vulnerability that attackers can exploit
The reality: You can never test IT security too often
When Should You Test Additionally?
Event-driven penetration tests for optimal protection
After Major Releases
New features, extensive changes, or relaunches require immediate security assessments
Technology Migrations
Moving to new frameworks, programming languages, or infrastructure platforms
New Integrations
API connections, third-party systems, or new external interfaces
After Security Incidents
Verification of remediation measures after incidents or industry-wide vulnerabilities
Organizational Changes
New employees with system access, modified permission structures
Reality Check: Penetration Tests Are Expensive
Cost-effective alternatives and supplements to traditional pentests
In theory, you need to test constantly - but that's not realistic. It's worth setting priorities and intelligently distributing your IT security budget. Here are proven alternatives and supplements:
Pentest as a Service (PTaaS)
A flexible supplement to regular pentests. With a fixed time budget, you can continuously test small changes - without complex reporting, but with direct communication.
Bug Bounty Programs
Ethical hackers continuously search for security vulnerabilities in your systems. You only pay for actually discovered vulnerabilities. Ideal for organizations with public services.
IT Vulnerability Analysis
Automated tools check your systems daily, weekly, or monthly. Significantly cheaper than manual tests, but with limited depth. Good for continuous baseline monitoring.
Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
Enable ethical hackers to report security vulnerabilities safely - without legal consequences. Lower engagement than Bug Bounty, but an important step for transparency.
DSecured as Your Pentest Partner
As an experienced penetration testing provider, we support you in developing a tailored security strategy - whether traditional pentests, PTaaS, or Bug Bounty programs.
IT Security is a Process - There is No Universal Answer
As mentioned at the outset: A blanket recommendation is difficult. The right testing frequency depends on many factors - your deployment strategy, legal requirements, protection needs, and budget.
Decision Factors:
Contact us for an individual assessment of your specific case.
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