External Network Penetration Testing
Identify Perimeter Security Weaknesses and Network Vulnerabilities
Professional external network security testing by certified ethical hackers.
External networks are prime targets for cybercriminals because they represent the first line of defense for your organization's digital assets. Our manual penetration testing goes beyond automated scanners to identify complex attack vectors, misconfigurations, and vulnerabilities that could allow attackers to breach your network perimeter. While automated tools can find known issues, they miss sophisticated attack chains and business logic flaws that require human expertise to identify.
Our experienced penetration testers use the same techniques as real attackers, providing you with an authentic security assessment that reveals how your external network would fare against actual threats. With over a decade in business and thousands of clients served, we help organizations strengthen their network security posture and discover critical issues before attackers exploit them.
What You Get
Penetration Testing Report
A comprehensive report detailing the findings of the test.
Attestation Letter
A letter describing the engagement, perfect for fulfilling client requirements.
Plus:
Direct Pentester Access
Work directly with your assigned security expert throughout the processProject Dashboard
Track and manage your pentesting project from our secure web dashboardRetesting Included
Verify fixes are effective with included follow-up testing
What We Test For
Network Service Vulnerabilities
Weaknesses in SSH, FTP, HTTP, and other exposed servicesFirewall Bypass Techniques
Methods to circumvent network security controls and access restrictionsPort Scanning and Enumeration
Discovery of open ports, running services, and service versionsSSL/TLS Configuration Issues
Weak encryption protocols, certificate problems, and cipher vulnerabilitiesNetwork Device Misconfigurations
Router, switch, and firewall configuration weaknessesRemote Access Vulnerabilities
VPN, RDP, and other remote access security flawsDNS and Mail Server Issues
Email security, DNS poisoning, and mail relay vulnerabilitiesNetwork Protocol Exploits
Vulnerabilities in TCP/IP, SNMP, and other network protocols
Our External Network Testing Process
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Align on scope
We'll ask you a few simple questions about what needs to be tested and align with you on your objectives and timeline.
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Testing period
Your dedicated pentester will generally spend about one week searching for vulnerabilities and exposures.
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Report & remediation
We'll provide a detailed report on the issues we found and recommendations for remediation.
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Retest and validate
After issues are resolved, we'll retest to confirm that the issues are no longer present.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does external network penetration testing cost?
External network penetration testing starts at $4,975 and varies based on network complexity and scope. We provide fixed-price quotes with no hidden fees after our free scoping call.
Factors that affect pricing:
- Number of IP addresses and network ranges
- Network complexity and service diversity
- Remote access points and VPN configurations
- Compliance requirements (PCI, SOC 2, etc.)
Every quote includes comprehensive testing, detailed reporting, remediation support, and one round of retesting.
How is manual testing different from automated vulnerability scanning?
Manual penetration testing provides deeper security analysis that automated tools cannot match:
- Attack Chain Development: Human testers can link multiple vulnerabilities to demonstrate real-world attack scenarios
- Configuration Analysis: Manual testing identifies misconfigurations that automated scanners miss
- False Positive Elimination: Human validation ensures all findings represent genuine security risks
- Custom Exploitation: Testers develop specific exploits tailored to your network environment
While automated scanners are useful for initial assessment, manual testing is essential for comprehensive network security validation.
What network types and infrastructures do you test?
Our penetration testers have experience with a wide range of network technologies and infrastructures:
- Corporate perimeter networks and DMZ configurations
- Cloud-hosted infrastructure (AWS, Azure, GCP)
- Hybrid on-premises and cloud environments
- VPN endpoints and remote access solutions
- Web-facing services and application gateways
- Network appliances and security devices
We adapt our testing methodology to your specific network architecture and security requirements.
How long does external network penetration testing take?
Testing timeline depends on network scope and complexity:
- Small Networks: 1-2 weeks for basic perimeter with limited services
- Medium Networks: 2-3 weeks for standard corporate environments
- Large Networks: 3-4 weeks for complex enterprise infrastructures
We provide specific timelines during the scoping phase and work with you to minimize disruption to your operations.
Can you test networks with specific compliance requirements?
Yes, we regularly conduct penetration testing to meet various compliance standards:
- PCI DSS Requirement 11.3 external penetration testing
- SOC 2 Type II security control validation
- ISO 27001 vulnerability assessment requirements
- NIST Cybersecurity Framework implementation
Our reports include specific compliance mapping and attestation letters to support your audit requirements.
Do you provide ongoing support after testing?
Yes, we provide comprehensive support throughout the remediation process:
- Direct access to your penetration tester for questions
- Clarification on findings and remediation steps
- Guidance for IT teams implementing network fixes
- Included retesting to verify successful remediation
Our goal is not just to identify vulnerabilities, but to help you successfully secure your network infrastructure.
