Penetration Testing

Penetration Testing

Identify Risks · Validate Defences · Build Confidence

CREST Certified Penetration Testing in Southampton & Hampshire

At HJS Technology, we provide CREST certified penetration testing designed to give organisations clear, practical insight into their real-world cyber security risks.

For modern businesses, it's the difference between hoping your network is secure and knowing exactly where your vulnerabilities lie before a cybercriminal finds them.

Book a scoping call Scan vs pen test
CREST Accredited Penetration Testing
CRESTCertified penetration testing
ExploitWe prove risk, not just list it
ZeroDisruption to your operations
ClearPrioritised, fixable report
The crucial difference

A scan finds the unlocked doors. A pen test walks through them.

Many "security tests" are just automated scans. They tell you what might be a problem, but not whether an attacker could actually get in. A penetration test proves it.

Vulnerability Scan

Finds potential weaknesses

An automated tool checks your systems and produces a list of things that could be a problem.

  • Automated, tool-driven
  • Produces a list of possible issues
  • No proof of real-world impact
  • Can flag false positives
  • A useful starting point
VS
Penetration Test

Proves what an attacker could do

We safely exploit the weaknesses, just like a real attacker, to show your genuine risk.

  • Expert-led, CREST certified
  • Safely exploits real weaknesses
  • Proves true business impact
  • Verified findings, no guesswork
  • Prioritised, actionable fixes

In short: a scan says “this window looks unlocked.” A penetration test opens it, climbs in, and shows you exactly what's at risk inside.

Why test

Know your risks before an attacker does

Penetration testing turns uncertainty into a clear, prioritised plan of action.

See Your Real Risk

Move from guessing to knowing, with verified proof of exactly where an attacker could get in, and how far.

Prioritise What Matters

Our report ranks findings by genuine business risk, so you fix the things that actually matter first, not everything at once.

Win & Keep Contracts

Many clients, insurers and frameworks now expect regular testing. Prove your security to the people who matter.

Validate Your Defences

You've invested in security, testing proves it actually works, and highlights any gaps before they're exploited.

The process

How a penetration test works

A clear, controlled process from scope to fix, with no disruption to your business.

1

Scope

We agree exactly what will be tested and when, tailored to your systems and goals.

2

Test

Our experts safely probe and exploit weaknesses, just as a real attacker would.

3

Report

You get a clear report ranking every finding by real-world risk, with practical fixes.

4

Remediate

We help you fix what matters, and can re-test to confirm the weaknesses are closed.

A complete defence

Testing works best alongside protection

A penetration test is a moment-in-time check. Pair it with continuous protection for lasting security.

Managed Detection & Response

24/7/365 SOC-backed detection that catches threats in real time.

Explore MDR

Cyber Essentials

Get certified and prove your commitment to security.

Get certified

Cyber Awareness Training

Turn your team into a strong first line of defence against phishing.

Explore training

Managed Cyber Security

End-to-end protection, monitoring and compliance.

Explore security
Frequently asked

Penetration testing, your questions answered

What is the difference between a vulnerability scan and a penetration test?
A vulnerability scan is an automated check that produces a list of potential weaknesses, it tells you what might be a problem. A penetration test goes further: it safely attempts to exploit those weaknesses, just like a real attacker would, to prove which ones are genuinely dangerous and how far an attacker could get. Scanning finds the unlocked doors; a pen test walks through them to show you what's really at risk.
What is CREST certified penetration testing?
CREST is an internationally recognised accreditation for penetration testing providers. CREST certified penetration testing means the assessment is carried out to a rigorous, independently accredited standard, giving you and your stakeholders confidence in the results.
How often should we have a penetration test?
Best practice is at least annually, and after any significant change to your systems, such as a new application, network change or office move. Many businesses also test to satisfy client, insurer or compliance requirements.
Will penetration testing disrupt our business?
No. Testing is carefully scoped and scheduled to avoid disruption, and everything is done safely and with your agreement. The goal is to find and fix weaknesses without any impact on your day-to-day operations.
What do we get at the end of a penetration test?
You receive a clear report that identifies the vulnerabilities found, prioritises them by real-world risk, and gives practical remediation steps, so you know exactly what to fix first and why.

Full directory of penetration testing & cyber security services in Southampton

Penetration Testing

  • Penetration Testing Southampton
  • CREST Certified Pen Testing Hampshire
  • Web Application Testing SO15
  • Network Penetration Testing Southampton

Vulnerability Management

  • Vulnerability Scanning Hampshire
  • Vulnerability Assessment Southampton
  • External & Internal Testing
  • Remediation & Re-testing Southampton

Compliance & Protection

Stop hoping. Start knowing.

Find out exactly where your vulnerabilities lie before a cybercriminal does. Book a no-obligation scoping call with our Hampshire-based cyber security team.

Book a Scoping Call

Schedule a focused session with our cyber security team to scope the right penetration test for your business.

  • Understand your testing options
  • Scope the right test for your systems
  • Get a clear, fixed quote
View our live calendar

At a Glance

  • What it is: A flexible, software-driven CREST Certified Penetration Test that safely mimics a real hacker to find and exploit vulnerabilities in your network, on your devices and in your cloud infrastructure.
  • Accreditation: Powered by CREST certified technology, ensuring the highest industry standard of rigorous security testing.
  • Who it's for: UK SMEs, particularly those requiring compliance standards like ISO 27001 or Cyber Essentials Plus.
  • Key Benefit: Enterprise-grade security testing delivered on your schedule – whether monthly, quarterly, or annually and at a fraction of the cost of traditional manual testing.
  • Management: Fully managed by our experienced IT security team based in Southampton, Hampshire.

Making Flexible Cyber Defence Work for Your Business

Penetration testing is no longer a luxury reserved for large enterprises; it is a critical requirement for businesses of all sizes. Our automated penetration testing solution brings the expertise of a seasoned ethical hacker to your network, but with the speed, frequency, and cost-effectiveness of modern automation.

Testing on Your Schedule

Our platform offers complete flexibility, allowing you to run comprehensive evaluations monthly, quarterly, or annually. This ensures your defences remain robust, whenever you need them tested.

Replicate Real-World Attacks

We actively exploit weaknesses exactly as a malicious hacker would, demonstrating the actual risk to your business data and showing you precisely how an attacker could compromise your systems.

Cost-Effective & Efficient

By automating time-intensive manual processes, our solution delivers rigorous, CREST-approved network testing at a fraction of the cost of traditional manual consultancy.

Fast Reporting

We generate comprehensive, fully compliant reports within days. These include step-by-step remediation advice to address critical risks and lock down your network without delay.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CREST certification?
CREST is an internationally recognised accreditation body. Utilising CREST certified technology ensures your penetration testing meets the most rigorous industry standards for cyber security.
How often should a business run a penetration test?
Because cyber threats evolve so rapidly, best practice dictates high frequency. Our platform allows you to affordably run tests monthly or quarterly to maintain a hardened security posture.
What is the difference between a vulnerability scan and automated penetration testing?
A scan simply lists known flaws. A penetration test goes a step further: it actively tries to exploit those flaws to prove if a hacker could successfully breach your system.
Will automated penetration testing disrupt my business network?
No. While it simulates attacks, it is designed to operate safely within defined parameters without causing network downtime or data loss.

Thinking about Automated Penetration Testing?

Get in touch to discuss your network setup and see how flexible, CREST certified penetration testing could protect your business data and operations.

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