What is manual penetration testing?
Manual penetration testing is a hands-on security testing method used by ethical hackers to identify vulnerabilities in IT systems, applications, and networks. Unlike automated scans, manual tests simulate real-world attacks to uncover hidden threats that automated tools may miss.
Unlike automated pen testing and vulnerability assessments that look for identified security issues, manual pen testing focuses on finding undiscovered network vulnerabilities.
Penetration testers use various methods to gain access to networks, including exploiting existing vulnerabilities, social engineering, and cracking passwords.
Companies can improve computer and network protection by detecting and exploiting these vulnerabilities. Manual penetration testing can be complex, but it is one of the best ways to identify network vulnerabilities and security gaps.
Why are manual penetration tests important?
Manual penetration testing plays a critical role in improving cybersecurity posture. Here’s why it matters:
- Identifies complex, business-specific vulnerabilities missed by automated tools.
- Helps organizations meet compliance requirements (e.g., PCI DSS, HIPAA, ISO 27001).
- Provides actionable insights to enhance defense mechanisms.
- Reduces the risk of data breaches, ransomware attacks, and system downtime.
For both small and large companies, manual pen tests serve as a proactive approach to defend against evolving cyber threats.
How do manual penetration tests work?
Manual penetration testing requires deep knowledge of system vulnerabilities and the ability to replicate real-world attack strategies without triggering security defenses.
Manual penetration tests are conducted internally to determine how our infrastructures defend itself and the outside world. We apply different attack techniques based on what might work most effectively in that specific scenario, always adhering to OWASP rules and legal hacking standards. These standards ensure that our testing is ethical, legal, and effective in identifying vulnerabilities.
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How does manual penetration testing work?
The security specialists create a continuous list of attacks that can be carried out on the target computer you have selected.
Detecting risks is becoming increasingly difficult, but vulnerability assessment and detection tools are constantly evolving.
When software vulnerabilities are found in the designated structure, a group of professionals performs ongoing testing to ensure that remediation efforts do not disrupt company operations.
They use their knowledge of how a program works, what information is stored in it, and where potential vulnerabilities could exist.
Testers may develop custom scripts or payloads to safely exploit vulnerabilities in a controlled environment, strictly following legal and ethical guidelines.
What are the methods for performing manual penetration tests?
1. Knowing the requirements
Developers need to understand the unique requirements of web and mobile applications. They want to understand the nature of your application and how it works before you start working on it, so that we can deliver exactly what meets all these criteria.
2. Collecting the information
Understanding how your system works can be critical to delivering the right cybersecurity solution. That’s why we research your target and gather as much information as possible before making any assumptions or recommendations about what will work best for you.
3. Vulnerability evaluation
Vulnerabilities can pose a massive risk to your system. That’s why, as an IT expert or security fanatic, you should definitely invest in a vulnerability assessment.
4. The abuse
Security specialists approach your network’s vulnerabilities with a criminal mindset, helping you fix them and make them more secure.
5. Documentation
Are you curious about how your programmers can help you? They will create an overview with all the necessary data to determine what needs to be fixed.
What Are The Types Of Manual Penetration Testing?
Manual penetration testing has rarely been as necessary as it is today. Recently, hacking attempts have increased, and 3 million pieces of data have been breached. How can we determine if our network is vulnerable to a specific or complete target?
Depending on the information shared with the testing team, manual pen tests are typically divided into the following types:
- Black Box Testing: The tester has no prior knowledge of the target environment, simulating an outsider’s attack.
- White Box Testing: The tester is given full access to source code, system architecture, and credentials, ideal for in-depth security analysis.
- Grey Box Testing: A combination of both; testers are provided limited information to mimic insider threats or partially-informed attackers.
Talk to our Cybersecurity Expert to discuss your specific needs and how we can help your business.
Conclusion
Manual penetration testing is one of the most reliable ways to uncover hidden and advanced security threats within your IT infrastructure. While it requires time and expertise, the insights gained can significantly strengthen your defenses and support long-term security compliance.
Whether you’re a small business owner looking to protect customer data or a large enterprise aiming to validate your complex network, manual testing provides a tailored, in-depth assessment that automated tools simply can’t match.
Ready to assess your cybersecurity posture with manual penetration testing? Contact our expert team today for a consultation or explore more about how our ethical hacking services can protect your digital assets.
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