Services on Heelr
Penetration testing
A penetration test is a controlled attempt to break into your systems the way a real attacker would, so you find the weaknesses before someone else does. Companies commission them before a launch, ahead of a certification, in response to a customer requirement, or simply to know where they stand.
Heelr connects you with penetration testers whose identity is verified and whose certifications are validated, which matters more here than almost anywhere, because you are giving someone permission to probe your systems. You agree the scope, the targets, and the price before any testing begins, and your payment is held securely until the work and its report are delivered.
What a penetration test covers
Penetration testing spans several types, and a provider can advise which you need:
Web application testing examines the security of a website or web app, the most common request for software companies.
Network testing probes your internal and external network infrastructure for exposures.
API testing targets the interfaces your applications expose, increasingly important as products become more connected.
For an adversarial, objective-based exercise that goes beyond finding vulnerabilities to simulating a full attack, see red teaming. For a lighter, automated scan rather than a hands-on test, see vulnerability assessment.
Common questions
What is the difference between a penetration test and a vulnerability assessment?
A vulnerability assessment is largely automated and lists potential weaknesses. A penetration test is hands-on: a professional actively attempts to exploit weaknesses to show what an attacker could really do. Pen testing gives deeper assurance and a clearer picture of real risk. See vulnerability assessment.
How much does a penetration test cost?
It depends on scope: the number of targets, their complexity, and the depth of testing. On Heelr you agree scope and price up front, so there are no surprises. A focused web app test costs less than a broad engagement across your whole estate.
How long does a penetration test take?
Most engagements run from a few days to a couple of weeks, plus time for the report. Scope drives the timeline.
When does my company need a pen test?
Common triggers are before launching a new product or feature, ahead of a certification such as ISO 27001, when a customer requires evidence of testing, or after significant changes to your systems. See launching something new.
What is the difference between penetration testing and red teaming?
A pen test aims to find as many exploitable weaknesses as possible in a defined scope. A red team exercise is objective-based and adversarial, testing whether a determined attacker could achieve a specific goal, and often testing your detection and response too. See red teaming.