Penetration testing PENT
Testing the effectiveness of security controls by emulating the tools and techniques of likely attackers.
Updates for SFIA 9
- There is an updated version of this skill for SFIA 9.
- Theme(s) influencing the updates for this skill: Include cryptography, Making SFIA easier to consume (new levels).
- Added reference to cryptography
- New level 2 added to support entry-level roles.
- You can move to SFIA 9 when you are ready - SFIA 8 skill descriptions will still be available to use.
- Previous SFIA assessments or skills mapping are not impacted by this change.
Guidance notes
Penetration testing may be a stand-alone activity or an aspect of acceptance testing prior to an approval to operate.
Activities include — but are not limited to:
- ethical hacking — using the same tools and techniques as an adversary to safely exploit security weaknesses
- demonstrating how an adversary can subvert security goals or achieve specific adversarial objectives
- evaluating the effectiveness of current/planned defences or mitigation controls
- assuring the security of networks, systems, and applications
- identifying insights into the business risks of various vulnerabilities
- testing network, infrastructure, web and mobile applications for weaknesses
- checking patch levels and configurations
- social engineering.
Levels of responsibility for this skill
| 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
Penetration testing: Levels 1-2
This skill is not typically observed or practiced at these levels of responsibility and accountability.
Penetration testing: Level 3
Follows standard approaches to design and execute penetration testing activities.
Researches and investigates attack techniques and recommend ways to defend against them.
Analyses and reports on penetration testing activities, results, issues and risks.
Penetration testing: Level 4
Selects appropriate testing approach using in-depth technical analysis of risks and typical vulnerabilities.
Produces test scripts, materials and test packs and tests new and existing networks, systems or applications. Provides advice on penetration testing to support others.
Records and analyses actions and results and modifies tests if necessary.
Provides reports on progress, anomalies, risks and issues associated with the overall project.
Penetration testing: Level 5
Plans and drives penetration testing within a defined area of business activity.
Delivers objective insights into the existence of vulnerabilities, the effectiveness of defences and mitigating controls.
Takes responsibility for the integrity of testing activities and coordinates the execution of these activities. Provides authoritative advice and guidance on all aspects of penetration testing.
Identifies needs and implements new approaches for penetration testing. Contributes to security testing standards.
Penetration testing: Level 6
Determines penetration testing policy, and owns the supporting processes.
Manages all penetration testing activities within the organisation. Assesses and advises on the practicality of testing process alternatives.
Establishes capability for continual improvement and invention in penetration testing and leads the implementation of new approaches.
Assesses suppliers' development and testing capabilities. Manages client relationships with respect to penetration testing.
Penetration testing: Level 7
This skill is not typically observed or practiced at this level of responsibility and accountability.