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Home / Glossary / Penetration test
Glossary · Security

Penetration test

In plain language

A paid, permitted attempt by a security expert to break into your systems to find weaknesses.

The metaphor

Like hiring a locksmith to try your doors and report which ones opened: you get the findings without the break-in.

Going deeper

How it works

  • Testers act like attackers within agreed limits.
  • They report what they reached and how.
  • Scope and written permission are set first.
  • Most small businesses benefit more from basics first: updates, MFA and backups.

How WILDCARD handles it

A vCIO review covers the basics a test would look for.

In practice
  • A law firm is asked for a test report by a large client.
  • A retailer tests its online store.
  • A clinic is told by an insurer that a test is optional.

A question owners ask

Do I need a penetration test? Only if a client, regulator or insurer asks, or after the basics are in place.

Where WILDCARD handles this
✨
vCIO
  • Fractional CIO on retainer
  • Moonlight, Sunlight, Starlight tiers
  • Credits for single outputs
Start with vCIO
Related terms
AIArtificial IntelligenceALEAnnualized Loss ExpectancyAROAnnualized Rate of OccurrenceAUPAcceptable Use PolicyBCPBusiness Continuity PlanningBIABusiness Impact AnalysisCARCorrective Action ReportCIOChief Information Officer

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