Understanding the Difference: External Penetration Testing vs Vulnerability Scanning

The world is increasingly embracing digital technology, and hackers are doing the same. Cyber attacks have become common. As businesses expand their online presence, the likelihood of attracting a cyber attack increases. External penetration testing can serve as your protective shield if you want to protect your company from potential harm.

What Is External Penetration Testing?

External network penetration testing is a type of security assessment that focuses on identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities in an organization's externally facing systems and infrastructure, such as websites, email servers, firewalls, and other publicly accessible assets. The goal is to simulate an attack from the perspective of an external adversary who does not have internal access to the organization's network.

What is Vulnerability Scanning?

Vulnerability scanning is an automated process that identifies security weaknesses or vulnerabilities in an organization's systems, networks, applications, or devices. It uses specialized tools to scan for known vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, outdated software, and other potential security issues, providing a detailed report to help organizations address these risks.

What are the Main Differences Between External Network Penetration Testing and Vulnerability Scanning:

1. Purpose

2. Depth of Analysis

3. Methodology

4. Skill Level Required

5. Output

6. Use Cases

How External Penetration Testing is Performed

Conducting an external penetration test involves several key steps:

How Much Does an External Pen Test Cost?

The cost varies based on factors like the scope of testing, the complexity of your systems, and the expertise required. While an investment is involved, the cost of a breach can be far greater. Investing in penetration testing can save you significant time and money in the long run.

Software Secured's External Network Pentest starts from $5,400, check our prices.

Whether you're starting with external exposure or already thinking about internal segmentation and lateral movement, the scope of your engagement significantly affects what findings you'll surface. See how Software Secured structures external network penetration testing and internal network assessments, including how they're often combined for organizations that want full network coverage.