Testing Methodology & Procedures
Comprehensive overview of our security testing approach, tools, environments, and quality assurance processes. We believe in complete transparency about how we work.
Our Testing Methodology
We follow industry-standard methodologies including OWASP, PTES (Penetration Testing Execution Standard), and NIST guidelines, adapted to each client's unique environment.
Planning & Reconnaissance
Initial phase focused on understanding the scope, objectives, and gathering intelligence about the target systems.
Activities:
- • Scope definition and rules of engagement
- • Asset inventory and network mapping
- • OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) gathering
- • DNS enumeration and subdomain discovery
- • Technology stack identification
- • Social engineering reconnaissance (if in scope)
Tools Used:
- • Nmap - Network discovery and port scanning
- • Subfinder - Subdomain enumeration
- • Shodan - Internet-connected devices search
- • theHarvester - Email and domain enumeration
- • Maltego - Visual link analysis
- • Recon-ng - Reconnaissance framework
Vulnerability Assessment
Systematic identification of security weaknesses through automated scanning and manual analysis.
Activities:
- • Automated vulnerability scanning
- • Web application security assessment
- • API security testing
- • SSL/TLS configuration review
- • Security header analysis
- • Authentication & authorization testing
- • Input validation testing
Tools Used:
- • Burp Suite Professional - Web app testing
- • OWASP ZAP - Automated web scanning
- • Nessus Professional - Vulnerability scanning
- • Qualys VMDR - Cloud vulnerability management
- • Nuclei - Fast vulnerability scanner
- • SQLMap - SQL injection testing
- • Nikto - Web server scanner
Exploitation & Attack Simulation
Controlled exploitation of identified vulnerabilities to demonstrate real-world impact and risk.
Activities:
- • Exploit development and testing
- • Privilege escalation attempts
- • Lateral movement simulation
- • Password cracking and hash analysis
- • Man-in-the-middle attacks (controlled)
- • Session hijacking tests
- • Business logic flaw exploitation
Tools Used:
- • Metasploit Framework - Exploitation framework
- • Cobalt Strike - Adversary simulation
- • Empire/Covenant - Post-exploitation
- • BloodHound - Active Directory analysis
- • Hashcat/John - Password cracking
- • Responder - LLMNR/NBT-NS poisoning
- • Mimikatz - Credential extraction
Post-Exploitation & Persistence
Assessment of potential damage and attacker capabilities after initial compromise.
Activities:
- • Data exfiltration simulation
- • Persistence mechanism testing
- • Credential harvesting
- • Privilege escalation chains
- • Network pivot testing
- • Anti-forensics technique identification
- • Impact assessment
Tools Used:
- • PowerShell Empire - Post-exploitation
- • Impacket - Network protocol testing
- • CrackMapExec - Network enumeration
- • LinPEAS/WinPEAS - Privilege escalation
- • LaZagne - Credential recovery
- • Proxychains - Network pivoting
- • Custom scripts and exploits
Reporting & Remediation Support
Comprehensive documentation and ongoing support for vulnerability remediation.
Deliverables:
- • Executive summary report
- • Technical findings with CVSS scores
- • Step-by-step reproduction guides
- • Remediation recommendations
- • Risk assessment and prioritization
- • Compliance mapping (OWASP, NIST, etc.)
- • Re-testing after remediation
Support:
- • Dedicated debriefing session
- • 90-day remediation support
- • Security team training
- • Secure code review assistance
- • Architecture review recommendations
- • Free re-test on critical findings
- • Ongoing security consultation
Testing Environments & Infrastructure
We maintain multiple testing environments to ensure safe, isolated, and effective security testing without impacting your production systems.
Dedicated Testing Infrastructure
- Isolated Attack Infrastructure: Separate VPN-connected attack machines with rotating IP addresses
- Cloud Test Labs: AWS, Azure, and GCP environments for cloud-native testing
- Container Environments: Kubernetes and Docker testing platforms
- Mobile Testing Lab: Physical and virtual devices for iOS and Android testing
- Encrypted Communication: All testing traffic encrypted and logged
Testing Environment Options
Production Testing
Testing on live production systems with careful controls and timing considerations.
- • Scheduled maintenance windows
- • Rate limiting to prevent DoS
- • Real-time monitoring and alerts
- • Immediate rollback capability
Staging/UAT Testing
Preferred environment for thorough testing without production impact.
- • Full functionality testing
- • Aggressive scanning allowed
- • Exploit verification
- • No service disruption concerns
Hybrid Approach
Combination of environments for comprehensive coverage.
- • Aggressive tests in staging
- • Validation in production
- • Best of both approaches
Access Procedures & Security Controls
Transparent and secure procedures for accessing your systems during security testing engagements.
Pre-Engagement Security
Legal Framework
- • Master Service Agreement (MSA)
- • Statement of Work (SOW)
- • Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)
- • Rules of Engagement (RoE)
- • Authorization letters
- • Insurance certificates
Access Controls
- • Time-limited credentials
- • Multi-factor authentication
- • IP whitelisting (when required)
- • VPN access with monitoring
- • Jump box/bastion hosts
- • Activity logging enabled
Communication
- • Encrypted communication channels
- • 24/7 emergency contacts
- • Daily status updates
- • Real-time critical finding alerts
- • Dedicated Slack/Teams channel
- • Post-test debriefing
During Testing
Data Handling
- All captured data encrypted at rest (AES-256)
- Secure transfer via SFTP/encrypted channels only
- No sensitive data stored on local machines
- Sanitized evidence in final reports
- Secure data destruction after project completion
Safety Controls
- No destructive actions without explicit approval
- Rate limiting on scanning to prevent service impact
- Immediate notification of critical findings
- Emergency stop procedures documented
- Comprehensive activity logging for audit trail
Quality Assurance & Experience
Our commitment to quality through rigorous processes, experienced team, and continuous improvement.
Team Expertise
- Certified Professionals: OSCP, OSCE, OSWE, OSEP, CEH, GPEN, GWAPT certified testers
- Industry Experience: Average 8+ years in offensive security
- Continuous Training: 40 hours/year minimum training requirement
- Specialized Skills: Cloud, mobile, IoT, and OT security specialists
- Research & Development: Active contributors to security research and CVE discoveries
Quality Control Process
- Peer Review: All findings reviewed by senior security consultant
- Validated Findings: Every vulnerability manually verified and reproducible
- Risk Rating: CVSS v3.1 scoring with business context
- Report Quality: Technical editor reviews all deliverables
- Client Feedback: Post-engagement surveys and continuous improvement
Request Detailed Methodology Document
Need more technical details about our testing procedures? We can provide comprehensive methodology documentation including sample reports, tool lists, and process workflows.