Internal Network Pentest

In today’s complex and ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape, protecting your internal networks and systems from internal threats is just as crucial as defending against external attacks. Our internal penetration tests, or pentests, provide a thorough analysis to identify potential security gaps within your network that malicious actors could exploit to compromise sensitive data or undermine the integrity of your systems.

Why Are Internal Network Pentests Important?

Internal network security is often overlooked, as organizations tend to focus on external threats. However, internal services require elevated protection due to the sensitive data they handle. Risks stem from both insider threats and external attackers who have breached the perimeter. Internal attackers can exploit vulnerabilities to steal critical information, install malware, or disrupt operations, leading to significant financial and reputational damage.

Our Approach to Penetration Testing

Our pentests generally follow five key phases, which we can tailor to your specific needs. Upon request, we also provide a final presentation and can conduct follow-up tests as needed. In every case, you will receive a detailed, easy-to-understand report that includes a management summary and actionable recommendations to address any identified vulnerabilities.

Learn more about each step in our pentesting process [here]. If you have any questions or would like to discuss pentesting in detail, our expert pentest team is ready to assist you. Contact us—we look forward to your inquiry!

Infographic illustrating the process of an internal network pentest.

Conducting an Internal Network Pentest

By simulating potential internal threats, we uncover critical vulnerabilities before they become liabilities. This is essential, as internal threats are often overlooked yet can be just as damaging as external attacks.

Our internal pentests start with a thorough port and vulnerability scan using leading tools like Nmap and Nessus to assess network services and interconnections for security gaps. Following this, our experts conduct manual testing and analysis based on the latest standards and extensive experience, identifying vulnerabilities that automated scans may miss. We also validate the secure configuration of your network, including segmentation into VLANs and subnets.

Flexible Testing Options

Our internal pentests are designed to accommodate your organization’s needs:

Remote Testing via VPN
Testing with a Remote Test System
On-Site Testing

The choice depends on your specific security requirements and preferences, with each method designed to minimize business disruption. Regardless of the approach, we ensure close collaboration with your IT team and provide immediate feedback on any identified risks.

Each test is meticulously tailored to the specific target environment, with additional assessments as needed to ensure comprehensive security coverage.

Internal Network Pentest: Key Assessment Areas

Our internal network pentests cover the following critical assessment points:

Network Access Control (NAC)*

Evaluation of security measures preventing unauthorized network access. *(On-Site Only)

Outdated Software

Analysis of services and operating systems to identify outdated software with known vulnerabilities.

Administrative Access

Review of the accessibility of administrative and remote maintenance interfaces from unauthorized systems.

Passwords

Brute-force attacks on authentication services to check for default credentials or weak passwords.

Sensitive Information

Targeted search for exposed sensitive information.

Encryption

Assessment of encryption methods and verification of adequate encryption protocols.

Access Control

Verification that identified services and applications have appropriate access restrictions and network segmentation.

System Hardening

Comprehensive analysis of system configurations to identify improvement opportunities and hardening settings.

Each pentest results in a detailed, accessible report that includes:

Management Summary: A high-level overview for decision-makers.
Test Details: Specific findings and identified risks.
Custom Recommendations: Actionable guidance to address vulnerabilities.

After project completion, we remain available for questions and can conduct follow-up tests as needed to verify implemented security measures.

Your Contact for Internal Network Pentests

Ready to enhance your internal network security with a qualified provider? Our experienced team is here to help. Contact us by phone or email—we look forward to your inquiry!

Cihan Parlar, LL.M. (Tilburg), Lawyer

Managing Director

Email: cparlar@re-move-this.first-privacy.com

Phone: +31 20 211 7116

FIRST PRIVACY B.V.

Peter Suhren, Lawyer

Managing Director

Email: psuhren@re-move-this.first-privacy.com

Phone: +49 421 69 66 32-822

FIRST PRIVACY GmbH

If your inquiry concerns an organization based in Germany, these contacts will help you

Michael Cyl, M.Sc.

Head of Information Security | Penetration Testing

Email: mcyl@re-move-this.datenschutz-nord.de

Phone: +49 421 69 66 32-319

datenschutz nord GmbH, Bremen

Our Qualifications as Pentesters

Established Standards: We follow recognized standards, including BSI IS-Pentest, BSI IS-Webcheck, OWASP, and more.
Experienced, Certified Experts: Our qualified penetration testers bring years of hands-on experience to each project.
Customized Testing: Each test is tailored to the specific requirements and context of the target environment.
Smart Meter Gateway Expertise: Extensive project experience in the Smart Meter Gateway field, compliant with BSI TR-03109-1.
Transparent Processes: We ensure clarity and simplicity throughout the engagement.
Client-Focused Security Enhancement: Our priority is enhancing the IT security of our clients.

Additionally, our team holds the following certifications:

Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Offensive Security Wireless Professional (OSWP)

Pentesting FAQ

Our Pentesting Process: Step by Step

We provide pentests for various targets, including external networks, internal networks, web applications/APIs, and smartphone apps. Each target requires specific measures, but our approach consistently follows these five steps:

Preliminary Discussion/Kick-Off: Before testing begins, we align on the approach. This can range from a quick email exchange to an in-depth kick-off meeting, depending on the complexity of the target, to clarify all open questions.
Execution: Based on the agreed scope and testing scenarios, our experts conduct the tests. We remain available throughout this phase to address any questions or clarifications.
Documentation: After testing, we compile and structure the results into a comprehensive final report. This includes an executive management summary and a detailed account of each finding, along with actionable recommendations to resolve any identified vulnerabilities.
Final Presentation (Optional): Upon request, we present and discuss the test results in an (online) presentation to ensure all stakeholders understand and can ask questions about the findings.
Follow-Up Testing (Optional): If you implement our recommended measures to address the vulnerabilities, we can verify their effectiveness through a follow-up test—either a quick retest or a comprehensive review, depending on the scope of the changes.

Each step is designed to deliver clear, actionable insights that strengthen your organization’s cybersecurity posture.

Black-Box, Grey-Box, or White-Box Pentest: What Are the Differences?

Pentests vary not only by target (e.g., network, app, API) but also by the initial level of information provided—known as the starting scenario. Here’s a breakdown of the differences between Black-Box, Grey-Box, and White-Box penetration tests:

Black-Box Pentest: In a Black-Box pentest, the tester begins with minimal information, closely mimicking a real-world attack. This type of test typically requires only basic details, such as an IP address, URL, or domain name, to initiate the assessment.
White-Box Pentest: For White-Box testing, the tester has access to extensive information about the system, including network diagrams, security policies, configurations, and even source code. This allows for targeted testing of critical systems and functions. However, the tester’s objectivity might be affected by this comprehensive knowledge.
Grey-Box Pentest: A Grey-Box test combines elements of both Black-Box and White-Box approaches. It may start as a Black-Box test, with additional details provided as needed for a more thorough evaluation. For instance, supplying login credentials or certain technical information upfront classifies the test as Grey-Box, enhancing efficiency while maintaining an external attacker’s perspective.

Each approach has its advantages, and the choice depends on the goals, resources, and security needs of your organization.

Illustration of the three possible pentests; the black box test, the grey box test and the white box test.

Are Pentests Conducted Exclusively Remotely?

All externally accessible targets, such as internet-facing systems and web applications, are tested remotely from our office. For internal tests, we typically use a VPN connection, which reduces additional costs and allows for extended testing time.

If a VPN or similar connection is not available, we offer alternative solutions:

Installation of a Testing Device: We can set up one of our devices at your location for remote testing.
Use of Your Equipment: Alternatively, we can install the necessary software on one of your devices for testing.

If none of these options are feasible, we can arrange for an on-site test by one of our experts.

Are Pentests Conducted in the Production Environment?

You determine which instance of the system is to be tested. If a testing or staging environment is available, we recommend performing the pentest there. However, it’s essential to ensure that the security settings closely resemble those of the production environment, as this will impact the accuracy of the test results.

Regardless of the environment chosen, our top priority is to avoid unintended disruptions or system outages. Therefore, denial-of-service (DoS) attacks are not included in our pentests.

What Level of Effort Is Required from You as the Client for a Pentest?

The effort required from you as the client is relatively low. Initially, we will need to align on the testing approach, and a brief introduction to the system may be necessary. During the test, we ask that a knowledgeable contact person be available to respond to any questions within one business day.

Also of Interest:

External Network Pentest Pentests for Web Applications/APIs Pentests for Smartphone Apps

Internal Network Pentest

Flexible Testing Options

If your inquiry concerns an organization based in Germany, these contacts will help you

We are here for you as a strong group!