Services · Pentest
Penetration testing: entrust your assessment to field-proven offensive experts
A penetration test assesses the real resilience of a scope by simulating an attacker’s actions, within an authorised framework. BEAROPS carries out your external, internal, application, cloud and Active Directory pentests with experts from the offensive security field. You receive a clear, prioritised report, proof of exploitation, and practical support to fix what matters.
- Field experts
- Actionable report
- In French or English
Would you rather equip your own teams than entrust an engagement to us? That is the role of the Bearsploit tool .
When should you carry out a penetration test?
A penetration test is warranted before an application goes live, after a major change to the system, in response to a regulatory requirement (for example DORA compliance ) or a contractual one, or simply to measure a security level objectively. It answers a precise question: would this scope withstand an attacker today?
- Before an application goes live
- After a major change to the system
- In response to a regulatory or contractual requirement
- To measure a security level objectively
Which type of penetration test should you choose?
| Type | The question it answers |
|---|---|
| External test | What can an attacker reach from the internet? |
| Internal test | How far would an attacker who is already inside, or a malicious employee, get? |
| Web application test | Can a given application withstand targeted exploitation? |
| API test | Do the interfaces open to partners or applications leak data or privileges? |
| Mobile application test | Do the application and its exchanges with the server protect accounts and data? |
| Cloud test | Does the configuration of your cloud accounts and services open up access or privilege escalation? |
| Active Directory test | Can an ordinary account become domain administrator, and by which path? |
If the question is no longer “is this scope secure?” but “would we detect a real attack?”, what you need is a Red Team exercise . To choose, compare Red Team and penetration testing .
Black, grey or white box: how much information should you share?
The test can be carried out as a black box, with no prior information, like an external attacker; as a grey box, with limited access, like a user or a partner; or as a white box, with full documentation, for an in-depth review. The choice depends on the objective of the engagement.
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Black box
No prior information, like an external attacker.
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Grey box
Limited access, like a user or a partner.
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White box
Full documentation, for an in-depth review.
How does a penetration test unfold?
A penetration test lasts 1 to 2 weeks on average, depending on the scope: the exact duration, testing windows and debriefing date are set during scoping. To prepare for it, see our guide preparing a penetration test: scope, rules of engagement and deliverables (article in French).
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Scope
Scope, objectives, rules of engagement, testing windows.
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Authorise
Prior written authorisation, signed.
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Reconnoitre
Mapping of the targets, technologies and entry points within the scope.
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Test and exploit
Execution within the agreed framework, with immediate notice of any critical finding.
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Report
Prioritised report, debriefing meeting, remediation plan.
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Verify
A new test of the fixed vulnerabilities, if agreed during scoping.
Our penetration tests draw on the OWASP Web Security Testing Guide, TIBER-EU, NIST and ANSSI (the French national cybersecurity agency) frameworks.
What does the penetration test report contain?
The BEAROPS penetration test report ranks vulnerabilities by real risk, describes each exploitation scenario with its proof, and proposes practical recommendations. An executive summary accompanies the technical detail, so that everyone knows what to decide and what to fix.
- Executive summaryOverall risk level, business stakes, decisions to take.
- Scope and rules of engagementTargets, testing window, conditions of the test.
- Prioritised vulnerabilitiesRanked by real risk, from most to least critical.
- Exploitation scenarios and proofEach attack path , step by step, with its proof.
- RecommendationsPractical, prioritised fixes for each vulnerability.
- Remediation planActions, suggested owners, order of treatment.
A strict ethical framework
Check that fixes hold
A penetration test is a snapshot at a given date. To track exposure over time and automatically replay tests after remediation, the Beareye platform takes over. The annual pentest remains useful and becomes more targeted, backed by continuous monitoring.
Sources and references
Sources consulted on . Report an error: contact+site@bearops.fr
Frequently asked questions
What is a penetration test?
A penetration test, or pentest, assesses the security of a scope by simulating an attacker’s actions, within an authorised framework. It reveals the vulnerabilities that can actually be exploited and the possible attack scenarios, with supporting proof.
What is the difference between a penetration test and a vulnerability scan?
A scan lists vulnerabilities automatically. A penetration test goes further: a human expert exploits the flaws, chains them together and assesses the real impact. The scan flags, the pentest demonstrates.
How long does a penetration test take?
1 to 2 weeks on average, depending on the scope: a targeted application test is shorter than an internal test covering several sites. The exact duration, testing windows and debriefing date are set during scoping, before the written authorisation is signed.
Can a penetration test disrupt my production environment?
The scope, intensity and testing windows are agreed with you before the engagement, in the written authorisation. Critical findings are reported in real time. The aim is to assess without harming your business.
Do I need a penetration test or a Beareye subscription?
They meet different, complementary needs. The penetration test is a one-off, in-depth assessment. Beareye provides continuous monitoring and replays tests after remediation. Many organisations combine the two.
Let’s plan your penetration test
Describe the scope to be tested and your deadline. A BEAROPS expert will call you back to scope the engagement and prepare a tailored quote.