How to Set Up Penetration Testing
Establish a penetration testing program to proactively identify and fix security vulnerabilities.
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What You'll Learn
This advanced-level guide walks you through how to set up penetration testing step by step. Estimated time: 12 min.
Step 1: Define testing scope
Determine which systems, networks, and applications are in scope and what testing methods are permitted.
Step 2: Choose your approach
Select between automated scanning tools, manual penetration testing, bug bounty programs, or a combination of all three.
Step 3: Select testing providers
Hire reputable penetration testing firms or set up a bug bounty program on HackerOne or Bugcrowd for continuous security testing.
Step 4: Conduct the assessment
Execute testing with clear rules of engagement, communication channels, and emergency procedures for critical findings.
Step 5: Remediate and retest
Prioritize and fix discovered vulnerabilities, then verify fixes with targeted retesting before closing findings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I conduct penetration tests?▾
Annual comprehensive penetration tests at minimum. Quarterly for high-risk applications. Continuous through bug bounty programs for ongoing coverage.
Bug bounty or traditional pen test?▾
Start with traditional penetration tests for structured coverage. Add bug bounty programs once you have mature security practices and vulnerability management processes.
What does a penetration test cost?▾
Basic web app penetration test costs $5K-15K. Comprehensive testing including infrastructure and mobile costs $15K-50K. Bug bounty programs have variable costs based on findings.