Solutions / External Penetration Testing
External Penetration Testing
Simulate real-world external attacks against your public-facing systems with our external penetration testing services. We identify exploitable weaknesses in internet-accessible infrastructure using advanced scanning, manual exploitation, and adversary techniques. The results reveal how an attacker could gain initial access, and support compliance efforts with frameworks such as PCI DSS, HIPAA, NIST, and CMMC.
External Penetration Testing
Asset Discovery and Enumeration
nGuard begins by identifying all internet-facing systems and services associated with your organization. Using a combination of passive and active reconnaissance, we map external assets, detect shadow IT, and enumerate technologies and configurations that could be abused by attackers.
This aligns with PCI DSS 11.2, NIST SP 800-53 CA-8, HIPAA §164.308(a)(1)(ii)(A), and CMMC AM.L2-3.12.1 by validating the inventory of externally exposed systems and reducing blind spots.
Vulnerability Identification and Exploitation
Experienced engineers identify exploitable vulnerabilities in VPNs, firewalls, and other exposed systems. Both automated tools and manual testing methods are used to safely validate risk without disrupting operations. Vulnerabilities such as outdated software, default credentials, and misconfigured services are confirmed through controlled exploitation where permitted.
This supports NIST RA-5, CMMC RM.L2-3.11.2, and HIPAA §164.308(a)(8), helping organizations understand and remediate external risks before attackers exploit them.
Examining Authentication and Exposure
Authentication portals and exposed credentials are evaluated for weaknesses, including brute force susceptibility, weak password policies, and insecure authentication methods. We also analyze if information disclosed through error messages or metadata could be leveraged in targeted attacks.
This testing supports HIPAA §164.308(a)(5)(ii)(D), CMMC IA.L2-3.5.2, and NIST AC-7 by ensuring authentication mechanisms are not low-hanging fruit for external attackers.
Initial Access and Exploitation Path Analysis
We simulate how a real attacker could leverage external vulnerabilities to gain an initial foothold in your environment. This includes exploiting vulnerable services, compromising exposed credentials, or chaining multiple misconfigurations. Our testing reveals whether a breach from the outside could lead to internal access or exposure of sensitive data.
These efforts align with PCI DSS 11.3, NIST IR-5, HIPAA §164.308(a)(6), and CMMC SI.L2-3.14.1 by assessing your organization’s ability to prevent and detect external compromise.
External Penetration Testing
Reduce Internet-Facing Risks and Strengthen Perimeter Defenses
Complete Asset Discovery
nGuard identify and map every reachable device and service across your internal ranges exposing both expected and unauthorized assets.
Real-World Exploitation Tactics
Our team leverages both automated and manual techniques to exploit discovered vulnerabilities, mimicking adversary behavior.
Simulate Compromises
nGuard demonstrates how attackers could gain a foothold via exposed systems, highlighting gaps that lead to breach scenarios.
Actionable Remediation
We provide clear, trackable, prioritized recommendations so your team knows exactly what to fix and why it matters.
TRUSTED BY THESE BRANDS
Security Resources from nGuard
“nGuard has been a proven cybersecurity partner with us for over five years that understands our industry.”
— Joe Warling, Randolph Electric Membership Corporation
“nGuard not only does a thorough pen test, their remediation recommendations and tracking tool was a big help in addressing issues.”
— Allan Patek, Executive Director, Wisconsin Insurance Security Fund
“nGuard’s expertise in cybersecurity, their professionalism and flexibility is the reason why we hire them year after year.”
— Frank M. Furnari, Business Systems Developer, NJCRIB (New Jersey Compensation Rating & Inspection Bureau)
“The staff at nGuard are top-notch cybersecurity professionals. I find their knowledge, guidance, and expertise very helpful during our annual pen tests.”
— David Schultheis, IT Manager, Nine Network of Public Media
“nGuard’s cybersecurity and PCI expertise has been instrumental in helping us improve our cybersecurity posture.”
— Mark Krawczyk, Director of Information Privacy, Purpose Financial
“We have trusted nGuard as our primary cybersecurity consultants for 20 years. Our continued choice of and reliance on nGuard year after year is a testament to the professionalism, expertise, and exemplary service that we continue to experience.”
— Jeremy Noble, VP, Information Services, Atlantic Telephone Membership Corporation
“I have used several other large assessors in the past and I recommend nGuard above all others.”
— Scotty Westbrook, IT Director, Sampson Bladen Oil Company
“Through our long-term partnership with nGuard, we gain valuable insight from their advanced cyber-security tests.”
— Lynn Sturkie, Director of Technology Services, Lexington County
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