ESSENTIAL GUIDANCE · ASSURANCE · 7 min read
Part of Validate insights →How often should a business run a penetration test?
Why calendar-based testing is only a baseline—and which business changes should trigger additional validation.
Why calendar-based testing is only a baseline—and which business changes should trigger additional validation.
Need an acronym translated?Open the cyber glossary →Annual is a baseline, not a universal answer
Many organisations test annually for assurance or compliance. The right cadence also depends on your rate of change, exposure, data sensitivity and risk appetite.
Let change trigger testing
Major releases, new infrastructure, acquisitions, supplier changes and significant fixes are sensible moments for targeted validation.
Combine continuous visibility with deep tests
Continuous monitoring can spot changes between engagements. Human-led penetration testing then validates whether important weaknesses can be exploited and what to fix first.
This guide covers the essentials. Continue into our technical analysis for a firmer position, practical implications and recommended action.
Read “Annual testing is a snapshot in a continuously changing estate” →
