Part 3: What Should I Expect in a Penetration Test Report?

A penetration test report is a comprehensive document that details the security assessment of your systems. You can expect it to include an executive summary, which provides a high-level overview of the findings for non-technical stakeholders, and a technical section that dives deep into each identified vulnerability. This section often covers the nature of the vulnerabilities, their risk levels (typically categorized as low, medium, high, or critical), potential impacts, and evidence of exploitation. The report will usually offer remediation recommendations, helping your team understand not just what the issues are, but how to fix them effectively. A good penetration testing company can provide an example report if asked. 

What Reports or Documentation Will I Receive After a Penetration Test?

After a penetration test, you’ll typically receive several key documents.

• The primary deliverable: This is the detailed penetration test report, which outlines the findings and recommendations.
• Executive summary: This is a technical appendix with raw data or logs for in-depth analysis, tailored for business leaders. It contains a remediation plan with prioritized action items. It’s typically included in the primary report but is occasionally requested separately. 
• Debrief presentation: Some firms also provide a debrief presentation to walk through the findings, ensuring clarity and offering an opportunity to ask questions.

Who Should Review the Penetration Test Report Within My Company?

The penetration test report should be reviewed by a mix of technical and non-technical stakeholders to ensure comprehensive understanding and action. This includes your IT security team, who will handle the technical details and remediation efforts, as well as IT management and executives who need to understand the business risks involved.

Compliance officers or risk managers should also review the report, especially if your organization is subject to regulatory requirements. A cross-functional review helps ensure that vulnerabilities are addressed efficiently and that strategic decisions are informed by security insights.

Also, note that while a penetration test report and executive summary can help your security program secure more budget, most clients will develop a remediation plan first. It’s a good idea to develop your plan before meeting with executives and sharing the report right away. 

What Happens if the Penetration Test Finds a Critical Vulnerability?

If a critical vulnerability is discovered, the penetration testing team will typically escalate the issue immediately, even before the final report is delivered. This allows your security team to start mitigation efforts without delay.

The report will provide detailed information on the vulnerability, including how it was found, the potential impact, and recommended steps for remediation. It’s crucial to prioritize addressing critical vulnerabilities, as they often pose significant risks to your organization’s data and operations. Some testing firms also offer support during the remediation process to ensure the issue is fully resolved.

How Do I Fix the Vulnerabilities Identified in the Report?

Fixing vulnerabilities starts with a thorough review of the penetration test report to understand each issue’s nature and severity. The report will typically include specific recommendations for remediation, such as applying security patches, reconfiguring systems, updating software, or improving access controls. Prioritize critical and high-risk vulnerabilities first, as they pose the greatest threats.

Collaborate with your IT and security teams to implement fixes, and consider conducting follow-up tests to verify that the vulnerabilities have been effectively addressed. Continuous monitoring and adopting security best practices can help prevent similar issues in the future.

Can I Share the Report with Clients or Partners to Demonstrate Security Compliance?

Yes, you can share the penetration test report with clients or partners, but it’s essential to do so thoughtfully. The report may contain sensitive information about your systems and vulnerabilities, so consider redacting technical details that could pose security risks if exposed. Often, sharing the executive summary is sufficient to demonstrate your commitment to security and compliance. For regulatory or contractual requirements, provide only the necessary sections to meet the specific compliance obligations. Always consult with your legal or compliance team before sharing to ensure you’re protecting your organization’s security posture while meeting external expectations.

If you have been asked to provide a penetration testing report, answer a security questionnaire, or need help with cybersecurity, please contact Kris Rides at kris.rides@tirosec.com and start protecting your data today!