CREST-Accredited Penetration Testing Melbourne

Most web application tests take approximately 3–5 business days of testing, depending on application size, number of roles, APIs and complexity. Network, cloud, mobile and red-team engagements can require different timelines. We confirm the testing schedule during scoping.

Black-box: testers start with zero knowledge , simulating a real external attacker. Most realistic, but may miss internal vulnerabilities. Grey-box: limited access provided (e.g. a user account) , simulates a malicious insider or compromised user. Best value for most organisations. White-box: full access to source code, architecture, and credentials , maximum coverage, highest cost. Required for PCI DSS Level 1 and high-assurance environments.

Most organisations test at least annually. Additional testing is recommended after major system deployments, significant infrastructure changes, a security incident, mergers or acquisitions, or when new regulatory requirements apply. PCI DSS requires annual testing and after significant changes. ISO 27001 requires regular testing as part of the ISMS. Organisations handling sensitive government data often test quarterly.

It depends on the test type. For black-box external testing we only need the target IP ranges or domains , no credentials. For grey-box testing we need test user accounts with the appropriate permission level. For white-box testing we need architecture documentation, source code access, and administrator credentials. We never require production admin access , testing can be performed against staging environments when required. All access is governed by the Rules of Engagement document signed before testing begins.

Penetration testing can support security assurance and compliance activities across frameworks including PCI DSS, ISO 27001, Essential Eight, SOC 2 and APRA-regulated environments. Specific testing frequency and scope depend on the applicable requirements, your risk profile and the systems being assessed. Cyber Forte is itself ISO 27001 certified and a CREST ANZ Approved Member Company, and our reports are structured to support your evidence trail across these frameworks.

ISO 27001 requires evidence of regular, competent penetration testing as part of your ISMS (typically under Annex A controls covering technical vulnerability management), but it does not mandate that testing must be CREST-certified specifically. That said, testing performed by a CREST ANZ Approved Member Company is well-regarded by auditors because the methodology, tester competence, and reporting standard are independently verified rather than self-declared , which tends to streamline the audit conversation.

Cyber Forte provides web application, external and internal network, cloud, API, mobile application, firewall, wireless, and red team penetration testing , all delivered by our CREST ANZ Accredited and OSCP-certified testers.

Every report includes an executive summary (business-language overview), technical findings with full proof of concept, CVSS v3.1 severity ratings, business impact analysis, prioritised step-by-step remediation guidance, and compliance framework mapping (ISO 27001, PCI DSS, SOC 2, NIST, ISM). We also issue a Letter of Attestation confirming engagement scope and outcomes , accepted as evidence for cyber insurance, procurement and tender submissions, and compliance audits.

We design testing windows to minimise disruption , most organisations schedule testing during off-peak hours or weekends for production systems. We never conduct destructive testing without explicit written approval. For highly sensitive systems we can test against a staging/UAT environment. Our Rules of Engagement document defines exactly what we will and won't do before testing begins.

Three verifiable differences: (1) CREST ANZ Approved Member Company with CREST ANZ Accredited and NV1/NV2-cleared staff , fewer than 5% of Australian pen test firms hold this combination. (2) Free re-testing included , most competitors charge $1,500–$5,000 separately for this. (3) 25+ years with ASX 50 clients (ANZ Bank, CPA Australia, Origin Energy, Australia Post) , that enterprise rigour applies to every engagement regardless of your size.

Yes , and significantly. Cyber insurers increasingly require evidence of penetration testing as a condition of coverage, and organisations with recent clean pen test reports typically receive 15–30% lower premiums. Our reports are structured to satisfy cyber insurance underwriter requirements, and we can provide a letter confirming engagement scope and findings for your insurer on request.

CREST penetration testing is security testing delivered by companies and testers accredited by CREST, an independent, not-for-profit body that sets technical and quality standards for the offensive security industry. An Approved Member Company has had its methodology, quality assurance, data handling and professional conduct independently assessed at the organisation level. Combined with individually accredited testers, this gives you assurance at both the company and tester level, which regulators, auditors, cyber insurers and government agencies increasingly expect when reviewing a vendor.

Yes. Cyber Forte is a CREST ANZ Approved Member Company, listed in the official CREST ANZ directory. Our penetration testers are CREST ANZ Accredited and OSCP-certified, and multiple consultants hold NV1/NV2 government security clearances for classified and government engagements. Our accreditation doesn't add an automatic price premium: pricing depends on scope, number of targets and complexity. See the pricing table above or contact us for a fixed-price quote within 24 hours.

Penetration testing suits SaaS companies, financial services, healthcare organisations, technology companies, government suppliers, professional services firms and eCommerce businesses. It's also essential for organisations preparing for ISO 27001 or SOC 2, and for businesses responding to enterprise security questionnaires.

You should conduct penetration testing before launching a new application, after major application or infrastructure changes, and before onboarding enterprise customers. It's also recommended before ISO 27001 or SOC 2 audits where testing evidence is relevant, after significant security incidents, and periodically based on risk and applicable requirements.