Data breaches remain one of the most costly risks for modern businesses. According to IBM, the average cost of a data breach reached $3.86 million in 2020, with cyberattacks responsible for roughly half of all incidents.
For companies operating in complex IT environments, preventing breaches requires more than basic protection measures. It demands a proactive approach to cybersecurity — and penetration testing plays a key role in that strategy.
Penetration testing (or pentesting) simulates real-world cyberattacks on IT infrastructure to identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. It allows organizations not only to detect weaknesses but also to assess potential impact and prioritize risk mitigation efforts.
To ensure consistency and reliability, professional testers rely on established methodologies and standards. Among the most widely recognized are OSSTMM, NIST SP 800-115, OWASP, ISSAF, and PTES.
In practice, experienced security teams often combine multiple frameworks, adapting their approach based on the organization’s infrastructure, industry requirements, and risk profile.
Penetration Testing
OSSTMM: a structured approach to operational security
The Open Source Security Testing Methodology Manual (OSSTMM), developed by the Institute for Security and Open Methodologies, provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating operational security.
OSSTMM offers:
- detailed testing procedures
- measurable security metrics
- clear reporting guidelines
A distinctive feature of OSSTMM is its division of security into five key areas:
Human security. The security aspect that deals with direct physical or psychological interactions between people.
Physical security. Any material (non-electronic) element of security that is operated physically or electromechanically.
Wireless communications. The security of all wireless communications and devices, from Wi-Fi to infrared sensors.
Telecommunications. Analog and/or digital telecommunications. This channel mostly concerns telephony and the transmission of internal information over telephone lines.
Data networks. The security of internal and external corporate networks, Internet connections, and networking devices.
This structure enables a more comprehensive assessment, covering both technical and non-technical aspects of security. As a result, OSSTMM can be effectively adapted to a wide range of business environments.
NIST SP800-115: a practical guide to security assessment
The NIST Special Publication 800-115, developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, provides practical guidance for conducting penetration testing and security assessments.
It covers the full assessment lifecycle, including:
- reviewing system configurations, logs, and documentation
- identifying commonly exploited vulnerabilities
- conducting controlled testing activities
- analyzing results and defining remediation measures
Widely used across industries such as finance and IT, NIST SP 800-115 is often considered a foundational standard for professional security assessments.
OWASP: securing applications and development processes
Open Web Application Security Project is a globally recognized initiative focused on application security. Its resources are particularly relevant for testing web applications, APIs, and software systems.
Key components include:
OWASP Top 10 – a list of the most critical application vulnerabilities
OWASP Testing Guide – practical techniques for identifying security issues
OWASP Developer Guide – recommendations for secure software development
OWASP Code Review – methods for evaluating existing code
One of OWASP’s key strengths is its coverage of the entire software development lifecycle, from design to maintenance. It is widely used by developers, security engineers, and penetration testers alike.
ISSAF: a detailed and process-driven methodology
The Information Systems Security Assessment Framework (ISSAF), developed by the Open Information Systems Security Group, provides a highly detailed approach to information security assessment.
It offers guidance on tools, processes, and expected outcomes at every stage of testing.
ISSAF follows a structured sequence that reflects real-world attack scenarios:
- gathering information;
- mapping the network;
- identifying vulnerabilities;
- penetrating;
- getting basic access privileges, and then elevating them;
- maintaining access;
- compromising remote users and remote sites;
- hiding the tester’s digital footprints.
This makes ISSAF particularly suitable for comprehensive audits and advanced penetration testing engagements.
PTES: aligning testing with business risk
The Penetration Testing Execution Standard (PTES) focuses on aligning technical testing activities with business objectives.
It defines clear goals and expected outcomes for each stage of the assessment:
Intelligence Gathering. The client organization provides the tester with general information on the targets within their IT infrastructure. The tester gathers additional information from public sources.
Threat modeling. Key areas and attack vectors are defined based on business processes and critical IT infrastructure elements.
Vulnerability analysis. The tester identifies and evaluates vulnerability-related risks. They also analyze all the vulnerabilities that attackers can leverage.
Exploitation. The tester tries to exploit found vulnerabilities and to take over information system elements, imitating the actions of an attacker.
Reporting. The client organization receives a report that contains thoroughly documented pentest results, with information on found vulnerabilities, how critical they are for the business, and recommendations for fixing them.
PTES also emphasizes post-exploitation analysis, helping organizations verify whether identified vulnerabilities have been properly addressed.
This makes it especially valuable for companies with complex infrastructures and higher security requirements.
Conclusion
No single methodology can fully address every security scenario. In practice, effective penetration testing combines multiple approaches to deliver a comprehensive view of potential risks.
At the same time, professional testing is conducted in a controlled manner. Unlike real attackers, testers operate within defined boundaries to avoid disrupting business operations.
For organizations, the key benefit lies in early detection and remediation of vulnerabilities. Identifying weaknesses before they are exploited significantly reduces financial and operational risks.
Penetration testing ultimately acts as a controlled simulation of real-world threats — enabling businesses to strengthen their defenses and stay prepared in an evolving cybersecurity landscape.
For companies operating in complex or regulated environments, implementing penetration testing requires both technical expertise and an understanding of business risk.
ITGLOBAL.COM supports organizations with security assessments and penetration testing services, helping identify vulnerabilities, assess their impact, and define practical steps to strengthen IT infrastructure.
Finding and fixing vulnerabilities as quickly as possible is a top priority for every business. Among other things, it helps reduce the amount of material damage that can occur if an attacker does actually manage to exploit a vulnerability. This is why simulating a cyber attack by performing a pentest is like a war game: it helps companies always stay on guard.
