Cybersecurity threats are evolving faster than many organisations can keep up with. And for professional service businesses, the stakes are high, with sensitive data, proprietary designs and operational systems all potentially at risk. At the same time, you may be working towards ISO 27001 or other recognised standards, which require evidence of strong, ongoing security practices.  

One of the most effective ways to align with these standards and understand how well your defences hold up under pressure is through penetration testing. Penetration tests simulate real-world attacks, which helps to uncover vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.  

So, how often should you conduct penetration testing to satisfy compliance requirements and maintain strong security?   

Let’s cover penetration testing in more detail, why it matters for cyber security certifications, what they include and best practices for testing frequency.  

What is Penetration Testing? 

Penetration testing (sometimes referred to as ethical hacking) is a simulated cyber attack designed to assess how well your systems, networks and applications can withstand real-world threats.  

The goal is simple: uncover weaknesses before someone with malicious intent does. 

During a penetration test, trained cyber security professionals use a combination of automated scanning tools and manual techniques to probe for vulnerabilities. They think like attackers, exploring potential entry points, testing defences, and evaluating how far they can move through your systems if they gain access. 

The results provide actionable insights your organisation can use to strengthen your security, support compliance and demonstrate due diligence to clients or regulators. 

Inspired IT provides tailored penetration testing services for organisations in Perth, ensuring every test reflects the unique systems, processes, and risks of your business. Our cyber security experts provide a clear picture of your current security posture and roadmap for improvements.  

Why Penetration Testing Matters for Cyber Security Certifications 

If your organisation is working towards a recognised cyber security standard, such as ISO 27001 or alignment with the Essential Eight, penetration testing is often a core requirement.  

These frameworks emphasise ongoing risk management – meaning it’s not enough to secure your systems once and walk away. Regular testing is needed to demonstrate that your defences are effective over time. 

Many certification bodies look for clear, documented evidence your organisation has identified and addressed vulnerabilities. A penetration test does exactly that, providing a record of the risks uncovered, actions taken and improvements made.  

This supports compliance, and reassures clients, investors and partners that your business takes data protection seriously. 

At Inspired IT, we help Perth businesses prepare for audits and certification processes with thorough, standards-aligned penetration testing and clear reporting. Our approach enables you to demonstrate alignment with compliance standards and a genuine commitment to safeguarding sensitive information. 

What Does a Penetration Test Include? 

A penetration test follows a structured process to simulate how an attacker might target your systems, but in a safe, controlled way. While each test is tailored to your environment, it typically includes: 

  • Reconnaissance – gathering information about your systems, networks and applications to understand the potential attack surface.
  • Scanning – identifying open ports, active services and vulnerabilities that could be exploited.
  • Exploitation – attempting to breach systems using identified weaknesses, much like a real attacker would.
  • Post-Exploitation – assessing what an attacker could access or disrupt if a breach occurred, and evaluating the potential business impact.
  • Reporting – providing a detailed report outlining vulnerabilities, their severity and clear steps for remediation. 

Inspired IT’s penetration testing reports are designed to be understood by both technical teams and business leaders. They’re clear and concise so you can prioritise addressing the most critical issues first. This approach can provide your organisation with insights and practical guidance to strengthen your security quickly and effectively.

How Often Should You Conduct Penetration Testing? 

So, how often should you conduct penetration testing? For most professional services businesses, a good rule of thumb is at least once every 6 to 12 months.  

This cadence aligns with common industry standards and provides regular checkpoints to identify and address new vulnerabilities before they become serious risks. 

However, the right frequency for your organisation can depend on a few considerations. Regulatory requirements, best practices for your specific industry and your organisation’s risk profile all play a role. Businesses in high-risk sectors or those handling highly sensitive data, for instance, may need to test more frequently to support compliance and security. 

In addition to scheduled testing, penetration tests should also be conducted: 

  • After major infrastructure changes – such as new servers, cloud migrations or large software deployments. 
  • Following a security incident or breach – to ensure vulnerabilities have been resolved. 
  • when onboarding new third-party vendors or systems – that could introduce additional risks. 

Inspired IT works closely with businesses in Perth to determine the ideal testing schedule for their unique environment. By aligning penetration testing frequency with your operational changes and risk factors, you can maintain a strong security posture year-round, and provide clear proof of your ongoing commitment to protecting your clients and data. 

The Benefits of Regular Penetration Testing

Committing to regular penetration testing can deliver lasting value. It’s an investment in your organisation’s security, reputation and long-term success.  

Key benefits include: 

  • Preventing data breaches and financial loss – helping you identify and fix vulnerabilities before they can be exploited, reducing the risk of costly incidents.
  • Building trust with clients and stakeholders – demonstrating a proactive approach to protecting sensitive information.
  • Improving internal security awareness and protocols – using testing insights to train staff and refine security processes.
  • Staying ahead of evolving cyber threats – detecting weaknesses that may emerge as technology and attack methods change.
  • Supporting long-term business continuity and resilience – protecting operational systems and minimising disruption in the event of an attempted attack.   

With Inspired IT’s local expertise, your business can achieve the benefits of thorough testing, aligned with Perth’s unique business and regulatory environment. Our team keeps pace with the latest threat intelligence, implementing strong security measures that are relevant, up to date and tailored to your organisation’s risk profile. 

Key Takeaways

Regular penetration testing is one of the most effective ways to protect your organisation from cyber threats while meeting client expectations and aligning with compliance frameworks.  

Take a proactive approach to penetration testing by scheduling it as part of your ongoing security strategy – rather than waiting until the aftermath of an incident.

By partnering with a trusted local provider like Inspired IT, your organisation can gain expert insights, clear reporting and actionable recommendations tailored to your unique environment, so your security measures can evolve alongside your business and current threat landscape.  

Get in touch with Inspired IT today to schedule your next penetration test and take a confident step towards a stronger cyber security posture.