Why companies cannot afford to ignore cybersecurity

Cyber threats are evolving at an alarming rate. Attackers are constantly looking for new ways to infiltrate networks, steal sensitive data, and disrupt business operations. Many companies believe they are secure—until they become the next victim of a cyber attack. The consequences can be severe: financial losses, legal repercussions, and a loss of trust from customers.

To combat these threats, companies must adopt a proactive approach. Penetration tests (Pentesting) are one of the most effective methods to identify vulnerabilities before cyber criminals can exploit them.

What are penetration tests?

Penetration tests are a controlled and ethical simulation of a cyber attack on a company's IT infrastructure, network, web applications, cloud environments, mobile systems, or Active Directory. The goal is to uncover security vulnerabilities before real attackers can exploit them. Unlike automated vulnerability scans, penetration tests employ experienced security experts who think and act like hackers and test real attack scenarios.

A penetration test goes beyond identifying vulnerabilities—it shows how they could be exploited and provides clear insights into the potential risks and impacts of a cyber attack. This allows companies to address security gaps before they become a serious issue.

How pentesting protects against real hackers

Cyber criminals do not rely on luck—they analyze systems, search for vulnerabilities, and exploit security gaps with precision. A penetration test helps companies stay ahead by:

- Identifying vulnerabilities before attackers do.

- Simulating real cyber attacks to assess security measures.

- Providing actionable insights to strengthen security protocols.

- Reducing the risk of costly data breaches and operational disruptions.

One of the main benefits of penetration testing is the ability to systematically and controlled identify and exploit vulnerabilities. Unlike red teaming, which focuses on a broader adversary simulation, penetration tests are a structured assessment aimed at specific systems, applications, or networks to evaluate security weaknesses. With this approach, companies gain a clear understanding of exploitable vulnerabilities and actionable insights to strengthen their defenses against real cyber threats.

Why every company needs a penetration test

Security is not just an IT issue—it is a business necessity. Companies of all sizes handle sensitive data, whether it is customer information, financial documents, or intellectual property. A security breach can have devastating consequences, leading to loss of trust, fines, and even the closure of the business.

Regular penetration tests help companies:

• Minimize security risks—By detecting vulnerabilities early, companies can address security flaws before attackers can exploit them.

• Comply with regulations—Many industries require penetration tests to meet regulations such as GDPR, ISO 27001, and PCI-DSS.

• Improve cybersecurity strategies—Pentesting provides a roadmap for enhancing the security posture.

• Protect brand reputation—A data breach can irreversibly damage customer trust and market reputation.

Penetration tests vs. vulnerability scanning

Many companies assume that a vulnerability scan is sufficient to secure their systems. However, there is a significant difference between the two approaches:

- Scanning for vulnerabilities is an automated process that identifies known security gaps, but does not exploit them.

- In penetration tests, ethical hackers actively attempt to breach systems by simulating real attacks.

Think of vulnerability scanning as a routine check that identifies known vulnerabilities, while penetration tests actively attempt to exploit vulnerabilities to assess their actual impact. A pentest goes beyond superficial detection and provides a practical assessment of security controls. Both are important, but a pentest offers a deeper level of security assessment.

Final thoughts

In today’s digital world, cybersecurity is not optional. Companies must take a proactive security approach, and penetration testing is a critical step in protecting critical systems and sensitive data. It is not just about finding vulnerabilities; it's also about understanding how attackers think and staying one step ahead of them.

Whether you are a small or large business, investing in regular penetration tests helps protect your operations, your customers, and your reputation.

Is your company secure? The penetration testing experts at Schönbrunn TASC can help you identify and close security gaps before hackers can exploit them. Contact us today to learn more.