A client paid $40K for a pentest. Got a clean report. Two weeks later, ransomware hit them through a phishing email.
The pentest wasn't wrong. It just answered the wrong question.
The Core Difference
Penetration Testing: Can someone break into this specific system?
Security Assessment: Is our organization actually secure?
A pentest is a scalpel - precise, targeted. An assessment is an X-ray - sees the whole picture.
When to Use Each
Choose a Pentest when:
- Launching a new application
- Meeting compliance requirements (PCI-DSS, SOC 2)
- Validating specific defenses
Choose an Assessment when:
- You don't know your security gaps
- Planning your security budget
- Preparing for audits
- You've never had one before
The Bottom Line
Most organizations need both. Start with an assessment to understand your risks. Then pentest critical systems.
Don't be the company that tests the front door while leaving windows open.
