Penetration Testing NZ

Penetration testing – also called a pen test or ethical hacking – is an authorised simulated attack on your systems, carried out by security professionals to find vulnerabilities before real attackers do. NSP’s pen testers use the same techniques and tools that attackers use, but under a controlled scope agreed with you before testing starts. The goal is to find what’s actually exploitable – not just what shows up on an automated scan.

NSP offers penetration testing across external networks, internal networks, web applications, cloud environments, and social engineering. Every engagement includes a scoping phase to agree what’s being tested, active testing using manual and automated techniques, and a full written report with severity-rated findings and a prioritised remediation roadmap. We also provide a debrief walkthrough of the findings for your team.

A vulnerability scan is an automated check for known weaknesses – it tells you what might be exploitable. A penetration test goes further: a skilled tester actively attempts to exploit those weaknesses and others, simulating what a real attacker would do. A scan gives you a list. A pen test tells you what’s actually dangerous. Most compliance frameworks and cyber insurers require a pen test, not just a scan.

At minimum, annually and whenever there’s a significant change to your environment such as a new application, cloud migration, or major infrastructure update. ISO 27001, PCI DSS, and NZISM all reference regular penetration testing as a requirement. If you’re applying for or renewing cyber insurance, your insurer may ask for evidence of recent testing. NSP can help you build a testing programme that fits your risk profile and compliance obligations.

Increasingly, yes. NZ cyber insurers are asking for evidence of regular security testing before underwriting or renewing policies. A documented pen test from a professional provider is one of the strongest signals you can provide. If you also need a broader cyber insurance readiness assessment, NSP’s cyber insurance assessment service covers the full picture.

It depends on scope. A focused external network test or web application test typically takes 3–5 days of active testing. Larger environments or more complex engagements – internal network, cloud, social engineering combined – can take 1–2 weeks. We agree the scope and timeline with you before anything starts, and we work around your operational requirements.

Cost depends on scope, environment complexity, and the type of testing required. As a general guide, focused engagements for SMEs typically start from a few thousand dollars, while more comprehensive tests covering multiple environments are priced accordingly. NSP provides a clear, fixed-price quote based on the agreed scope before testing starts – no surprises. Get in touch for a scoping conversation.

NSP offers external network penetration testing, internal network penetration testing, web application penetration testing, cloud security testing, and social engineering assessments. If you’re not sure which type is right for your business, our team will help you scope the most effective engagement for your environment and objectives.