Infrastructure Pentest - Testing Networks and Systems
A modern IT infrastructure is the backbone of every company - and at the same time a popular target for attackers. Whether start-up or corporation: Without regular security checks, companies risk data loss, system failures, and damage to their reputation. With a professional infrastructure pentest, you uncover security gaps before others do. We show you how such a test is conducted, which systems are affected, and why penetration testing is an indispensable component of your IT security strategy.
Servers, End Devices, IoT and Networks
What is an Infrastructure Pentest?
During an Infrastructure Pentest (also: Infrastructure Penetration Testing), it is specifically tested whether and how an attacker can gain access to your IT systems. The goal is to identify vulnerabilities in internal and external components of your IT infrastructure - before they are exploited.
In this process, experienced pentesters simulate real attack scenarios: from stolen notebooks to faulty firewall rules to misconfigured Active Directories. The findings serve as a basis for targeted hardening measures.
A pentest is particularly relevant for:
- Companies with growing or complex IT infrastructure
- Organizations with high compliance requirements (e.g. GDPR, KRITIS, PCI DSS)
- IT departments wanting to realistically assess their defensive capabilities
Infrastructure Cyber Security
Why is an Infrastructure Pentest useful?
Even a single security vulnerability can have serious consequences: data leakage, reputational damage, financial losses. In the event of a successful attack, the following threats loom:
- Access to confidential emails and internal data
- Disruption of critical business processes
- Violations of data protection regulations (e.g. GDPR)
- Loss of trust among customers, partners, and stakeholders
- Vulnerabilities in Virtualizations
How an Infrastructure Pentest Can Help You
An infrastructure pentest helps you identify vulnerabilities in your IT environment early on and secure them specifically.
- Systematically reducing attack surfaces
- Prioritizing security measures
- Developing your IT strategy further
- Meeting Compliance Requirements
Which components are tested?
An Infrastructure Pentest includes the analysis of numerous systems and interfaces:
- Server Systems (Web, File, Mail servers)
- Network Components (Switches, Routers, VPN Gateways)
- Operating Systems (Windows, Linux, virtualized environments)
- Cloud and Container Infrastructures
- Directory services like Active Directory
- IoT and OT devices (e.g. machine controls, process networks)
- Firewalls & IDS/IPS
- Wi-Fi and Remote Accesses
- Security-Relevant Protocols and Configurations
- Virtualized Environments
Learn more about conducting penetration tests with turingpoint!
Penetration testing for servers, IoT, WLAN, and firewalls
Advanced Analysis Areas and Methods
As a general rule, the longer our security engineers conduct the infrastructure penetration test and check the network security, the more meaningful the results are. Our IT security test follows proven procedures and modules. If you have special requirements, we would be happy to make you an individual offer.
- Firewall Test
We check whether your firewall rules are correctly implemented and sufficiently restrictive, without hindering normal data traffic. Misconfigurations can create new attack vectors - these are specifically exposed.
- Patch Management
Outdated software harbors known vulnerabilities. We analyze whether all systems are equipped with the latest security updates and provide recommendations for effective patch management.
- VPN Analysis
Even modern VPN solutions can become insecure due to misconfigurations. We test whether encryption is effectively used and whether attackers could gain access to the connection.
- Privilege Escalation
Our experts check whether an attacker can gain elevated permissions (e.g. root access) by exploiting vulnerabilities - a common goal after the initial access.
- Network Manipulation
We simulate attacks on routing protocols and analyze whether the data flow can be redirected or manipulated, for example through ARP spoofing or DNS manipulation.
- Active Directory (AD)
Using graph-theoretical approaches, we identify critical relationships within your AD that could potentially be exploited for attack paths.
- IoT Devices (Internet of Things)
IoT devices are often inadequately protected. We assess the security of your devices at the OS, network, and application level and suggest specific hardening measures.
- Advanced Vulnerability Analysis
We test your systems for known and complex vulnerabilities such as Spectre, Meltdown, Solorigate, ProxyLogon, or Ripple20 - and assess their relevance to your environment.
- Public Key Infrastructures
The PKI is a crucial component of a robust security concept and describes a cryptographic trust anchor. In this context, every device and user must identify themselves. Only with successful authentication is it subsequently possible to enable secure communication or connection between two endpoints.
Situation-dependent IT Security Analysis
Typical Attack Scenarios (Examples from Practice)
It is possible to have a penetration test conducted in the context of a specific scenario. This approach makes sense if you only need to check a specific IT attack vector.
Alignment with BSI, NIST SP 800-115, PCI DSS, and PTES is also possible upon request.
- Evil Employee
What can an insider achieve with simple means?
- Stolen Notebook
What data is accessible when a mobile device is lost?
- Lateral Movement
How far can an attacker get after compromising a server?
- Cloud Components
What vulnerabilities arise from hybrid environments?
Professional Execution
The Process of an Infrastructure Pentest
A professional infrastructure pentest follows a structured process to combine technical depth with organizational clarity:
Initial Briefing and Goal Definition
We jointly define the objectives, scope, and system boundaries of the test.
Information Gathering
Collection of publicly available and technical information (e.g. DNS, WHOIS, Shodan), passive and active. In infrastructure pentesting, direct methods such as the analysis of search engine indexes and cache contents are used. Indirect methods include research in forums, newsgroups, and tenders. Additionally, port scans and host discovery serve to identify active services.
Vulnerability Analysis & Exploitation
Identification and targeted exploitation of vulnerabilities (manual & automated), e.g. due to misconfigurations, insecure protocols, or outdated software.
Documentation & Reporting
Structured Preparation: Management Summary, Technical Details, Risk Assessment, Action Recommendations.
Presentation & Consultation
Presentation of results, clarification of open questions, strategic recommendations.
Optional Retest
Upon request, we will verify whether the vulnerabilities have been successfully eliminated.
Compliance and Standards
In addition, we offer support in complying with legal requirements such as GDPR or industry-specific guidelines. Integration into existing ISMS processes (e.g., according to ISO 27001) is also possible.
Our infrastructure pentests are based on recognized standards such as:
- BSI
Practical guide for IS penetration tests by the German Federal Office for Information Security
- PTES
Penetration Testing Execution Standard
- ISO/IEC 27001
upon request in the context of certification
- NIST SP 800-115
Technical Guide for Information Security Testing and Assessments
Enhanced Network Security through Standardized Procedures
The longer our security engineers perform the infrastructure pentest, the more meaningful the results become. Our approach follows standardized modules, which we can adapt individually to your requirements if necessary. We would be happy to provide you with a suitable offer.
Infrastructure Pentest as a Security Guarantee
An Infrastructure Pentest provides you with reliable insights into the real protection of your systems. Instead of relying on theoretical risk analyses, you receive clear answers: Where are the vulnerabilities? Which measures are a priority? How well would your company be protected in a serious case?
Whether as a single test, as part of a Red Team Assessment, or in preparation for an ISO certification: We support you with experience, expertise, and a proven approach.
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