--- title: How to Conduct a Standard Penetration Test description: In this blog, we’ll break down the five stages of penetration testing into a simple checklist. --- [![Book a Meeting | PCS](https://info.precisiongroup.com/hubfs/PCS-logo-alt.png)](https://precisiongroup.com/) [(203)929-0000](tel:(203)929-0000) # How to Conduct a Standard Penetration Text A penetration test (AKA Pen Test) is a crucial part of ensuring your organization’s security. In a typical penetration test, a team simulates a cyber-attack against your critical systems (like your network or data center) to discover vulnerabilities that could be exploited in a real attack.   In this blog, we’ll break down the five stages of penetration testing into a simple checklist. ## Step One: Goals and Scope This is the planning stage where you identify which systems you will be testing and what methods should be used. - Create a list of the systems you will test. - Define which methods you will use to attempt to gain access to those systems. - Gather information (like domain names or mail servers) to use during the simulated attack. In this stage, it may be beneficial to partner with a managed service provider like PCS to get an outside view of your systems and to prevent internal bias. [Get Started](https://info.precisiongroup.com/book-a-call-pcs) ## Step Two: Reconnaissance In a real cyberattack, the bad actors will attempt to understand how the target systems respond to intrusions. Here are the steps cybercriminals usually take that your team should emulate during a penetration test:. - Inspect application code. Usually, the entire code is inspected in a single pass. - Inspect the application code while it is running. This provides even greater detail into the performance of your systems. In this stage, it may be beneficial to partner with a managed service provider like PCS to get an outside view of your systems and to prevent internal bias. ## Step Three: Infiltrate In this stage, bad actors use web application attacks like cross-site scripting to uncover vulnerabilities. As your Pen Test Team copies these steps, they should then: - Attempt to escalate privileges. - Access and steal data. - Intercept traffic. Bad actors will exploit any vulnerability they find in order to understand to what extent they can penetrate your organization’s systems. ## Step Four: Persist Once cybercriminals have gained access to your systems, they will attempt to maintain access and establish a solid presence long enough to gain access to sensitive data. Cybercriminals (and your Pen Test Team) will attempt to: - Create advanced persistent threats (APTs). - Sabotage critical organization infrastructure. - Gain access to your company website and make changes. - Steal sensitive information (like social security numbers or private user data). - Steal intellectual property (like patents or trade secrets). ## Step Five: Resolve Your final step is to compile a report of the performance of your systems during the simulated attacks. This report will be used to strengthen your security and train your IT team. Make sure to: - Specify vulnerabilities that were exploited. - List sensitive data that was “lost” or stolen. - Specify the amount of time the threat remained undetected. ## Get Help from Experts Penetration tests are extensive undertakings. Not every in-house IT team has the resources to conduct one effectively. That’s where PCS steps in. Our highly-trained engineers can conduct penetration tests for you, bringing the added benefits of an outside perspective and helping you maintain compliance. Save your IT team countless man-hours. Learn more by booking a discovery call with us today. [Book a Call](https://info.precisiongroup.com/book-a-call-pcs) ![pcs-cisco-partner](https://info.precisiongroup.com/hubfs/pcs-cisco-partner.png "pcs-cisco-partner") ![PCS Footer Logo](https://info.precisiongroup.com/hubfs/Logos%20-%20Non-PCS/pcs_logo_168-1.png) 175 Constitution Boulevard South Shelton, CT 06484 ### Quick Links - [Services](https://precisiongroup.com/our-services/) - [Solutions](https://precisiongroup.com/our-solutions/) - [Company](https://precisiongroup.com/our-company/) - [Contact Us](https://precisiongroup.com/contact-us/) - [Careers](https://precisiongroup.com/careers/) - [Terms & Conditions](https://precisiongroup.com/terms-and-conditions/) ### Connect With Us [contactus@precisiongroup.com](mailto:contactus@precisiongroup.com) (203) 929.0000 © 2026, Precision Computer Services, Inc.