Secure Your Business Against Internal Threats
Internal network penetration testing is essential for organisations looking to assess and strengthen their internal security. Unlike external threats, internal security risks arise from employees, contractors, or malicious insiders who may exploit vulnerabilities within the local network. This type of assessment simulates real-world cyberattacks to identify security flaws, evaluate access controls, and protect sensitive data from potential breaches. At North IT, we offer comprehensive internal network penetration testing so you can rest assured that your organisation is safe and secure. Get in touch now for more information.
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What is Internal Network Penetration Testing?
Internal network penetration testing is a security assessment that simulates real-world cyberattacks to uncover vulnerabilities within an organisation's internal network. This process evaluates the resilience of internal systems, providing actionable insights to mitigate risks and safeguard sensitive data and critical assets.
Unlike external penetration testing, which focuses on internet-facing systems, internal testing targets potential threats from within the corporate network. By replicating cyberattack scenarios, our penetration testers at North IT examine how easily an intruder could gain access, move laterally across the network, and exploit vulnerabilities in web servers, databases, and employee endpoints. Taking this proactive approach strengthens an organisation's security posture, reducing risks associated with insider threats, malware infections, and misconfigurations.
Unlike external penetration testing, which focuses on internet-facing systems, internal testing targets potential threats from within the corporate network. By replicating cyberattack scenarios, our penetration testers at North IT examine how easily an intruder could gain access, move laterally across the network, and exploit vulnerabilities in web servers, databases, and employee endpoints. Taking this proactive approach strengthens an organisation's security posture, reducing risks associated with insider threats, malware infections, and misconfigurations.
Benefits of our Internal Network Penetration Testing
Free re-testing
(6 weeks limit)
(6 weeks limit)
Free expert
remediation advice
remediation advice
Management & technical reporting
Improves
security posture
security posture
Common Internal Network Penetration Testing Vulnerabilities
Default Credentials
Many organisations fail to change default administrator credentials on network devices, making them easy targets for attackers. Weak passwords further increase the risk of brute-force attacks.Outdated Software
Vulnerable web servers, databases, and applications running outdated software can be exploited by attackers, leading to data breaches and network compromise.Poor Network Segmentation
Lack of proper segmentation within an internal infrastructure allows attackers to move freely across the network after gaining initial access, increasing the attack surface.Inadequate Logging & Monitoring
Without proper logging, organisations may fail to detect unusual activity, missing key signs of a cyberattack until it's too late.Why Internal Network Penetration Testing is Essential for Businesses
Businesses face threats not only from external hackers but also from internal vulnerabilities. While companies invest heavily in perimeter security, they often overlook risks lurking within their networks.
Internal threats can originate from malicious insiders, compromised employee accounts, weak authentication policies, or unpatched software. Even well-intentioned employees can unknowingly introduce vulnerabilities through misconfigurations or outdated security practices. Internal network penetration testing helps organisations proactively identify these risks before they lead to costly breaches.
By simulating real-world attack scenarios, businesses can gain insight into their network resilience, data protection measures, and access control weaknesses. This proactive approach ensures security teams can remediate vulnerabilities before cybercriminals exploit them.
Internal threats can originate from malicious insiders, compromised employee accounts, weak authentication policies, or unpatched software. Even well-intentioned employees can unknowingly introduce vulnerabilities through misconfigurations or outdated security practices. Internal network penetration testing helps organisations proactively identify these risks before they lead to costly breaches.
By simulating real-world attack scenarios, businesses can gain insight into their network resilience, data protection measures, and access control weaknesses. This proactive approach ensures security teams can remediate vulnerabilities before cybercriminals exploit them.
How does Internal Network Pen Testing work?
Internal Network Penetration Testing works by our team at North IT simulating cyberattacks against an organisation's internal network infrastructure to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses. It involves assessing the security controls, configurations, and architecture of internal networks, including servers, workstations, and other network devices. Through a combination of manual testing and automated scanning, potential vulnerabilities are uncovered and prioritised for remediation. Testing can be completed by plugging a device into the local network, accessing the local network via a VPN, or our test team can be made available to visit the test site (at additional cost).
Enternal vs External Penetration Testing
While external penetration testing focuses on internet-facing assets, internal testing simulates attacks from inside the network. Understanding the differences between these two approaches helps businesses implement a well-rounded cybersecurity strategy. The differences include:
External Penetration Testing: Targets publicly accessible infrastructure, including web servers, email servers, and cloud environments. The goal is to prevent cybercriminals from gaining initial access to an organisation's systems.
EInternal Penetration Testing: Assesses threats that arise once an attacker has already gained access, whether through compromised credentials, insider threats, or malware infections. This type of testing examines lateral movement, privilege escalation, and sensitive data access.
Both types of testing are essential for organisations aiming for a holistic cybersecurity approach. Learn more about our external network pen test services.
Enternal vs External Penetration Testing
While external penetration testing focuses on internet-facing assets, internal testing simulates attacks from inside the network. Understanding the differences between these two approaches helps businesses implement a well-rounded cybersecurity strategy. The differences include:
External Penetration Testing: Targets publicly accessible infrastructure, including web servers, email servers, and cloud environments. The goal is to prevent cybercriminals from gaining initial access to an organisation's systems.
EInternal Penetration Testing: Assesses threats that arise once an attacker has already gained access, whether through compromised credentials, insider threats, or malware infections. This type of testing examines lateral movement, privilege escalation, and sensitive data access.
Both types of testing are essential for organisations aiming for a holistic cybersecurity approach. Learn more about our external network pen test services.
Methods of Conducting Internal Network Penetration Testing
Internal Network Penetration Testing works by our team at North IT simulating cyberattacks against an organisation's internal network infrastructure to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses. It involves assessing the security controls, configurations, and architecture of internal networks, including servers, workstations, and other network devices. Through a combination of manual testing and automated scanning, potential vulnerabilities are uncovered and prioritised for remediation. Testing can be completed by plugging a device into the local network, accessing the local network via a VPN, or our test team can be made available to visit the test site (at additional cost).
Depending on the organisation's infrastructure, internal network penetration testing can be conducted in multiple ways.
On-site testing involves our security experts visiting your premises to conduct hands-on penetration testing. This method provides direct access to the network and allows for real-time interaction with IT staff, ensuring a thorough assessment of internal security controls. Remote testing is performed via secure VPN access, enabling our penetration testers to evaluate internal security remotely. This method is ideal for organisations with dispersed offices or remote workforce infrastructure, as it allows for efficient and scalable testing without the need for on-site visits.
Drop Box testing involves deploying a pre-configured testing device into your network. Once installed, our team can access it remotely to conduct penetration testing without requiring direct access to your infrastructure. This approach is useful for organisations that require minimal disruption to daily operations while still ensuring a comprehensive security assessment.
Depending on the organisation's infrastructure, internal network penetration testing can be conducted in multiple ways.
On-site testing involves our security experts visiting your premises to conduct hands-on penetration testing. This method provides direct access to the network and allows for real-time interaction with IT staff, ensuring a thorough assessment of internal security controls. Remote testing is performed via secure VPN access, enabling our penetration testers to evaluate internal security remotely. This method is ideal for organisations with dispersed offices or remote workforce infrastructure, as it allows for efficient and scalable testing without the need for on-site visits.
Drop Box testing involves deploying a pre-configured testing device into your network. Once installed, our team can access it remotely to conduct penetration testing without requiring direct access to your infrastructure. This approach is useful for organisations that require minimal disruption to daily operations while still ensuring a comprehensive security assessment.
How Often Should Internal Network Pen-Testing Be Conducted?
Internal Network Penetration Testing works by our team at North IT simulating cyberattacks against an organisation's internal network infrastructure to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses. It involves assessing the security controls, configurations, and architecture of internal networks, including servers, workstations, and other network devices. Through a combination of manual testing and automated scanning, potential vulnerabilities are uncovered and prioritised for remediation. Testing can be completed by plugging a device into the local network, accessing the local network via a VPN, or our test team can be made available to visit the test site (at additional cost).
Cyber threats are constantly evolving, meaning a one-time penetration test is not enough to ensure long-term security. Most industry experts recommend conducting internal penetration testing at least annually, though businesses with high-security demands should test quarterly. Situations that may require more frequent testing include:
For Internal Network Penetration Testing, Contact North IT Today.
The experts at North IT are here to provide you with comprehensive internal network penetration testing, get in touch now for more information or to chat with our team. We can keep your internal network secure, so choose our experts and keep your organisation secure from the inside.
Cyber threats are constantly evolving, meaning a one-time penetration test is not enough to ensure long-term security. Most industry experts recommend conducting internal penetration testing at least annually, though businesses with high-security demands should test quarterly. Situations that may require more frequent testing include:
- Major IT infrastructure changes (new network configurations, cloud migrations, or software updates)
- Following a security incident or suspected data breach
- Meeting compliance requirements for PCI-DSS, GDPR, or ISO 27001
- Increased remote workforce adoption, requiring stronger VPN & endpoint security controls
For Internal Network Penetration Testing, Contact North IT Today.
The experts at North IT are here to provide you with comprehensive internal network penetration testing, get in touch now for more information or to chat with our team. We can keep your internal network secure, so choose our experts and keep your organisation secure from the inside.
Internal Network Pentesting FAQ
Who conducts Internal Network Penetration Testing?
Qualified cybersecurity pen-testers with expertise in internal network security will conduct Internal Network Penetration Testing.
Does on-site internal network pen-testing cost more?
Internal pen-testing where there is a requirement for on-site and in-person testing will cost more due to travel and accommodation costs.
How is Internal Network Penetration Testing completed?
Internal Network Penetration Testing is completed by on-site testers, by plugging a device into the local network, or by accessing the local network via a VPN.
How much does Internal Network Penetration Testing cost?
Internal Network Penetration Testing can range from 1 day to weeks depending on the size of the network. For an idea of cost, contact North IT for an estimate or a quote. For large networks, fixed day testing, or VAPT can help reduce costs.
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