Security and Compliance

Vulnerability assessment and penetration testing for critical infrastructures

Only known security risks can be eliminated

Organisations operating within regulated industries, such as financial services, telecommunications and public administration, are particularly vulnerable to cyberattacks. Security breaches pose several risks, including operational issues such as service outages, as well as potential data loss and penalties from regulatory authorities. Concurrently, frameworks such as NIS2, DORA and the GDPR impose more stringent security requirements. If IT security is to be taken seriously, it is essential to be aware of potential vulnerabilities.

Structured vulnerability assessments (VA), targeted vulnerability tests and realistic attack simulations allow you to identify security gaps and establish a solid foundation for decision-making by management, auditors and supervisory authorities. This allows you to implement effective measures before vulnerabilities escalate into significant issues.

Our offer

Our security tests combine technical analysis with clear documentation, supporting structured risk assessment within the scope of your compliance requirements.

Vulnerability assessment

A vulnerability analysis identifies known security gaps in your systems, applications and networks. The assessment is based on the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS). The documentation is auditable and supports the requirements of ISO 27001, NIS2 or DORA.

Penetration tests

A penetration test checks the viability of identified vulnerabilities and the potential consequences of a cyberattack. Our experts simulate realistic attack scenarios and analyse possible attack paths. You receive specific recommendations for action and an risk assessment.

Optional: Continuous vulnerability management

A one-off test provides only a limited overview. Continuous vulnerability analysis consisting of regular scans, validations, retests and structured reporting strengthens your technical resilience and digital sovereignty.

Your advantages at a glance

Increased resilience

The combination of analysis, penetration testing and continuous monitoring strengthens your cyber resilience in the long term.

Compliance

Technical measures are documented in accordance with ISO 27001, NIS2 or DORA in a verifiable manner.

Risk reduction

Vulnerabilities can be identified and remedied more quickly. This approach minimises the risk of system failures, data loss and subsequent costs.

Solid foundation for decision-making

Technical results serve as a foundation for budget decisions, risk assessments and strategic security measures.

Use cases for vulnerability assessment and penetration tests

Our vulnerability analyses and penetration tests are primarily carried out as part of security checks prior to product release, in order to ensure a smooth market launch. The specific scope is defined individually for each project to address relevant security threats and typical attack methods.

External networks and perimeter systems

Checking publicly accessible systems for exploitable vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, insufficient network perimeter security, and potential attack paths from the internet to internal systems.

Internal networks

Checking internal networks, rights assignment, network segmentation, and possible movements and privilege escalation after successful compromise.

Web applications

A detailed analysis of applications and interfaces is conducted in accordance with established standards, including the OWASP Top 10. Also rigorous assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities in SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), authentication and authorisation mechanisms, and access controls.

APP and API

Checking components, database connections, APP and API endpoints for errors, insecure connections and excessive access rights.

Wireless and infrastructure security

Analysis of WLAN environments and network-related components to identify unauthorised access, weak encryption, rogue access points or insecure configurations.

Social engineering and physical access simulations

Simulation of phishing campaigns, credential harvesting scenarios or controlled on-site access attempts to test organisational protection mechanisms in a realistic manner.

How we work

Our vulnerability analyses and penetration tests follow a structured, traceable procedure. Each step is designed to reliably test technical effectiveness, document results in an auditable manner and provide traceable support for regulatory requirements.

Scoping and goal definition

Together, we define the scope of the audit, business-critical systems, regulatory requirements and realistic attacker profiles. This approach ensures that the tests remain relevant, proportionate and auditable.

Test concept and methodology

We will develop a bespoke test concept with a clearly defined scope, methodology and schedule. Depending on the objectives, we combine passive analyses and active attack simulations to test potential vulnerabilities and their actual exploitability.

Implementation and evaluation

We use established vulnerability scanners and platforms for structured vulnerability management. The assessment is based on the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS). In penetration tests, we also analyse attack paths, privilege escalation and lateral movements.

Reporting and review

You will receive comprehensive technical documentation, recommendations for action and a management summary. The documentation is auditable in accordance with ISO 27001, NIS2 and DORA. We will coordinate the next steps in a review.

Optional: Continuous analysis

On request, we can also provide you with long-term support including regular analyses, follow-up tests and structured reporting, to establish permanent and verifiable vulnerability management. This gives you a constant overview of any new risks that arise.

Test before attackers do.

Let us work together to identify your vulnerabilities with targeted security tests.

Get in touch now

Guido Düntzer

Managing Director

More services

360 Degree Advisory

Managed Legacy Service

Managed Services

Security & Compliance

FAQ

What is the difference between a vulnerability assessment and a penetration test?

A vulnerability assessment identifies known security gaps in systems, applications and networks. The aim is to obtain a comprehensive overview of the current security status.

A vulnerability assessment is based on a

combination of automated scans and manual validation,
evaluation according to established standards such as CVSS scoring,
prioritised risk classification
and a detailed technical report plus management summary.

A penetration test simulates real attack scenarios. The aim is to prove whether and how an attacker can gain access.

A penetration test checks, among other things:

Exploitation of identified vulnerabilities
Analysis of attack paths
Assessment of real-world impact on availability, integrity and confidentiality
Concrete, actionable hardening recommendations

Vulnerability analysis and penetration testing complement each other. In regulated industries, this combination is now standard practice.

Is a penetration test mandatory for compliance with NIS2 or DORA?

While penetration tests are not mandatory in every instance, regular security tests – including penetration tests – are strongly recommended to implement the technical and organisational measures required by NIS2, DORA and GDPR. Supervisory authorities expect documented, proactive risk management measures.

What is the recommended frequency for conducting vulnerability assessments or penetration tests?

For the majority of organisations operating within regulated sectors, it is recommended that they undertake quarterly vulnerability assessments and annual penetration tests. Systems with increased risk or significant changes to the IT infrastructure may require shorter testing intervals.

How long does a vulnerability analysis or penetration test take?

A vulnerability analysis or penetration test usually takes between three and ten working days, depending on the scope and complexity of the systems to be tested. A detailed schedule is determined during the scoping process.

How are vulnerabilities assessed and prioritised?

The technical assessment is based, among other things, on the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS). Furthermore, we consider business-critical dependencies and regulatory requirements to facilitate risk-based prioritisation.

Do you also test cloud and hybrid IT environments?

Yes, we also test cloud and hybrid IT environments. We support security audits for AWS, Azure and GCP environments as well as hybrid IT architectures. Our approach is based on proven best practices for cloud and hybrid security.

Does 7P also support continuous vulnerability management?

Yes, we provide continuous vulnerability management, which includes regular scans, reporting and expert advice, should you require it. This model is especially well-suited for organisations with limited in-house security resources.

What does a test report contain?

Our reports provide a comprehensive overview of identified vulnerabilities, a risk assessment (e.g. based on the CVSS standard) and specific, prioritised recommendations for remedial action. Furthermore, we are pleased to offer a management summary and, upon request, review workshops to discuss the results.

Are 7P's penetration testers certified?

Yes, all penetration tests are carried out by certified security experts (e.g. OSCP, CEH) who have extensive experience in regulated industries such as financial services, telecommunications and public administration.

Where does 7P offer vulnerability assessments and penetration tests?

7P provides GDPR-compliant and ISO 27001-aligned security services throughout Europe. Our delivery teams operate in Germany, Portugal, Austria, the United Kingdom and other EU countries, among others. Data processing is carried out exclusively in accordance with the applicable EU and UK legal frameworks.

How do you ensure data protection and confidentiality?

All security tests are carried out based on strict non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). Our processes comply with the requirements of ISO 27001, the GDPR and the applicable national data protection laws. The test environments are clearly defined and fully controlled.