Key insights: Security Audits and Penetration Tests
Security audits and penetration tests: when they pay off, what good reporting looks like and how to turn findings into fixes.
What is a security audit – and when do companies need one?
A security audit systematically reviews architecture, configuration and code for vulnerabilities and assesses how well your IT security holds up against realistic attacks. It makes sense before the go-live of critical systems, for compliance requirements such as NIS2 and the GDPR, and whenever sensitive data is processed. The goal is not a checkbox exercise but a clear, prioritised picture of your real risk exposure.
We embed audits in our broader IT security approach: from Security by Design in development to the technical GDPR measures that protect personal data.
Security audit vs. penetration test: the difference
A security audit is the broader review of processes, configuration and code. A penetration test (pentest) is the practical part: we actively attack a system like a real attacker would, to prove which weaknesses are exploitable. A pentest is not a performance load test – we keep both clearly separated and coordinate any active testing in advance.
How a penetration test runs at Groenewold IT
We define the test scope, depth (black-, grey- or white-box) and rules of engagement together, including which systems, APIs and roles are in scope.
We map the attack surface – exposed services, endpoints, technologies and entry points.
We test authentication, authorisation, input validation, session handling and business logic for exploitable flaws.
You receive a prioritised report with risk ratings (e.g. CVSS) and concrete remediation advice.
After remediation we verify that the measures actually closed the findings.
Cost and effort drivers
The main drivers are the number of systems, APIs and roles, the required test depth and whether re-tests are needed. We scope transparently so you can plan the budget. For an initial cost orientation see our IT security cost perspective; for our methodology see security audit methodology.
Related: API security, Security by Design and GDPR-compliant software development.
Frequently asked questions about Security Audits and Penetration Tests
- What does a security audit or penetration test cost?
- The effort depends on scope (number of systems, APIs, roles) and test depth. A focused web application pentest is typically in the low-to-mid four-figure range, while broad audits including infrastructure cost more. We define the scope together up front so the price stays transparent.
- How long does a penetration test take?
- A scoped test usually takes three to ten working days including analysis and report. Larger environments or re-tests after remediation extend the timeframe accordingly.
- What is the difference between black-box, grey-box and white-box testing?
- In a black-box test we act like an external attacker with no prior knowledge. In grey-box we receive partial information (e.g. test users); in white-box we also get source code and architecture. More context usually means deeper findings for the same budget.
- Does the test disrupt live operations?
- We prefer to test on staging systems or within agreed time windows. Active attacks (e.g. load generation) are clearly separated from a performance load test and coordinated in advance to avoid outages.
- What happens to the findings after the audit?
- You receive a prioritised report with risk ratings (e.g. CVSS) and concrete recommendations. On request we support remediation and run a re-test that confirms the measures are effective.
- How often should a security audit take place?
- We recommend a test before go-live of security-critical systems, plus regularly (e.g. annually) and after major changes to architecture, authentication or interfaces.
Topics & Topic Pages
Browse all expert topics by service in our Topics overview. For project-related consulting and our service portfolio, see Services. Key terms are explained in our IT Glossary.