A Complete Guide to Penetration Testing: Web, Mobile, Network

Cyber-attacks are no longer rare cases; they are an everyday threat. Whether it is a web app, a weak mobile API, or an unsecured network, hackers are searching for vulnerabilities. This is why companies of all sizes now depend on penetration testing to identify and fix vulnerabilities before hackers exploit them.

Penetration testing is not just a technical assessment; it is a proactive defence strategy. In this, we will get to know, from methodologies to OWASP standards and reporting methods to help companies understand how pen-testing strengthens security.

Penetration testing is a simulated cyberattack performed by cybersecurity experts to assess how secure your company is. Unlike automated scans, pen tests combine tools with manual techniques to find real weaknesses.

Companies typically perform penetration testing on:

• Web applications
• Mobile applications
• Internal and external networks
• APIs and cloud environments
• IoT and infrastructure components

The main aim is simple: find vulnerabilities before attackers do.

A structured method makes sure consistency, accuracy, and thoroughness. Most professionals follow a process inspired by industry standards like OSSTMM, NIST, and OWASP.

Here’s what a typical penetration testing process looks like:

1. Planning & Scoping

Every engagement starts with clarity. Testers define them

• Scope and assets
• Testing approach (black-box, grey-box, white-box)
• Legal approvals
• Expected deliverables

A good pen testing always begins with the right boundaries.

2. Reconnaissance

Also known as information gathering, this helps testers understand your environment. In this, they try to get:

• Publicly available information
• Domain and subdomain
• Server information
• Tech stacks

Think of it as creating a draft before attempting entry.

3. Scanning & Vulnerability Identification

In this phase, using automated tools and manual techniques, testers identify vulnerabilities:

• Open ports
• Misconfigurations
• Outdated software
• Known CVEs

This is the stage where your “attack surface” starts to become visible.

4. Exploitation

In this phase, testers attempt to exploit vulnerabilities to show their impact using different methods, like

• SQL Injection
• Broken authentication
• Session hijacking
• Privilege escalation

This phase separates penetration testing from basic vulnerability scanning.

5. Post-Exploitation

After gaining access, testers investigate:

• How deep the compromise goes
• What type of sensitive data can be accessed
• Whether lateral movement is possible

This helps to measure the “blast radius” of an attack.

6. Reporting & Remediation

In this final phase, testers document findings with:

• Proof of concepts (PoCs)
• Risk ratings
• Business impact
• Step-by-step remediation guidance

A penetration test is only as valuable as its report.

Web apps are the most common attack targets. Testers assess vulnerabilities highlighted in the OWASP Top 10 2025, including:

• Broken Access Control
• Cryptographic Failures
• Injection Attacks (SQLi, Command Injection)
• Insecure Design & Misconfigurations
• Authentication & Session Weaknesses
• Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF)
• Weak API Security

Modern web apps depend heavily on microservices, APIs, and third-party components, each a potential entry point if it is not secured.

Mobile apps have different risks due to offline storage, device permissions, and API communication. Testers assess:

• Insecure local data storage
• Weak authentication flows
• Hardcoded keys or secrets
• API vulnerabilities
• Jailbreak or root detection bypass

Frameworks like OWASP Mobile Top 10 guide these types of assessments.

As mobile apps store sensitive information from banking credentials to personal identity data, mobile VAPT is becoming essential for fintech, healthcare, retail, and enterprise businesses.

Network pen tests are designed to find vulnerabilities in network infrastructure, including:

• Servers
• Firewalls
• Switches
• Wi-Fi networks
• VPNs
• Cloud networking

And in this, testers look for vulnerabilities such as:

• Open ports
• Weak encryption
• Outdated protocols
• Poorly configured firewalls
• Weak internal segmentation

A compromised network can expose an entire company, making this one of the most critical types of penetration testing.

Companies often underestimate the power of a well-written report. A good report includes:

• Executive Summary
• Risk Ratings (High/Medium/Low)
• Technical Details & Proof of Concept
• Remediation Guidelines
• Visual Evidence

A strong report is a roadmap to improving security—not just a list of flaws.

Penetration testing is more than a security requirement—it is a strategic advantage.

1. Prevent Costly Breaches

A single hack can cost millions. Pentesters identify vulnerabilities early, saving money and reputation.

2. Compliance Requirements

Industries like finance, healthcare, and e-commerce require VAPT for:

• PCI-DSS
• ISO 27001
• SOC 2
• HIPAA
• DPDPA compliance

3. Customer Trust

Clients trust companies that take security seriously. Pen-testing proves your commitment to protecting their data.

4. Strengthen Security Posture

Fixing vulnerabilities reduces attack surfaces and improves long-term flexibility.

5. Support DevSecOps and Modern Architecture

Frequent testing integrates security into development lifecycles.

In this tech world where cyber threats evolve daily, penetration testing is not optional; it’s essential. Whether you are securing a web app, mobile platform, or enterprise network, VAPT services help to find hidden risks and strengthen your defenses before hackers find them.

If your company wants to stay resilient, protect customer trust, and meet growing compliance expectations, now is the time to invest in a comprehensive penetration testing strategy.

In today’s cyber landscape, vulnerabilities can exist anywhere, including web apps, mobile platforms, networks, APIs, and cloud environments. Azpirantz delivers comprehensive Penetration Testing Services that combine manual expertise with automated tools to uncover hidden risks before attackers exploit them. Our certified security professionals follow global standards like OWASP, NIST, and OSSTMM to assess, exploit, and report weaknesses, providing actionable remediation guidance. From executive summaries to detailed proof-of-concept reports, we ensure every test translates into measurable security improvements. By integrating web, mobile, and network assessments, Azpirantz strengthens compliance with standards like PCI-DSS, ISO 27001, SOC 2, and DPDPA, helping organizations protect assets, maintain customer trust, and build a proactive, resilient cybersecurity posture.

*This content has been created and published by the Azpirantz Marketing Team and should not be considered as professional advice. For expert consulting and professional advice, please reach out to [email protected].