Are Penetration Tests Enough for Cybersecurity?

This blog was updating September 2025.

Key Takeaways

• An SOC 2 pen test helps validate your cybersecurity controls, giving auditors clear proof that your systems are secure and that you’re proactively addressing vulnerabilities. However, by itself, an SOC 2 pen test isn’t enough for full SOC 2 compliance.
• SaaS companies should combine pen testing with policies, monitoring, and risk management for success.
• Trava Security helps SaaS companies stay secure, stay compliant, and scale confidently.

Cybersecurity has never been more critical for SaaS (Software as a Service) companies. As cloud adoption accelerates and cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, SaaS providers face growing pressure to protect customer data, maintain compliance, and preserve trust.

Many companies believe conducting a penetration test is enough to stay secure. In reality, a pen test is necessary but not sufficient. Pen tests can identify vulnerabilities, but true protection for SaaS businesses also requires strong compliance programs and comprehensive risk management strategies.

In this blog, we’ll explain how penetration testing fits into a broader cybersecurity and compliance framework. You’ll learn what the primary purpose of a compliance program is, if penetration tests are enough for cybersecurity, whether a pen test is required for compliance under frameworks like SOC 2, and what an SOC 2 pen test involves. You’ll also learn how Trava Security can help you defend your data, maintain compliance, and earn customer trust.

What is a pentest?

A penetration test, also known as a “pen test,” is a method of evaluating the security of a computer system or network by simulating an attack by a malicious actor. A pen test aims to identify vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit and evaluate an organization’s ability to detect and respond to an attack. Penetration testing can be divided into two main categories: black-box testing and white-box testing.

Black box testing simulates an attack by an external, unauthorized party who has no knowledge of the system or network being tested. This type of testing is often used to identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers who are attempting to gain unauthorized access to a system or network.

White box testing simulates an attack by an authorized party who knows the system or network being tested. This testing is often used to identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited by insiders or other authorized users with malicious intent.

What role does pentesting play in cybersecurity as a whole?

Penetration testing is a fundamental necessity in cybersecurity, but all penetration tests are not created equal. The value of a pen test depends on several factors, including the scope of the test, the experience and qualifications of the pen testers, and the cost.

The scope of the test is crucial in determining its value. A comprehensive pen test that covers all aspects of an organization’s systems and networks will provide more valuable results than a test with a limited scope. However, it is important to note that the scope of the test should be limited to finding vulnerabilities that an attacker, not theoretical vulnerabilities, could realize. This means that the focus should be on identifying vulnerabilities that could be exploited in a real-world attack rather than on theoretical vulnerabilities that may never be exploited.

The experience and qualifications of the pen testers are also important factors in determining the value of a pen test. Pen testers with a high level of expertise and experience will be able to identify a wider range of vulnerabilities and provide more detailed and actionable recommendations for remediation.

The cost of a pen test can also affect its value. A pen test that is too expensive may not provide enough value to justify the cost, while a pen test that is too cheap may not be comprehensive enough to provide valuable results. Organizations should consider the cost of a pen test in relation to its value and the potential risks associated with not conducting it.

How does penetration testing compare to cyber risk management?

Penetration testing and cyber risk management are both important tools for protecting SaaS companies from cyber threats, but they serve different purposes. While a pen test can help identify vulnerabilities and prioritize security efforts, cyber risk management considers the full scope of cyber risks and provides a holistic view of an organization’s security posture.

Penetration testing, as previously described, simulates an attack on a computer system or network to identify vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit. It is an important tool for identifying and mitigating specific vulnerabilities and can provide insight into where security efforts should be focused. On the other hand, cyber risk management is a broader approach to managing cyber risks that encompasses all aspects of cybersecurity.

It involves identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks across the entire organization. This includes technical measures, such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems, and people and process-related measures, such as incident response plans, security awareness training, and compliance with industry regulations. SaaS companies should conduct regular pen tests and implement a cyber risk management program to protect their sensitive data and maintain the trust of their customers.

Why is penetration testing important for SaaS companies?

In today’s digital age, SaaS companies hold a significant amount of sensitive data on behalf of their customers. From personal information to financial data, this information must be protected from cyber threats.

However, with the rise of sophisticated cyber-attacks, it can be difficult for SaaS companies to know where their vulnerabilities lie. This is where penetration testing comes in. Penetration testing is particularly important for SaaS companies for several reasons:

• Protecting sensitive data: SaaS companies often store and process sensitive data on behalf of their customers, such as personal information, financial data, and confidential business information. A pen test helps identify vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit to gain unauthorized access to this data.
• Ensuring compliance: Many SaaS companies are subject to regulatory requirements for data protection and cybersecurity, such as HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and SOC2. A SaaS company conducting regular pen tests ensures its systems and networks meet these requirements and avoid costly fines.
• Maintaining customer trust: A data breach or security incident in a SaaS company can damage customers’ trust, which leads to loss of customers and revenue. A pen test can identify vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit and help prevent such incidents from occurring.
• Identifying potential attack vectors: SaaS companies often have complex systems and networks with multiple layers of protection. A pen test can help identify potential attack vectors that attackers could exploit and provide insight into where to focus security efforts.
• Evaluating incident response capability: Pen test also includes testing the incident response capability of an organization, which is important for SaaS companies as they need to respond quickly and effectively to any security incidents.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PENETRATION TESTS IN OUR EBOOK: THERE’S MORE TO CYBERSECURITY THAN A PENETRATION TEST!

Is a pentest required for compliance?

What is cybersecurity compliance? In simple terms, it’s meeting external security and privacy standards that govern how organizations handle data. When it comes to compliance for SaaS companies, these standards usually come from frameworks like SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, PCI DSS, and GDPR.

Not all compliance programs explicitly require penetration testing. However, many strongly encourage it because pen tests provide clear, audit-ready proof that your company can identify and fix vulnerabilities before attackers exploit them.

Keep in mind that you can pass a pen test and still fail compliance — and vice versa. Being secure means actively protecting data, while being compliant means proving that protection meets regulatory standards. The primary purpose of a compliance program is to show that your organization has the right controls in place to protect sensitive data. A strong SaaS cybersecurity strategy should achieve both security and compliance.

Which Compliance Frameworks Require Penetration Testing?

Frameworks have different expectations about pen testing for compliance. Here’s a summary of how the most common compliance frameworks approach penetration testing.

The takeaway? Even when penetration testing isn’t explicitly required, including it as part of your compliance strategy provides many benefits: audit-ready evidence, a stronger overall security posture, and reassurance to customers that their data is protected. These are some of the most significant benefits of a compliance program: reducing risk, demonstrating due diligence, and fostering long-term trust.

What Is a SOC 2 Pen Test?

A SOC 2 penetration test is a pen test performed in alignment with SOC 2. Developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), SOC 2 defines criteria for managing customer data. It has five trust service principles:

• Security: Protects the system and its data from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, modification, and destruction.
• Availability: Ensures the system remains accessible and usable as agreed.
• Processing integrity: Delivers accurate and reliable data processing.
• Confidentiality: Safeguards sensitive information.
• Privacy: Protects personal data in line with policies and regulations.

While SOC 2 doesn’t strictly mandate pen testing, it’s widely considered a best practice for maintaining and achieving SOC 2 compliance. Auditors often expect organizations to conduct a SOC 2 pen test to demonstrate due diligence and strengthen security controls.

For SaaS companies, this usually means regularly scheduling SOC 2 web app pen tests. Since most SaaS products store and process customer data through web applications, they’re a primary target for attackers and should therefore be protected through regular SOC 2 audits.

Partnering with an experienced pen test vendor for SOC 2 can streamline the audit and compliance process by ensuring:

• Tests are aligned with SOC 2’s Trust Services Criteria.
• The assessment focuses on vulnerabilities most relevant to auditors.
• Reports are audit-ready and easy to present during evaluations.

Building security, compliance, and trust with Trava Security

Penetration testing is a critical part of any SaaS company’s cybersecurity strategy. But implementing it isn’t the whole story. By itself, pen testing only identifies vulnerabilities. Companies must combine pen testing with a broader risk management program to protect customer data, reduce audit findings, and strengthen trust with stakeholders.

That’s where Trava Security comes in. We help fast-growing companies navigate the complex intersection of security, compliance, and risk management. We provide flexible, scalable services that keep your company secure while you scale, including AI-driven risk assessments, SOC 2 compliance readiness, and compliance-driven penetration testing. 

With decades of experience and a 100% certification success rate, Trava has experience helping growth-stage companies stay audit-ready, secure, and competitive. Book an intro call today to see how Trava can simplify compliance so you can focus on scaling.

FAQs

Is a SOC 2 pen test required?

SOC 2 doesn’t officially require penetration testing. However, auditors and customers often expect you to run pen tests to prove SOC 2 compliance. An SOC 2 pen test provides audit-ready evidence that your systems are secure and that you’re taking proactive steps to protect customer data.

What is the difference between a regular pen test and a pen test for compliance?

A regular penetration test only focuses on finding vulnerabilities in your systems or applications. 

In contrast, a pen test for compliance aligns with specific frameworks like SOC 2, PCI DSS, or HIPAA. It’s reporting maps directly to compliance controls, making it easier to demonstrate due diligence during audits.

How often should SaaS companies do penetration testing for compliance?

SaaS companies should do penetration tests for compliance at least once a year, or whenever you make significant changes to your systems, applications, or infrastructure. Frequent testing ensures your security posture keeps up with evolving threats and compliance expectations.

Can a penetration test alone make a company SOC 2 compliant?

No, a penetration test alone can’t make a company SOC 2 compliant. SOC 2 pen testing helps prove your controls are effective, but doesn’t cover every SOC 2 requirement on its own.

To achieve SOC 2 compliance, your organization must also:

• Establish and document security policies and procedures
• Implement access controls and data protection measures
• Conduct ongoing risk assessments
  Monitor systems for security incidents and have an incident response plan
• Maintain audit-ready documentation to prove these controls are in place

In other words, an SOC 2 pen test helps validate your security posture, but it’s only one component of a comprehensive compliance strategy.