This blog was updated August 2025.
Penetration testing is often treated as a requirement for passing audits. But there’s more at stake than paperwork. Organizations that use pen tests wisely see them as a way to find hidden weaknesses and boost security. Here’s how to think about pen testing as part of a broader security approach.
Understanding the Role of Pen Testing
Penetration testing simulates real-world attacks to uncover vulnerabilities that traditional tools might miss. Unlike automated scans, pen tests rely on skilled professionals who apply creativity and expertise to find and test weak points. The goal is not just to meet a checklist but to expose risks before attackers do and help teams understand how to close those gaps.
Why Pen Testing Should Matter to Your Team
Pen testing goes beyond compliance when approached with the right mindset. Key benefits include:
-
Tested Risk Exposure: Pen tests validate whether your security controls work as expected under real conditions.
-
Budget Clarity: They help prioritize investments by revealing the most vulnerable areas.
-
Remediation Insight: A strong test report gives your team a clear roadmap for improvement.
-
Operational Readiness: Tests can uncover process gaps, from missing documentation to misconfigured systems.
What Is a Pen Test for Compliance?
Many organizations conduct penetration tests to meet industry standards or regulatory requirements such as SOC 2, HIPAA, or PCI-DSS. A pen test for compliance identifies vulnerabilities while providing evidence that your business is taking cybersecurity seriously.
Auditors often review penetration test results as part of their evaluation. Compliance-driven tests ensure that your systems meet the required standards and reduce the risk of failing an audit.
Is a penetration test required for compliance?
It depends on the framework. PCI-DSS requires penetration testing, while SOC 2 does not mandate it, but auditors usually expect evidence of testing.
How Pen Testing Differs from Vulnerability Scanning
While both are valuable, pen testing goes much deeper than scanning.
-
Creative Threat Simulation: Pen testers chain multiple weaknesses together in ways scanners can’t replicate.
-
Human-Led Testing: Testers think like attackers, adapting in real time.
-
Deeper Visibility: Scanning tools catch surface-level issues, while pen testing reveals the full impact.
What Is a SOC 2 Pen Test?
A SOC 2 pen test is a penetration test conducted to support an organization’s SOC 2 audit. While SOC 2 does not provide exact testing instructions, it does require companies to demonstrate strong security controls and ongoing monitoring.
A SOC 2 penetration test provides evidence that your systems can withstand real-world attacks. For SaaS companies, this can make the difference between passing an audit efficiently and needing additional proof of security controls. Conducting a SOC 2 pen test also signals to customers that your organization values both compliance and security.
Do you need a penetration test for SOC 2 compliance?
It is not explicitly required, but most SOC 2 auditors recommend penetration testing to demonstrate a strong security posture.
When approached correctly, penetration testing serves both strategic security goals and compliance requirements. Combining a SOC 2 pen test with broader testing provides a full picture of risk and strengthens both audit readiness and operational security.
How to Get Started With Pen Testing
To make the most of your first or next test, consider the following:
-
Scope What Matters Most: Start with systems that handle sensitive data or power key business functions.
-
Set Clear Goals: Know what frameworks you need to meet, and what your risk tolerance is.
-
Choose a Supportive Vendor: Look for a testing partner who will help you through remediation, not just hand off a report.
Who Should Be Involved in Pen Testing Efforts?
Pen testing should be a shared responsibility between technical and leadership teams. Security leads or IT managers often handle the logistics, but it’s equally important to involve decision-makers who understand the business impact of findings. Developers should also be looped in so they can remediate issues efficiently. Finally, compliance and legal teams ensure all requirements are met and documented properly.
Final Thoughts
Pen testing is more than a technical requirement. It’s a window into your true security posture. With the right scope, team, and mindset, it becomes a force multiplier for both compliance and risk management. Consider approaching it not as a box to check, but as an investment in long-term resilience.