Networks and infrastructure, server environments, web applications and interfaces, as well as SAP systems and business applications. We define the scope together before the test begins: the scope, objectives, and framework are agreed upon in writing before the first access takes place.

Penetration Testing

Q: Black Box, Gray Box, or White Box?

Black Box testing operates without prior information and realistically simulates an external attack. White Box testing uses full insight and finds more in the same amount of time. Grey Box testing falls in between and is usually the most cost-effective choice because the testing time is spent on in-depth analysis rather than on reconnaissance.

Q: How does a penetration test work?

In four steps: a kick-off meeting to coordinate the scope and framework, execution under controlled conditions, interim coordination in the event of critical findings, and a final report with a joint workshop. The report includes prioritized findings, technical traceability, and a management summary.

Q: What standards do you follow?

We follow recognized methodology frameworks: the BSI implementation guidelines for penetration tests, the OWASP Web Application Testing Guide, as well as PTES and OSSTMM. The combination used depends on the subject under test. We define it during the kick-off meeting and document it in the report so that the results remain traceable and comparable if the test is repeated.

Identify vulnerabilities before they are exploited

Today’s cyberattacks are targeted, automated, and often go unnoticed – the problem isn’t the existence of vulnerabilities, but that they’re discovered too late.

A professional penetration test shows you just how vulnerable your systems really are: practical, transparent, and from the perspective of a real attacker. This allows you to identify specific security gaps before they turn into an incident.

Without a targeted security assessment, you lack the foundation for:

a realistic assessment of your technical security posture
effective prioritization of security measures
robust evidence for auditors and customers (e.g., ISO 27001, NIS-2, TISAX®)

Your specific benefits

With a professional penetration test, you will achieve:

Transparency regarding vulnerabilities that can actually be exploited
An assessment of your systems from an attacker’s perspective
Prioritized recommendations for action with a clear business impact
A reduction in your actual cyber risk
Demonstrable improvement in your security measures

Flexible penetration tests – tailored to your objectives

Every IT environment is different – that’s why we tailor our tests to your specific requirements:

Test Types:

Black-box testing: realistic attack without prior information
Grey-box testing: an efficient combination of realism and in-depth analysis
White-Box Testing: maximum transparency for targeted vulnerability identification

Specializations:

Networks and Infrastructures
Server Environments
Web Applications and APIs
SAP systems and business applications
Operational Technology (OT) and Industrial Environments

Penetration testing based on a project-based approach

We combine proven methods with practical attack simulations – for results that can be implemented immediately. Following a joint kick-off meeting for planning and preparation, we conduct the penetration test under controlled conditions and discuss preliminary findings during an interim meeting. Finally, we produce a detailed report listing all vulnerabilities and remediation measures, which is reviewed during a joint workshop.

Our project approach: structured and practical

We combine proven methods with realistic attack scenarios – for results that can be implemented immediately:

Kick-off & Planning
Agreement on scope, objectives, and framework conditions

Test execution
Attack simulation under controlled conditions

Interim Review
Preliminary Results and Potential Critical Findings

Final Report & Workshop
Detailed documentation, including actions and prioritization

Our approach: realistic, methodical, effective

Our approach is based on recognized best practices and established methodologies (e.g., BSI, OWASP, PTES, OSSTM) and combines these with our practical experience from real-world attack scenarios. The goal is not only to identify individual vulnerabilities, but to provide a comprehensive assessment of your actual susceptibility to attack – one that is transparent, reproducible, and clearly linked to your business risk.

Using the example of a black-box test conducted over the Internet, our process typically includes the following steps:

1. Information gathering
2. Vulnerability analysis
3. Exploitation (targeted exploitation)
4. Post-exploitation
5. Reporting & concrete recommendations for action

1. Information gathering

We systematically analyze all publicly available information about your organization and your systems. In doing so, we identify potential points of attack – just as real attackers would.

Typical measures:

DNS, WHOIS, and certificate analyses
Identification of exposed systems, services, and interfaces
Research into publicly available sources, metadata, and data leaks
Detection of APIs, cloud services, and shadow IT

Result: complete transparency regarding your external attack surface

2. Vulnerability analysis

The identified systems and services are thoroughly examined for security gaps, misconfigurations, and known vulnerabilities.

We combine automated checks with targeted manual analysis:

Comparison with current vulnerability databases (CVEs)
Review of authentication and authorization concepts
Analysis of encryption and protocols (e.g., SSL/TLS)
Tests for typical attack vectors (e.g., injection, XSS, misconfigurations)

Result: a qualified assessment of all potential vulnerabilities

3. Exploitation (targeted exploitation)

Unlike simple vulnerability scans, we verify whether identified vulnerabilities can actually be exploited – and what damage they can cause.

Within an agreed-upon framework, we simulate targeted attacks, e.g.:

Exploitation of web vulnerabilities
Password and brute-force attacks
Access to insecure interfaces or services

Result: clear insights into the actual risk rather than theoretical findings

4. Post-exploitation

In the event of a successful compromise, we analyze the potential next steps an attacker might take within your environment.

These include, among others:

Lateral Movement: Spreading throughout the network
Privilege Escalation: Gaining higher user privileges
Persistence: Ensuring sustained access
Access to sensitive data or critical systems

Result: Understanding the actual impact on your organization and your business processes

5. Reporting & concrete recommendations for action

All results are organized and compiled into a practical report:

vulnerabilities prioritized by risk and business impact
Technical details for traceability and reproducibility
Concrete, actionable measures for remediation
Management Summary for Decision-Makers

The results are discussed in a joint workshop, during which we:

classify critical risks
Prioritize measures
Identify concrete next steps

Result: a clear basis for decision-making for IT, management, and audit

1. Information gathering

We systematically analyze all publicly available information about your organization and your systems. In doing so, we identify potential points of attack – just as real attackers would.

Typical measures:

DNS, WHOIS, and certificate analyses
Identification of exposed systems, services, and interfaces
Research into publicly available sources, metadata, and data leaks
Detection of APIs, cloud services, and shadow IT

Result: complete transparency regarding your external attack surface

2. Vulnerability analysis

The identified systems and services are thoroughly examined for security gaps, misconfigurations, and known vulnerabilities.

We combine automated checks with targeted manual analysis:

Comparison with current vulnerability databases (CVEs)
Review of authentication and authorization concepts
Analysis of encryption and protocols (e.g., SSL/TLS)
Tests for typical attack vectors (e.g., injection, XSS, misconfigurations)

Result: a qualified assessment of all potential vulnerabilities

3. Exploitation (targeted exploitation)

Unlike simple vulnerability scans, we verify whether identified vulnerabilities can actually be exploited – and what damage they can cause.

Within an agreed-upon framework, we simulate targeted attacks, e.g.:

Exploitation of web vulnerabilities
Password and brute-force attacks
Access to insecure interfaces or services

Result: clear insights into the actual risk rather than theoretical findings

4. Post-exploitation

In the event of a successful compromise, we analyze the potential next steps an attacker might take within your environment.

These include, among others:

Lateral Movement: Spreading throughout the network
Privilege Escalation: Gaining higher user privileges
Persistence: Ensuring sustained access
Access to sensitive data or critical systems

Result: Understanding the actual impact on your organization and your business processes

5. Reporting & concrete recommendations for action

All results are organized and compiled into a practical report:

vulnerabilities prioritized by risk and business impact
Technical details for traceability and reproducibility
Concrete, actionable measures for remediation
Management Summary for Decision-Makers

The results are discussed in a joint workshop, during which we:

classify critical risks
Prioritize measures
Identify concrete next steps

Result: a clear basis for decision-making for IT, management, and audit

More than just testing: real security improvements

Our results are immediately actionable for your team – transparent, reproducible, and prioritized. Upon request, we support the remediation process and integrate the measures into your existing processes and your ISMS.

This turns a test into a measurable security gain.

abat – your partner for proactive security

With abat, you’re relying on experienced specialists in penetration testing and information security:

Certified security experts and penetration testers
Experience in KRITIS, TISAX®, and regulated environments
Practical testing with a focus on real-world attackers
Support from analysis through secure implementation

Our goal: Not just to find vulnerabilities, but to eliminate them permanently.

Test your security measures under real-world conditions – before others do.

FAQs

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

A scan lists known vulnerabilities. A penetration test checks whether they can actually be exploited and what could be achieved by doing so. The difference lies in the level of insight: out of hundreds of scan hits, only a few findings actually pose a risk, and those can be prioritized.

Black Box, Gray Box, or White Box?

What is tested?

How does a penetration test work?

What standards do you follow?

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Our customers in the area protect

Saskia

ISMS Consultant
Bremen

For me, abat is: fun, exciting projects - great customers and colleagues packed into a respectful and trusting atmosphere with plenty of room for continuous development!