Why Choose External Network Penetration Testing for Better Cybersecurity

If you think your business is too small to be hacked, you're already a target.

Cyber attackers don't look for big names- they look for weak links. Sometimes, that weak link is an unpatched server. Sometimes, it's a forgotten login page from three years ago. And often, it's someone who clicks before thinking.

That's where external network penetration testing comes in. It's not just for Fortune 500 companies. It's for any business with an internet connection. 

What Is External Network Penetration Testing?

external network penetration testing is akin to hiring a professional burglar to attempt to break into your digital home. Except instead of stealing anything, they tell you exactly how they would've done it, and how to stop it from happening for real.

In simple terms, it's a simulated cyberattack on your internet-facing systems. Security experts, often referred to as ethical hackers, simulate real-world attackers. They employ the same tools and techniques that actual cybercriminals use, without causing any damage.

Their focus? Your external network- anything exposed to the public internet. That includes:

• Websites (your main site, landing pages, admin panels)

•  Email servers (like Exchange or Office 365 configurations)

•  Cloud services (such as AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure)

•  Firewalls and routers (to test if configurations leak sensitive info)

•  Remote access points (VPNs, RDP, SSH portals)

These systems are the digital equivalent of your front doors and windows. You want them locked tight. But most businesses don't realize how many "windows" they've left cracked open-until it's too late.

Microsoft Exchange Hack (2021)

By early 2021, over 30,000 organizations in the U.S. had been compromised because of critical vulnerabilities in Microsoft Exchange servers. Why? These servers were accessible from the internet and hadn't even been patched. 

Through the exploitation of these vulnerabilities, hackers gained access to email inboxes, installed backdoors, and stole sensitive information. Several companies were unaware that they had been exposed. An external pen test would have easily discovered such unpatched servers and then immediately flagged the matter for remediation.

What Does the Test Actually Do?

During the external pen test, professionals simulate the reconnaissance and exploitation steps an attacker would implement:

• Searching your IP range for open ports

• Checking for outdated software versions

• Exploiting web application flaws from SQL injection or cross-site scripting

• Testing remote access points with weak or reused passwords

• Searching for subdomains or forgotten development sites

• Trying to access systems based on public leaks–be it exposed credentials, API keys, etc. 

They chain together the weak points to simulate heightened exploitation, just like real attackers would do.

What You Get After the Test

At the end, they don't just say "we got in." You'll receive a comprehensive report, often broken into three sections:

Findings – Each vulnerability or weakness is identified, along with its severity level.

Impact – What a real attacker could've done with that access.

Fixes – Step-by-step instructions to close the gaps, including technical recommendations for your IT team.

You may also get a business-friendly summary, which helps you explain the risk to leadership, clients, or regulators.

Human Error Still Matters

You might lock down your tech. But what about your people?

Even the most secure network can be undone by one user sharing a password or falling for a phishing email.

That’s why technical testing and social engineering awareness training go hand in hand.

Social engineering training teaches your team how attackers think and how to defend against them. It helps employees:

• Spot fake emails and phone calls

• Recognize phishing websites

• Think twice before sharing login details

• Report suspicious behavior

Because if your team isn't trained, they could hand over access faster than any hacker could steal it.

Meet SecDesk: Experts in Real-World Defense

One team that's helping businesses take charge of their external risk is SecDesk, a cybersecurity company based in the Netherlands.They specialise in external network penetration testing, delivering detailed and easy-to-understand reports that are free from technical jargon. Their team includes certified professionals who follow industry standards and think like hackers, so you don't have to.

SecDesk doesn't stop there. They also provide social engineering awareness training to ensure your staff isn't the weakest link in your defense. From phishing simulations to live awareness sessions, they help your team stay sharp and alert. Whether you're an SME or a scaling tech company, SecDesk builds custom testing plans that match your size, risk level, and budget.

Signs You Need a Pen Test Now

Still unsure if it's time to schedule a test? Here are a few warning signs:

• Your business handles customer or payment data.

• You've never tested your public-facing systems.

• Remote workers access company tools from home.

• You recently launched a new website or app.

• Your clients or partners ask about security.

If any of these apply, waiting could cost more than you think.

Ready to Strengthen Your Cybersecurity?

External network penetration testing gives you a chance to find the flaws first. It’s a proactive step that demonstrates your commitment to your business, customers, and data.

And remember, your firewall is only one layer. Your people are another. A strong defense includes both technical testing and social engineering awareness training, which prepares everyone to identify potential dangers.

Therefore, SecDesk can help you test your systems, train your team, and build a plan that protects your future.

 Visit secdesk.com today to learn more or book your first consultation.