Penetration testing should be conducted regularly, at least annually, and whenever significant changes are made to the infrastructure, such as after system upgrades, new software deployments, or major security incidents. Some standards, like PCI DSS, mandate this regular testing schedule. This ensures continuous security improvement.
Due to evolving technology and threats, pen test results are not permanently valid. Most organisations conduct testing annually, but exceptions include:
- Enterprises with large digital footprints that require more frequent testing as they are high-value targets.
- Industries with specific regulations mandating regular checks for compliance.
- Significant IT system changes, like new applications or compliance-related infrastructure updates (e.g., ISMS implementations).
