Cyber threats continue to evolve, and security controls must be tested—not assumed. Penetration testing provides a real-world assessment of your organisation’s security posture by identifying vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
As a Managed Services Provider specialising in cyber security, we deliver structured, ethical penetration testing that helps small and medium-sized businesses understand their risk, strengthen defences, and meet compliance obligations with confidence.
What Is Penetration Testing?
Penetration testing (or “pen testing”) is a controlled, authorised simulation of a cyber attack against your IT systems. Our security specialists replicate the techniques used by real attackers to uncover weaknesses across networks, systems, applications, and users.
Unlike automated vulnerability scans, penetration testing focuses on exploitation, impact, and risk—providing meaningful insight into how vulnerabilities could be used in a real attack scenario.
Penetration Testing for Compliance and Assurance
Penetration testing plays a critical role in meeting cyber security and regulatory requirements, including:
-
Cyber Essentials Plus
-
NIS2 Directive
-
Customer, insurer, and supply-chain security requirements
Our testing provides clear, audit-ready reports that demonstrate due diligence, technical assurance, and a proactive approach to cyber risk management.
Our Penetration Testing Services
We tailor testing to your business size, sector, and risk profile, offering:
-
External Penetration Testing – Internet-facing systems such as firewalls, VPNs, cloud services, and public servers
-
Internal Penetration Testing – Risks from compromised accounts or insider threats
-
Web Application Testing – Business-critical web apps, portals, and APIs
-
Wireless Network Testing – Wi-Fi encryption, configuration, and unauthorised access risks
-
Social Engineering (optional) – Phishing and human-focused attack simulations
Clear Reporting, Practical Remediation
Every penetration test includes a detailed but accessible report that:
-
• Clearly explains vulnerabilities and business impact
-
• Prioritises risks by severity and exploitability
-
• Provides practical, actionable remediation guidance
Where we differ is what happens next. As your managed services partner, we can remediate findings, harden systems, and continuously monitor your environment—closing the gap between testing and long-term security.
Penetration Testing Built for SMEs
Many organisations delay penetration testing due to cost or complexity. Our services are designed specifically for small and medium-sized businesses.
-
• Scalable testing aligned to real risk
-
• Predictable pricing
-
• Minimal disruption to operations
You gain enterprise-grade security insight without enterprise-level overhead.
From Testing to Ongoing Protection
Penetration testing is most effective when combined with proactive cyber security management.
By integrating test results into our Managed Cyber Security Services,
we help you continuously improve your security posture
– rather than reacting after an incident.
Identify weaknesses. Reduce risk. Strengthen trust.
Penetration Testing Services FAQs
ERS Penetration Testing Services provide Irish organisations with ethical, expert-led security testing designed to identify real-world vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them. Our certified professionals simulate advanced cyber attacks against networks, applications and systems to reveal weaknesses in access controls, authentication, configuration and business logic. Penetration testing helps strengthen your security posture, supports compliance efforts and reduces risk by validating protections under controlled conditions. With detailed reporting, remediation guidance and ongoing support, ERS empowers businesses to prioritise fixes, improve defences and stay resilient against evolving threats.
What are penetration testing services?
Penetration testing services involve simulated cyber attacks against systems to discover vulnerabilities before attackers do.
Why is penetration testing important?
It helps organisations understand real-world weaknesses, improve security, and reduce the likelihood of a successful breach.
What types of systems can be tested?
Penetration testing can be conducted on networks, web applications, APIs, cloud environments, devices and internal systems.
Is penetration testing the same as vulnerability scanning?
No. Penetration testing goes deeper—actively exploiting vulnerabilities to demonstrate risks, while scanning simply identifies potential issues.
How often should penetration testing be performed?
It is best practice to conduct penetration testing annually or after major system changes, new deployments or significant upgrades.
What is included in a penetration testing report?
Reports typically include identified vulnerabilities, risk ratings, exploit evidence and recommendations for remediation.
Can penetration testing help with compliance?
Yes. Many regulations and standards require or recommend penetration testing as part of a comprehensive security program.
Is penetration testing suitable for SMEs?
Yes. SMEs benefit from understanding security risks and gaining actionable insights to strengthen defences.
How long does a penetration test take?
Duration varies by scope—ranging from a few days for focused tests to several weeks for extensive environments.
What happens after penetration testing is completed?
ERS provides a detailed report and guidance on remediating identified issues, and can assist with follow-up validation if needed.