Penetration Testing Explained:

A Guide for Australian Organisations

Protecting your business online is much like securing your home. You may lock the doors and windows, but how can you be certain they will hold if someone tries to force them open? Penetration testing works in a similar way. It allows trusted experts to test your defences before a real attacker has the chance. By asking the right questions, you gain a clearer view of how strong your systems are and where improvements are needed. 

Many organisations raise similar concerns when they first consider penetration testing. Questions about compliance, cost, frequency, and possible disruption often come up. Here are some of the most common questions & their answers. 

1. How does penetration testing support compliance? 

Depending on the compliance standard, penetration tests can fulfill different requirements and demonstrate adherence to security best practices. Below are examples of how penetration testing aligns with key regulatory and industry frameworks. 

APRA CPS 234 and ISO 27001 – Both frameworks focus on governance and risk management. Penetration testing supports these by providing evidence that controls are not only in place but are also effective when tested. For ISO 27001, it demonstrates that risks are identified and managed as part of the information security system. For APRA CPS 234, it helps regulated entities show they are actively testing and strengthening controls to protect sensitive data. 

ACSC Essential Eight – Penetration testing helps show how well the Essential Eight controls are working in practice. It checks things like whether patches are applied properly, whether multi-factor authentication is protecting accounts, and whether attackers could still move through systems. This gives businesses real confidence that their defences match the framework’s goals. 

PCI DSS – For any business that processes or stores cardholder data, penetration testing is a clear requirement. It verifies that firewalls, applications, and payment systems are secure, and that changes to these systems have not introduced weaknesses. This regular testing is vital to maintaining compliance and protecting customer payment information. 

2. What Is the Real Business Value of Penetration Testing? 

The business value of penetration testing goes well beyond spotting technical flaws. It helps organisations understand their real level of risk and builds trust with customers, regulators, and partners. 

A penetration test simulates how a criminal might attempt to break into systems or applications. Unlike automated scans, it shows how weaknesses could be combined to cause real damage, making it one of the most effective ways to test whether defences work under pressure. Key benefits include: 

1. Reducing risk by finding and fixing weaknesses before they are exploited. 
2. Supporting compliance with standards such as PCI DSS, APRA CPS 234, and ISO 27001. 
3. Saving costs by preventing breaches that lead to fines, recovery costs, and reputational harm. 
4. Building trust through independent testing that reassures clients and stakeholders. 
5. Driving improvement by creating an ongoing cycle of testing and strengthening. 

In simple terms, penetration testing is about more than technology. It protects reputation, meets obligations, and supports growth with confidence. 

3.  How Often Should Your Business Schedule Penetration Tests? 

Penetration testing should be carried out at least once a year to keep defences up to date, but it is equally important to schedule tests after major changes such as launching a new website, moving to the cloud, or upgrading critical systems, as these can introduce new risks. Businesses in higher-risk sectors like finance, healthcare, or government often test more frequently, sometimes every quarter, due to stricter requirements and the sensitivity of the data they manage. Regular testing is about more than compliance, as it helps reduce the risk of breaches, supports continuous improvement, and builds trust with customers, partners, and regulators. 

4.  How Much Do Penetration Tests Cost Small Businesses and Startups? 

The cost of penetration testing for small businesses and startups varies depending on the size of the IT environment, the number of systems or applications in scope, and the depth of testing required, with basic tests often starting from a couple thousand Australian dollars and more complex assessments costing more. While it can feel like a significant expense, it is a proactive investment that often saves money in the long run by preventing data breaches, fines, and reputational harm. 

CyberUnlocked offers flexible options, such as focusing on the most critical systems first, allowing smaller organisations to strengthen security in stages. For startups, penetration testing delivers peace of mind, supports compliance especially with online platforms, and helps build trust with customers and partners. 

5.  How Does Penetration Testing Support Business-Wide Risk Management? 

Penetration testing is more than a technical check. It is a vital part of business-wide risk management. By simulating real-world attacks, it provides practical evidence of where systems are strong and where they could fail, giving leaders clear insight into the potential business impact, from financial loss to reputational harm. This helps decision makers prioritise security investments, support compliance by proving that controls are tested and effective and encourages continuous improvement by tracking progress over time. 

6. Can Penetration Testing Disrupt Your Business, and How to Avoid It? 

Penetration testing is designed to be safe, and when carried out by experienced professionals it rarely disrupts operations. 

At CyberUnlocked we agree on scope, timing, and methods prior to starting an engagement. We have worked with all kinds of networks including critical infrastructure, and ensure systems are protected and sensitive areas are tested with care. Further we can run tests outside peak hours if required for business purposes. Our penetration tests deliver valuable security insights without interrupting day-to-day business. 

7.  What Types of Penetration Tests Should Remote-Working Businesses Consider? 

Remote-working or Working from Home (WFH) businesses face unique security risks due to heavy reliance on cloud platforms, and widespread remote access. Penetration testing can help by identifying weak points before attackers exploit them. External testing checks internet-facing systems such as websites and cloud platforms. Web application testing secures customer portals and applications that handle sensitive data. By combining the right mix of these tests, businesses can protect critical data, maintain customer trust, and reduce the chance of costly breaches. Learn more about penetration testing. 

8.  Does My Cyber Insurance Require Penetration Testing? 

Whether your cyber insurance requires penetration testing depends on the policy and the insurer. Some insurers make it part of compliance, especially for businesses handling sensitive or financial data, while others view it as strong evidence that security risks are being managed. 

Regular testing can also reduce premiums by showing that defences have been independently assessed and weaknesses addressed. 

9.  How to Choose Penetration Testers: Questions to Ask Before You Buy 

Choosing the right penetration testers is crucial, as the quality of the test depends on their skills and approach. It helps to ask about their experience in your industry, to ensure they understand the risks you face. A good provider should be clear about scope and methodology, explaining which systems will be tested, how risks will be simulated, and how disruption will be avoided. Reporting is equally important. Results should highlight technical findings, business impact, and practical fixes in a way that both IT teams and decision makers can use. Finally, strong providers offer support after the test, helping you understand findings and prioritise remediation. Schedule a meeting with an expert to know more. 

Final Thoughts 

Penetration testing is more than a technical requirement. It is a practical way to strengthen security, meet compliance needs, and build lasting trust with customers, regulators, and other stakeholders. By asking the right questions and understanding how testing fits into your wider risk management strategy, your business can move forward with greater confidence and resilience. 

At CyberUnlocked, we work with businesses of all sizes to design penetration testing programs that are clear, practical, and effective. Whether you need support for compliance, assurance for your board, or peace of mind for your customers, our team can help. 

Call us today to discuss how penetration testing can support your organisation.