Attack and Penetration Identify and remediate vulnerabilities to protect critical assets Protiviti is the expert in attack and penetration services, helping organizations uncover vulnerabilities, strengthen defenses and reduce the risk of costly breaches. Protiviti’s attack and penetration services protect sensitive data and systems, helping to avoid costly breaches, intellectual property loss, business disruption and reputation damage. With the expanding threat landscape, it is critical to understand security vulnerabilities, their root causes and remediation options.Using our advanced penetration testing expertise, we identify vulnerabilities and provide actionable remediation guidance. Assuming an “attacker mindset” to replicate any scenario, we leverage best-in-class commercial security tools, leading freeware, the top open-source tools and the latest penetration testing techniques.Applications, services, databases, the Internet of Things (IoT) and mobile devices, whether on-premise or in the cloud, are safer with Protiviti. Our services safeguard your data, intellectual property, or reputation due to a data breach Our attack and penetration services Pro Briefcase Red Team and Adversary Simulation Simulate real-world threats and attacks targeting the resources, technology, and processes that secure systems while simultaneously assessing an organization's ability to identify, detect, and respond to threats. Pro Building office Application and Software Security Whether customized or off-the-shelf, we identify security weaknesses in the design, development, and deployment of business-critical web, mobile, and thick-client applications. Pro Document Consent Network Penetration Testing Our network penetration testing services identify critical network and infrastructure vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and weaknesses that an attacker could leverage or exploit. Pro Document Files Social Engineering Simulating a bad actor, we identify vulnerabilities by using physical, electronic, and telephonic methods to target employees and facilities, gaining access to data and networks. Pro Document Stack Cybersecurity M&A Due Diligence Gain a deeper understanding of the cybersecurity maturity of an acquisition target, pre- or post-acquisition. Pro Legal Briefcase Ransomware Advisory and Recovery Anticipate and map the threat landscape, react to a motivated and cunning adversary, and recover and adapt to maintain a resilient business model. Featured insights BLOG Five Key Takeaways From Microsoft’s Digital Defense Report 5 min read Microsoft’s Digital Defense Report 2025 reinforces what we see every day with our clients: attacks are faster, AI is elevating both threat capability and business opportunity and the security assumptions we have relied on no longer hold. As I work... INSIGHTS PAPER Pragmatic AI Security Strategies for CISOs 2 min read Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming how organizations work, compete, and serve customers. Many enterprises are moving quickly to implement AI in their business, eager to capture productivity gains and new capabilities. SURVEY 2026 CISO outlook: Top risks, AI challenges, and growth opportunities in cybersecurity 5 min read Download Protiviti’s Top Risks Report 2026 to explore how information security teams are addressing challenges in AI adoption, cybersecurity, data management, and digital transformation. SURVEY Top Risks 2026: Executive Perspectives & Growth Opportunities 8 min read Protiviti Top Risks Report 2026 shares executive insights on Gen AI, agentic AI, cyber threats and economic risks. BLOG Why Cyber Risk Quantification Is Essential in Today’s Risk Landscape 5 min read In any volatile business environment, risk and opportunity are two sides of the same coin. The newly released 2026 Executive Perspectives on Top Risks and Opportunities — the 14th annual edition from Protiviti and NC State University’s ERM Initiative... BLOG Manufacturing’s OT Security Challenges: Rising Threats, Legacy Risks and the Path to Resilience 6 min read Manufacturers are facing a rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape. Attackers are leveraging legacy operational technology (OT) systems and are looking to capitalize on the growing landscape of IT/OT convergence. What’s more, operational dependencies... Previous Article Pagination Next Article Our innovative approach Our innovative methodology is led by threat intelligence, and it centers around holistically understanding risk to the organization. Our comprehensive approach to performing security assessments goes beyond merely identifying vulnerabilities.Protiviti’s custom methodology mirrors several industry standards, such as the Penetration Testing Execution Standard (PTES) and Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), to determine and validate root causes of identified issues, and collaboratively work with organizations to develop recommendations that best fit their environments. Our penetration testing methodology Although each client environment is unique, Protiviti applies a standardized approach to penetration testing to ensure a quality deliverable. Our standard penetration testing methodology is a baseline for all engagements and provides flexibility to succeed. Crisis averted A medical device manufacturing company proactively partnered with Protiviti to pinpoint a hole in their technology, avoiding a publicity nightmare. Leadership Tom Stewart Tom is a Senior Director leading the global delivery of Protiviti’s Attack and Penetration practice. Tom and his team assist clients in performing network penetration testing, web application penetration testing, and advanced red team engagements. Tom has deep skills ... Learn More Nick Britton Nick is a Managing Director in Protiviti’s Technology Consulting practice who focuses on assisting organizations in proactively identifying vulnerabilities and risks through targeted technical testing. Nick leads Protiviti’s Attack & Penetration practice in ... Learn More Sameer Ansari Sameer Ansari, Global CISO Solutions Leader, brings over 20 years of experience developing and delivering complex privacy solutions to the Financial Industry, and privacy consulting and implementation experience in the TMT and Consumer Products industries, in many ... Learn More Frequently Asked Questions + EXPAND ALL What are attack and penetration services, and why are they important? + Attack and penetration services identify security vulnerabilities that could lead to data breaches, business disruption or reputational damage. By simulating real-world attacker behavior, organizations gain a deeper understanding of their risk exposure. These services help prioritize remediation and strengthen overall security posture. How does Protiviti conduct attack and penetration services? + Protiviti uses an “attacker mindset” supported by commercial tools, open-source utilities and advanced penetration testing techniques to identify vulnerabilities. Our assessments determine root causes and provide actionable remediation guidance. This approach ensures organizations receive insights that go beyond simple vulnerability identification. What types of attack and penetration services does Protiviti offer? + Protiviti offers a broad suite of attack and penetration services, including Red Team and Adversary Simulation, Application and Software Security, Network Penetration Testing, Social Engineering, Cybersecurity M&A Due Diligence and Ransomware Advisory and Recovery. Each service targets different types of threats and attack surfaces. Together, they help organizations assess weaknesses across people, processes and technology. How does Protiviti’s penetration testing methodology ensure quality and consistency? + Protiviti applies a standardized penetration testing methodology that aligns with industry standards such as PTES and OWASP. This methodology includes enumeration, vulnerability identification, exploitation, privilege escalation and lateral movement. It provides a consistent framework while allowing flexibility for unique client environments. What makes Protiviti’s attack and penetration approach innovative? + Protiviti’s approach is guided by threat intelligence and focuses on understanding risk holistically—not just identifying vulnerabilities. We validate root causes, collaborate with clients on tailored recommendations and leverage the latest techniques and tools. This ensures assessments reflect real-world threats and deliver meaningful, actionable outcomes.
