Internal Penetration Testing network security firewall computer security Ne

An internal penetration test is typically performed after completing an external penetration test.

This assessment simulates an insider threat scenario, evaluating how an attacker with internal access—whether a malicious employee, compromised vendor, or even a client—could exploit weaknesses to compromise systems, disrupt operations, or steal sensitive data.

While many organizations place heavy emphasis on defending against external attacks, internal threats can be equally, if not more, dangerous. Negligent staff, disgruntled insiders, or insecure third-party integrations often provide direct pathways into critical infrastructure.

For this reason, it is strongly recommended that businesses conduct internal penetration tests at least once a year, or immediately following significant infrastructure changes. Regular testing ensures your organization stays resilient against evolving attack techniques and maintains strong security from the inside out.