Identify and eliminate internal security gaps to strengthen your organisation’s defences against insider threats, potential breaches and unauthorised access.
While external threats often dominate cybersecurity discussions, internal vulnerabilities can be just as damaging. Employees, contractors, or malicious insiders with access to your systems may inadvertently or intentionally exploit weaknesses, leading to data breaches or operational disruptions. Internal penetration testing simulates scenarios where an attacker has gained internal access, assessing the resilience of your internal networks, systems, and applications against such threats.
Evaluate your internal networks, applications, and systems to detect potential weaknesses.
Internal penetration testing involves assessing an organisation's internal IT infrastructure to identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited by insiders or attackers who have breached external defences. This process helps ensure that internal systems are robust against potential threats originating from within the organisation.
It's advisable to perform internal penetration testing at least annually or whenever significant changes occur within your IT environment. Regular testing helps maintain a strong security posture and ensures that new vulnerabilities are promptly identified and addressed.
Common findings include weak access controls, outdated software, misconfigurations, insufficient patch management, and inadequate segmentation of networks. Identifying these issues is crucial to prevent potential exploitation by malicious insiders or external attackers who have gained internal access.
While external penetration testing focuses on identifying vulnerabilities in internet-facing systems and protecting against external attackers, internal penetration testing examines the security of systems accessible from within the organisation. This approach addresses threats posed by employees, contractors, or compromised internal accounts.
At CyberUnlocked, we prioritise conducting tests with minimal disruption to your business activities. Our team collaborates closely with your IT staff to schedule assessments during appropriate windows and employs strategies to ensure that testing processes do not interfere with critical operations.
Standards like APRA CPS 234 and ISO 27001 require regular assessment of internal systems to ensure security controls are effective. Internal penetration testing helps meet these obligations by identifying vulnerabilities and validating defences — a key part of staying compliant and audit-ready in the Australian regulatory landscape.
Many Australian organisations, especially those working with government or enterprise clients, must show strong internal security during vendor assessments. Internal testing demonstrates your ability to detect and prevent insider threats, helping you meet third-party security requirements and build trust with partners.
Protecting your organisation from internal threats is as vital as defending against external attacks. Contact CyberUnlocked to schedule a comprehensive internal penetration test and strengthen your internal defences.
CyberUnlocked acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their ongoing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to Elders, past, present and emerging.