What is required for conducting a penetration test?

Conducting a penetration test requires management approval to ensure that the testing is authorized and aligns with the organization’s policies and risk management strategies. Gaining permission from management helps to establish trust and establish clear boundaries for the testing process. It also protects the organization from any legal repercussions that could arise from unauthorized testing, which may be perceived as an attack rather than an assessment.

Management approval involves not only consent but also the appropriate risk assessments and resource allocation needed to ensure that the penetration testing can be performed safely and effectively, without disrupting normal operations or exposing the organization to unnecessary threats. Additionally, this approval often incorporates discussions surrounding the scope of the test, specific areas to be tested, potential impacts, and what are considered acceptable risk levels for the organization.

Consent from IT alone does not suffice since it may overlook broader organizational policies or regulatory requirements. Similarly, while a contract with an external vendor may be part of the process, it is not the foremost requirement for conducting a test. Management approval is essential for the overall governance of security assessments within an organization.