Network Penetration Testing2026-08-25T07:52:25+00:00

Network Penetration Testing

CodeShield delivers CREST-accredited network penetration testing to organisations across the UK, from multi-site enterprises and manufacturers to logistics, retail, and professional services firms with complex internal infrastructure.

Get a FREE penetration test quote today

Crest Member Logo
OSCP Logo
Crest LOGO

CREST-accredited NETWORK penetration testing

Network penetration testing service

CodeShield delivers CREST-accredited network penetration testing to organisations across the UK, from multi-site enterprises and manufacturers to logistics, retail, and professional services firms with complex internal infrastructure.

Following the industry-recognised PTES methodology, we simulate real-world attacks across your internal and external networks to uncover the weaknesses an attacker would actually use. No automated scan dressed up as a pen test. Just clear, prioritised findings and practical remediation advice from a dedicated expert who works with you from scoping through to fixing every issue we find.

Man with codeshield shirt looking at screen of penetration testing report
Man with codeshield shirt looking at screen of penetration testing report

What our network penetration testing covers

Your network is the backbone of your business, and its attack surface stretches from the public internet right through to the devices on your office floor. We test all of it, combining the PTES framework with deep manual analysis to find the flaws that automated tools miss.

  • External network testing: We assess your internet-facing infrastructure, including public IP addresses, exposed services, and firewall rules, to find the weaknesses a remote attacker would use to gain a foothold.

  • Internal network testing: We simulate an attacker who is already inside, whether a malicious insider or a compromised device, testing for lateral movement, privilege escalation, and weak network segmentation.

  • Firewall and perimeter review: We review your firewall configuration and open ports to assess how well your perimeter actually holds up against a determined attacker.

  • Active Directory and credentials: We test for weak or default credentials, password reuse, and Active Directory misconfigurations, the issues that most often let an attacker take control of an environment.

  • Server and system configuration: We audit your servers and systems for missing patches, insecure protocols, and misconfigurations that quietly widen your attack surface.

  • Wireless and remote access: We assess corporate Wi-Fi, VPNs, and remote access infrastructure, the routes into your network that matter more than ever with hybrid working.

WHY TRUST CODESHIELD

Trusted & Independently verified.

Crest Accreditation Logo

“We have used a couple of companies for pen tests in the past, but never had such an outstanding experience. The team really got to grips with our application and took a much more targeted and methodical approach to the testing. Couldn’t be happier with the service received.”

Chris Clarkson

“We recently engaged CodeShield to carry out penetration testing for one of our clients, and the service was nothing short of excellent. Both Tom and Dan were extremely knowledgeable and professional throughout the process. Their clear communication and technical expertise made the entire experience smooth and efficient. We look forward to working with them again when the need arises and would highly recommend their services.”

Darren Walsh

“Tom, Daniel, Euan and the team were very professional and explained in simple terms where we needed to make improvements. Would highly recommend.”

Paul Esson

Client’s we’ve worked with.

CREST-accredited network penetration testing you can trust

When it comes to security testing, credentials matter. CodeShield is a CREST-accredited penetration testing company, holding one of the most respected accreditations in the industry.

CREST accreditation isn’t a badge you buy. It’s independent proof that our methodologies, technical expertise, data handling, and quality processes have been rigorously assessed against internationally recognised standards. For you, it means the testing of your network is carried out to a benchmark your clients, auditors, and stakeholders already know and trust.

Why CREST accreditation matters for your business:

  • Independent assurance: your testing is validated against standards set and monitored by the industry’s leading not-for-profit accreditation body.
  • Procurement-ready: many enterprise customers and public sector frameworks require, or strongly prefer, a CREST accredited provider before they’ll engage.
  • Compliance confidence: CREST accredited testing supports frameworks like ISO 27001, SOC 2, and PCI DSS, giving auditors the credible evidence they’re looking for.
  • Certified people, not just a certified company: our testers hold individual industry certifications from bodies including CREST and Offensive Security, so your project is always in expert hands.

When you choose CodeShield, you’re partnering with a trusted UK security consultancy that combines independent accreditation, technical excellence, and clear guidance to protect your business against real-world threats.

Network penetration testing for infrastructure-heavy and multi-site organisations

Network penetration testing matters most to organisations with larger, more traditional IT estates, especially those spread across multiple locations or handling sensitive operational data.

If you run larger internal networks, operate from multiple offices, or rely on remote access and corporate Wi-Fi, network penetration testing should be part of your security programme.

Securing point-of-sale systems, connected stores, and the networks that tie them together.
Protecting operational systems and the IT infrastructure that keeps production running.
Assessing the networks behind warehousing, fleet, and supply chain operations.
Protecting client data across distributed teams and remote access.
Testing the connectivity, segmentation, and remote access that link your locations.
Securing guest Wi-Fi, booking systems, and multi-property networks.
Protecting resident data and the systems that hold it across multiple sites.
Three employees looking at each other

Meet your compliance requirements with confidence

Many organisations first come to us because a framework, auditor, or enterprise customer requires independent testing of their network. We make that requirement straightforward to meet, and turn it into genuine security improvement.

Our network penetration testing supports:

  • ISO 27001: independent testing to evidence your information security controls.

  • SOC 2: assurance for the security criteria your customers and auditors expect.

  • PCI DSS: testing to meet cardholder data security obligations.

  • Cyber Essentials Plus: hands-on assessment beyond the self-certified baseline.

  • GDPR: demonstrating that you take the protection of personal data seriously.

You’ll receive a clear, audit-ready report that maps findings to what your framework actually asks for, plus practical remediation advice to close the gaps, not just document them.

WHY CODESHIELD – 20+ YEARS EXPERIENCE

You work with the person doing the testing.

At CodeShield, our UK penetration testing team brings 20+ years of combined expertise delivering practical, results-driven security solutions tailored to your business.

You work directly with a fully-qualified pen tester. You meet them before you pay, so you know who you’re working with.

  • Find & Fix Vulnerabilities: Uncover hidden threats with expert-led testing and gain true confidence in your security.
  • Simplify Compliance: Navigate ISO, PCI DSS, SOC 2 & DSPT with clear, actionable guidance, not just box-ticking.
  • Strengthen Your Defences:  Prioritise real risks and improve your security posture with insights from seasoned professionals.
  • Save Time & Reduce Complexity: We handle the technical details, letting you stay focused on your business.
Man with headset on looking at laptop

TRUSTED UK PENETRATION TESTERS

Contact CodeShield today to get a quote or work with us

At CodeShield, our UK penetration testing team brings 20+ years of combined expertise delivering practical, results-driven security solutions tailored to your business.

Get a FREE penetration test quote today

Crest Member Logo
OSCP Logo
Crest LOGO
Three men looking at laptops in a meeting room

What makes our network penetration testing different

  • CREST accredited, independently assured: Choosing a CREST accredited penetration testing company means your testing is carried out to internationally recognised standards, the assurance your clients, auditors, and stakeholders are looking for.

  • Manual, PTES-led testing, not just a scan: Automated tools flag the obvious and miss the rest. Our specialists combine the PTES methodology with deep manual testing to find the misconfigurations, weak credentials, and lateral movement paths a scanner can’t see.

  • Internal and external coverage: A complete picture needs both perspectives. We test your perimeter from the outside and your infrastructure from the inside, so nothing is left unchecked.

  • One dedicated expert, start to finish: No handoffs, no account-manager buffer. The specialist who scopes your test runs it and debriefs you personally.

  • Reports people actually act on: Prioritised by risk, written to be understood by technical teams and non-technical stakeholders alike, with clear remediation steps for every finding.

Our Values

Open Mindedness

We believe there’s no single solution to a security challenge. By staying open to new ideas and approaches, our teams find the best outcomes for every unique obstacle we face.

Honesty & Integrity

We believe there’s no single solution to a security challenge. By staying open to new ideas and approaches, our teams find the best outcomes for every unique obstacle we face.

Professionalism

We believe there’s no single solution to a security challenge. By staying open to new ideas and approaches, our teams find the best outcomes for every unique obstacle we face.

Collaboration

We believe there’s no single solution to a security challenge. By staying open to new ideas and approaches, our teams find the best outcomes for every unique obstacle we face.

What’s in your network penetration testing report

The report is where a penetration test earns its value. A test is only as useful as the document that comes out of it, and ours are built to be read and acted on, not filed away. Every engagement ends with a clear, structured report that works for your technical team and your senior stakeholders alike.

  • Introduction and project scope: A clear record of what was tested, the boundaries agreed during scoping, and the methodology followed, so everyone knows exactly what the engagement covered.

  • Executive summary: A plain-English overview of what we found and what it means for your business, written so a non-technical reader can understand your risk position in a couple of minutes.

  • Risk-prioritised findings: Every vulnerability we identify, rated by severity and real-world impact, so you know exactly what to fix first. No noise, no padding, just the issues that matter, in the order they matter.

  • Technical detail and evidence: For each finding, a clear explanation of the vulnerability, how it could be exploited, and the evidence to reproduce it, giving your technical team everything they need to understand and verify the issue.

  • Practical remediation advice: Actionable, specific guidance on how to fix each finding, not generic best-practice statements, but steps tailored to your environment. This is the part clients tell us they value most.

  • Debrief and support: The report isn’t the end of the conversation. We walk your team through the findings in a debrief session, answer their questions, and stay on hand as you work through remediation.

See a sample report

Want to see the quality of our reporting before you commit? Download an anonymised sample network penetration testing report and see exactly what you’ll receive: the structure, the depth of detail, and the clarity of our remediation advice.

Green technical background

START HERE

Not sure which test you need?

Most people searching “pen test” aren’t sure yet, that’s normal. Pick the closest match, or talk it through directly with a tester. We can incorporate multiple testing types for a single project. We often do web app + network testing if a business wants to cover both.

Three men laughing looking at a laptop in meeting room

Web Application Pen Testing

Customer-facing apps, portals and API layers.

Great for SAAS businesses.

Man with codeshield shirt looking at screen of penetration testing report

Network Penetration Testing

Internal and external infrastructure, patch…

Great for network heavy businesses.

Man with codeshield shirt looking at screen of penetration testing report

Cloud Penetration Testing

AWS, Azure, GCP and more environments.

Great for businesses operating in the cloud.

Man looking at penetration testing screen

AI / LLM Penetration Testing

Prompt injection, ISO 42001 readiness.

Great for applications incorporating AI

Two men shaking hands in front of TV

Social Engineering

Phishing, Vishing, SMShing and more.

Great for businesses with staff on the front line.

Three employees looking at each other

Mobile Application Pen Testing

Customer-facing apps, portals and API layers.

Great for apps on IOS & Android

Still not certain? Tell us what you’re building and we’ll scope it with you on a 15-minute call.

When do you need a network penetration test?

Network penetration testing isn’t a one-off box to tick. It’s something to build into the key moments in your organisation. You should consider a test when:

  • You’ve made significant infrastructure changes: new servers, network segments, migrations, or integrations can introduce weaknesses that weren’t there before.
  • You’re preparing for a compliance audit: ISO 27001, SOC 2, PCI DSS, Cyber Essentials Plus and similar frameworks expect independent testing as part of certification.
  • A customer or partner is asking for it: enterprise procurement and due diligence increasingly require evidence of network testing before they’ll sign.
  • You’ve opened a new office or site: every new location adds connectivity, remote access, and segmentation that needs testing.
  • Your working patterns have changed: a shift to remote or hybrid working expands your attack surface through VPNs and remote access.
  • You’ve had a security incident: verify that the gap is closed and check for anything else an attacker may have reached.
  • It’s simply been a while: best practice is at least once a year. If you can’t remember your last test, you’re overdue.

Not sure which of these applies to you? A quick scoping conversation will tell you what you need, and just as importantly, what you don’t.

LIVE REPORTING

Stay informed throughout your penetration test with real-time access to findings through our secure client portal.

As vulnerabilities are identified, they’re immediately available for your team to review, giving you complete visibility into the assessment as it progresses. Any High or Critical findings are communicated straight away via your agreed contact channels, ensuring urgent risks are never left waiting until the final report.

Our collaborative approach also allows for interactive re-testing during the engagement. As fixes are implemented, our consultants can validate them in real time, helping to reduce outstanding vulnerabilities before testing is complete.

At the end of the engagement, your portal is updated with the final quality-assured report, providing a comprehensive record of the assessment, findings, remediation guidance, and supporting evidence.

Network Test Dashboard

TRUSTED UK PENETRATION TESTERS

Contact CodeShield today to get a quote or work with us

At CodeShield, our UK penetration testing team brings 20+ years of combined expertise delivering practical, results-driven security solutions tailored to your business.

Get a FREE penetration test quote today

Crest Member Logo
OSCP Logo
Crest LOGO

Network penetration testing FAQs

How often should we carry out network penetration testing?2026-07-27T08:42:17+00:00

Industry best practice is to test at least annually, and after any significant change to your infrastructure. Frameworks such as PCI DSS and ISO 27001 typically require annual testing. We’ll help you define the right cadence for your organisation.

Do you offer retesting after we fix the issues?2026-07-27T08:42:08+00:00

Yes. Our support doesn’t end at the report. Once you’ve addressed the findings, we can retest to confirm the fixes are effective, giving you and your stakeholders verified assurance that the risks have been closed.

Will testing disrupt our network or cause downtime?2026-07-27T08:41:58+00:00

Our testing is designed to minimise disruption. We agree all rules of engagement with you during scoping, and where any activity carries a risk to stability, we plan it carefully and keep you informed throughout.

Do I need internal testing, external testing, or both?2026-07-27T08:41:48+00:00

External testing assesses your internet-facing perimeter, while internal testing simulates an attacker who is already inside your network. A complete strategy usually includes both, and we’ll help you decide the right combination for your risk profile during scoping.

What’s the difference between a network pen test and a vulnerability scan?2026-07-27T08:41:38+00:00

A vulnerability scan is automated and flags known issues. A penetration test adds expert human analysis, actively exploiting weaknesses to understand the real business impact and uncovering the misconfigurations, credential issues, and lateral movement paths that scanners simply cannot find.

How much does network penetration testing cost?2026-07-27T08:41:24+00:00

The cost depends on scope: the size and complexity of your network, the number of live hosts and sites, and whether you need internal testing, external testing, or both. Rather than quote a misleading flat rate, we scope every engagement individually so you only pay for testing that delivers real value. Get in touch for a tailored quote.

Go to Top