Penetration Testing, Without the Headaches

What clients really want to know before they engage a cyber security provider

Buying penetration testing shouldn’t feel risky, confusing, or bureaucratic. Yet for many organisations, it still does.

Behind most enquiries we see the same unspoken questions:

• Can a provider like this actually work with an organisation like mine?
• What will the process really look like day to day?
• Will this fit my timeline, or slow us down?
• Is this even in budget?
• And how do I know I’m talking to the right people?

Here’s how we approach penetration testing and why clients consistently tell us it’s easier than they expected.

Feasibility: “Can you do this for an organisation like mine?”

Short answer: almost certainly, yes.

We work with organisations of all sizes and maturity levels, from fast-growing businesses having their first penetration test, to regulated enterprises with complex environments and strict audit requirements.

You don’t need:

• Perfect documentation
• A fully mature security programme
• A dedicated internal security team

What you do need is a clear objective, whether that’s compliance, risk reduction, assurance for leadership, or validation before a go-live.

We tailor the engagement to your environment, not the other way around. If your setup is simple, we keep it simple. If it’s complex, we guide you through it.

Process Clarity: “How does this typically work?”

Penetration testing shouldn’t feel like a black box. Our process is deliberately clear and predictable:

• Scoping (collaborative, not painful)
  We agree what’s in scope, what’s out, and why. This avoids surprises later.
• Testing (controlled and professional)
  Testing is carried out safely, using proven methodologies, with minimal disruption to your operations.
• Reporting (clear, risk-focused, actionable)
  You get more than a technical report. We explain:
  • What we found
  • Why it matters
  • What to fix first
• Walkthrough & support
  We talk you through the results, answer questions, and help you understand next steps.
  No jargon. No disappearing after delivery. No “here’s a PDF, good luck.”

Timelines: “Can this be delivered when I need it?”

In most cases: yes, and faster than you think.

We understand that penetration testing is often driven by:

• Audit deadlines
• Customer requirements
• Go-live dates
• Board or regulator expectations

That’s why we:

• Offer flexible scheduling
• Confirm timelines upfront
• Stick to what we agree

Typical engagements run from a few days to a few weeks, depending on scope and we’re transparent about this from day one. We have our own in-house CHECK & CREST accredited team of testers and can typically start your project within 2 weeks of you getting in touch.

If you have a deadline, we’ll tell you early whether it’s realistic.

Commercial Range: “Is this roughly in budget?”

Penetration testing doesn’t have to be unpredictable or eye-wateringly expensive.

We provide:

• Clear pricing aligned to scope
• No hidden extras
• Options where trade-offs are possible

If something is likely to exceed budget, we’ll explain why, and offer alternatives, whether that’s reducing scope, phasing work, or focusing on highest risk areas first.

Our goal isn’t to sell the biggest test possible, it’s to deliver the right level of assurance for your organisation. The long-term partnership is far more important to us than a one off test.

Confidence: “Am I talking to the right kind of provider?”

This is the most important question of all.

A good penetration testing provider should:

• Speak your language, not just technical jargon
• Understand business risk, not just vulnerabilities
• Be honest about limitations
• Be comfortable saying “you don’t need that”

We’ve been doing this a long time, almost 18 years! We combine deep technical expertise with a pragmatic, risk-based mindset. That means you’re not just buying a test, you’re getting context, clarity, and confidence in the results.

If you come away understanding your risk posture better than before, we’ve done our job.

Making Penetration Testing Simple

Cybersecurity doesn’t need to be complicated to be effective.

When penetration testing is delivered with:

• Clear process
• Realistic timelines
• Sensible pricing
• Straightforward communication

…it becomes a valuable decision-making tool, not a box-ticking exercise.

If you’re considering a penetration test and want a conversation that’s clear, honest, and pressure-free, we’re always happy to talk. Lets start building the relationship!

Email our team at info@aristi.co.uk to learn more about how we support our clients or to discuss your specific requirements.