pentest-checklist

Pentest Checklist

Purpose

Provide a comprehensive checklist for planning, executing, and following up on penetration tests. Ensure thorough preparation, proper scoping, and effective remediation of discovered vulnerabilities.

Inputs/Prerequisites

• Clear business objectives for testing
• Target environment information
• Budget and timeline constraints
• Stakeholder contacts and authorization
• Legal agreements and scope documents

Outputs/Deliverables

• Defined pentest scope and objectives
• Prepared testing environment
• Security monitoring data
• Vulnerability findings report
• Remediation plan and verification

Core Workflow

Phase 1: Scope Definition

Define Objectives

• Clarify testing purpose - Determine goals (find vulnerabilities, compliance, customer assurance)
• Validate pentest necessity - Ensure penetration test is the right solution
• Align outcomes with objectives - Define success criteria

Reference Questions:

• Why are you doing this pentest?
• What specific outcomes do you expect?
• What will you do with the findings?

Know Your Test Types

Type	Purpose	Scope
External Pentest	Assess external attack surface	Public-facing systems
Internal Pentest	Assess insider threat risk	Internal network
Web Application	Find application vulnerabilities	Specific applications
Social Engineering	Test human security	Employees, processes
Red Team	Full adversary simulation	Entire organization

Enumerate Likely Threats

• Identify high-risk areas - Where could damage occur?
• Assess data sensitivity - What data could be compromised?
• Review legacy systems - Old systems often have vulnerabilities
• Map critical assets - Prioritize testing targets

Define Scope

• List in-scope systems - IPs, domains, applications
• Define out-of-scope items - Systems to avoid
• Set testing boundaries - What techniques are allowed?
• Document exclusions - Third-party systems, production data