November 10, 2025
in
Cyber Security
News by Apex Computing
Cyber threats are no longer the stuff of crime thrillers or only a concern for large organisations. They're daily headlines, urgent boardroom topics, and - if we're being honest - probably a niggling worry in the back of your mind. And yet, one of the most effective ways to understand and reduce your cyber risk is something most businesses haven't done:
A penetration test.
If you're not quite sure what that is, or assume it's only for big corporations, this blog is for you.
Think of it like hiring a friendly burglar to try and break into your building - not to steal anything, but to show you where the weak points are. It could involve:
- Trying to get in through your website or remote login systems
- Checking if common passwords still work
- Looking for unpatched software or open ports
- Testing what happens if an employee clicks a phishing link
And at the end? You get a clear, plain-English report showing where your vulnerabilities are - and how to fix them.
Why It Matters Now
Cyber attacks are getting faster, more convincing, and more automated. Right now:
- Over a third of North West SMEs have suffered a cyber attack
- Most breaches come down to one of three things: outdated software, weak credentials, or untrained staff
- The average cost of a successful attack? £8,000+, not including downtime or damage to your reputation
And yet, fewer than 15% of UK medium-sized businesses have ever had a penetration test. If you're relying on "hope" as your strategy, it's time to reassess.
What Penetration (Pen) Testing Can Help You Prevent
- Data leaks from poorly secured cloud systems
- Account takeovers from reused for weak passwords
- Ransomware attacks via open remote desktop ports
- Phishing vulnerabilities in your team
- Compliance issues (especially with GDPR, Cyber Essentials, or cyber insurance renewals)
In short: It tells you what could go wrong before it actually does.
What's The Process Like?
We get this question a lot, so here's the short version:
- Scoping - Agreeing what's being tested (website, network, remote access, etc.)
- Testing - An ethical hacker gets to work
- Reporting - Your Pen Testers will send you a clear, risk-prioritised report with fixes
- Redemption Support - We help you plug the gaps
It's usually complete within 5-10 working days and causes no disruption to your day-to-day operations.
Final Thoughts: It's About Peace of Mind
Penetration Testing isn't about making yourself paranoid. It's about showing you where you stand - so you can act confidently. Think of it as an MOT for your cyber security. No one enjoys booking it, but everyone's glad they did.
If you're a Greater Manchester business and want to:
- Check how secure your systems really are
- Get peace of mind before your next growth stage or compliance renewal, or
- Just stop wondering "Are we protected?"
... we're here to help.
