Penetration Testing for Defense
The defence sector has the most stringent cybersecurity requirements of any industry, reflecting the national security implications of defence system compromises. Defence contractors, weapons system manufacturers, military technology providers, and the broader Defence Industrial Base (DIB) must protect classified information, controlled unclassified information (CUI), and critical military capabilities from sophisticated nation-state adversaries.
Penetration testing in the defence sector requires testers with appropriate security clearances and experience with military-grade systems, embedded systems, tactical communications, and classified networks. The US CMMC framework is transforming how defence contractors approach cybersecurity, requiring demonstrated maturity levels for contract eligibility. UK defence pen testing often follows the Defence Cyber Protection Partnership (DCPP) requirements and may require CHECK or CREST certification.
Defence pen testing must cover traditional IT systems, operational technology, weapons platforms, and the increasingly connected battlefield ecosystem while maintaining strict operational security throughout the engagement.
NCC Group
Global cybersecurity consultancy with CREST, CHECK, and CBEST accreditation, renowned for deep technical research and comprehensive penetration testing services.
Nettitude
CREST, CHECK, and CBEST accredited UK consultancy within Lloyd's Register, delivering premium penetration testing for government and critical infrastructure.
Mandiant
World-renowned cybersecurity firm now part of Google Cloud, delivering threat intelligence-led penetration testing and red teaming informed by front-line incident response experience.
HackerOne
World's largest ethical hacker platform with over one million researchers, offering bug bounties and structured penetration testing to the US DoD and Fortune 500.
CrowdStrike
Global cybersecurity leader leveraging world-class threat intelligence from the Falcon platform to deliver intelligence-led penetration testing and red teaming.
Praetorian
Offensive security firm founded by former DoD professionals, offering elite penetration testing and the Chariot continuous attack surface management platform.
Offensive Security
Creators of OSCP, Kali Linux, and Exploit-DB, offering elite penetration testing services from the team that trains the world's ethical hackers.
Synack
FedRAMP-authorized crowdsourced penetration testing platform combining vetted elite hackers with AI-powered Hydra technology for continuous security testing.
Defense Pen Testing FAQs
What clearances are needed for defence pen testing?+
Clearance requirements depend on the classification level of systems being tested. Common requirements include SC and DV clearance (UK), Secret and Top Secret clearance (US), and equivalent national clearances in other countries.
What is CMMC and how does it affect pen testing?+
CMMC requires defence contractors to demonstrate cybersecurity maturity at specified levels. Pen testing validates security controls, supports CMMC assessment preparation, and helps maintain certification once achieved.
Can classified systems be pen tested?+
Yes, classified systems can and should be pen tested, but testing requires cleared personnel, approved facilities, and strict operational security procedures. Specialised providers offer classified system testing services.