Assess external-facing systems like an attacker would

Identify weaknesses in your public-facing systems with external assessments that simulate how real attackers operate.

External Penetration Testing

Find open ports, vulnerable assets and external exposures

What could an attacker see from the outside? Cythera’s external penetration testing simulates an unauthenticated threat actor, scanning your public-facing assets for misconfigurations, unpatched systems, and risky access points.- Identify outdated or insecure services exposed to the internet- Detect open login portals, admin interfaces, and legacy subdomains- Reveal weak or default credentials that may be exploited externally

Service detail

External penetration testing to uncover real-world exposure

Do your internet-facing assets hold hidden risks? Our external assessments identify vulnerabilities before attackers do—helping you close the door on potential exploits.

See your systems through an attacker’s eyes

Uncover real-world vulnerabilities with expert-led recon

We go beyond tools to simulate how attackers would target your exposed assets – and show you how to respond.

Map your external attack surface, including forgotten assets
Uncover high-risk flaws missed by basic scanners
Prioritise fixes based on attacker behaviours

Our delivery process

How is it delivered

Our external penetration testing mimics attacker behaviour to evaluate your outward-facing systems. With minimal prior knowledge, we identify practical threats through a transparent, structured methodology.

Define scope and attack surface

We map your exposed infrastructure using your asset inventory or by leveraging open-source intelligence tools.

Simulate unauthenticated attacks

We mimic attacker tactics through passive and active testing to identify weaknesses in your security posture.

Our consultants simulate attacker behaviour by running both passive and active tests.

Our team mimics external threat actors to assess how your systems respond to unauthenticated attack scenarios.

Benefits

Why choose Cythera for external testing

Cythera’s external assessments reveal real-world vulnerabilities, giving you clear, actionable insights to harden your perimeter before attackers do.

In-depth testing

We don’t just scan—we simulate real attackers using OSINT, enumeration and tested techniques to reveal deeper vulnerabilities.

Focused on what matters most

We focus on what matters—prioritising based on real-world risk so your team can resolve high-impact issues without the noise.

Clarity you can act on

Built to drive outcomes, our reports include visual summaries, prioritised risks, and clear actions to improve your security posture fast.

What comes next

Expand your security coverage

After testing wraps up, we’re ready to help you act.

From engineering fixes to continuous monitoring, we support your next steps to strengthen defences.

Technical guidance to resolve exposures and misconfigurations
Implement ongoing detection and threat monitoring tools
Retest fixes or escalate to red team assessments if needed

Talk to an expert

Web Filter, CASB & DLP (Cloud Access Security Broker & Data Loss Prevention)

Monitor and manage how users interact with cloud, web, and AI platforms — including movement of sensitive data.

Web Application Penetration Testing

Uncover hidden flaws in your web apps — from session handling to access controls — through in-depth security reviews.

Frequently asked questions

From risk assessment to rapid response - we’re with you every step of the way.

How do vulnerability scans compare with penetration testing?

While scans flag known issues, external penetration tests simulate real attacks to confirm risks and discover deeper, more complex vulnerabilities that scanners alone can't find.

Is there any impact on our systems or customers during testing?

Absolutely. All external tests are scoped in close consultation with your team, using non-intrusive methods unless otherwise approved. We prioritise safety and stability at every stage.

What deliverables do I receive after the test?

You'll receive a prioritised assessment report that outlines impacted systems, key vulnerabilities, and practical steps to address them. We can also support your team with remediation where required.

What is an external penetration test?

This test simulates a real-world cyberattack targeting your public-facing systems, without needing insider access. It uncovers exploitable weaknesses such as open ports, weak credentials or outdated software helping you prioritise fixes before attackers find them.