Going Beyond Traditional Penetration Tests and Thinking Like an Attacker

Breaking the Mould: A Bold Approach to Cyber Security

New in role, the Head of Cyber Security faced an all too familiar dilemma: how to build a strong security strategy that doesn’t rely on assumptions. They needed a true picture of their risk posture that would allow them to make informed decisions, with complete clarity.

Traditional penetration tests were an option, but they were looking for a way to test their security controls in scenarios better aligned to real-world conditions.

The goal was clear: shift the mindset, challenge the status quo, and ensure security was robust enough to withstand genuine threats. To do that, they needed depth, evidence, and actionable insight.

Turning Insight into Impact

After reviewing available options, they partnered with Acora to take a different path through a Cyber Incident Baseline & Readiness Assessment.

This wasn’t a routine test. It combined red teaming and automated testing across thousands of attack vectors to simulate real-world threats and uncover hidden weaknesses. The results were eye-opening. As they put it: “The assessment identified a number of areas we could improve that would not have been identified by a traditional pen test”.

Armed with this insight, the team could prioritise with precision. Critical issues were addressed immediately, longer-term fixes were mapped out, and every action was tied to maximum impact. Instead of guesswork, they had a clear, evidence-driven roadmap to strengthen their security.

The assessment identified a number of improvements that could be made by maximising the tools they already had, giving them a foundation for meaningful improvement.

Security isn’t a one-and-done exercise

One of the biggest revelations? We could get much more out of their current tools. Without this deeper testing, while the tools were performing adequately, they could not have maximised the benefits of the tools. The engagement helped identify quick fixes, tuning configurations and ensuring every investment delivered full value.

It also reinforced a vital truth. Security isn’t a one-and-done exercise. Continuous improvement is key. Regular updates and adapting to evolving attack techniques became part of their strategy.

The team were pleased with their decision to move away from traditional penetration testing, and the leap paid off. They were thrilled with the results and glad they embraced change. In their words: “We were glad we tried something different and are happy with the relationship.”

Why It Matters: A Three-Dimensional View

Unlike traditional tests, this threat-led approach gave them a three-dimensional view of their security posture. It assessed all layers of defence, uncovered hidden vulnerabilities, and provided a prioritised roadmap for maximum impact.

Beyond technical fixes, it helped justify spending, plan improvements, and build confidence in their ability to survive real-world attacks. Breaking attack chains early became a strategic priority, and now they knew what to prioritise.