VAPT (Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing) is a core requirement for SOC 2, ISO 27001, PCI DSS, and HIPAA. It's the process of systematically identifying, analyzing, and addressing security weaknesses in your systems before malicious actors can exploit them.
What is VAPT?
VAPT combines two complementary security testing approaches: automated vulnerability scanning and manual penetration testing. Together, they provide a comprehensive view of your security posture.
The goal is to find weaknesses before attackers do, validate the effectiveness of your security controls, and demonstrate due diligence to auditors and customers.
Vulnerability Assessment vs Penetration Testing
Vulnerability Assessment (VA): Automated scanning using tools like Nessus, Qualys, or Tenable to identify known vulnerabilities (CVEs), misconfigurations, and missing patches. Broad coverage but shallow depth.
Penetration Testing (PT): Manual, human-led simulation of real-world attacks. Skilled testers attempt to exploit vulnerabilities, chain multiple weaknesses, and gain unauthorized access. Deep analysis but narrower focus.
Combined Approach: Most organizations run continuous VA scans (weekly/monthly) complemented by annual penetration tests for comprehensive coverage.
Types of Penetration Tests
Black Box: Testers have no prior knowledge of your systems—simulates an external attacker
White Box: Testers have full access to source code, architecture diagrams, and credentials—most thorough
Gray Box: Partial knowledge (e.g., user-level credentials)—balances realism and depth
External: Tests internet-facing assets (web apps, APIs, network perimeter)
Internal: Tests internal network assuming an attacker has breached the perimeter
Social Engineering: Tests human vulnerabilities through phishing simulations
Scope Planning
Proper scoping is critical for effective testing:
- Define in-scope systems: production vs staging, specific applications, network ranges
- Identify out-of-scope systems: third-party services, shared infrastructure
- Set testing windows: avoid peak business hours, coordinate with ops teams
- Define rules of engagement: what actions are allowed (DoS simulation, data exfiltration attempts)
- Establish communication protocols: who to contact if critical issues are found
Testing Frequency
Vulnerability Scans: Weekly or monthly automated scans of all systems
Penetration Tests: Annually at minimum, or after significant changes
Trigger Events: New major releases, infrastructure changes, mergers/acquisitions, security incidents
Most compliance frameworks (SOC 2, PCI DSS) require at least annual penetration testing.
Remediation Process
Critical/High: Remediate within 7-14 days; may require emergency patching
Medium: Remediate within 30-60 days; plan into next sprint
Low/Informational: Remediate within 90 days or accept risk with documentation
Retest: Have the vendor verify critical/high findings are properly fixed
Choosing a VAPT Vendor
Certifications: Look for OSCP, OSCE, CREST, or CEH certified testers
Industry Experience: Choose vendors familiar with your tech stack and industry
Methodology: Should follow OWASP, PTES, or NIST frameworks
Reporting Quality: Request sample reports—look for clear findings with remediation guidance
Insurance: Verify they carry professional liability insurance
Tips for Success
Don't "Clean Up" Before Testing: Test your real environment, not a sanitized version
Include APIs: Modern attacks often target APIs—don't just test the web UI
Test Authentication Flows: Password reset, MFA bypass, session handling are common weak points
Share Previous Reports: Help testers find new issues, not rediscover known ones
Budget for Remediation: Allocate engineering time to fix findings promptly