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.
Aristi
CHECK and CREST-accredited Birmingham-based cyber security consultancy with over 15 years of experience delivering penetration testing, red teaming, and OT security assessments for government and private sector clients.
CrowdStrike
Global cybersecurity leader leveraging world-class threat intelligence from the Falcon platform to deliver intelligence-led penetration testing and red teaming.
Cyberis
CREST and CHECK-accredited UK penetration testing consultancy with CBEST approval, specialising in infrastructure, application, and simulated attack assessments across the public and private sectors.
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.
JUMPSEC
Full-service London-based cybersecurity consultancy with CREST, CHECK, and NCSC accreditations delivering offensive testing, managed detection, and strategic advisory services.
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.
MDSec
Elite UK offensive security consultancy specialising in CBEST/STAR/TIBER red teaming, advanced adversary simulation, and CREST-accredited penetration testing for FTSE 100 clients.
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.
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.
Praetorian
Offensive security firm founded by former DoD professionals, offering elite penetration testing and the Chariot continuous attack surface management platform.
PwC Cyber Security
Global Big Four professional services firm delivering CREST, CHECK, and CBEST-accredited penetration testing and red teaming services from London, serving the UK's largest enterprises and regulated organisations.
Salus Cyber
Award-winning Cheltenham-based cybersecurity consultancy with NCSC CHECK Green Light status and CREST approval, specialising in defence, government, and critical national infrastructure security.
SpecterOps
Adversary-focused security firm created by former DoD red team operators. Creators of BloodHound. CREST-accredited for penetration testing, red teaming, and purple team assessments.
Synack
FedRAMP-authorized crowdsourced penetration testing platform combining vetted elite hackers with AI-powered Hydra technology for continuous security testing.
TrustedSec
Elite offensive security firm founded by a former NSA operator, delivering CREST-accredited penetration testing, red teaming, and adversary simulation to Fortune 500 and government clients.
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.