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.
Featured partner for Defense.
US cybersecurity consulting, audit and testing firm founded in 2004, focused on community banks and credit unions, with external, internal, web application, wireless and PCI DSS penetration testing plus CMMC Level 1 and 2 readiness work.
US cybersecurity consulting, audit and testing firm founded in 2004, focused on community banks and credit unions, with external, internal, web application, wireless and PCI DSS penetration testing plus CMMC Level 1 and 2 readiness work.
UK offensive security consultancy delivering CREST-accredited penetration testing, adversary simulation and CBEST, TIBER-EU and TBEST threat-led testing, mainly for financial services and other large organisations.
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.
Elite UK offensive security consultancy specialising in CBEST/STAR/TIBER red teaming, advanced adversary simulation, and CREST-accredited penetration testing for FTSE 100 clients.
Full-service London-based cybersecurity consultancy with CREST, CHECK, and NCSC accreditations delivering offensive testing, managed detection, and strategic advisory services.
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.
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.
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.
Award-winning Cheltenham-based cybersecurity consultancy with NCSC CHECK Green Light status and CREST approval, specialising in defence, government, and critical national infrastructure security.
Offensive security firm founded by former NSA operator David Kennedy, delivering CREST-accredited penetration testing, red teaming, and adversary simulation to Fortune 500 and government clients.
Cybersecurity division of the Thales Group, with ANSSI, CREST, FedRAMP 3PAO, and NATO-cleared personnel. Defence, government, and critical infrastructure penetration testing worldwide.
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.
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.
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.
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.