Government organisations at national, regional, and local levels are high-priority targets for nation-state actors, hacktivists, and cybercriminals. Government systems hold sensitive citizen data, classified information, critical infrastructure controls, and provide essential services that must remain operational.
Penetration testing for government entities must address unique challenges including legacy systems, interconnected agency networks, public-facing portals, and strict security requirements. Government pen testing requirements vary by jurisdiction but commonly reference frameworks like NIST SP 800-53, FedRAMP (US), Cyber Essentials (UK), and the Essential Eight (Australia). Government contracts often require security clearances for pen testers working on classified or sensitive systems.
Testing scope typically covers external-facing websites and portals, internal networks, email systems, VPN infrastructure, and cloud environments. Government organisations benefit from regular pen testing to maintain public trust, protect sensitive data, ensure service continuity, and demonstrate accountability for taxpayer-funded systems.
Featured partner for Government.
US penetration testing firm founded in 2011, running 600+ engagements a year with a fully remote, US-based team. Manual, expert-led testing across web, network, cloud, mobile, wireless, OT/ICS, and AI/LLM. Gartner Sample Vendor for PTaaS.
US penetration testing firm founded in 2011, running 600+ engagements a year with a fully remote, US-based team. Manual, expert-led testing across web, network, cloud, mobile, wireless, OT/ICS, and AI/LLM. Gartner Sample Vendor for PTaaS.
Global enterprise cybersecurity consultancy founded in 1999 in Oxford, holding rare CREST STAR-FS accreditation and delivering penetration testing, red and purple teaming, and PCI QSA services across five international offices.
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.
CREST and CHECK-accredited UK penetration testing and managed security provider formed in 2026 from Pentest People, Bulletproof, and Target Defense, with CREST STAR/TLPT-FS capability and the GuardNest vulnerability management platform.
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.
Manchester-based independent cybersecurity consultancy with over 20 years of experience delivering CREST and CHECK-accredited penetration testing, red teaming, and compliance certification 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.
Fast-growing CREST and CHECK-accredited UK cybersecurity consultancy with deep expertise in critical national infrastructure sectors.
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.
For classified or sensitive systems, yes. Clearance requirements vary by jurisdiction and system sensitivity. Many government pen testing contracts specify minimum clearance levels for testing personnel.
US federal: NIST SP 800-53, FedRAMP. UK: NCSC guidelines, CHECK scheme. Other countries have national cybersecurity frameworks with specific testing requirements for government systems.
Government pen testing is typically procured through competitive tender processes, government-approved supplier lists (like G-Cloud in the UK), or framework agreements. Pre-qualification requirements often include certifications like CREST or CHECK.