SOX Penetration Testing Providers
Sarbanes-Oxley Act · North America
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires publicly traded companies to maintain internal controls over financial reporting and have those controls independently audited. Section 404 specifically requires management and external auditors to assess the effectiveness of internal controls, which increasingly includes IT general controls (ITGCs) covering access management, change management, and IT operations.
Penetration testing supports SOX compliance by identifying vulnerabilities in systems that process, store, or transmit financial data, including ERP systems, financial databases, reporting platforms, and the network infrastructure that supports them.
While SOX does not explicitly require penetration testing, auditors increasingly expect evidence of security testing as part of the IT control environment. Financial institutions and publicly traded companies that demonstrate regular penetration testing and vulnerability management are better positioned during SOX audits and reduce the risk of material weaknesses related to IT controls being identified.
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.
NetSPI
Penetration testing firm trusted by nine of the top ten US banks, with the Resolve platform for continuous attack surface management.
Coalfire
Compliance-focused cybersecurity advisory firm and FedRAMP 3PAO specializing in penetration testing that meets stringent regulatory requirements.
GuidePoint Security
US-headquartered cybersecurity consultancy with 800+ employees, serving ~40% of the Fortune 500. FedRAMP 3PAO, PCI QSA, and HITRUST accreditations.
Kroll
Global risk advisory firm with a 400+ person cyber practice. IR-led penetration testing that feeds active breach intelligence straight into test scoping.
Schellman
The largest CPA-firm-based cybersecurity assessor in the US. Unique in holding FedRAMP 3PAO, PCI QSA, HITRUST, ISO 27001, and SOC attestation authority simultaneously.
SOX FAQs
Does SOX require penetration testing?+
SOX does not explicitly require penetration testing, but it is widely expected by auditors as evidence of effective IT general controls, particularly for access management and change management.
What systems should be tested for SOX compliance?+
Focus on systems that process, store, or transmit financial data including ERP systems, financial databases, reporting tools, and supporting network infrastructure.
How does pen testing support SOX audit readiness?+
Pen testing identifies IT control weaknesses before auditors find them, demonstrates proactive risk management, and provides evidence of continuous improvement in IT security controls.