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.
Coalfire
Compliance-focused cybersecurity advisory firm and FedRAMP 3PAO specializing in penetration testing that meets stringent regulatory requirements.
NetSPI
Leading penetration testing firm with the Resolve platform for continuous attack surface management, trusted by nine of the top ten US banks.
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.
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.