Security Audits and Penetration Testing Cadence
Routine patching closes known holes, but a security audit goes further — it actively looks for weaknesses before an attacker does. Deciding how often to test, the cadence, depends on how sensitive your site and data are.
This article explains the difference between audits and penetration tests, and how to choose a sensible schedule.
What Happens After a Test
A test is only useful if its findings are acted upon. The real value lies in the report afterwards — a prioritised list of weaknesses with clear, practical recommendations for fixing them.
We work through the findings by severity, fixing the most serious first, and re-test to confirm each issue is genuinely closed rather than simply noted.
- Receive a prioritised findings report.
- Fix the most serious issues first.
- Apply practical, lasting remedies.
- Re-test to confirm the fixes hold.
Audit vs Penetration Test
The two are related but distinct. An audit reviews your configuration and practices; a penetration test actively tries to break in, simulating a real attacker.
- Audit: a structured review of security posture.
- Penetration test: a hands-on attempt to exploit weaknesses.
Choosing a Cadence
How often you test should reflect your risk. A simple brochure site needs less frequent testing than one handling payments or sensitive personal data.
| Site Type | Suggested Cadence |
|---|---|
| Brochure site | Annual review |
| Site with logins | Twice yearly |
| E-commerce / sensitive data | Quarterly or after changes |
If you need a hand with any of this, your Progressive Robot delivery team is ready to help. Raise a ticket from the Support area of your client portal or speak to your account manager and we will guide you through the next steps.