Top 5 Security Tests Every Organization Needs

Cyberattacks are no longer a matter of if but when. With data breaches costing organizations an average of $4.45 million according to IBM’s 2023 report, security testing is no longer optional—it’s fundamental. Yet, with so many options available, many executives and IT leaders ask: What are the top 5 security tests every business must prioritize?

This guide answers that question by breaking down the most critical security assessments, explaining how they protect your organization, and offering actionable insights for implementation. Whether you’re a cybersecurity specialist or a CEO leading digital transformation, these tests will help you prepare for modern threats.

Why Security Testing Matters

Security testing is the practice of evaluating systems, networks, and applications against vulnerabilities and threats. Unlike preventive measures (firewalls, antivirus, etc.), testing simulates attacks or analyzes weaknesses to find risks before bad actors exploit them.

Key reasons security testing is critical:

• Proactive defense against evolving cyber threats.

• Regulatory compliance (GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS, ISO 27001).

• Brand trust protection, reducing the risk of reputational damage after breaches.

• Cost reduction, since identifying vulnerabilities early is cheaper than cleaning up after a breach.

With that foundation, let’s dive into the top 5 security tests every organization should implement.

1. Penetration Testing (Pen Test)

Penetration testing is one of the most recognized and essential cybersecurity assessments. This test simulates real-world cyberattacks on systems, applications, or networks to identify vulnerabilities before attackers do.

Types of Penetration Tests

• Black Box Testing: Testers imitate external hackers with no prior knowledge of the target system.

• White Box Testing: Full knowledge of code, architecture, and systems is provided for in-depth testing.

• Gray Box Testing: A hybrid approach with partial information provided to testers.

Benefits of Penetration Testing

• Identifies exploitable vulnerabilities.

• Helps organizations prioritize patching.

• Strengthens incident response strategies.

• Satisfies compliance requirements for critical industries.

Pro Tip: Conduct penetration testing at least twice a year or after major system changes.

2. Vulnerability Assessment

While similar to pen testing, vulnerability assessments focus on systematically scanning networks, systems, and software for known vulnerabilities using automated tools.

Process of Vulnerability Assessment

1. Asset Discovery – Mapping devices and endpoints across the enterprise.

2. Scanning – Using tools like Nessus, Qualys, or OpenVAS to detect issues.

3. Classification & Prioritization – Assigning risk levels (low, medium, high, critical).

4. Remediation Planning – Developing a strategy for patching or mitigating risks.

Benefits of Vulnerability Assessment

• Provides a broad overview of weaknesses.

• Helps compliance and security audits.

• Reduces the likelihood of opportunistic attacks.

Difference from Pen Testing: Vulnerability assessments discover known risks, while pen testing attempts to exploit them for impact.

3. Security Audit and Compliance Testing

Security audits ensure that organizations meet regulatory, industry, and internal security standards. Unlike pen tests or scans, this test evaluates compliance rather than exploitation risk.

Focus Areas for Security Audits

• Policy Review: Are security policies documented and enforced?

• Access Controls: Are IAM systems configured correctly?

• System Hardening: Are servers and endpoints updated and patched?

• Log Management: Are events tracked accurately for incident detection?

Benefits of Security Audits

• Verifies compliance with laws like GDPR, HIPAA, SOX, and PCI DSS.

• Identifies configuration gaps and mismanaged privileges.

• Prevents costly fines and regulatory penalties.

Recommended Frequency: Annual audits or after significant technology/process changes.

4. Application Security Testing (AST)

Modern attackers often target applications, especially web and mobile apps, making application security testing a top priority.

Types of Application Security Testing

• Static Application Security Testing (SAST): Analyzes source code for flaws before deployment.

• Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST): Tests running applications for security loopholes, such as SQL injection or cross-site scripting (XSS).

• Interactive Application Security Testing (IAST): A hybrid method combining SAST and DAST during runtime.

Benefits of Application Security Testing

• Stops vulnerabilities before apps go live.

• Protects against OWASP Top 10 security risks.

• Minimizes costly patching during production.

Pro Tip: Integrate AST into a DevSecOps pipeline for continuous security testing.

5. Red Teaming

Red teaming simulates sophisticated, real-world attacks beyond what traditional penetration testing covers. Unlike standard pen tests with defined scope, red team engagements are open-ended to mimic actual adversary behavior.

Elements of Red Teaming

• Reconnaissance: Gathering intelligence on the target organization.

• Exploitation: Launching simulated attacks to gain system access.

• Privilege Escalation: Attempting to expand access to critical assets.

• Persistence & Lateral Movement: Testing how long attackers can remain undetected.

Benefits of Red Team Operations

• Evaluates an organization’s detection and response systems.

• Tests security team readiness under real attack pressure.

• Provides a holistic view of cyber resilience.

Best Practice: Pair red teaming with blue team (defense) exercises for “purple teaming,” where offensive and defensive insights are shared to improve overall posture.

Comparing the Top 5 Security Tests

How to Choose the Right Security Tests

Not every organization needs every type of test immediately. Prioritization depends on industry, maturity level, and threat landscape.

• SMBs: Start with vulnerability assessments and audits.

• Regulated industries (finance, healthcare): Add penetration testing and compliance testing.

• Large enterprises: Incorporate red teaming and continuous application security testing.

A layered approach ensures both proactive and reactive defense strategies.

Best Practices for Conducting the Top 5 Security Tests

1. Regular Scheduling: Annual security audits, quarterly vulnerability scans, and frequent pen testing.

2. Third-Party Expertise: Use certified testers and independent auditors for unbiased results.

3. Integration with SIEM/EDR: Feed test data into monitoring systems for real-time response improvements.

4. Continuous Improvement: Use testing results to refine policies, configurations, and incident response.

5. Board-Level Involvement: Report findings at executive levels to align security with business risks.

Future of Security Testing

With AI and cloud technologies rising, the future of security testing includes:

• AI-assisted vulnerability scanning for faster detection.

• Shift-left security where testing integrates earlier in development.

• Continuous red teaming powered by automation.

• IoT and OT security testing tailored for connected devices.

The organizations adopting these will stay ahead of attackers in increasingly complex environments.

FAQ: Top 5 Security Tests

1. What are the top 5 security tests organizations must use?
The top 5 include penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, security audits, application security testing, and red team operations.

2. How often should penetration testing be conducted?
At least twice a year or after major system changes.

3. Is a vulnerability assessment enough on its own?
No. It identifies risks but doesn’t test if they can be exploited. Pair it with penetration testing.

4. Which test is best for application security?
SAST, DAST, or IAST depending on the development stage and type of application.

5. What’s the difference between red teaming and penetration testing?
Pen testing is scoped and targeted, while red teaming simulates sophisticated, unscoped real-world adversaries.

6. Do all businesses need security audits?
Yes, especially those handling customer data or in regulated industries to stay legally compliant.

7. Can AI replace security testing?
AI can enhance testing but cannot replace skilled human testers who understand context.

Final Thoughts & Call-to-Action

The top 5 security tests provide a robust foundation for safeguarding sensitive assets, strengthening defenses, and ensuring compliance. Whether through vulnerability scanning, compliance audits, or advanced red teaming, these tests close gaps attackers seek to exploit.

Cybersecurity is a constantly evolving challenge—and proactive testing is the best defense.

Want to explore professional guidance on penetration testing or compliance audits? Get in touch with our trusted security experts today.