Website Penetration Testing
A website penetration test helps identify various types of security vulnerabilities in and around your website. In addition to scanning the site itself, we also assess the surrounding infrastructure—such as the DNS path—to understand the full attack surface.
In most cases, all we need to get started is the website’s domain name. After the test, we’re happy to advise on follow-up actions to improve your security.
Why Test a Website?
Websites are often hosted externally, but they can also be hosted internally on company-owned servers. During a typical WAN pentest, components like modems and server layers are tested—but websites are not automatically included unless specified.
Depending on the type of site, thoroughly testing it can be quite extensive—but often reveals critical vulnerabilities. These weaknesses can be highly attractive to attackers and pose serious risks.
Common risks include:
Defacement: Hackers replace your website content with unwanted or offensive material, harming your brand.
Unauthorized advertising: Injecting ads to promote third-party content without your knowledge.
Data exposure: Contact forms and input fields can leak sensitive data if not properly secured.
Search engine ranking: A poorly secured website can rank lower in search results due to security issues.
Performance impact: Hackers may slow down or even disable your site, making it inaccessible to customers.
What Do We Test in a Website Pentest?
We assess your site against a range of common and advanced attack vectors, including:
Cross-site scripting (XSS)
SQL injection vulnerabilities
Brute-force protection weaknesses
Even websites hosted with major cloud providers like Amazon AWS or Microsoft Azure are not automatically secure—assumptions here can lead to overlooked risks.
Additional focus areas include:
DDoS protection: Is the site resilient against attacks that could slow it down or bring it offline?
Login screens: Are admin interfaces and backend logins sufficiently protected?
Data jurisdiction: Are user data and communications kept within the EU and away from unauthorized third parties?
Third-party integrations: We’ve successfully breached systems in the past via customer support portals and similar entry points. These real-world methods are included in our testing.
Testing in a Live vs. Test Environment
Larger organizations often have a test environment, which allows us to run deeper and more aggressive tests without impacting live services. This helps uncover vulnerabilities that may otherwise remain hidden.
Once your website and WAN have been tested, the next logical step is an internal network (LAN) penetration test. If you’re running custom applications, we also recommend a dedicated application pentest.
Why Choose BSM?
BSM has over 15 years of experience in conducting high-quality penetration tests—including for websites. Our team understands the most commonly used attack methods and stays current with the latest trends in cybersecurity.
As a compact, specialized firm, we value direct contact and close collaboration. We work closely with your developers and IT teams to ensure a smooth and valuable testing process.
After the test, we remain available to help interpret results and implement effective solutions. In most cases, we can get started within just a few weeks.
BSM is officially licensed (POB 1104) by the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security to conduct investigations. All staff members are fully screened and legally bound to confidentiality.
Request a Pentest
You can request a penetration test using our online form. We’ll contact you shortly after receiving it.
Our Pentest Process
Discover how BSM performs a penetration test—from reconnaissance to reporting.
Learn More About Penetration Testing
Want background information about the types of tests we offer?
Click here for details.