Pen Testing for Small Businesses: Tips for Success

For small businesses, cybersecurity can often feel like a luxury only large enterprises can afford. But the stark reality in 2025 is that small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) are increasingly the targets of cyberattacks.

According to Verizon’s 2025 DBIR, over 58% of cyberattacks now target SMBs, often exploiting overlooked vulnerabilities.

That’s where penetration testing, or pen testing, comes in. Even on a limited budget, a well-scoped pen test can uncover critical issues before attackers do.

In this article, we’ll walk you through:

• What kind of pen test should small businesses consider?
• How to set clear goals
• Why the investment is worth it, even on a tight budget

What is Pen Testing?

A penetration test is a simulated cyberattack performed by ethical hackers to uncover security weaknesses. It helps you:

• Identify vulnerabilities before attackers exploit them
• Test your defenses in a controlled environment
• Prioritize fixes based on real-world risk

Why Pen Testing Matters for Small Businesses

Many small businesses think, “We’re too small to be a target.” But attackers often view small businesses as low-hanging fruit; fewer resources, less security, more opportunity.

Key Benefits of Conducting a Pen Test:

1. Find critical flaws like open ports, weak passwords, or vulnerable web applications, before attackers do.
2. Avoid costly breaches. IBM’s latest Cost of a Data Breach Report estimates average breach costs for SMBs at $2.1 million.
3. Strengthen customer trust. Showing that you take security seriously can win trust and contracts.
4. Meet compliance requirements. Industries like finance, healthcare, and retail often require regular testing.

Budget-Friendly Pen Testing Options

You don’t need a six-figure security budget to receive value from pen testing. Here are a few smart, cost-effective options:

1. External Network Pen Test

• Focus: Tests your internet-facing systems (e.g., website, email, VPN).
• Why it’s valuable: It’s often the first place attackers look.

2. Web Application Pen Test

• Focus: Simulates attacks on your website or online portals.
• Ideal for: E-commerce sites, client portals, and SaaS products.

3. Lightweight Pen Test/Vulnerability Assessment Combo

• Focus: Automated scanning with manual validation of key findings.
• Great for: First-timers on a budget.

4. Internal DIY + Guided Assessment

• Use free or low-cost tools (e.g., Nessus Essentials, Nmap, OpenVAS, or OWASP ZAP).
• Supplement with expert consulting for interpreting results and planning fixes.

How to Define Your Pen Test Goals

To maximize value, clear goals are essential. Before hiring a pen testing vendor, ask:

• What are we protecting?
  • Customer data?
  • Financial systems?
  • Intellectual property?
  • Our reputation?
• What are our top risks?
  • Remote workers?
  • Public-facing web apps?
  • Weak or no employee training?
• What outcome do we want?
  • A clear, prioritized list of vulnerabilities?
  • Evidence for insurance or compliance?
  • Validation of recent security changes?

Share your goals with your pen testing provider early on, as they can help you design a focused, cost-effective engagement.

Final Thoughts

Pen testing isn’t just for Fortune 500s. It’s for any business that values its data, operations, customers, and reputation. Even with limited resources, small businesses can take smart, practical steps to uncover and fix security risks before they become real problems.

Start small, stay focused, and keep security moving forward.

RedLens InfoSec, a division of CampusGuard, wants to partner with businesses, large and small, to safeguard your organization and strengthen your security posture. Contact us to learn more and get started.