Real attack simulations

Ethical Hacking to measure the real security level

Services / Professional Ethical Hacking and cybersecurity service

Offensive Services

Ethical Hacking (EH)

Q: What is the difference between Ethical Hacking and a penetration test?

A penetration test is limited to one area: the Network Penetration Test to the network, the Web Application Penetration Test to web applications and APIs. Ethical Hacking follows an attack path towards agreed objectives and can combine these tests with social engineering and targeted scenarios.

Ethical Hacking (EH) to assess actual exposure to vulnerabilities and cyber risks through controlled attack simulations.

Output: technical evidence, detailed report and remediation plan with remediation priorities.

Protects information through a security management system

Strengthens the resilience and security of digital infrastructure

Protects fundamental rights and privacy

The Ethical Hacking service offered by ISGroup simulates an attack by a malicious user (external or internal). The attacks carried out do not only concern the technological aspect, but also extend to that branch of hacking that focuses not on technology but on what is often the real weak link in the system: the human factor.

This translates into the use of unconventional attack techniques (in addition to those normally used in a Penetration Test activity, both NPT and WAPT), such as Social Engineering and the interception (sniffing) of network traffic.

Human factor

The simulation is not limited to systems: it also assesses the human component and processes, often decisive for the outcome of a real attack.

Unconventional techniques

In addition to traditional tests (NPT and WAPT), techniques such as Social Engineering and interception (sniffing) of network traffic can be included.

Clear, actionable results

The activity produces usable technical evidence and a remediation-oriented debrief, to reduce risk in a concrete and measurable way.

What you risk if you don't do Ethical Hacking

Without a realistic assessment of vulnerabilities, a cyberattack can quickly turn into an operational and reputational issue. Risk does not concern technology alone, but also processes and people.

Exposure or theft of sensitive data (customers, suppliers, intellectual property).
Service disruption and loss of operational continuity.
Compromise of accounts and privileged access.
Reputational damage and loss of trust.
Incident handling costs and emergency remediation.
Increased likelihood of exploits on unknown vulnerabilities.

How the Ethical Hacking service works

The activity is carried out only after formal authorization, definition of the scope and the rules of engagement.

The phases make it possible to measure actual exposure and produce evidence useful for concrete remediation.

1) Preliminary analysis

Perimeter, objectives and operational constraints.

In this phase we define precisely what is included and excluded, which systems and applications are in scope, which operating conditions must be respected, and what the success criteria are, in order to avoid unwanted impacts and maximize accuracy and operational safety.

2) Reconnaissance

Information gathering and exposed surface.

We gather useful information to reconstruct realistic attack scenarios, identify possible vectors and entry points, and analyze the exposed surface based on the context. This step makes it possible to direct testing toward the most relevant and potentially exploitable areas.

3) Attack simulation

Validation of vulnerabilities and impact.

We run tests in a controlled manner, verifying whether and how vulnerabilities can be exploited. The goal is not to "make noise", but to reproduce realistic conditions (including unconventional techniques if planned) and collect clear technical evidence to measure the actual risk.

4) Report and remediation plan

Detailed debrief and remediation.

The output produced by the Ethical Hacking service is delivered in a Report that describes in detail all the vulnerabilities identified and how it was possible to exploit them. In addition, a remediation plan will also be provided, describing in detail how to address the identified vulnerabilities.

What we do specifically

ISGroup simulates a real attack session, like the one carried out by a real attacker, thus allowing the actual risk exposure to be assessed with accuracy. Among the testing services offered by ISGroup, Ethical Hacking represents the best solution for an effective evaluation of your security. The tests performed include all those included in the NPT and WAPT offer, with the addition of further attack types.

Among the unconventional methodologies there is, for example, Social Engineering. Another feature of the Ethical Hacking service is not to use automated tools that would produce strong evidence of an ongoing attack. In this way, it more realistically simulates a criminal organization carrying out, for example, industrial espionage (in complete anonymity).

Why is Ethical Hacking a real advantage for you and your organization?

Real security is not based on assumptions, but on concrete proof. With our Ethical Hacking service, we adopt the same approach as a real attacker:

Simulation of a real attack

Not theoretical tests, but concrete compromise attempts: we simulate a real cyberattack to understand how far an attacker can go and which data or systems they could actually hit.
Finding vulnerabilities before criminals do

We identify technical flaws, configuration errors and weaknesses in processes before they are exploited by external attackers, drastically reducing the risk of incidents.

Real impact assessment

We go beyond a simple list of vulnerabilities: we demonstrate the real impact of an attack, showing what can be compromised and what concrete consequences it can have on the business.
Offensive approach, defensive results

We think like an attacker to strengthen your defenses. Each test provides clear, practical guidance on how to improve your security posture effectively and in a targeted way.

Ethical Hacking lets you see your organization through an attacker's eyes, but without suffering the consequences. It's the most effective way to turn uncertainty into control, prevent critical incidents and protect the real value of your business.

ISGroup Ethical Hacking: realistic attack simulations and advanced expertise to identify vulnerabilities before cybercriminals do.

Ethical Hacking
and compliance

NIS2

Assesses the effectiveness of cybersecurity measures through controlled attack paths, supporting the policies and procedures under NIS2 Article 21(2)(f).

DORA

Simulates attack paths across ICT systems and documents the results for the operational resilience programme under DORA Articles 24-25.

NIST CSF

Simulates attack paths and documents exploitable vulnerabilities, contributing to the security assessment described by NIST CSF 2.0 category ID.RA.

GDPR

Tests technical measures on systems processing personal data and produces results supporting the testing under GDPR Article 32(1)(d).

PCI DSS

Tests attack paths to payment systems and documents exploitable vulnerabilities, supporting penetration tests under PCI DSS Requirement 11.4.

ISO/IEC 27001

Identifies exploitable vulnerabilities and compromise paths, providing technical priorities for management under ISO/IEC 27001:2022 control A.8.8.

Frequently asked questions about
Ethical Hacking

What is an Ethical Hacking service?

ISGroup Ethical Hacking is a manual assessment defined on the scope and objectives agreed in the proposal. It can include reconnaissance, controlled compromise and technical testing and, when planned, activities involving people, processes or physical security.

What is the difference between Ethical Hacking and a penetration test?

A penetration test is limited to one area: the Network Penetration Test to the network, the Web Application Penetration Test to web applications and APIs. Ethical Hacking follows an attack path towards agreed objectives and can combine these tests with social engineering and targeted scenarios.

Should I choose Ethical Hacking or a Purple Team Assessment?

Ethical Hacking follows an attack path towards agreed objectives, while the Purple Team Assessment works with the defensive team to improve detection and response. To measure staff reactions to fraudulent emails and text messages, use Phishing and Smishing Simulations.

Can activities be carried out with low visibility or on site?

Low-visibility and on-site activities are included only when the proposal provides for them. The quote specifies methods, effort and any on-site activities.

Which methodologies do you follow for Ethical Hacking?

ISGroup Ethical Hacking uses OSSTMM, OWASP and PTES as methodological references.

What does the Ethical Hacking report contain?

The ISGroup report, written in Italian, includes an executive summary, technical details, an Attack Narrative describing the attack path followed, and remediation guidance. Together with the report you receive a signed Certificate of execution in Italian and English, stating activities, period and scope without vulnerabilities or technical details.

How much does Ethical Hacking cost and how long does it take?

The cost and duration of Ethical Hacking depend on the objectives, scope and planned components. The quote states the effort in days and any on-site activities.

Show your commitment

At the end of the Ethical Hacking activity you receive a signed document, in Italian and English, stating activity, period and scope. Unlike the report, it contains no vulnerabilities or technical details: you can hand it to anyone who asks for it without exposing yourself. It is included in the service.