The gold standard of security testing.
Conservative, reliable, proven by experience: a penetration test is the gold standard of covering a system with security tests. Everything is agreed in advance – scope, budget, timeline; mutual collaboration during the specific timeframe creates optimal efficiency. I'm Sam Lyhin, founder of LSCP LLC, and I test personally: web, mobile, API, infrastructure, cloud, code. One name does the work, writes the report, and answers for both.
Scope a pen test When a pentest is the right choice
When a pentest is the right choice
- Something changed: a new system went live, a major release shipped, an acquisition landed – worth one more pair of eyes.
- Somebody is asking: a client, an auditor, or an insurer wants to see a pentest report with a date on it.
- Something happened nearby: a company like yours made the news, and "could that happen here?" deserves an answer better than a guess.
When a pentest is NOT the right choice
- When the team is fully loaded. A pentest adds a big batch of remediation work for your developers, all at once. If the whole team is already loaded to capacity – the private bug bounty is the better choice.
- During the ransom negotiation while experiencing a data breach. A pentest is too late at that point – rely on Advisory instead.
What a pentest buys
Which doors are open
Web, mobile, API, infrastructure, cloud, code – tested manually, the way an intruder actually works. High and Critical findings are reported within 24 hours of discovery, each with a recorded live exploitation.
Which to close first
Every finding carries a Rimpact® score – relative impact, 0 to 5: the higher, the sooner. CVSS stands alongside it as well – for auditors and insurers.
Closed, and checked closed
Each recommendation is written for the team that will implement it, and the fix list is negotiated into one sprint. Re-testing – each fix verified and rated: not fixed, partially fixed, mitigated, fixed – is not part of the base package; its terms are discussed separately. Client credentials are deleted after the engagement.
How the engagement runs
- Scoping. A free call about what we test, how, and why.
- Implementing. Manual-led, tool-assisted testing; urgent findings delivered within 24 hours of discovery.
- Reporting. Polishing and summarizing the most important actionable insights.
- Understanding results. We walk the findings together – what's open, what it means for the business, what to close first.
- Post-Pentesting Procedures. Issue-based discussion on fixes and revalidation, on flexible terms.
Already have a red team?
Keep them. Your red team runs a test, I run a test, and the two reports land side by side on your desk. If mine reads better, we talk; if not, no harm done. And if security is "already covered" – who checked it, and who checked the checker?
One name, checkable from every side
You can check me from any side you like: years of cybersecurity research and published CVEs, recognized credentials, insurance papers, named client letters – whichever is easiest to start with. Every one of those doors is open.
All the papers will be in order, of course – contract, NDA, insurance certificates, a sanitized sample report. References are there too: named letters on the home page, more on request. And one honest thing said upfront: no one can guarantee finding 100% of the bugs. What can be guaranteed is the method, the effort, and the record behind them.
"The vulnerability was really impressive. Very professional. As usual, Sam came here and kicked our [system] again and again."
Pentest client · under NDA
"Me and our team much appreciate your help. I want to emphasize that your offensive and defensive skills are amazing."
Pentest client · under NDA
"Bugs are valuable, but Sam's focused attention to our personal privacy is especially valuable."
Pentest client · under NDA
More references available on request.
The scoping call brings clarity
On the first scoping call – the free one – I tend to ask questions like: "How did you verify there are no injections in this form?" or "What happens if this particular assumption in your setup is wrong?".
Way too often the clients tell me that my questions create clarity for themselves as well.
Scope a pen testWant to look around first?
The faster we fix cybersecurity, the less expensive and painful it usually is. This principle is called "to shift left". This is exactly how faster decisions save resources. At the same time – keep growing your own cybersecurity awareness:
- For tactical growth – The Security Spirit® daily video series
- For strategic, evergreen cybersecurity topics – EXP Lore Cyber® irregular podcast
- For ongoing Threat Intelligence trends – The LSCP Newsletter, monthly
- For technical hands-on skills – The Responsible Disclosure Lab (RSS feed)
Email: mail@lscp.llc · LSCP LLC – Dublin, Ohio.