Network Security

Penetration Testing and Vulnerability Scans

A penetration test is an agreed, controlled attempt to break into your systems the way an attacker would, and a vulnerability scan is the lighter automated check for known weaknesses. We run both for Orange County accounting firms, medical practices and other offices that need them for an insurer, a client or the FTC Safeguards Rule, and you get a plain-English list of what to fix first.

Book a Free IT Check-in Talk to an Engineer

How a test runs

Agree the scope

We agree in writing what's being tested, when, and what's off limits before anything starts.

Test

We look for weaknesses in your network, systems and setup, carefully enough that your day-to-day work isn't disrupted.

Explain and fix

You get a plain-English report that ranks what we found by how much it matters, and we can help you fix it. Testing is done by our own Cybersecurity team, and if your insurer or a client needs an outside party to verify the results, we can arrange that too.

What the FTC Safeguards Rule and HIPAA say about testing

If you prepare taxes or keep books for clients, the FTC Safeguards Rule asks for a penetration test once a year and vulnerability scans every six months, unless your systems are monitored continuously for changes that could open a weakness. Firms holding information on fewer than 5,000 consumers are exempt from that part. For medical and dental practices, the HIPAA Security Rule doesn't name penetration testing, but it does expect you to check periodically that your safeguards still work. A proposed update published in January 2025, which is not final, would add scans every six months and a yearly test. Either way, we can put the testing on a calendar, hand you the reports to keep on file, and help fix what they turn up. This is general information, not legal advice.

The Safeguards Rule text (16 CFR 314.4)

When it's worth doing

A test makes the most sense when:

Your insurer or a client asks for one
You handle sensitive data like patient or financial records
You've made big changes to your network or moved to the cloud
You want an honest second opinion on your current setup

When to fix the basics first

If updates, MFA and tested backups aren't in place yet, a test will mostly tell you that. We'll suggest sorting those out first, which protects you sooner, and testing once they're done.

Frequently asked questions

Does the FTC Safeguards Rule require penetration testing?

For most covered firms, yes: a penetration test every year and vulnerability scans every six months, unless your systems are monitored continuously. Firms holding information on fewer than 5,000 consumers are excused from this part, though a yearly test is still a sensible check. This is general information, not legal advice. The FTC Safeguards Rule in plain English

Does HIPAA require penetration testing?

Today's Security Rule doesn't name it, but it does expect practices to check periodically that their safeguards work. A proposed update from January 2025, not yet final, would require vulnerability scans every six months and a penetration test every year. This is general information, not legal advice. The proposed HIPAA Security Rule changes

What's the difference between a penetration test and a vulnerability scan?

A scan is automated and checks for known weaknesses, so it's quick and can run often. A penetration test is done by a person who tries to chain weaknesses together the way an attacker would, which takes longer and finds problems a scan can't.

How often should we test?

Many businesses run vulnerability scans regularly and a full penetration test once a year or after big changes. It depends on your size and what you handle, and we'll suggest what fits.

Will testing disrupt our business?

It shouldn't. We agree timing with you, avoid anything that could take systems down, and stop right away if anything looks off.

Does a clean test mean we're completely secure?

No test can promise that. It shows where you stood on the day it ran, and fixing what it finds still makes a real difference.

How do we book a test?

Start with a free IT check-in, a no-obligation call to learn about your business and why you want a test, whether that's an insurer's form or a hunch. If a test is the right call, we agree the scope in writing from there.

Start with a free IT check-in

Tell us about your office and what you'd like sorted out. If we're not the right fit, we'll say so.

Book a check-in (714) 450-9330