Testing Methodology
Scoping & Architecture Review
We review your network architecture, identify all in-scope IP ranges and network segments, map east-west and north-south traffic flows, and define testing boundaries — including CDE-adjacent segments for PCI DSS engagements.
Vulnerability Assessment
Authenticated and unauthenticated vulnerability scanning is conducted across all in-scope hosts. Findings are correlated, de-duplicated, and prioritised by exploitability and business impact — not just CVSS score.
Penetration Testing
Manual exploitation attempts are made against high-value findings — validating real-world exploitability, chaining vulnerabilities, and demonstrating attack paths from the network boundary to critical assets.
Report & Remediation Support
A comprehensive VAPT report is delivered with network-topology-annotated attack path diagrams, CVSS scores, patch guidance, and configuration remediation steps. Follow-up retest included for all critical findings.

Engagement Deliverables
Internal and external testing.
Single engagement.
Executive Summary & Attack Path Overview
Management-level summary of network security posture with attack path diagrams, critical exposures, and risk prioritisation.
VAPT Technical Report
Detailed findings per network segment with exploitation evidence, CVSS scores, exploitability ratings, and patch/configuration remediation guidance.
Critical Finding Retest
Full retest of all critical and high findings after remediation, with updated closure evidence and status documentation.
Compliance-Ready Final Report
Final cleared report aligned to PCI DSS Req 11.4 format, accepted for audit and regulatory submission.
Full IP estate coverage — external perimeter and internal network segments
Manual exploitation with attack path chaining to critical assets
CVSS-scored findings with exploitability-adjusted prioritisation
Network topology-annotated report with retest of all critical findings
Why 443 Labs
The network pentest difference that validates real risk.
Manual Exploitation, Not Scanner Output
Automated scanners find known CVEs. Our testers manually exploit confirmed findings to demonstrate real-world attack paths — showing exactly how an attacker moves from the network boundary to your critical assets.
Attack Path Diagrams Included
Every report includes topology-annotated attack path diagrams mapping the full exploitation chain. Your team sees the complete picture — not isolated findings in a spreadsheet.
Contextualised Severity Ratings
CVSS scores don't reflect your environment. We adjust severity based on exploitability in your specific network — a theoretical medium-risk finding in a CDE-adjacent segment may be rated critical for your business.
Internal and External in One Engagement
External perimeter and internal network testing are conducted in a single engagement with a single reporting output. No additional scoping, no second contract, no time lost coordinating two separate providers.
Not Sure Where to Start
We'll scope your network VAPT and confirm what testing depth you need.
Whether you're meeting a compliance deadline, testing after a network change, or securing a complex multi-segment environment — our CREST-certified testers will define the right scope and approach for your infrastructure.
Scope Coverage
Common Questions
What is the difference between a vulnerability assessment and a penetration test?
A vulnerability assessment identifies and classifies known vulnerabilities through scanning. A penetration test goes further — manually exploiting confirmed vulnerabilities to demonstrate real-world attack paths, lateral movement, and business impact. Most organisations need both (VAPT).
Does a network VAPT satisfy PCI DSS Requirement 11.4?
Network penetration testing is a core component of PCI DSS Requirement 11.4. Our VAPT report is produced to align with PCI DSS testing requirements, including attack path documentation and segmentation testing where required.
What is the difference between external and internal VAPT?
External VAPT tests your internet-facing infrastructure from an attacker's perspective outside your network. Internal VAPT tests from inside the network — simulating a compromised host, insider threat, or attacker who has gained initial access.
How often should a network VAPT be conducted?
Annual VAPT is the minimum for most compliance frameworks. High-risk environments, critical infrastructure, and environments with frequent network changes should test more frequently — including after major infrastructure changes.
Do you test cloud-hosted infrastructure?
Yes. Our network VAPT covers cloud-hosted infrastructure (AWS, Azure, GCP) including public-facing EC2/VMs, load balancers, VPN endpoints, and cloud-native services within agreed scope.
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