Penetration Testing & VAPT
in Saudi Arabia
Web Application · Mobile App · Network Infrastructure · Source Code Review
VAPT (Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing) is the process of identifying and actively exploiting security weaknesses in your systems — exactly as a real attacker would. GHS provides four specialized VAPT disciplines in Saudi Arabia: web application testing, mobile application testing, network penetration testing, and source code review — all delivered by OSCP-certified professionals, aligned with OWASP, PTES, NIST SP 800-115, NCA ECC, and SAMA CSF requirements.
Saudi Arabia is consistently ranked among the most targeted nations in the Middle East for cyberattacks. As Vision 2030 accelerates digital transformation across banking, government, healthcare, energy, and retail — the attack surface for Saudi organizations expands daily. Regulatory frameworks including NCA ECC, SAMA CSF, PDPL, and Aramco SACS-002 now make penetration testing a mandatory requirement for most regulated businesses in the Kingdom.
A single undetected vulnerability can trigger a breach that costs millions in losses, regulatory penalties, and reputational damage. GHS finds that vulnerability first — through certified, manual-first penetration testing that goes far beyond what automated scanners can detect.
completed in KSA
under one roof
+ CISM · CISSP
Saudi businesses
Our Four VAPT Disciplines
Every GHS engagement is scoped and executed by certified professionals using manual-first methodology — not automated scanners with a report stapled on. Here is what each service covers:
We simulate real-world attacks against your web applications, APIs, and web services — uncovering vulnerabilities that scanners miss: business logic flaws, chained exploits, broken authorization, and injection paths hidden behind authentication.
We test iOS and Android applications against the OWASP MASTG — analyzing the app binary, local data storage, network communications, backend APIs, and platform-specific vulnerabilities from both static and dynamic analysis perspectives.
We map your network attack surface, test firewall rules, enumerate services, attempt lateral movement through your infrastructure, and assess the real blast radius of a network compromise — from both external and internal perspectives.
We analyze your application source code directly — finding vulnerabilities that runtime testing cannot reach: hardcoded credentials, insecure cryptographic implementations, injection sinks, authentication logic errors, and race conditions before they reach production.
GHS in Action
A snapshot of what a GHS web application penetration test looks like in practice — from reconnaissance to final reporting.
Black Box, Grey Box, or White Box?
Every engagement begins with agreeing on the testing approach — which determines what prior knowledge our testers have, and how closely the simulation mirrors a real attack scenario.
External Attacker Simulation
Zero prior knowledge. Pure reconnaissance-first approach. Mirrors a real external threat actor. Best for testing perimeter defenses and publicly-exposed attack surfaces. Common for PCI DSS external tests.
Compromised Insider Simulation
Partial knowledge — credentials, limited architecture info. Simulates a compromised user or insider. The most commonly used approach: balances realism with efficiency, focusing effort on high-impact paths without starting from zero.
Full Knowledge — Maximum Coverage
Full access: source code, architecture diagrams, credentials. Maximum vulnerability coverage. Essential for source code review and comprehensive pre-launch assessments. Finds the most vulnerabilities per hour of testing time.
GHS Penetration Testing Methodology
Every engagement follows a structured, documented methodology — consistent quality, comprehensive coverage, and results that satisfy regulatory audit requirements. Our approach is built on PTES, OWASP WSTG, OWASP MASTG, NIST SP 800-115, OSSTMM, and MITRE ATT&CK.
Scoping & Rules of Engagement
We define target scope, testing approach (black/grey/white box), permitted techniques, testing windows, emergency contacts, and escalation procedures. All testing requires formal written authorization before a single probe is sent — protecting both parties and establishing the legal framework.
Reconnaissance & Attack Surface Mapping
We map the entire attack surface — exposed services, technology stack, authentication flows, endpoints, API structures, and third-party integrations. For network tests, this includes external surface mapping, DNS enumeration, and service fingerprinting. For source code review, we map the codebase architecture and security-sensitive components.
Vulnerability Identification & Analysis
We combine automated scanning with deep manual analysis — prioritizing manual review for business logic, authorization, and complex attack chains that tools cannot detect. Every finding is verified before reporting. Tools: Burp Suite Pro, Nmap, Metasploit, Nuclei, JADX, Frida, Ghidra, and custom-built GHS tooling.
Exploitation & Proof of Concept
We exploit confirmed vulnerabilities within agreed rules of engagement to determine actual business impact — not theoretical CVSS scores. This includes chained exploits, lateral movement, and privilege escalation to demonstrate the true blast radius. All exploitation is controlled, documented, and reversible.
Post-Exploitation & Impact Assessment
After gaining access, we assess the extent of compromise — what data could be reached, what systems could be pivoted to, what real-world damage a breach would cause. This gives your Board and leadership team a clear, evidence-based picture of business exposure — not a theoretical risk score.
Dual-Layer Reporting
We deliver two reports in parallel: an Executive Summary for C-suite and Board (plain-language risk overview, strategic recommendations, business impact) and a Technical Findings Report for your security team (every vulnerability, reproduction steps, CVSS v3.1 scores, evidence screenshots, and specific remediation guidance). Reports include NCA ECC, SAMA CSF, and PDPL compliance mapping.
Remediation Support & Retest Verification
Our team is available throughout your remediation phase to clarify findings and validate proposed fixes before deployment. Once remediation is complete, we conduct a targeted retest of all identified vulnerabilities and issue a Remediation Verification Report — your proof of closure for regulators and auditors.
Find Your Vulnerabilities Before Attackers Do
Start with a free consultation. We scope the engagement to your systems, budget, and regulatory requirements — then test what actually matters.
Why VAPT Is Mandatory in Saudi Arabia
Penetration testing is not optional for most regulated organizations in the Kingdom. Multiple frameworks explicitly require it — and enforcement is increasingly active.
| Framework | Who It Applies To | VAPT Requirement | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCA ECC Essential Cybersecurity Controls |
All NCA-regulated entities — government, critical infrastructure, large private sector | Regular penetration testing and vulnerability assessments mandated as core technical controls | Mandatory |
| SAMA CSF Saudi Central Bank Framework |
All SAMA-regulated financial institutions — banks, insurers, fintechs, financing companies | Annual penetration testing on all internet-facing systems; scope includes web apps, APIs, and network infrastructure | Mandatory |
| PDPL Personal Data Protection Law |
Any organization processing personal data of Saudi residents | Mandatory technical and organizational security measures — regular VAPT is the primary evidence mechanism for regulators | Mandatory |
| Aramco SACS-002 Third Party Cybersecurity |
All Aramco vendors — CCC & CCC+ classified suppliers | Penetration testing referenced under vulnerability management controls within the SACS-002 standard | Required for CCC |
| ISO 27001 International Standard |
ISO 27001 certified organizations worldwide | Annex A control A.12.6 requires regular technical vulnerability assessments; penetration testing is the primary mechanism | Annex A Required |
What You Receive From Every GHS Engagement
Every penetration test produces a complete, compliance-ready set of deliverables — not generic reports with vulnerability dumps that your team can’t act on.
Executive Summary Report
Plain-language overview for C-suite and Board — overall risk posture, critical findings, business impact, and strategic recommendations. Decision-ready, no jargon.
Technical Findings Report
Every vulnerability documented with step-by-step reproduction, evidence screenshots, CVSS v3.1 severity, business impact assessment, and specific remediation guidance.
Risk-Prioritized Roadmap
Findings sorted by exploitability and business impact — not just CVSS score. Critical and high-severity issues clearly separated for immediate action.
Regulatory Compliance Mapping
All findings mapped to NCA ECC, SAMA CSF, PDPL, and ISO 27001 controls — giving your compliance team audit-ready documentation.
Remediation Verification Report
After your team addresses findings, we retest and issue formal confirmation of closure — essential proof for regulatory audits and client security requirements.
Attack Chain Visualization
Where chained exploits were achieved, we document the complete attack path from initial entry point to final impact — so leadership understands real exposure.
Which Saudi Organizations Need Penetration Testing?
- 🏦 Financial institutions (banks, fintechs, insurance): SAMA CSF mandates annual penetration testing on internet-facing systems. Any SAMA-licensed entity requires documented VAPT evidence for regulatory audits.
- 🏥 Healthcare organizations: Patient data systems and health apps handling sensitive personal data require regular VAPT under PDPL and CBAHI accreditation requirements.
- ⚡ Energy and industrial companies (Aramco vendors): SACS-002 includes penetration testing under vulnerability management requirements. Both CCC and CCC+ classified vendors need documented security assessments.
- 🏛️ Government and public sector: NCA ECC applies broadly — penetration testing is a core control requirement under essential cybersecurity controls for all in-scope government entities.
- 🛒 E-commerce and digital platforms: Customer payment flows, user authentication, and personal data repositories are high-value targets. Regular VAPT is the primary defense against the OWASP Top 10 risks.
- 📡 Telecom and ICT service providers: CST CRF compliance requires vulnerability assessments and penetration testing as part of the Logical Security domain controls.
- 💻 Software development companies: Organizations building applications for enterprise or government clients must demonstrate secure development. Source code review is the most effective compliance evidence.
- 🚀 Startups seeking investment or enterprise clients: Enterprise clients and investors increasingly require security assessment evidence. A GHS VAPT report is recognized across the Saudi market as credible proof of security maturity.
Why Saudi Organizations Choose GHS
GHS is a trusted cybersecurity partner — not a generic vendor. Here is what distinguishes our penetration testing practice:
OSCP-Certified, Manual-First Testing
Our penetration testers hold the OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) certification — the gold standard for hands-on penetration testing competency. We use automated tools to establish baselines, then invest the majority of each engagement in manual testing. Real attackers are manual. The vulnerabilities that matter most — business logic flaws, authorization bypasses, chained attack paths — are found by humans, not scanners.
Deep Saudi Regulatory Knowledge
We understand the regulatory landscape — NCA ECC, SAMA CSF, PDPL, Aramco SACS-002, CST CRF, and ISO 27001. Every GHS engagement is structured so the final report satisfies the specific evidence requirements of your relevant regulatory framework. Your compliance team gets documentation that works, not documentation that needs to be redone.
Four Disciplines, One Trusted Team
Web, mobile, network, and source code — all under one roof, with a single point of contact. This eliminates coordination overhead between multiple vendors, ensures consistent methodology and report format, and allows us to correlate findings across disciplines (e.g., a web vulnerability that becomes critical when combined with a mobile app weakness). One team. One scope. One report.
Evidence-Based, Zero False Positives
Every vulnerability in a GHS report is verified. We never report a finding we cannot prove. Each entry includes: a precise description, step-by-step reproduction instructions, screenshots or video evidence, CVSS v3.1 severity rating, business impact analysis, and specific remediation guidance. Your developers act on findings — they don’t spend days disproving them.
Full Lifecycle — Beyond the Report
The engagement doesn’t end with report delivery. GHS supports your team through remediation — clarifying findings, validating proposed fixes before deployment, and conducting a formal retest. You receive a remediation verification report confirming every vulnerability is closed. This is the document your regulator, auditor, or enterprise client needs to see.
Confidentiality & Professional Ethics
All GHS engagements are conducted under formal written authorization with strict data handling protocols. Findings, evidence, and all communications are treated as confidential. We follow responsible disclosure principles and retain no client data beyond the engagement period. Our mission is rooted in trust, integrity, and technical excellence.
Related compliance guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Penetration testing is not a compliance checkbox — it is your clearest view of what a real attacker would find before they find it. Every week without testing is time a vulnerability could be exploited without your knowledge. GHS provides Saudi Arabia’s most rigorous, manually-driven VAPT service — backed by OSCP-certified expertise, structured to satisfy NCA ECC, SAMA CSF, PDPL, and Aramco compliance requirements, and delivered with the remediation support that actually closes vulnerabilities rather than just documenting them.
Ready to Test Your Defenses?
Our OSCP-certified team is ready to assess your web applications, mobile apps, network infrastructure, or source code. Every engagement starts with a free consultation — we scope to your risk profile and regulatory requirements.
