Security testing is a structured approach to:
Gaining insight into relevant security risks
Reducing those risks through appropriate mitigation measures
Mitigation measures may include code changes, architectural improvements, process adjustments, or environmental controls designed to reduce the likelihood and impact of security incidents.
At its core, security testing is about risk mitigation. It is not merely a technical exercise; it is a business-critical activity aimed at protecting organisational assets, reputation, and continuity.
Mitigating cyber security risks is inherently complex. It involves multiple areas of the organisation and requires collaboration between different stakeholders, including developers, security specialists, management, legal teams, and operational staff.
Understanding cyber security requires both technical depth and business awareness. You must be able to:
Understand the underlying technologies, systems, services, and dependencies in use
Recognise how technical weaknesses translate into business risks
Evaluate contractual, regulatory, and operational implications
For non-technical stakeholders, the technological aspects can be difficult to grasp without years of education and experience. Conversely, understanding business processes, strategic priorities, and risk tolerance requires a different set of skills and expertise.
Effective security testing therefore sits at the intersection of technology and business. It requires professionals who can translate technical findings into meaningful risk statements and actionable mitigation strategies aligned with organisational objectives.