Companies have traditionally used manual methods to identify security issues in their networks, but autonomous penetration testing is quickly becoming a necessity for organizations operating in the current threat environment.

Penetration testing, also known as “pen testing” or ethical hacking, is an authorized simulated cyberattack on a computer system, network, or web application to evaluate its security. It involves skilled security professionals using hacking tools and techniques to identify vulnerabilities, exploit them, and provide insights on how to improve the overall security posture of the target system.

According to a 2024 report by IBM, the global average cost of a data breach in 2024 was $4.88 million. By contrast, organizations that used AI-based and automated security solutions experienced an average cost savings of $2.22 million.

Here, we’ll explore why autonomous penetration testing is so critical for avoiding risk. We’ll also explore how your organization can leverage this solution to keep its data secure.

The Limitations of Manual Penetration Testing

While manual penetration testing has long been the gold standard for identifying security vulnerabilities, several limitations can hinder an organization’s ability to maintain robust cybersecurity in today’s rapidly evolving threat landscape. Here are some of the limitations you should be aware of.

A Time-Consuming Process

One of the primary drawbacks of manual testing is that it’s time-consuming. Unlike autonomous penetration, which relies on automation and AI, manual penetration testing requires skilled testers to analyze systems meticulously. This can take days or even weeks to complete, depending on the complexity of the network.

This extended timeframe can leave organizations vulnerable to emerging threats during the testing period and in between scheduled assessments.

High Costs

Manual testing also requires a significant investment of money and resources.

Engaging experienced security professionals for these specialized services often comes with a hefty price tag, making it less feasible for small to medium-sized businesses to conduct frequent and comprehensive security assessments. This financial barrier can lead to less frequent testing, potentially leaving vulnerabilities undetected for extended periods.

One study cited in a report by BizTech found that 1 in 3 companies don’t engage in penetration testing more frequently simply because of the cost.

“Some organizations may think, if it’s not broken, don’t fix it,” the report said.

“But while weak networks may not look broken on the surface, many will show cracks under even the slightest pressure.”

Inconsistent Results

Inconsistency is another limitation of manual testing. The effectiveness of a manual penetration test can vary based on the individual tester’s skills, experience, and methodology.

This introduces the possibility of overlooking certain vulnerabilities or producing inconsistent results across different testing cycles. Such variability can make it difficult for organizations to establish a standardized baseline for their security posture.

Moreover, manual testing often struggles to keep pace with the rapid changes in IT infrastructure and the expanding attack surface of modern organizations. As businesses continuously deploy new applications, update systems, and integrate cloud services, the scope of manual testing becomes increasingly limited.

Falling Behind the Threat Landscape

Finally, the static nature of manual testing reports can quickly become outdated in dynamic IT environments. By the time a manual test is completed, and the report is generated, new vulnerabilities may have already emerged, rendering some of the findings less relevant.

Organizations must engage in penetration testing regularly and often to ensure their systems are protected against emerging threats. This requires a more rigorous program, which autonomous penetration testing can provide.

The Advantages of Autonomous Penetration Testing

Autonomous penetration testing offers several significant advantages over traditional manual methods, addressing many of the limitations inherent in conventional approaches while enhancing an organization’s overall security posture.

Continuous Security Assessments

According to the University of North Georgia, there is “a near-constant rate of hacker attacks of computers with internet access—every 39 seconds on average.”

One of the primary benefits of autonomous testing is its ability to provide continuous assessment. Unlike manual testing, which offers only periodic snapshots of an organization’s security status, autonomous platforms can run constantly, identifying vulnerabilities as they emerge.

This way, new threats are detected and addressed promptly, significantly reducing the window of exposure between tests.

Cost-Effectiveness

Cost-effectiveness is another crucial advantage of autonomous penetration testing. By automating many of the time-consuming tasks associated with manual testing, organizations can realize substantial cost savings.

Improved Consistency

Autonomous testing also offers improved consistency and coverage. By utilizing predefined algorithms and methodologies, solutions can systematically examine every segment of a network’s infrastructure without the variability introduced by human testers.

This removes the risk of human error and ensures no system is overlooked.

Scalability

Scalability is a significant advantage of autonomous testing platforms. As organizations grow and their IT environments become more complex, these systems can easily adapt to cover new assets and expanded network perimeters.

Autonomous penetration testing can be leveraged by large enterprise companies with vast, complex networks, as well as by small-to-mid-sized businesses.

System Integration

Lastly, the integration capabilities of autonomous testing platforms offer significant advantages. Many of these systems can seamlessly connect with existing security tools and workflows, providing a more holistic view of an organization’s security landscape.

This facilitates better coordination between different security functions and enables more efficient remediation processes.

Integrating Autonomous Penetration Testing into Your Security Suite

Integrating autonomous penetration testing into an organization’s cybersecurity strategy requires careful planning and execution to maximize its benefits. The process begins with selecting an appropriate autonomous testing platform that aligns with the company’s specific needs and existing infrastructure.

Many platforms offer both internal and external security assessments through a unified self-service portal, providing comprehensive coverage.

Once a platform is chosen, the integration process typically involves several key steps:

1. Initial Assessment: Conduct a baseline scan to identify existing vulnerabilities and establish a starting point for ongoing monitoring.
2. Customization: Configure the autonomous testing tool to match the organization’s unique environment, including setting up appropriate scanning schedules and defining target systems.
3. Integration with Existing Tools: Connect the autonomous testing platform with other security tools such as SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) systems, vulnerability scanners, and ticketing systems to create a cohesive security ecosystem.
4. Training and Familiarization: Ensure that the security team is properly trained on interpreting and acting upon the results generated by the autonomous testing platform.
5. Continuous Monitoring: Implement a schedule for regular autonomous scans, which can be as frequent as daily or weekly, depending on the organization’s risk profile and regulatory requirements.
6. Result Analysis and Prioritization: Develop a process for reviewing and prioritizing the vulnerabilities identified by the autonomous system, focusing on those that pose the highest risk to the organization.
7. Remediation Workflow: Establish a clear workflow for addressing identified vulnerabilities, including assigning responsibilities and setting timelines for remediation.
8. Compliance Mapping: Align the autonomous testing results with relevant compliance requirements to streamline auditing processes and ensure regulatory adherence.

The integration of autonomous testing can significantly enhance an organization’s security operations productivity. The main benefit is that the company can engage in penetration testing at significantly higher frequencies than with manual methods.

As organizations integrate autonomous penetration testing into their security frameworks, they should also consider the potential for continuous improvement. Regular review and refinement of the autonomous testing process should be based on the insights gained and the evolving threat landscape. This can help ensure that the system remains effective and aligned with the organization’s security goals over time.

Human Oversight During Autonomous Penetration Testing

While autonomous penetration testing offers significant advantages in efficiency and coverage, maintaining human oversight and analysis remains crucial. Human experts bring critical thinking, contextual understanding, and creative problem-solving skills that AI systems currently lack. 

They can interpret complex results, distinguish real threats from false positives, and provide nuanced insights that automated systems may overlook.

Human analysts are essential for the following:

• Verifying and contextualizing AI-generated findings to eliminate false positives and ensure accuracy
• Conducting sophisticated social engineering tests that require an understanding of human psychology and behavior
• Performing exploratory testing to uncover novel vulnerabilities not detectable by predefined automated scans
• Adapting testing strategies based on an organization’s unique environment and risk profile
• Providing strategic recommendations and prioritizing remediation efforts based on business impact

By combining the speed and consistency of autonomous tools with human expertise, organizations can achieve a more comprehensive and effective approach to penetration testing and risk management. This hybrid model leverages the strengths of both automation and human intelligence to create a more resilient cybersecurity framework.

Reduce Your Risk with Autonomous Penetration Testing

Cyber threats will only continue to grow more precise and more relentless. Threat actors are already leveraging automation, AI, and autonomous networks to engage in cyberattacks. Firms should therefore leverage their own AI and autonomous solutions to counteract these threats.

“Just as AI can be weaponized by cybercriminals, organizations can use it to counter AI-based attacks,” says Crowdstrike, recommending that firms “leverage AI-enabled tools to automate security-related tasks, including monitoring, analysis, patching,  prevention, and remediation.”

If your firm is ready to start using autonomous penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities in your network, contact us at OptionOne Technologies today to learn more about your opportunities.