Why pentesting is essential for your software quality

On World Quality Day, we reflect on this question: what does quality mean for a business? For many companies, it involves reliable products, excellent customer service, and efficient processes. But in today’s digital world, online security is also part of those quality standards.

Cybersecurity is directly linked to the quality of your service. When customers trust that their data is secure, it strengthens their satisfaction and confidence in your brand. On the other hand, a security breach, even at a SME, can lead to distrust and reputational damage. As a result, the overall perception of the quality of your business drops.

Penetration testing, or short pentesting, helps to perform that digital quality check. With pentesting, you can assess whether your company meets the expected security standards. This allows you to take proactive measures against potential risks that could later lead to costly problems.

What is pentesting and how does it work?

Pentesting is a simulated cyberattack on your IT systems, conducted by ethical hackers who identify vulnerabilities before malicious hackers can. During a pentest, weaknesses in networks, applications, and infrastructure are identified so that you can take timely actions to close security gaps.

Why cybersecurity is just as important for SMEs

Many SMEs rely heavily on their digital infrastructure, from online stores to customer databases and accounting software. Any vulnerability in these systems can disrupt the core processes of a business. Imagine a cyberattack that encrypts your customer database or leaks sensitive business information. Not only would this have financial consequences, but it could also result in a loss of customer trust that is hard to regain.

The misconception: “My business is too small for hackers”

Many SMEs believe that their business isn’t interesting enough for cybercriminals. However, recent research shows that more than 40% of cyberattacks are aimed at SMEs. This is because smaller companies often have less advanced security systems, making them an easier target. The consequences of an attack can be catastrophic: data theft, financial losses, and significant reputational damage.

Affordable security for SMEs

Another misconception among SMEs is that pentesting is too expensive. Although the cost of a pentest varies depending on the complexity of your IT infrastructure, there are many tailored options for smaller companies. For example, you could opt for targeted pentests on specific systems or applications that are critical to your business. The investment in a pentest is often much lower than the cost and damage of a successful cyberattack, both in terms of finances and reputation.

Pentesting as a quality assurance for SMEs

On World Quality Day, it’s a good time to reflect on the broader meaning of quality within your business. Quality is not only about the product or service you deliver but also about how well you ensure the digital security of your company.

By integrating pentesting into your quality management, you are investing in the future resilience of your company. You are protecting not only your digital assets but also your reputation, customer satisfaction, and, ultimately, the continuity of your business.