Penetration testing, or "pentesting", is a crucial step in the process of securing an information system. It identifies vulnerabilities that could be exploited by an attacker, so that they can be corrected before an incident occurs. However, a question frequently arises: should this test be carried out in a production environment, or on a testing platform? Each of these approaches has its advantages and disadvantages, which need to be clearly understood.
Pentesting in production: a true picture of reality
Performing a pentest directly on the production environment enables you to assess security in real-life conditions. All configurations, integrations, data flows and user behaviors are faithfully represented. This is the environment in which potential attackers will interact, and therefore the one in which it is most relevant to test.
This approach offers a precise vision of the real risks incurred by the organization. Vulnerabilities discovered in production have a direct impact on the security of sensitive data, exposed services and business processes. It also validates the effectiveness of the detection, response and logging mechanisms in place.
However, testing in production is not without risk. Even controlled attacks can lead to data corruption during operation, temporary service interruption or performance degradation. It is therefore essential to precisely define the scope of the test, to set appropriate schedules, and to implement additional security measures to minimize the potential impact.
Pentesting on a test platform: a more secure framework
Conversely, performing a pentest on a pre-production or test platform significantly reduces operational risks. The data used can be anonymized or dummy, systems are isolated, and any failure will have no impact on online services or end-users.
This method is often preferred in critical or highly regulated environments, where service interruption is unacceptable. It also allows you to test more freely certain attack vectors that would be too risky in production.
However, this approach has one major limitation: the reliability of results depends on the fidelity of the test environment to production. Configuration deviations, disabled services or the absence of real data can distort test conclusions. Some security faults will only be detectable under the exact conditions of the production environment.
Which approach is best?
The choice between a pentest in production or on a test platform therefore depends on the context, the organization's level of cybersecurity maturity, the criticality of the services, and the acceptable risks.
In a realistic, results-oriented approach, production testing is often more relevant. It enables a concrete assessment of the real risks to which the organization is exposed. However, this requires rigorous preparation, close coordination with technical teams, and strict control over the course of operations.
A test on a test environment remains an excellent alternative when the stakes in terms of availability or data integrity are too high. It can also be used as a first step before more extensive testing in production.
Call in the experts for a pentest adapted to your context
Whether carried out in production or on a dedicated platform, an effective pentest relies on a rigorous methodology, a good knowledge of technical environments, and recognized expertise in offensive security.
Secureaks supports companies in carrying out penetration tests adapted to their specific challenges, guaranteeing the confidentiality, availability and integrity of their systems. To find out more about our cybersecurity services, please contact us.
