Go beyond checkbox compliance. Deliver real proof your systems are secure.
Do You Need a Pentest for PCI?
Yes — if you’re storing, processing, or transmitting cardholder data, Requirement 11.3 of the PCI-DSS explicitly requires penetration testing at least annually and after any significant infrastructure or app changes.
But not just any test will do.
The PCI Security Standards Council expects:
- A methodical, manual penetration test
- Internal and external coverage
- Segmentation testing (if you claim to isolate your cardholder data environment)
- A report that shows real effort — not just scanner output
That’s where we come in.
What We Deliver
✅ External and internal penetration testing of systems in scope
✅ Segmentation testing to validate your CDE boundaries
✅ Clear, concise reports for QSAs, execs, and engineers
✅ Executive summary and auditor-friendly findings
✅ Technical detail for remediation — no fluff
✅ Free retesting of fixed issues
All tests are conducted manually by senior security professionals. No outsourcing, no recycled reports.
More Than a Checkbox
A lot of “PCI pentests” are just vulnerability scans with a fancy cover page. That’s not what we do.
At Asteros, we perform manual penetration tests based on:
- The Penetration Testing Execution Standard (PTES)
- The OWASP Risk Rating Methodology
- Techniques real attackers actually use — not just automated tools
We don’t just list exposures — we validate exploitability, chain findings when possible, and deliver realistic attack narratives that demonstrate real-world risk.
Your auditor will get what they need.
Your team will get a clear path forward.
Segmentation Testing — Often Overlooked, Always Critical
If you’re claiming that systems are out of scope due to network segmentation, PCI requires proof that segmentation is effective.
We’ll:
- Attempt to pivot between segmented zones
- Test firewall rules and routing boundaries
- Provide clear results your QSA can use to validate isolation
When Do You Need App Testing for PCI?
Web application testing isn’t always required — but in many cases, it is in scope.
You’ll likely need a web application pentest if:
- Your site directly accepts credit card info (e.g. via hosted forms)
- You run a custom-built portal that connects to the cardholder environment
- You’ve built your own ecommerce flows or shopping cart
Even if you use a third-party payment processor, if your app touches the flow (e.g. loads payment elements, manages session state), it may be considered in scope under PCI guidance.
We’ll help you figure that out during the scoping process — and if app testing is required, we’ll use the OWASP ASVS to ensure thorough coverage of auth, access control, input validation, and business logic.
How It Works
1. Scoping Call
We review your environment, payment flows, and segmentation strategy.
2. Testing Window
Usually 1–2 weeks. Flexible to your audit timeline.
3. Reporting
You get a clean, professional report that makes your QSA’s job easier — and gives your team a roadmap.
4. Retesting
Fix issues? We’ll verify them at no additional cost
Let’s Talk
You’ve got enough to deal with during a PCI audit. Let’s make this part simple, thorough, and actually valuable.
👇 Check out the form below and we’ll get started.