Penetration Test Pre-Engagement Checklist [FREE PDF]
This penetration test pre-engagement checklist ensures compliance with PTES Penetration Testing Standard requirements. IT security and compliance teams use this checklist to assess controls, identify gaps, and demonstrate regulatory compliance to customers and auditors.
- Industry: Technology / Corporate
- Frequency: Annually
- Estimated Time: 2-4 hours
- Role: CISO / Compliance Manager
- Total Items: 17
- Compliance: PTES Penetration Testing Standard, OWASP Testing Guide v4.2, NIST SP 800-115 Penetration Testing, PCI DSS v4.0 Req 11.4 Pen Testing
Documentation and Policy Review
Verify foundational documentation and policy compliance.
- Relevant security policy documented and approved by management?
- Policy reviewed and updated within past 12 months?
- Procedures documented for all policy requirements?
- Roles and responsibilities clearly assigned?
Technical Control Assessment
Evaluate technical controls implementation.
- Primary technical controls implemented and operational?
- Monitoring and alerting configured for this control domain?
- Access controls appropriately restrictive?
- Audit logging enabled and logs retained per policy?
- Sensitive data encrypted at rest and in transit?
Testing and Validation
Verify controls are tested and functioning as designed.
- Controls tested within past assessment period?
- Test results documented and reviewed?
- Control exceptions formally documented with risk acceptance?
- Third-party assessment or audit findings reviewed?
Findings and Remediation
Document gaps and remediation actions.
- All control gaps logged in risk register?
- Remediation timelines assigned based on severity?
- High-severity findings escalated to CISO/management?
- Penetration Test Pre-Engagement Checklist findings and next steps
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Why Use This Penetration Test Pre-Engagement Checklist [FREE PDF]?
This penetration test pre-engagement checklist [free pdf] helps technology / corporate teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for ciso / compliance manager professionals, this checklist covers 17 critical inspection points across 4 sections. Recommended frequency: annually.
Ensures compliance with PTES Penetration Testing Standard, OWASP Testing Guide v4.2, NIST SP 800-115 Penetration Testing, PCI DSS v4.0 Req 11.4 Pen Testing. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Penetration Test Pre-Engagement Checklist [FREE PDF] cover?
This checklist covers 17 inspection items across 4 sections: Documentation and Policy Review, Technical Control Assessment, Testing and Validation, Findings and Remediation. It is designed for technology / corporate operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed annually. Each completion takes approximately 2-4 hours.
Who should use this Penetration Test Pre-Engagement Checklist [FREE PDF]?
This checklist is designed for CISO / Compliance Manager professionals in the technology / corporate industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.