Cyber threats do not just happen once a year. They constantly evolve – as do the systems businesses rely on every day. That is why cyber security testing needs to be a regular part of your operations and not treated as a one-off task.
But for many organisations, testing still tends to fall into that ‘once a year’ category – usually to meet a compliance requirement, tick off a due diligence box or to satisfy client requirements.
The problem is that this approach does not reflect the reality of how modern businesses operate. You might not have huge system changes every year, but what about software updates or staff changeover? Even these can introduce new risks and testing once a year might not catch them quickly enough.
A Single Cyber Security Test Only Gives You a Snapshot
It is important to view testing as a point-in-time activity. A test will show you what your security looked like on that particular day. If you make changes after that, such as launching a new platform, integrating new tools or migrating data, those changes are not reflected in the results.
That is why frequency matters. Without regular testing, it is difficult to maintain a clear picture of your risk level or understand where new vulnerabilities may have appeared.
How Often is Enough?
There is no universal standard, but best practice looks something like this:
Every 3-6 months
This is appropriate for most small to medium-sized organisations, particularly if your systems are actively changing.
Annual
This is the bare minimum most businesses should aim for, but this can leave long periods where issues could go undetected.
After Major Changes
If your business is introducing new infrastructure, rolling out new applications or onboarding new suppliers that have access to your systems, additional testing is recommended, regardless of your usual schedule.
Deciding on the right frequency is dependent on how complex your setup is, how often things change and what level of risk your business is exposed to. If a security incident would result in major downtime, data loss or reputational damage, it is worth erring on the side of caution.
What Makes Testing Effective?
Testing will only add value if the results are used. It is not just about running a scan or receiving a report – it is about reviewing the findings, understanding where your vulnerabilities lie and acting on them.
Good testing should be:
- Relevant – does it reflect the actual systems and risks in your business?
- Actionable – it should highlight what needs to be addressed, in priority order.
- Repeatable – so it forms part of a regular cycle of review and improvement.
In most cases, testing can be carried out with minimal disruption. It is simply about building it into your business as a routine check – like you would with reviewing your financial information or backing up data.
Why Does Regular Cyber Security Testing Matter?
It is easy to assume that a cyberattack is a highly sophisticated operation. However, in many instances they are the opposite. Instead, they take advantage of basic oversights such as weak passwords, missed security patches and systems that are generally exposed.
Regular testing is one the easiest ways to catch those oversights early. It reduces risk, protects your data and gives you a clear understanding of how well your security stands up to pressure today – not just where it stood a year ago.
Ready to Review Your Setup?
If it has been a while since your last cyber security test – or even if you have never run one – we offer practical support to help you review your current setup. We have teamed up with Heretek to supply vulnerability assessments and penetration testing so you can get independent feedback on how well your defences hold up. Find out more here.
