What matters more: vulnerability scans or pen tests?

A vulnerability scan is not the same as a pen test - and neither one is a full security strategy on its own. 

A VA scan uses automated tools to detect known weaknesses across your systems. A pen test, on the other hand, simulates a real attack using manual techniques to exploit those weaknesses and dig deeper. One identifies the doors left unlocked. The other sees how far someone could get if they walked through them. 

So which one matters more? The truth is: they both do - and they do different jobs. 

A vulnerability assessment (VA) is an automated scan that checks systems, apps, and infrastructure for known security flaws. These scans use databases like the CVE list (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) to identify potential risks. A good scan will sort these vulnerabilities by severity and include guidance on how to fix them. 

Not all VA scans are equal, though. The results you get depend heavily on the scanning tool, how it’s configured, and how current its database is. The best scans generate clear, actionable reports, not just a laundry list of issues. 

Vulnerability scanning is fast, scalable, and non-disruptive. You can schedule scans to run regularly and catch new issues as they emerge. Most major compliance frameworks like PCI DSS, ISO 27001, and SOC 2 - either require or strongly recommend routine scanning as part of a broader vulnerability management process. 

And because VA scans rely on automation, they’re often the most cost-effective way to monitor for issues across large environments. 

But VA scans do have limitations. Like antivirus software, they only catch what they’re programmed to recognize. That means zero-days, complex misconfigurations, or business logic flaws are likely to slip past and that’s where pen testing comes in. 

Penetration testing (pen testing) is a controlled, simulated cyberattack designed to test how well your systems hold up against a skilled attacker. Unlike vulnerability scans, pen tests are manual and carried out by experienced professionals - often called ethical hackers. 

They’ll use a combination of tools, techniques, and creativity to try to break into your environment, escalate access, and uncover hidden security flaws. This human element is key – there are no scanners that can replicate how a real attacker thinks. 

Pen testing goes beyond checking for known issues. It can uncover: 

• Chain exploits across multiple systems 

• Flaws in business logic or authentication 

• Gaps in monitoring and response 

• Social engineering weaknesses (if in scope) 

Here’s a general flow of a penetration test: 

1. Reconnaissance: Gather as much security details on your business and systems. 

2. Scanning: Identify entry points - often includes a VA scan. 

3. Exploitation: Try to break in through vulnerable areas. 

4. Escalation: Once in, attempt to gain deeper access or move laterally. 

5. Reporting: Deliver a detailed breakdown of what was found, what was exploited, and what to fix. 

Security tools have come a long way but so have cyber threats. Automated scans are great for identifying known issues, but they can’t show you how a real attacker might chain those issues together or bypass your defenses entirely. That’s where penetration testing makes all the difference. 

It’s not just a 'nice to have' - in many industries, it’s a requirement. 

Pen testing is especially important for: 

• SaaS and tech companies handling customer data, especially under SOC 2 or ISO 27001 

• Finance, healthcare, and legal firms facing heavy regulatory scrutiny 

• Organizations in growth mode - cloud migrations, infrastructure changes, or M&A transitions 

• U.S. federal contractors or service providers needing to meet FedRAMP, CMMC, or NIST SP 800-53 standards 

Whether it’s a compliance checkbox or a client security demand, pen tests validate your defenses in a way automated tools can’t. They’re a key part of a mature, risk-aware security program and often the difference between finding a weakness first or reading about it in a breach notification. 

So, do you need both? 

Yes - if you're serious about security. 

Vulnerability scans are ideal for broad, ongoing visibility. They offer fast, automated feedback and help you stay ahead of known issues. Pen tests, on the other hand, go much deeper. They simulate real-world attacks to show how an adversary could move through your environment - not just what’s vulnerable, but how it could be exploited. 

They’re not interchangeable, they work best together. 

Avoid the common trap: scans masquerading as tests 

Some providers sell vulnerability scans disguised as penetration tests. They’ll run an automated tool, slap a 'pen test' label on the report, and call it a day. That’s not just misleading, it could leave you exposed, especially if you're under the impression you've had a full security test. 

When choosing a provider, look for one that: 

• Clearly distinguishes between VA and pen testing 

• Offers manual testing and a human-led approach 

• Has experience in your industry or with similar systems 

• Provides detailed reports with actionable recommendations 

At Target Defense, we don’t cut corners. Our penetration tests are always performed by experienced professionals, not just software, and tailored to your environment. Whether you need to meet compliance standards like FedRAMP, SOC 2, or PCI DSS, or simply want to know where your defenses stand, our security experts will help you get the full picture.