According to the 2024 Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) Annual Threat Report, there’s been a 12% jump in cybersecurity incidents among businesses over the past year. That stat says it all—just spotting vulnerabilities isn’t enough. You’ve got to act on them.
Penetration testing can expose weaknesses before attackers do, but many businesses find the reports confusing, technical, and tough to follow. That’s where this guide comes in.
We’re here to break down what those reports actually mean and how to turn them into practical steps. From understanding risk levels to building a game plan, you’ll learn how to move from overwhelmed to in control.
What Is a Penetration Test Report?
Think of a penetration test report as a security snapshot. It shows what a cyberattack might look like against your systems—before it happens. Cybersecurity professionals simulate attacks on your network, website, apps, or infrastructure to uncover cracks in the armour. The resulting report is your chance to patch them up.
So, who creates it? Ethical hackers or security consultants. And why does it matter? Because it helps you catch what attackers might already be eyeing.
What you’ll usually find inside:
Executive Summary: A top-line wrap-up designed for non-tech stakeholders
Methodology: What was tested, how it was done, and the tools involved
Findings: The actual problems found—where, what, and how dangerous they are
Risk Ratings: Scores attached to each issue to help prioritise
Recommendations: Suggested ways to fix or reduce the risk
It can get technical, but don’t let that put you off. The real value is translating these details into business impact. When viewed through that lens, the report becomes more than a checklist—it’s a strategic asset for staying secure.
Understanding the Key Sections
Pen test reports often feel like they’re written in another language. Let’s break them down so you can get straight to the good stuff:
Executive Summary: This is the quick take—what was tested, what was found, and what needs attention. Perfect for execs and decision-makers who want answers, not acronyms.
Scope and Methodology: This part outlines what areas were tested (internal servers, public-facing websites, remote access points) and how they were tested. Were tools used? Was it a black-box approach, or did testers have insider access? It helps you trust the process and understand the depth of the test.
Findings: Here’s where the nitty-gritty lives. Each issue is listed with details: type of vulnerability, how it was found, and what it could lead to. Common examples? Outdated software, sloppy firewall settings, or exposed login credentials.
Risk Ratings: These scores help gauge the danger. Most reports use CVSS, but don’t just chase the high numbers. A low-severity issue on a public-facing system might be more urgent than a high-severity one buried deep in your internal network.
Recommendations: You’ll get a to-do list here, but not everything is a red alert. Some fixes are nice-to-haves, while others are fire drills. Knowing the difference is key.
Prioritising Vulnerabilities
So, your report’s full of red flags—now what? Start by asking the right questions:
Can this be exploited easily? Some issues are theoretical, while others are active threats.
What’s the fallout? A vulnerability that compromises customer data is far more critical than one affecting an old test environment.
Is it exposed? Anything accessible from the internet deserves your immediate attention.
Don’t let the CVSS score call all the shots. Context matters. Internal vs external risk, compliance concerns, and the potential business hit should shape your plan.
Also, don’t go it alone. Involve IT teams, compliance officers, and decision-makers early. They’ll help balance what needs fixing with what’s realistically doable, based on budget, time, and system limitations.
Creating an Action Plan
Now comes the execution phase. Here’s how to stay on track without getting overwhelmed:
Triage: Identify what needs to be handled now, next, and later.
Sort by timelines:
Short-term: Patch glaring exposures, revoke compromised accounts.
Mid-term: Update old platforms, fix access issues.
Long-term: Rethink policies, redesign risky system components.
Keep records of what’s been done, what’s pending, and who’s in charge. Use whatever system works for your team—spreadsheets, ticketing tools, or even whiteboards.
Then, schedule a follow-up test. Fixes don’t always stick, and changes in one area can cause new issues elsewhere. Retesting confirms progress and builds confidence.
Communicating With Your Team
Security doesn’t live in an IT silo. If you want lasting results, get everyone onboard.
Make complex findings digestible. Use graphs, summaries, and plain-English reports for department heads and stakeholders. Help them see how it connects to their part of the business.
Hold short briefings. A 20-minute meeting can save hours of confusion later. When everyone’s clear on their role, things get done faster.
Security works best when it’s a shared responsibility, not just an IT checklist.
Ongoing Improvement: Making Pen Tests Part of a Bigger Picture
A single pen test is a snapshot in time. Real security improvement is ongoing.
Make pen testing part of your regular schedule—just like audits or training. Match it with:
Monthly or quarterly vulnerability scans
Phishing simulations and staff awareness programs
Regular reviews of policies and controls
Look for patterns. Are some vulnerabilities showing up repeatedly? That might point to a training or process issue.
And while automation tools can help with scanning and reporting, human insight is still key. Context, business impact, and practical fixes are things only your team can truly assess.
Stay Ahead of the Next Threat
A penetration test report isn’t the end of the road. It’s the warning sign before the pothole. Your response to that warning is what determines how bumpy the road gets.
It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress. The organisations that respond quickly, communicate clearly, and stay vigilant are the ones that stay ahead of attackers.
Take a look at your last report. Did you do enough?
You Don’t Have to Figure It All Out Alone
Datcom helps businesses just like yours turn pen test results into clear, achievable actions.
Need help deciding what to fix first? Want support implementing solutions across your network? Our experts are here to make your next steps easier, smarter, and more effective.
Your report has the answers. We’ll help you act on them. Get in touch with Datcom today and find out how we can help you build stronger, safer systems that stand up to real-world threats.