Penetration testing is a crucial element of cybersecurity, helping organizations identify and remediate vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them. In 2025, penetration testing frameworks have evolved to provide structured methodologies, best practices, and automation to streamline security assessments.
This article explores the top 10 penetration testing frameworks, guidelines, and best practices to ensure effective security assessments in modern IT environments.
Table of Content
1. MITRE ATT&CK
MITRE ATT&CK (Adversarial Tactics, Techniques, and Common Knowledge) is a globally recognized framework for understanding adversary behavior. It categorizes real-world attack techniques and maps them to tactics used by malicious actors.
MITRE ATT&CK Key Features
Provides a structured taxonomy of tactics and techniques used by threat actors.
Helps penetration testers emulate sophisticated cyber threats.
Enhances red teaming and threat intelligence capabilities.
Supports MITRE CALDERA for automated adversary emulation.
MITRE ATT&CK Best Practices
Map penetration testing findings to ATT&CK techniques.
Use ATT&CK Navigator to visualize and prioritize vulnerabilities.
Implement threat-informed defense strategies based on ATT&CK data.
2. OWASP Testing Guide
The OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project) Testing Guide is a comprehensive framework for assessing web application security. It provides methodologies to detect and remediate vulnerabilities.
Key Features
Focuses on web application security testing.
Covers authentication, authorization, input validation, session management, and more.
Includes the OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities.
Offers step-by-step testing methodologies.
Best Practices
Use OWASP ZAP or Burp Suite for automated web vulnerability scanning.
Prioritize testing against OWASP Top 10 risks.
Conduct manual validation of findings to minimize false positives.
3. NIST SP 800-115
NIST Special Publication 800-115 is a U.S. government guideline for security assessments, including penetration testing. It provides a structured methodology for identifying and mitigating security risks.
Key Features
Defines security assessment methodologies.
Covers network, application, and physical security testing.
Emphasizes risk-based testing approaches.
Supports compliance with government security standards.
Best Practices
Follow NIST assessment methodologies for structured testing.
Align penetration tests with risk management frameworks.
Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
4. PTES (Penetration Testing Execution Standard)
PTES provides a structured approach to penetration testing, ensuring consistency and thoroughness across engagements.
Key Features
Covers pre-engagement interactions, threat modeling, vulnerability analysis, exploitation, post-exploitation, and reporting.
Provides standardized methodologies for testing different environments.
Helps penetration testers conduct ethical hacking in a structured manner.
Best Practices
Follow the PTES methodology to ensure comprehensive testing.
Document and report vulnerabilities clearly for effective remediation.
Integrate PTES with automation tools for efficiency.
5. OSSTMM (Open Source Security Testing Methodology Manual)
OSSTMM is a scientific approach to security testing, focusing on operational security and compliance.
Key Features
Covers network, wireless, human, and compliance security testing.
Uses a risk-based approach to security assessments.
Provides structured methodologies for testing different environments.
Best Practices
Implement OSSTMM for risk-based penetration testing.
Use OSSTMM’s compliance-focused approach for regulatory assessments.
Conduct regular security audits using OSSTMM guidelines.
6. ISSAF (Information Systems Security Assessment Framework)
ISSAF is a penetration testing framework designed for structured security assessments.
Key Features
Provides a comprehensive methodology for information security assessments.
Covers infrastructure, network, application, and wireless security.
Supports detailed risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
Best Practices
Follow ISSAF’s structured approach for in-depth security assessments.
Combine ISSAF with automated testing tools.
Regularly update security assessments to adapt to new threats.
7. CHECK (CESG-Assured Service)
CHECK is a UK government-certified framework for penetration testing in organizations handling government data.
Key Features
Focuses on UK government and critical infrastructure security testing.
Requires certification for penetration testers.
Aligns with regulatory compliance frameworks.
Best Practices
Use CHECK for testing government and high-security environments.
Ensure testers are CHECK-certified for compliance.
Follow CHECK methodologies for structured assessments.
8. CREST Penetration Testing Framework
Key Features
Ensures standardized penetration testing methodologies.
Focuses on quality assurance and compliance.
Recognized by regulatory bodies and enterprises.
Best Practices
Use CREST-certified professionals for penetration testing.
Follow CREST methodologies for high-quality assessments.
Align penetration testing with compliance requirements.
9. TIBER-EU (Threat Intelligence-Based Ethical Red Teaming)
TIBER-EU is a European framework for threat intelligence-led penetration testing, primarily for the financial sector.
Key Features
Focuses on intelligence-led red teaming.
Simulates real-world attack scenarios.
Aligns with financial sector security requirements.
Best Practices
Use TIBER-EU for advanced red teaming engagements.
Align penetration testing with threat intelligence insights.
Regularly update testing strategies based on emerging threats.
10. PCI DSS Penetration Testing Guidelines
PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) provides guidelines for security testing in organizations handling payment card data.
Key Features
Mandates penetration testing for PCI DSS compliance.
Covers application and network security testing.
Focuses on protecting cardholder data.
Best Practices
Conduct regular penetration testing for PCI DSS compliance.
Prioritize vulnerabilities that impact cardholder data security.
Integrate automated testing tools with manual assessments.
Stay Ahead or Stay Hacked: The CTEM Advantage
Cyber threats don’t wait, so why should you? reconn’s Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM) keeps you ahead with:
ASM – Find what’s exposed before attackers do.
RBVM – Fix what actually matters, not just what’s loud.
ASPM – Secure apps at every stage, not just before release.
CSPM – Cloud misconfigs? Not on our watch.
PTaaS – Real-world attack simulations, on demand.
