Pentest and LGPD: Ensuring Legal Compliance
- Douglas Leal
- May 13
- 3 min read
The General Data Protection Law (LGPD) has transformed the way companies handle sensitive information. Amid requirements for data mapping, privacy policies, and information governance, one technical factor stands out as a silent yet essential pillar: Pentesting.
If you don’t yet associate penetration testing with LGPD compliance, this article will change your perspective.
✅ LGPD and Information Security
In effect since 2020, the LGPD’s main goal is to protect the personal data of Brazilian citizens. It requires organizations to ensure:
Confidentiality
Integrity
Availability of the personal data they collect and process.
And none of that is possible without robust, regularly tested information security controls.
Where Does Pentesting Fit Into the LGPD?
Pentesting simulates real attacks to identify vulnerabilities in systems, networks, APIs, applications, and databases. In other words, it reveals weak points that could compromise personal data — the central focus of the LGPD.
According to Article 46 of the LGPD:
“Data controllers must adopt security, technical, and administrative measures to protect personal data from unauthorized access and from accidental or unlawful situations.”
A real attack could compromise:
Clients' names, ID numbers, emails, and addresses
Health records, biometric data, or geolocation
Login credentials to bank accounts
Data of minors or vulnerable individuals
And much more…
Only pentesting can truly assess whether that data is secure in practice.
Pentesting as a Tool for LGPD Compliance
1. Assessing Real Risks
LGPD requires a risk-based approach. Pentesting helps identify critical vulnerabilities and quantifies the potential impact of a data breach.
2. Preventing Data Leaks
By simulating hacker techniques, pentests uncover flaws early and enable preventive action, reducing the chance of sensitive data exposure.
3. Evidence of Due Diligence and Good Faith
During investigations by the ANPD (National Data Protection Authority), proof that your company conducts regular security testing can demonstrate responsibility and good faith — helping avoid fines or sanctions.
4. Supporting the Information Security Policy
Frequent pentesting strengthens data governance and helps keep internal security policies current and effective.
Types of Pentests That Support LGPD Compliance
Pentest Type | Application |
Web Application | Evaluates websites, customer portals, e-commerce systems |
Mobile Pentest | Secures iOS and Android apps that handle personal data |
API Pentest | Focuses on data-sensitive integrations and endpoints |
Infrastructure | Tests networks and servers where data resides |
Social Engineering | Tests human vulnerability in leaking information |
LGPD + Pentest = Strategic Compliance
LGPD Pillar | How Pentest Helps |
Security | Identifies flaws in systems and applications |
Prevention | Anticipates cyberattacks |
Accountability | Demonstrates implemented technical measures |
Mitigation | Minimizes impact of leaks or incidents |
📋 Pentest Recommendations for LGPD Compliance
✅ Recommended Timing:
Before launching new systems or apps
After major changes in IT infrastructure
✅ Involve:
The DPO (Data Protection Officer)
IT and Security teams
Legal and Compliance departments
✅ Require:
Internationally recognized methodologies
Both technical and executive-level reports
A risk mitigation and prioritization plan
🚨 Consequences of Non-Compliance
If an undetected vulnerability leads to a data breach, your company may face:
Fines of up to R$ 50 million per infraction
Suspension of data processing activities
Reputational damage
Loss of contracts and partnerships
All of this can be avoided with well-executed, well-documented pentests.
Conclusion
LGPD compliance goes far beyond legal theory and website privacy policies — it requires technical action.
Few tools are as effective, practical, and strategic as pentesting, which puts the real security of your data and systems to the test. Instead of discovering a vulnerability at the hands of a hacker, discover it first — with the help of professionals.
Is your company truly ready to protect itself?
Schedule a pentest and turn information security into a legal, technical, and competitive asset.
