Types of Pentests: Web, Mobile, Network, and Wi-Fi — Which One Is Right for Your Business?
- Douglas Leal
- May 12
- 3 min read
Updated: May 13
Digital security is no longer a competitive edge — it’s an urgent necessity. With the rise in cyberattacks, penetration testing (or pentesting) has become the most effective way to uncover vulnerabilities before an attacker does. But did you know there are different types of pentests, each focused on a specific attack vector?
In this post, we’ll explore the main types of pentests: Web, Mobile, Network, and Wi-Fi, explaining how each works, what they target, and when they're most recommended.
1. Web Pentest: Securing Your Online Applications
Web Pentests focus on applications accessed through browsers — such as websites, internal systems (intranet), e-commerces, and web-based CRM/ERP platforms.
During a Web Pentest, common vulnerabilities include:
SQL Injection
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF)
Broken Authentication and Session Management
Sensitive Data Exposure
This type is highly recommended for businesses with cloud-based systems or those offering any type of browser-accessible service.
🔐 Pro tip: Make sure your application is aligned with the OWASP Top 10 — a key compliance benchmark for Web Pentests.
2. Mobile Pentest: iOS and Android Apps Under Attack
With mobile app usage growing exponentially, Mobile Pentests have become essential. They involve deep analysis of both iOS and Android apps — from the client side to communication with backend servers.
Key vulnerabilities examined include:
Insecure local data storage
Flaws in biometric authentication
Unencrypted data transmission (HTTP instead of HTTPS)
Exposed APIs without authentication
APK reverse engineering
3. Network Pentest: Assessing Internal and External Infrastructure
Network Pentests aim to uncover weaknesses in corporate networks — both external-facing (e.g., internet-exposed servers) and internal (e.g., local networks and VPNs).
This test typically evaluates:
Exposed devices and services
Weak/default passwords on routers and switches
Firewall and OS vulnerabilities
Lateral movement across machines
Data exfiltration from internal systems
Especially useful for identifying risks from insider threats or malware propagation.
🧠 Key insight: Many major breaches begin with a minor internal network flaw.
4. Wi-Fi Pentest: The Weakest Link?
Poorly configured corporate Wi-Fi networks are an open invitation to attackers. A Wi-Fi Pentest evaluates your wireless environment’s resistance to proximity-based attacks — whether in physical office spaces or public areas.
Common vulnerabilities include:
Insecure protocols (WEP, WPA)
Lack of segmentation between internal and guest networks
Deauthentication attacks (DoS)
Evil Twin network creation
Capturing handshakes to crack passwords
🔓 Important: Vulnerable Wi-Fi networks can be exploited without direct internet access.
When Should You Perform Each Type of Pentest?
Choosing the right type depends on your company's digital environment. Here are a few practical examples:
Environment | Recommended Pentest |
Institutional website or web platform | Web Pentest |
Android/iOS app | Mobile Pentest |
Office with local network and VPN | Network Pentest |
Office with guest Wi-Fi access | Wi-Fi Pentest |
Mature security-focused companies regularly perform all these tests in cycles to build a comprehensive defense strategy.
Conclusion: Not All Pentests Are the Same
Understanding the different types of pentests is the first step toward building a strong, effective security posture. Web, Mobile, Network, or Wi-Fi — each targets a unique attack vector, and together, they protect your digital ecosystem as a whole.
If your company isn’t performing regular tests yet, now’s the time to start. And if you already are, diversifying your pentest types could be the key to stopping a real-world breach.
Liked this content? Stay tuned — we’ll soon be posting in-depth guides on Black Box, White Box, API testing, and much more.
