PCI DSS requirement 11.4 is explicit: if you touch cardholder data, you need an annual penetration test that covers the cardholder data environment, its perimeter, and the segmentation you rely on to keep the rest of your network out of scope. Our PCI DSS penetration testing delivers exactly that — a QSA-ready assessment that proves your controls hold, not a scan that merely claims they do.
We scope the engagement around your cardholder data environment and the segmentation that defines it, then test both from outside and inside — because 11.4 requires both an external and an internal perspective, plus explicit validation that your segmentation actually isolates the CDE.
A failed PCI test found by your QSA is an expensive surprise; a real breach of cardholder data is far worse — fines, forensic costs and mandatory disclosure. PCI DSS penetration testing exists to find the gap on your terms, before an assessor or an attacker finds it on theirs.
What we test
Cardholder data environment (CDE) scoping
Network segmentation control testing (11.4.5)
External penetration testing of the CDE perimeter
Internal penetration testing within the CDE
Application-layer testing of payment applications
Remote access and wireless paths into scope
Common vulnerabilities we uncover
Segmentation gaps exposing the CDE
Injection and logic flaws in payment applications
Weak cryptography protecting cardholder data
IDOR exposing transaction or account records
Default or weak credentials on in-scope systems
Insecure remote access into the environment
Our methodology
Scoping & rules of engagement. We agree objectives, targets and boundaries for your pci dss penetration testing, so testing is safe, authorized and focused on what matters to your business.
Reconnaissance & mapping. We enumerate the full attack surface in scope, building a complete picture before any exploitation begins.
Manual exploitation. Our senior testers chain vulnerabilities by hand — going far beyond automated scanners — to prove real, demonstrable impact.
Analysis & reporting. Every finding is triaged, risk-rated with CVSS and written up with a copy-paste reproduction and clear remediation.
Remediation support & free retest. We support your team through the fixes and retest the remediated issues to confirm they are genuinely closed.
Tools & techniques
Our methodology follows the PCI SSC Penetration Testing Guidance and NIST SP 800-115. We validate segmentation by attempting to reach the CDE from out-of-scope networks, test the CDE perimeter and internal hosts for exploitable weaknesses, and assess payment applications against the OWASP Top 10.
Every finding is mapped to the specific PCI DSS requirement it affects, so your remediation directly supports your assessment, and your QSA receives evidence in the form they expect.
When you need this engagement
You store, process or transmit cardholder data
Your annual PCI DSS 11.4 penetration test is due
A QSA or acquiring bank requires independent evidence
You rely on segmentation to reduce PCI scope
You have changed your CDE, payment flow or network
What you receive
PCI DSS 11.4-aligned penetration test report
Segmentation-testing results and attestation
Executive summary plus technical evidence
Findings mapped to specific PCI DSS requirements
Attestation letter for your QSA or acquirer
Complimentary retest to confirm remediation
What’s included in your report
Every pci dss penetration testing engagement concludes with a comprehensive, board-ready report and a working session to walk your team through it. Your report includes:
An executive summary with overall risk posture for non-technical stakeholders
Detailed technical findings, each with a step-by-step, copy-paste reproduction
CVSS v3.1 severity ratings and business-impact context for every issue
Prioritized, actionable remediation guidance your engineers can apply directly
A complimentary retest to confirm fixes and update finding status
A formal attestation letter for customers, auditors and compliance programs
After your pci dss penetration testing, you will have clear, evidence-based visibility into your real security risk — not a scanner’s guesswork. You will know exactly which weaknesses an attacker could exploit, what the business impact would be, and the precise steps to fix them in priority order. Teams use our findings to close critical gaps, satisfy customer and regulator security requirements, and demonstrate due diligence to their board. With a complimentary retest included, you also get documented proof that the issues are genuinely resolved.
Engagement details & logistics
Every pci dss penetration testing starts with a short, no-obligation scoping call to understand your goals, environment and constraints, followed by a fixed-price proposal and a clear statement of work. Most engagements are delivered fully remotely, with on-site work arranged where it genuinely adds value. Throughout testing we maintain an agreed communication cadence and escalate any critical, high-impact finding to you immediately rather than waiting for the final report. All work is performed under a signed NDA with strict data-handling controls, using safe, non-disruptive techniques and carefully coordinated rules of engagement to protect your production systems. On completion you receive your report and a walkthrough session, followed by a complimentary retest once your fixes are in place. Typical engagements are booked one to three weeks in advance, and urgent or pre-deadline testing can often be accommodated — just ask at hi@agentoffense.com.
Why organizations choose AgentOffense
Our pci dss penetration testing is delivered by senior offensive-security engineers who test the way real attackers do — manually, creatively and with a relentless focus on proving genuine, demonstrable impact. Here is what sets our engagements apart:
Manual, exploit-driven testing that chains vulnerabilities the way a real attacker would, going far beyond what automated scanners can find.
Reproducible proof for every finding, with copy-paste reproduction steps your engineers can follow and independently verify.
Honest severity calibration so you invest in fixing what genuinely matters and avoid wasting effort on false positives and noise.
Clear, business-focused reporting that speaks to engineers and executives alike, tying every issue to real-world impact.
A complimentary retest included, so you get documented proof that your fixes actually close the attack path.
Responsible, collaborative delivery with a named point of contact and secure handling of all data throughout the engagement.
Explore related services
PCI DSS Penetration Testing is frequently scoped alongside our other offensive-security services for broader coverage. Explore related engagements that complement it:
Web Application Penetration Testing — Manual web application penetration testing against the OWASP Top 10 and business-logic flaws. Exploit-driven testing with…
External Network Penetration Testing — External network penetration testing of your internet-facing perimeter — exposed services, misconfigurations and exploitable hosts, tested…
E-Commerce Penetration Testing — E-commerce penetration testing — payment, cart and checkout logic tested by hand. PCI DSS & OWASP…
How much does PCI DSS Penetration Testing cost?
Every pci dss penetration testing is scoped and priced individually, so you pay for exactly the coverage you need — with no hidden extras. After a short, no-obligation scoping call we send a fixed-price quote, usually within one business day, with clear deliverables, a firm timeline and a complimentary retest included. The price of your pci dss penetration testing depends on the size and complexity of the target and the depth of testing required, so you always know the cost up front before any work begins.
