Human Risk Consulting GmbH
Social Engineering Pentesting

We get in.Before an attacker does.

Realistic attack simulations show how attackers get past your physical security measures, and how you can prevent it.

Physical pentests
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Physical pentesting

Does your physical security withstand real attacks?

Top 5 Physical intrusion attempts rank among the top threats in the current threat landscapeBSI State of IT Security 2024
3–10 min average time until unauthorised access is gainedHRC internal data
0 of our tests reach the defined protection targetsHRC internal data

Access controls, cameras and badges are not enough. Only a realistic test shows whether your safeguards hold up when it counts.

Typical weaknesses we uncover

Access

Open doors, patchy controls, tailgating

People

Politeness, nobody asking questions, social engineering

Processes

Visitor and supplier controls, escalation paths

Technology

Locks, sensors, camera systems, alarm systems

Benefits

Realistic tests that bring weaknesses to light

Attacks are becoming more targeted and more complex. Our simulations reveal real weaknesses and deliver concrete measures.

Identify security gaps

Uncover weaknesses in physical security measures, detect inadequate access controls and identify gaps in processes that arise from human behaviour.

Reduce security risks

Minimise the risk of unauthorised access, prevent the theft of sensitive data and protect your organisation from financial losses and reputational damage caused by physical security incidents.

Raise the level of security

Gain insight into the resilience of your organisation, improve security processes and prepare your team for real security incidents with targeted training.

Approach

Our approach to physical penetration tests

01

Pre-engagement

Together we define the procedure, objectives and framework. Expectations are aligned and risks minimised, which is what produces reliable results.

  • Scope definition and objectives
  • Legal safeguards and contract
  • Escalation paths and emergency contacts
02

Reconnaissance

Several days of on-site reconnaissance and systematic OSINT analysis. With your approval, we also use soft calls and targeted emails.

  • On-site reconnaissance and observation
  • Open source intelligence (OSINT)
  • Targeted soft calls and pretexting
03

Attack simulation & escalation

From the information gathered we develop realistic attack scenarios. Under real conditions, we test whether existing security measures can be overcome.

  • Realistic scenarios based on reconnaissance
  • Access to systems, data or premises
  • Complete documentation of every step
04

Documentation & measures

A detailed report on all weaknesses and their impact. In a workshop we present the results and work out concrete measures.

  • Detailed report with risk classification
  • Anonymous analysis of security awareness
  • Workshop with concrete, actionable measures
Voices from our projects
We have ourselves physically tested on a regular basis [...]. Usually the testers do not get far, because our entrance control is good. The HRC team made it into the control room area after about 20 minutes without anyone approaching them. [...] That changed our internal discussions in one go.
— CSO
[...] After the SE pentest we changed three processes and created a site security position. [...] Without this report I probably would not have got that position approved.
— Managing Director
Thank you for your commitment and for respecting our test parameters. Your recommendations made the decisive difference for our physical security.
— IT Security Officer
Free download

Get a sample report & case study

Gain exclusive insight into how we work, free of charge and without obligation.

  • Sample report — See what a professional final report looks like, with risk classification, vulnerability analysis and concrete measures.
  • Case study — An anonymised real-world example from our operational work, with starting point, approach and measurable results.
No spam. No subscription. Only the requested documents and, where appropriate, a personal reply.
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How does a physical pentest work?

After pre-engagement and reconnaissance, we simulate one or more attack scenarios under real conditions. Everything is documented and presented in a workshop with concrete measures.

Is this legal?

Yes. Every test is contractually secured with clear rules, escalation paths and emergency contacts. We work exclusively within the agreed scope definition.

Will employees know about it?

Usually not; that is part of the test. Afterwards we recommend transparent communication that focuses on awareness rather than exposure.

How long does a physical pentest take?

Depending on the scope and number of sites, between 3 and 15 days. Reconnaissance and pre-engagement come on top of that.

Satellite dish in a landscape
Next step

Ready to put your security to the test?

A first conversation: no obligation, confidential, and as equals. Together we work out where your biggest risks lie.