Penetration Testing by Industry & Compliance: The Complete Guide

Some industries don't get to treat penetration testing as optional — a regulation, a framework, or an insurer requires it. This guide groups our coverage by regulation and by sector, so you can jump straight to what applies to you.

By regulation and framework

• GLBA and the Penetration Testing Mandate — what the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act requires, including the amended Safeguards Rule, for financial institutions.
• The Auto Dealership Industry and GLBA PenTesting — GLBA reaches auto dealerships too (they extend credit); this covers how the amended safeguards rule applies specifically to dealers.
• CTPAT Cyber Security — what the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism program's Minimum Security Criteria requires, and where to find the official standard.
• CIRCIA 2022: 11 Things You Need to Know — who the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act covers, reporting timelines, and how to prepare.
• NIST Cybersecurity Framework: 6 Common Questions — what NIST CSF is, why organizations adopt it voluntarily, and how to streamline implementation.
• European Union's Radio Equipment Directive (RED) Summarized — cybersecurity requirements for radio equipment manufacturers selling into the EU, effective August 1, 2025.
• Insurance Compliance — How NaviSec Helps You Meet Gaps for Cyber Security Insurance — insurers increasingly want to see evidence of testing before they'll underwrite. This covers how that approval process works and where NaviSec's services close the gaps.

By sector

• Penetration Testing for Energy and Utility Companies — why this sector is a frequent target and what to look for in a testing provider.
• The Importance of Penetration Testing for Medical Software and Medical Device Vendors — the growing attack surface of the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) and why regular testing is essential.
• Cybersecurity for Connected Medical Device Manufacturers — six areas of cybersecurity focus for device manufacturers specifically, from compliance landscaping to ongoing monitoring.
• State and Local Government Cyber Security — why public-sector agencies are frequent targets, the mandates that apply, and why testing matters here.

Not sure which of these applies to you?

If none of these map cleanly to your situation, our Penetration Testing Buyer's Guide covers the general regulations (PCI DSS, HIPAA, SOC 2, GDPR, and more) most organizations run into, or talk to NaviSec directly.