Penetration Testing made simple with
M8 Solutions. What it is and why it matters.
Cyber threats, ransomware, and phishing emails are starting to look increasingly convincing, and you’d be forgiven for wondering whether your digital defences are really up to scratch.
For NHS organisations especially, where patient data and operational uptime are critical, there’s no room for guesswork.
That’s where Penetration Testing (or "Pen Testing") comes in.
At M8 Solutions, we’ve taken the confusion out of Cyber Security testing by designing straightforward, CREST-accredited testing services that focus on real risks, real environments, and real-world results.
Think of it as a ‘safe attack’ or 'ethical hacking'. Our CREST-certified experts simulate the techniques real attackers might use to test how well your systems, staff, and policies stand up under pressure. The goal? To find the gaps before someone else does, reducing your cyber risk and providing your organisation with the assurance it requires.
It’s not about catching your employees out or ticking legislation boxes. It’s about improving your resilience in a way that’s practical, focused, and tailored to your actual operating environment – whether you’re an NHS Organisation or a growing SME.
We’re CREST Accredited
It means our certified testers meet strict industry standards, from methodology and ethics to reporting and remediation.
Tailored, Not Templated
We don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. We’ll help you choose the most relevant tests for your risks, compliance needs, and budget.
Plain-English Reporting
No tech waffle. Our reports are structured for both technical teams and exec boards, with clear risk ratings, evidence, and practical remediation advice.
What Types of Tests Can You Choose From?
We offer a range of focused assessments:
Bespoke Testing
Some clients need specialist services, including:
These are fully tailored, scoped by our experts, and priced accordingly. A popular choice with the NHS specifically for the CAF aligned DSPT annual Pen Test.
Microsoft 365 Security Testing
We review your Microsoft 365 setup to spot weak spots and misconfigurations.
What we check:
Why you might need it:
Duration: Typically 3 days
Stolen Laptop Assessment
We simulate what could happen if someone stole a company laptop.
What we check:
Why you might need it:
Duration: Typically 3 days
External Attack Surface Assessment
We look at your organisation from the outside, just like a real hacker would.
What we check:
Why you might need it:
Duration: Typically, 3 days
Human Attack Simulation
We simulate real-world tactics used by attackers to trick your people.
What we do:
Why you might need it:
Duration: Typically 3-5 days (Bespoke)
Ready to Strengthen Your Digital Defences?
To support your organisation meet the CAF aligned DSPT requirements for assurance activities (A2.b Assurance), we're here to help.
Our promise? No unnecessary costs, no technical jargon...
Just practical, value-driven cyber assurance delivered by people who genuinely care.
Why NHS Organisations Trust M8 Solutions
"We recently commissioned M8 Solutions to deliver a comprehensive 26-day Penetration Testing engagement across our estate, and the experience has been exemplary from start to finish.
From the outset, the team demonstrated a deep understanding of the complexities, constraints, and sensitivities involved in operating within a live NHS environment. Their initial proposal was clear, technically robust, and tailored to our context - offering a flexible blend of automated vulnerability scanning and rigorous manual testing to ensure both breadth and depth of coverage. Despite the many restrictions we had in place to minimise operational impact, they remained professional, responsive, and quick to adapt their approach based on our feedback.
Milly Beech led the engagement with exceptional diligence and professionalism. Her meticulous coordination ensured testing was conducted with minimal disruption to live services, while maintaining full transparency and open lines of communication throughout. Milly’s approachable yet authoritative leadership style quickly built trust - she felt like a true extension of our internal team: responsive, accountable, and fully aligned with our goals.
The wider M8 Solutions team brought not only deep technical expertise but also a calm, collaborative presence that instilled confidence across our stakeholder group. Their ability to adapt to shifting priorities, respond swiftly to emerging risks, and accommodate operational pressures reflected a level of partnership rarely seen in external suppliers.
M8 Solutions operates with integrity, precision, and a genuine commitment to doing things properly. Their final reporting, delivered in partnership with Forti-Fi, was well-structured, insightful, and actionable - offering detailed risk mitigation advice and practical technical fixes. As a result, we now have a clearer understanding of our cyber risk landscape and a prioritised remediation roadmap we can confidently execute.
We would wholeheartedly recommend M8 Solutions to any healthcare organisation seeking a Penetration Testing partner who not only understands Cyber Security but truly understands the operational realities of the NHS. They are more than a provider - they are a trusted partner in safeguarding the critical services our patients rely on."
Tim Bishop
Chief Digital Information Officer
Read more of our Cyber Security testimonials here
We understand the operational realities of working in live NHS environments therefore we understand the importance to work collaboratively, flexibly, and professionally throughout.
If you'd like to hear more information to understand the world of Pen Testing, let’s chat.