FAQ
HyperCrackers — Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Welcome to HyperCrackers ! Below you’ll find detailed answers to common questions about our ethical hacking, penetration testing, red teaming, and security services. This is designed to help prospective clients understand what we do, how we work, and what to expect when you engage HyperCrackers.
Q: Why should my organization hire an ethical hacking firm?
A: External, independent testing uncovers blind spots internal teams may miss. We bring adversarial thinking, testing expertise, and structured methodologies that: find exploitable weaknesses, validate security controls, reduce breach risk, and provide prioritized remediation guidance.
Q: What is HyperCrackers?
A: HyperCrackers is a professional ethical hacking and cybersecurity services provider. We help organizations identify and fix security weaknesses across web, mobile, cloud, network, and application environments using manual testing, automated tools, and adversary simulation techniques.
Q: What does "ethical hacking" mean?
A: Ethical hacking — also called penetration testing or white‑hat hacking — is the authorized use of offensive security methods to find vulnerabilities before malicious actors do. Our work is always performed with the client’s explicit consent, within agreed scope, and with legal protections in place.
Questions & Answers
FAQ About Services & Scope
Q: What services does HyperCrackers offer?
A: Our core services include:
Penetration testing (web, mobile, API, network)
Red Teaming & adversary simulation
Purple Teaming and security training
Secure code review & application security
Cloud security & infrastructure testing
Incident response & digital forensics
Bug bounty program management
Vulnerability assessment and management
Q: What’s the difference between a penetration test and a red team exercise?
A: A penetration test is usually scoped, time‑boxed testing focused on technical vulnerabilities in specific assets. A red team exercise is broader, simulates a real attacker across people/process/technology, and tests detection and response capabilities as well as technical controls.
Q: Can you test cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP)?
A: Yes. We test cloud configurations, identity and access controls, containerized workloads, serverless functions, storage, CI/CD pipelines, and infrastructure as code (IaC). We follow cloud provider best practices and get explicit permission for any potentially disruptive tests.
Q: Do you test third‑party systems or vendor environments?
A: Only with explicit written permission. Testing third‑party or vendor systems without authorization can be illegal. We can help you draft permission requests or coordinate controlled tests with your vendors.
FAQ About Process & Methodology
Q: What methodology do you use?
A: We align with industry standards such as OWASP, PTES, NIST SP 800‑115, and MITRE ATT&CK for threat modeling and red team operations. Each engagement is tailored to client risk, compliance requirements, and the agreed scope.
Q: What does the typical engagement lifecycle look like?
A: Typical phases:
Scoping & Rules of Engagement (RoE): Define assets, objectives, timing, and legal approvals.
Reconnaissance & Discovery: Passive and active information gathering.
Vulnerability Identification: Automated scanning and manual discovery.
Exploitation & Proof‑of‑Concept: Safely demonstrate impact where allowed.
Post‑Exploitation & Pivoting (if in scope): Show true impact and lateral movement potential.
Reporting & Remediation Guidance: Deliver prioritized findings and remediation steps.
Retest / Verification: Validate remediation (optional/additional).
Q: Will you disrupt my production systems during testing?
A: Our default approach is to avoid any unnecessary disruption. We perform safety checks and can run tests against staging or time‑boxed windows in production. For high‑risk tests, we discuss tolerance for disruption during scoping and include escalation paths.
Q: How long does a typical test take?
A: Duration depends on scope. A focused web application penetration test might take 1–2 weeks; a full red team exercise can take several weeks. Exact timelines are set during scoping and included in the proposal.
FAQ About Legal, Contracts & Confidentiality
Q: Do you sign an NDA?
A: Yes. We sign NDAs and can work under your legal templates where reasonable. Our reports and any client data are treated as confidential.
Q: Do you provide a Rules of Engagement (RoE) document?
A: Yes. Before testing begins we deliver an RoE that clarifies permitted techniques, excluded assets, time windows, escalation contacts, and emergency stop procedures.
Q: Are your testers insured and authorized?
A: Our team members are vetted, trained, and operate under company policy. HyperCrackers carries professional liability insurance (cyber liability / errors & omissions) appropriate for offensive security operations. Specific insurance proof can be shared with clients under NDA or as requested in the procurement process.
Q: What if a test triggers a security incident?
A: We include emergency stop procedures in the RoE and maintain direct escalation contacts. If an incident occurs, we coordinate with your team and (if included) our incident response unit to contain and investigate.
FAQ About Reporting & Deliverables
Q: What does your final report include?
A: Standard deliverables:
Executive summary (risk overview and impact)
Detailed technical findings with evidence and PoC (screenshots, logs, sample exploit code when safe)
Risk ratings and CWE/OWASP mapping
Prioritized remediation steps and suggested timelines
Suggested compensating controls and detection improvements
Appendices (tool output, scope, RoE, retest scope)
Q: Do you provide remediation assistance?
A: Yes. We offer optional remediation support, secure code review follow‑ups, and retesting to validate fixes. We can also provide prioritized quick‑wins for reducing immediate risk.
Q: Can you provide an executive board presentation?
A: Yes. We can prepare a concise, non‑technical executive summary or presentation tailored for board members and C‑level stakeholders that highlights business risk and recommended strategic actions.
FAQ About Pricing & Engagement Models
Q: How do you price engagements?
A: Pricing depends on scope, complexity, and required expertise. We offer several models:
Fixed‑price for well‑scoped, time‑boxed tests (common for single web apps or APIs).
Day‑rate for flexible or exploratory engagements.
Retainer for ongoing services such as frequent assessments, managed testing, or incident response standby.
Outcome‑based pricing for long red team programs with phased deliverables.
Q: Do you offer managed or subscription services?
A: Yes—vulnerability management programs, regular penetration testing cycles, purple teaming, and bug bounty program management can be delivered on a subscription or retainer basis.
Q: Do you offer discounts for startups or nonprofits?
A: We can discuss flexible pricing for early‑stage startups and non‑profit organizations on a case‑by‑case basis.
FAQ About Safety & Data Handling
Q: How do you handle client data and credentials used for testing?
A: We follow strict handling procedures: encrypted storage, least privilege use, time‑limited credentials, secure deletion after use, and audit logs. We never exfiltrate or store production data unnecessarily; when evidence is needed, we capture only the minimal data and present it securely in reports.
Q: Do you need admin credentials to test?
A: Not always. We can perform both black‑box (no credentials), gray‑box (limited credentials), and white‑box (full access / source code) testing depending on the engagement goals. Providing credentials often enables deeper testing and faster, more meaningful results.
Q: Can my developers access the test findings during the engagement?
A: We normally withhold detailed exploit proof until after a findings meeting, to prevent accidental misuse. However, we collaborate closely and can provide staged findings or quick‑win advice during the engagement under agreed processes.
Technical Questions
Q: Which testing tools do you use?
A: We use a combination of open source and commercial tools (e.g., Burp Suite, Nmap, Nessus/qualys for scanning, Metasploit where appropriate, container scanners, static application security testing tools) plus custom scripts. Tooling is used in support of manual analysis; human validation is essential.
Q: Do you perform secure code reviews?
A: Yes. We offer manual and automated secure code review services for web applications, mobile apps, APIs, and microservices. Reviews can be language‑specific (e.g., Java, .NET, Node.js, Python) and include remediation guidance, secure coding best practices, and code snippets.
Q: Will you test mobile apps and APIs?
A: Yes. Mobile testing includes local data storage, inter‑process communication, insecure configurations, and backend API vulnerability testing. API testing looks at authorization, authentication, rate limiting, business logic flaws, and injection risks.
Q: Do you test IoT and embedded devices?
A: Yes—if in scope. We test firmware, Bluetooth/Wi‑Fi interfaces, configuration weaknesses, and communication protocols. For hardware testing we often require additional lead time and logistics.
FAQ About Compliance & Industry Requirements
Q: Can your testing help with PCI DSS, HIPAA, GDPR, ISO 27001, or NIST compliance?
A: Yes. Our tests and reports can be mapped to relevant compliance controls. While testing alone doesn’t guarantee compliance, our deliverables help show control effectiveness and provide auditor‑friendly evidence where applicable.
Q: Do you provide evidence suitable for auditors?
A: Yes. Our reports include logs, screenshots, and methodology details that auditors commonly request. We can also provide tailored evidence packages for specific audit requirements.
After the Test Questions
Q: Do you offer retesting after remediation?
A: Yes. Retesting is an optional add‑on or part of subscription plans. We validate fixes and close findings, providing updated statuses and follow‑up recommendations.
Q: Can you run Continuous Testing or integrate with CI/CD?
A: Yes. We can integrate security testing into CI/CD pipelines, provide scripted scans, SAST/DAST integration, and periodic automat