What is an Attestation Letter?

Updated: October 15th, 2024

What is an Attestation Letter?

Simply put, an attestation letter (often called an Executive Summary Report) is a statement or declaration from an independent third party that lends credibility to the part of the organization undergoing review.

Penetration testing or security assessments might be performed to uncover certain information concerning compliance requirements, policies, and procedures, security posture, etc. that might not have been recognized within the company before said testing. An attestation letter is provided to publicly validate that the organization performed well during said testing or review process.

In our case, the explicit purpose for having an attestation letter is to confirm that after evaluating the security posture of the organization's infrastructure, network, applications, etc., the organization is adequately protected, with the appropriate controls and based on industry information security standards and regulations.

Organizations should understand that the attestation is there to prove the assessment was performed and how it resulted. This attestation is either undermined or enhanced by how the client handles the results. 

Can I See a Sample Attestation Letter?

Absolutely! Our sample attestation letter is designed to provide your organization with a clear understanding of what to expect following a penetration test. The attestation outlines the scope, methodology, and provides a high-level overview of the findings in a format that can be easily shared with key stakeholders. This transparency not only helps meet compliance requirements but also strengthens client trust by demonstrating your commitment to maintaining robust security measures.

In addition to this sample letter, which reflects the documentation you might receive after a web application or API penetration test, it’s important to grasp the broader context of these assessments. Attestation letters play a pivotal role in communicating the results and scope of the penetration test to various stakeholders, including compliance officers, executives, and clients. They act as formal proof that a thorough security evaluation has been conducted, detailing the methodologies used and summarizing the vulnerabilities discovered and their potential impact. 

Understanding the Next Steps

To build a deeper understanding of how attestation letters fit into the overall penetration testing process, we encourage you to explore our "Step-by-Step Guide to Penetration Testing for Beginners." This guide provides a comprehensive overview of each phase of the penetration testing lifecycle, from initial planning and reconnaissance to the final reporting phase. By familiarizing yourself with these stages, you’ll gain insight into how attestation letters and other key documents are integral to demonstrating compliance and addressing security concerns effectively.

The guide also offers practical advice on interpreting test results and leveraging them to enhance your organization’s security posture. By following the detailed steps outlined in the guide, you will be better equipped to understand the significance of the attestation letter and how it contributes to a broader security strategy, ensuring that your organization meets compliance requirements.