<aside> <img src="/icons/official-document_gray.svg" alt="/icons/official-document_gray.svg" width="40px" /> A cyber attestation is an independent review and confirmation that an organization's cybersecurity risk management program meets the standards and requirements set out by a governing body.

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• Used to prove that a penetration test occurred and validate the findings
• May be required for compliance or regulatory purposes (e.g., GLBA, HIPAA, Sarbanes-Oxley, PCI DSS)
• Includes a summary of findings and evidence of the security assessment
• Evidence helps to prove that identified vulnerabilities and exploits are valid

The difference between attestation and the report

• Attestation includes evidence
• Report focuses on findings and recommended remediation

A letter of attestation may be provided to prove the occurrence of the penetration testing, especially when required by third parties interested in network security

Types of Attestation

• Software Attestation — Involves validating the integrity of software to ensure it hasn’t been tampered with
• Hardware Attestation — Validates the integrity of hardware components to confirm they haven’t been tampered with
• System Attestation — Validates the security posture of a system, often related to compliance with security standards

Attestation in Audits

• In internal audits, attestation evaluates organizational compliance, effectiveness of internal controls, and adherence to policies and procedures
• In external audits, third-party entities provide attestation on financial statements, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency
• Attestation builds trust, enhances transparency, ensures accountability, and is essential for stakeholders in making informed decisions