Paul Mote, Author at Synack

Paul Mote

VP of Solutions Architects at Synack

Paul Mote is Vice President of Solutions Architects at Synack, the leading platform for human and agentic AI-powered penetration testing. With over 15 years of experience in offensive security, advanced malware detection, and incident response, he helps organizations leverage Synack's unique combination of AI-powered coverage and elite human testing to uncover real-world attack paths and stay ahead of evolving threats. Throughout his career, Paul has worked across the full spectrum of cyber defense, from hands-on computer network defense and host-based security system operations, to supporting federal and DoD missions, to threat response architecture at FireEye. Today, he and his team guide Synack’s clients through the full testing lifecycle, from attack surface mapping and vulnerability disclosure to scalable penetration testing.

How Often Should Enterprises Run a Penetration Test?

Penetration Testing

Aug 20, 2026

How Often Should Enterprises Run a Penetration Test?

Most enterprises should treat annual penetration testing as a baseline, not a complete answer. PCI DSS is the one framework with an explicit annual and change-triggered mandate. SOC 2, the current HIPAA Security Rule, and ISO 27001 all expect testing to follow the organization's own risk assessment and control design, not one fixed calendar date. HHS has proposed an annual HIPAA pentesting requirement, but that rule has not been finalized. Enterprises that combine a formal annual assessment with change-triggered and continuous validation stay ahead of frameworks that were never designed around a single testing frequency.