I run Ronin Pentest in the UK and I specialise in:
These services are for small and medium sized businesses. I build straightforward, affordable tests that show where internet facing systems are weak, and I explain the fixes in plain English. Our approach is hands on: we scan web applications, network infrastructure and public data sources to find the most likely routes an attacker would use.
I started Ronin Pentest because smaller organisations either think they are too small to be targeted, or they worry professional security will cost more than they can afford. I come from technical security work and I wanted a practical, pay-as-you-go option so businesses can test without long contracts or recurring fees. That idea shows up in how I talk about pricing and service on our social channels.
The first version of the service was a simple self-service scanning platform. I focused on automating tests that catch the common, high impact problems listed in the OWASP top 10 for web applications, and on infrastructure checks for:
I learned early that speed matters, so the platform was built to deliver results quickly and to give clients clear next steps.
My first challenge was scope. Many clients did not have a definitive inventory of internet facing assets. The fix was to add an OSINT step to discover exposed accounts and services, using public breach data and public profiles to map the attack surface.
Another early hurdle was explaining technical reports to non-technical founders. I began writing shorter summaries and putting the technical detail in annexes. That change reduced confusion and sped up remediation.
Growth has come through two main routes:
I post short, actionable pieces on LinkedIn that explain how breaches actually happen and how a small test can prevent them. Word of mouth from clients who then pass our service to their suppliers has also been important. We now regularly work with SMEs across the UK, and we often see the same patterns of misconfiguration, exposed services and reused credentials.
The most effective marketing has been education rather than hype. Short posts that show one clear risk, and podcasts that talk through insurance, compliance and realistic testing have driven the most enquiries. I took part in a podcast that broke down cyber insurance misconceptions and that led to several direct client conversations. Practical posts perform better than broad statements about security.
I keep the offering simple, no subscriptions, no confusing tiers, just a focus on actionable results. Each engagement combines automated scans with an OSINT sweep to give clients a clear picture of their exposure, with findings mapped to concrete remediation steps. Reports are designed for clarity, starting with an executive summary, followed by technical evidence for engineers, and an optional follow-up call to walk through the fixes.
Lessons for Other Founders in Security Services
Don’t try to be everything at once, start with a focused, repeatable service and prove its value before expanding. Measure what matters: how quickly clients can act on findings, and whether those actions actually reduce risk. Prioritise communication over feature lists by running one or two tests you can deliver reliably at scale, then add more as you learn what clients truly need. Finally, invest early in clear, templated reports — it pays off in efficiency and credibility.
I would document the customer onboarding flow sooner, and I would hire a technical writer earlier. The difference between a useful report and a confusing one is often one well written paragraph. I would also formalise a feedback loop so every client gives one concrete improvement suggestion after their first test. Small changes compound.
I plan to keep improving the automated scans and to offer short, focused training sessions for internal IT teams on remediation. I will continue publishing practical content on LinkedIn and appearing on industry podcasts to demystify testing and insurance requirements. My goal is to make basic, honest penetration testing a routine part of supplier onboarding across the UK, and to help small organisations meet standards such as:
These help them move more quickly.
Penetration testing, or a pentest, is a security exercise where experts simulate a cyber attack on your systems to find vulnerabilities. Ronin Pentest focuses on your internet-facing systems, like web applications and network infrastructure, to discover weak spots an attacker could exploit and explains how to fix them in simple terms.
Not at all. Ronin Pentest was created specifically to provide affordable security services for smaller organisations. They offer a practical, pay-as-you-go model without long contracts or recurring fees, making professional testing accessible for any budget.
That's a common issue, and it's covered. Their process includes an OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) discovery step. They use public data to find all your exposed accounts and services, giving you a complete picture of your potential attack surface before the test begins.
Yes, the reports are written for everyone, not just technical experts. You get a short, clear summary upfront that explains the findings. All the complex technical details are placed in separate annexes for your IT team, and they even offer a follow-up call to discuss the results.
By identifying and fixing security weaknesses, penetration testing helps you meet the technical requirements for standards like Cyber Essentials and ISO 27001. This not only improves your security but can also help you win new business by demonstrating your commitment to data protection.
