How often should penetration testing be performed?

Penetration testing should be performed at least annually according to the PCI DSS requirements. This frequency ensures that organizations regularly assess their security posture and identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers. Conducting penetration tests annually helps in identifying weaknesses in the environment, validating the effectiveness of security controls, and ensuring that the organization is able to respond effectively to emerging threats.

Additionally, annual penetration testing is a baseline requirement; organizations may decide to perform these tests more frequently based on risk assessments or changes in the environment, such as the introduction of new systems, significant changes in applications, or after a major security incident. Doing it annually ensures that organizations are in compliance with industry standards and maintains a focus on continuous improvement in the security of sensitive data.