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Independent Assurance.
Real-World Validation.
Cipher Security is an independent, New Zealand–owned cybersecurity firm delivering human-led, AI-assisted penetration testing, continuous threat exposure management, and executive advisory services across Australia and New Zealand. We validate security posture through offensive testing, not compliance checkboxes.
Our approach combines deep technical expertise with governance frameworks trusted by boards, regulators, and senior leadership. From full-spectrum testing to vCISO advisory — we help organisations understand and reduce real-world cyber risk.
To support this approach, Cipher Security is also the authorised ANZ distributor for a small number of advanced cybersecurity platforms. These technologies are selected because we use them internally and because they enable continuous validation across on-prem, cloud, and mobile environments — without compromising our independence as a security advisory firm
CipherS APPROACH
Four Pillars of Cyber Resilience
Cipher Security delivers cyber resilience through four core capabilities: identifying risk through offensive testing, continuously validating exposure, aligning security to business through governance, and responding effectively when incidents occur.
Offensive Security & Penetration Testing
Human-led and autonomous testing that simulates real attacker behavior. We identify exploitable vulnerabilities and validate defensive capabilities across network, application, cloud, and mobile environments.
  • Manual penetration testing by certified professionals
  • Autonomous continuous attack simulation
  • Hybrid approaches for comprehensive coverage
  • Exploit chaining and lateral movement testing
Continuous Threat Exposure Management
Ongoing validation of security posture through automated attack simulation and exposure analysis. CTEM provides continuous visibility into exploitable weaknesses across your entire attack surface.
  • Continuous vulnerability validation
  • Attack path analysis and prioritization
  • Cloud, network, and mobile coverage
  • Integration with security operations
Security Governance & Assurance
Framework implementation and independent assurance aligned with regulatory expectations. We help boards demonstrate security maturity through NIST CSF, ISO 27001/27002, RBNZ guidance, and sector-specific requirements.
  • Risk assessment and security architecture review
  • Framework implementation and gap analysis
  • Independent security assurance reporting
  • Board-level cyber risk communication
Incident Response & Recovery
Human-led incident response delivering rapid containment, expert investigation, and structured recovery. We help organisations minimise impact, eradicate threats, and restore operations with clear communication to boards and regulators.
  • IR planning and tabletop exercises
  • Rapid containment and forensic investigation
  • Threat eradication and secure recovery
  • Post-incident review and regulatory reporting
Penetration Testing: Human Expertise Meets Autonomous Validation
The Problem
Traditional vulnerability scanning identifies potential weaknesses but cannot validate exploitability or business impact. Organizations need to understand how attackers would actually breach their defenses, chain vulnerabilities together, and move laterally toward critical assets.
Our Approach
Cipher Security delivers three models of penetration testing, each designed for different operational requirements:
Human-Led Testing:
Experienced security professionals conduct thorough assessments using creative attack techniques, social engineering, and complex exploit chains. Ideal for annual compliance requirements, pre-deployment validation, and high-value asset testing.
Autonomous Testing:
AI-driven platforms continuously simulate attacker behavior, validating security controls 24/7 without human intervention. Perfect for continuous validation between manual assessments and rapid deployment environments.
Hybrid Testing:
Combined human creativity and autonomous frequency. Manual testing identifies complex vulnerabilities while autonomous systems validate controls continuously and verify remediation effectiveness.

What You Receive
  • Executive summary with business risk context
  • Detailed technical findings with proof-of-concept
  • Prioritized remediation roadmap
  • Attack path visualization showing lateral movement
  • Retesting to validate fixes
Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM)
Point-in-time security assessments create dangerous gaps. Environments change daily through new deployments, configuration changes, and evolving threats. Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM) provides ongoing validation of security posture across your entire digital estate.
1
Scoping
Define critical assets, attack surfaces, and business-critical pathways requiring continuous validation.
2
Discovery
Automated identification of all assets, services, configurations, and potential entry points across cloud, network, and mobile.
3
Prioritization
Risk-based ranking using exploitability, business impact, and attack path analysis—not just vulnerability severity.
4
Validation
Continuous autonomous attack simulation testing whether vulnerabilities are actually exploitable in your environment.
5
Mobilization
Integration with security operations, ticketing systems, and remediation workflows to drive measurable risk reduction.
Cipher Security implements CTEM using best-in-class platforms combined with our consulting expertise. We configure, tune, and operationalize continuous validation programs that integrate with your existing security operations and provide board-ready reporting on exposure trends.
Security Frameworks & Independent Assurance
Beyond Compliance Checkboxes
Regulatory requirements and security frameworks provide essential structure, but checkbox compliance doesn't equal security effectiveness. Organizations need independent validation that controls actually work and that security investments address real business risk.
Cipher Security helps boards and executive teams demonstrate security maturity through framework implementation, gap analysis, and independent assurance. We translate technical security posture into business risk language that regulators, auditors, and board members understand.
What Independent Assurance Delivers
Our assurance engagements provide third-party validation of security controls, risk management processes, and governance structures. We assess actual effectiveness, not just policy documentation.

Typical Deliverables
  • Current state security maturity assessment
  • Gap analysis against frameworks and regulations
  • Prioritized roadmap with cost estimates
  • Board-ready executive summary
  • Independent assurance letter for regulators
NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF):
Risk-based security program development and maturity assessment
ISO 27001/27002:
Information security management system implementation and certification support
RBNZ Cyber Resilience Guidance:
Reserve Bank expectations for financial institutions in New Zealand
Healthcare & Financial Services Frameworks:
Sector-specific requirements and regulatory reporting
Incident Response
Incident Response: Rapid Containment, Expert Recovery
When a cyber incident strikes, Cipher Security responds fast to contain the threat, eradicate malicious activity, and restore business operations with confidence.
Preparation & Detection
Build response plans, hunt for threats proactively, and deploy early detection to reduce reaction time.
Containment & Eradication
Isolate affected systems quickly, stop the spread, and remove every trace of the threat from your environment.
Recovery & Post-Incident Analysis
Restore systems and data securely, strengthen defenses, and review the incident to prevent future occurrences.
Start the Conversation
Independent Expertise. Validated Results.
Cipher Security brings decades of combined experience in offensive security, governance frameworks, and executive advisory to organizations across Australia and New Zealand. Whether you need penetration testing, continuous exposure validation, framework implementation, or vCISO guidance, we deliver credible, measurable outcomes.
We work with boards, CISOs, IT leaders, and security teams in financial services, healthcare, telecommunications, and regulated industries. Our approach prioritizes validation over compliance, outcomes over technology, and business risk over technical metrics.
How We Can Help
  • Independent security assurance and penetration testing
  • Continuous threat exposure management programs
  • Security framework implementation and gap analysis
  • vCISO and executive cyber advisory services
  • Technology enablement and managed services
Contact Us
We're here to help you navigate the complexities of modern cybersecurity. Reach out to our experts to discuss your specific needs, get a demo of our solutions, or explore partnership opportunities.
General Inquiries
Have a question or need more information about our offerings? Email us anytime [email protected]
Speak with a Specialist
Connect directly with our sales team to discuss how we can secure your enterprise. Call us at ​0800 247 437​
Our Location
While we operate globally, our main office is located in Auckland. Contact us for detailed directions or to schedule a visit.