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Introduction

As cyber threats evolve, the need for robust security measures has become increasingly critical. Penetration testing serves as a proactive strategy for identifying vulnerabilities, making it essential for organizations aiming to safeguard sensitive data and adhere to regulatory standards.

With a multitude of penetration testing companies available, businesses face the challenge of selecting a provider that best meets their specific security requirements. This article examines the strengths and weaknesses of leading firms, providing valuable insights to assist organizations in making informed decisions to enhance their cybersecurity.

Understand Penetration Testing: Purpose and Importance

Penetration testing companies conduct penetration evaluation, commonly known as ‘pen testing,’ to simulate a cyberattack on a company’s systems and identify exploitable weaknesses. This proactive approach is essential for organizations aiming to safeguard sensitive data and adhere to regulatory standards. Notably, 84% of security assessments performed by penetration testing companies reveal at least one exploitable vulnerability, highlighting the critical need for these evaluations.

The significance of vulnerability assessment extends beyond merely identifying flaws; it also evaluates the effectiveness of current protective measures. Regular assessments can lead to enhanced protection protocols, improved staff training, and a fortified overall security posture. For instance, organizations that adopt a systematic approach to security assessments are 4.5 times more likely to resolve critical issues within three days, transforming security from a reactive obligation into a proactive business enabler.

In highly regulated industries such as finance and healthcare, where data breaches can result in substantial financial and reputational damage, security assessments from penetration testing companies are integral to risk management strategies. The Cybersecurity Act of 2023 mandates that federal agencies conduct security assessments on high-value assets, reflecting the increasing recognition of its importance across various sectors. As organizations face evolving threats, the need for regular security evaluations has never been more pressing.

The central node represents penetration testing, with branches showing its purpose, importance, and benefits. Each branch highlights key aspects, making it easy to understand how they connect and contribute to overall security.

Evaluate Key Criteria for Choosing a Penetration Testing Company

When selecting penetration testing companies, organizations should prioritize several key criteria to ensure effective evaluation and security enhancement.

  • Experience and expertise are crucial; therefore, it is essential to seek penetration testing companies with a proven track record in your specific sector. Experienced testers possess the skills necessary to identify complex vulnerabilities that less seasoned professionals might overlook.
  • Methodology: Ensure that the company adheres to a recognized methodology, such as OWASP or NIST. These frameworks provide a structured approach to evaluation, ensuring thoroughness and consistency in the testing process.
  • Reporting Quality: The ability to deliver clear and actionable reports is crucial. Reports should be crafted to be understandable for both technical and non-technical stakeholders, facilitating informed decision-making.
  • Customization: The best penetration testing companies tailor their services to meet the unique requirements of your organization, rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution. This customization ensures that the testing aligns with your specific security needs.
  • Compliance Knowledge: For organizations operating in regulated sectors, it is vital that the assessment firm understands relevant compliance requirements. Their expertise can assist in ensuring adherence to these regulations, which is critical for maintaining operational integrity.
  • Post-Test Support: Consider whether the company offers support after the testing phase, including guidance on remediation and retesting services. This ongoing support can be invaluable in addressing identified vulnerabilities effectively.

The central node represents the main topic, while the branches show the important criteria to consider. Each branch can be explored to understand what makes a good penetration testing company.

Compare Leading Penetration Testing Companies: Strengths and Weaknesses

Use english for answers

Please return corrected/formatted text for:

  • Company Name: Cobalt.io

    • Strengths: Emphasizes agile methodologies and rapid turnaround, making it ideal for organizations with frequent release cycles and a focus on application security testing.
    • Weaknesses: Limited customization options may not adequately meet the needs of smaller clients.

  • Company Name: Rapid7

  • Company Name: BreachLock

    • Strengths: Combines AI-driven insights with human expertise to deliver thorough vulnerability assessments.
    • Weaknesses: Report generation can be time-consuming, potentially delaying actionable insights.

  • Company Name: Synack

    • Strengths: Utilizes a crowdsourced testing model, offering diverse perspectives and innovative approaches to security challenges.
    • Weaknesses: Availability can be unpredictable, and the onboarding process may be time-consuming, affecting project timelines.

  • Company Name: HackerOne

    • Strengths: Strong community engagement and integration of bug bounty programs foster a proactive security culture.
    • Weaknesses: Primarily focuses on web applications, with less emphasis on infrastructure evaluation.

This summary outlines the strengths and weaknesses of each company, assisting organizations in identifying which provider aligns best with their specific needs.

Each branch represents a different company, with strengths and weaknesses clearly outlined. This layout helps you quickly see what each company offers and where they may fall short.

Make Informed Decisions: Recommendations Based on Your Needs

When selecting penetration testing companies, it is crucial to consider your organization’s specific needs and requirements. The following tailored recommendations can guide your decision:

  • For Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs): Cobalt is a standout choice, offering agile services that cater to SMEs seeking quick results without the strain of extensive budgets. Their credit-based pricing model provides flexibility, with costs ranging from approximately $8,500 to $25,000 per engagement, ensuring accessibility for smaller entities.
  • For Large Businesses: Rapid7 is well-suited for larger organizations, delivering a comprehensive range of security solutions that include thorough evaluations across various domains. Their services are supported by elite research from the Metasploit team, offering exceptional manual exploit depth and a holistic view of findings integrated with their vulnerability management platform. The cost model for Rapid7 services is premium/custom, typically ranging from $25,000 to $75,000 or more, establishing them as a trusted partner for enterprises requiring in-depth assessments.
  • For Compliance-Focused Organizations: BreachLock is recommended for its hybrid approach, which combines expert human evaluation with AI and automation. This ensures a comprehensive evaluation while efficiently addressing compliance needs, making it ideal for entities in regulated sectors. BreachLock is trusted by over 1,000 organizations across more than 20 countries, reinforcing its reliability in compliance-focused environments.
  • For Innovative Evaluation Methods: Synack and HackerOne are excellent options for organizations looking to leverage crowdsourced assessments. These platforms provide diverse perspectives and creative approaches, enhancing the overall efficiency of security evaluations. Synack’s unique method integrates human expertise with automated resources, while HackerOne focuses on community-driven assessments, allowing organizations to tap into a wide array of researchers in the field.

By aligning your choice with these recommendations, your organization can select penetration testing companies that not only address security needs but also fortify your overall cybersecurity strategy.

The central node represents the main topic, while each branch shows recommendations for different types of organizations. Follow the branches to explore which company might best suit your needs based on your organization's size and focus.

Conclusion

In conclusion, selecting the right penetration testing company is essential for organizations seeking to strengthen their cybersecurity defenses. Understanding the nuances of penetration testing enables businesses to identify vulnerabilities effectively and enhance their security posture. This proactive approach not only protects sensitive data but also ensures compliance with regulatory standards, making it a vital component of contemporary security strategies.

The criteria outlined for choosing a penetration testing provider:

  1. Experience
  2. Adherence to recognized methodologies
  3. Reporting quality
  4. Customization
  5. Compliance knowledge
  6. Post-test support

are crucial in determining the evaluation process’s effectiveness. A comparison of leading companies such as Cobalt.io, Rapid7, BreachLock, Synack, and HackerOne reveals their respective strengths and weaknesses, allowing organizations to make informed decisions tailored to their unique needs.

In a landscape where cyber threats continually evolve, the significance of regular penetration testing cannot be overstated. Organizations must prioritize their security by selecting a provider that aligns with their specific requirements and industry context. By leveraging the insights shared in this article, businesses can enhance their security measures and cultivate a culture of proactive risk management, ultimately transforming security from a mere compliance necessity into a strategic advantage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is penetration testing?

Penetration testing, or ‘pen testing,’ is a simulated cyberattack conducted by penetration testing companies to identify exploitable weaknesses in a company’s systems.

Why is penetration testing important for organizations?

It is essential for safeguarding sensitive data, adhering to regulatory standards, and improving overall security by identifying vulnerabilities and evaluating the effectiveness of current protective measures.

What percentage of security assessments reveal vulnerabilities?

Notably, 84% of security assessments performed by penetration testing companies reveal at least one exploitable vulnerability.

How can regular penetration testing benefit an organization?

Regular assessments can lead to enhanced protection protocols, improved staff training, and a fortified overall security posture, transforming security from a reactive obligation into a proactive business enabler.

How does penetration testing impact response to critical issues?

Organizations that adopt a systematic approach to security assessments are 4.5 times more likely to resolve critical issues within three days.

In which industries is penetration testing particularly crucial?

It is particularly important in highly regulated industries such as finance and healthcare, where data breaches can cause significant financial and reputational damage.

What recent legislation highlights the importance of security assessments?

The Cybersecurity Act of 2023 mandates that federal agencies conduct security assessments on high-value assets, reflecting the increasing recognition of the importance of these evaluations.

Why is there a pressing need for regular security evaluations?

As organizations face evolving threats, the need for regular security evaluations has become critical to effectively manage risks.

List of Sources

  1. Understand Penetration Testing: Purpose and Importance
    • medium.com (https://medium.com/@markbabcock_79883/where-i-see-cybersecurity-in-2026-through-the-lens-of-appsec-pentesting-430eca6f5c47)
    • cobalt.io (https://cobalt.io/blog/5-key-takeaways-from-the-2026-state-of-pentesting-report)
    • brightdefense.com (https://brightdefense.com/resources/why-penetration-testing-is-important)
    • halock.com (https://halock.com/penetration-testing-requirement-what-u-s-rules-mandate-it-in-2026)
    • thehackernews.com (https://thehackernews.com/expert-insights/2026/01/the-2026-state-of-pentesting-how-modern.html)
  2. Evaluate Key Criteria for Choosing a Penetration Testing Company
    • blazeinfosec.com (https://blazeinfosec.com/post/penetration-testing-companies)
    • capturethebug.xyz (https://capturethebug.xyz/Blogs/Why-Smart-Companies-Rethink-Outsourcing-Penetration-Testing-in-2026)
    • ciso.inc (https://ciso.inc/blog-posts/top-10-considerations-for-choosing-a-penetration-testing-vendor)
    • aerstone.com (https://aerstone.com/our-blog/a-practical-guide-to-choosing-penetration-testing-companies-in-regulated-environments)
    • cobalt.io (https://cobalt.io/blog/how-to-choose-the-best-penetration-testing-service-provider)
  3. Compare Leading Penetration Testing Companies: Strengths and Weaknesses
    • deepstrike.io (https://deepstrike.io/blog/best-penetration-testing-companies)
    • hackernoon.com (https://hackernoon.com/penetration-testing-companies-comparing-the-top-5-vendors)
    • softwaresecured.com (https://softwaresecured.com/post/top-10-penetration-testing-vendors)
    • cybergl.com (https://cybergl.com/blog/top-penetration-testing-companies)
    • deepstrike.io (https://deepstrike.io/blog/top-penetration-testing-companies-2026)
  4. Make Informed Decisions: Recommendations Based on Your Needs
    • cybergl.com (https://cybergl.com/blog/top-penetration-testing-companies)
    • industryarc.com (https://industryarc.com/PressRelease/5065/Penetration-Testing-Market)
    • hackernoon.com (https://hackernoon.com/penetration-testing-companies-comparing-the-top-5-vendors)
    • deepstrike.io (https://deepstrike.io/blog/top-penetration-testing-companies-2026)
    • cybernx.com (https://cybernx.com/penetration-testing-companies-in-usa)

Best Practices for Cyber Security Testing Services in Regulated Industries

Discover essential cyber security testing services for compliance and enhanced protection in regulated industries.

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Introduction

In an era marked by the increasing prevalence of data breaches, regulated sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government are under intensified scrutiny and face stringent legal obligations concerning cybersecurity. Effective cybersecurity testing is not merely a precaution; it is crucial for compliance with rigorous regulations like HIPAA and GDPR. This article explores best practices for cybersecurity testing services, emphasizing key types of assessments that organizations can implement to identify vulnerabilities and strengthen their security posture. As the threat landscape continues to evolve, organizations must consider how to select the appropriate testing services that not only fulfill compliance requirements but also proactively defend against emerging cyber threats.

Understand the Importance of Cyber Security Testing in Regulated Industries

In regulated sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government, cybersecurity assessments are not just a best practice; they are a legal obligation. Organizations are required to [conduct regular assessments](https://defenderit.consulting/best-practices-for-choosing-the-right-mdr-vendors-in-manufacturing/) to ensure compliance with regulations like HIPAA, PCI DSS, and GDPR. These regulations mandate that businesses implement robust security measures to protect sensitive information from breaches and unauthorized access.

Cybersecurity evaluations play a crucial role in identifying vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors. For instance, a financial organization that conducts regular penetration assessments can uncover weaknesses in its systems, allowing it to address these issues proactively. This approach not only safeguards the organization from potential data breaches but also helps preserve customer trust and avoid substantial fines associated with non-compliance.

Moreover, consistent evaluation fosters a culture of safety within the organization, ensuring that all staff understand the importance of digital protection and their role in maintaining it. By prioritizing cybersecurity evaluations, organizations can significantly reduce their risk exposure and enhance their overall security posture.

The central node represents the main topic, while the branches illustrate key aspects of cybersecurity testing. Each branch connects to specific points that elaborate on the importance of testing in regulated industries.

Explore Key Types of Cyber Security Testing Services

Organizations in regulated industries can significantly enhance their security posture through several key types of cybersecurity testing services, each tailored to address specific security needs:

  1. Vulnerability Assessments: These assessments are crucial for identifying and prioritizing vulnerabilities within systems and applications. They provide a comprehensive overview of potential weaknesses that could be exploited by attackers, enabling organizations to take proactive measures.
  2. Penetration Testing: This service simulates cyber attacks to evaluate the effectiveness of existing security measures. By conducting penetration evaluations, businesses gain insights into how an assailant might exploit vulnerabilities, along with practical guidance for remediation.
  3. Threat Intelligence: This involves the systematic gathering and analysis of information regarding potential threats. By understanding the threat landscape, organizations can anticipate risks and better prepare their defenses, thereby enhancing their overall security strategy.
  4. Incident Response Testing: This testing evaluates a company’s capability to respond to security incidents. It includes tabletop exercises and simulations, ensuring that teams are equipped to act swiftly and effectively in the event of a breach.
  5. Compliance Audits: Regular audits are essential for ensuring that organizations meet industry-specific regulatory requirements. These audits assess the effectiveness of protective measures and identify areas for improvement, reinforcing compliance and security.

By implementing cybersecurity testing services, companies can establish a robust protective framework that not only meets compliance demands but also strengthens their overall defense posture.

The central node represents the main topic of cybersecurity testing services. Each branch shows a specific type of testing, with further details available as you explore each branch. This layout helps you understand how each service fits into the broader security framework.

Implement Best Practices for Selecting Cyber Security Testing Services

Choosing the appropriate cyber security testing services is crucial for entities operating in regulated sectors. Organizations must prioritize their selection process to enhance protection and compliance efforts.

  1. Assess Your Needs: Begin by identifying your organization’s specific security requirements and compliance obligations. A clear understanding of your unique context will help narrow down the types of testing services required.
  2. Evaluate Vendor Expertise: Seek vendors with a proven track record in your industry. Review their certifications, experience, and client testimonials to ensure they possess the necessary expertise to effectively address your specific challenges. As Ian Bramson, Vice President of Global Industrial Cybersecurity at Black & Veatch, notes, “The cybersecurity threat landscape is fundamentally shifting, raising the stakes from data manipulation to impacting physical safety and operational uptime within operational technology environments.”
  3. Request Detailed Proposals: When engaging potential vendors, ask for comprehensive proposals that outline their methodologies, tools, and timelines. This facilitates comparisons and provides insight into how each vendor plans to meet your needs.
  4. Consider Customization: Ensure that the vendor can tailor their services to align with your organization’s specific requirements. Customized solutions are often more effective than generic approaches, particularly in complex regulatory environments.
  5. Check for Compliance Alignment: Confirm that the vendor’s testing services comply with relevant regulatory requirements, such as NIST or CMMC. This alignment is crucial for maintaining compliance while enhancing your security posture. As highlighted in recent discussions, entities must navigate overlapping state, federal, and international regulations, complicating compliance efforts.
  6. Plan for Ongoing Support: Cybersecurity is an ongoing endeavor. Choose a vendor that offers continuous support and updates to adapt to evolving threats and compliance changes. The shortage of skilled individuals in the information security sector, as noted in industry reports, underscores the importance of having a dependable partner for continuous assistance.

By adhering to these best practices, organizations can make informed choices when selecting cyber security testing services, ultimately enhancing their protection and compliance efforts.

Each box represents a crucial step in the selection process. Follow the arrows to see how to navigate from assessing your needs to planning for ongoing support.

Ensure Continuous Improvement and Training in Cyber Security Testing

Continuous improvement and training are essential components of a successful security strategy. To ensure ongoing enhancement in cybersecurity testing, consider the following key practices:

  1. Regular Training Programs: Implement ongoing training sessions to keep employees informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices. This fosters a culture of security awareness, which is crucial for mitigating risks. Research indicates that “organizations with comprehensive training programs can reduce employee susceptibility to phishing attacks by up to 86% compared to their initial baseline,” according to Glenn Karpsen.
  2. Conduct Post-Engagement Reviews: After each evaluation, perform a thorough review to analyze findings and identify areas for enhancement. This feedback loop is vital for improving protective measures and evaluation methods. Organizations that regularly assess their training effectiveness see measurable improvements in their security posture, with “half of trained employees reporting real security threats within six months of training programs, demonstrating heightened threat awareness.”
  3. Stay Updated on Threat Intelligence: Continuously monitor the threat landscape to remain informed about emerging threats and vulnerabilities. This knowledge assists companies in adjusting their assessment strategies accordingly. The average data breach costs entities $4.44 million worldwide in 2025, as noted in the 2025 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, highlighting the financial motivation for staying ahead of threats.
  4. Implement a Continuous Evaluation Method: Embrace a continuous evaluation model that incorporates regular assessments into the entity’s security framework. This proactive approach allows for the early detection of vulnerabilities and timely remediation.
  5. Engage in Industry Collaboration: Participate in industry forums and collaborations to share insights and learn from peers. This can provide valuable information on best practices and emerging threats.

By prioritizing continuous improvement and training, organizations can enhance their cybersecurity testing services, ensuring resilience against evolving threats and compliance with regulatory requirements.

The central node represents the main focus on continuous improvement in cybersecurity. Each branch shows a key practice, and the sub-branches provide additional details or insights related to that practice.

Conclusion

In regulated industries, the importance of cybersecurity testing is paramount. These assessments are not optional; they are critical for compliance with legal standards and for protecting sensitive information. By conducting regular evaluations, organizations can proactively identify vulnerabilities, enhance their security measures, and maintain customer trust, ultimately avoiding the severe penalties associated with non-compliance.

This article highlights several essential types of cybersecurity testing services that organizations should consider:

  1. Vulnerability assessments
  2. Penetration testing
  3. Threat intelligence
  4. Incident response testing
  5. Compliance audits

Each of these services plays a vital role in strengthening an organization’s security posture and ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements. Furthermore, best practices for selecting cybersecurity testing services emphasize the importance of understanding specific needs, evaluating vendor expertise, and planning for ongoing support to adapt to the ever-evolving threat landscape.

Ultimately, a commitment to continuous improvement and training is essential for organizations aiming to fortify their cybersecurity defenses. By fostering a culture of awareness and investing in regular training, companies can significantly reduce their risk exposure. As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, organizations must remain vigilant and proactive in their approach to testing and compliance, ensuring that they not only meet regulatory obligations but also effectively protect their assets and stakeholders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is cybersecurity testing important in regulated industries?

In regulated industries such as finance, healthcare, and government, cybersecurity testing is essential as it is a legal obligation. Organizations must conduct regular assessments to comply with regulations like HIPAA, PCI DSS, and GDPR, which require robust security measures to protect sensitive information.

What are some key regulations that mandate cybersecurity assessments?

Key regulations that mandate cybersecurity assessments include HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard), and GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation).

How do cybersecurity evaluations help organizations?

Cybersecurity evaluations help organizations identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors. Regular assessments, such as penetration testing, allow organizations to uncover weaknesses and address them proactively, safeguarding against data breaches and preserving customer trust.

What are the consequences of not conducting cybersecurity assessments?

Not conducting cybersecurity assessments can lead to potential data breaches, loss of customer trust, and substantial fines associated with non-compliance with regulations.

How does consistent evaluation contribute to organizational culture?

Consistent cybersecurity evaluation fosters a culture of safety within the organization, ensuring that all staff understand the importance of digital protection and their role in maintaining it.

What benefits can organizations gain from prioritizing cybersecurity evaluations?

By prioritizing cybersecurity evaluations, organizations can significantly reduce their risk exposure and enhance their overall security posture. This proactive approach helps protect sensitive information and maintain compliance with legal obligations.

List of Sources

  1. Understand the Importance of Cyber Security Testing in Regulated Industries
  • Top Cybersecurity Compliance Requirements to Know in 2026 (https://riskaware.io/cybersecurity-compliance-requirements)
  • 280+ Cybersecurity Compliance Statistics for 2026 (https://brightdefense.com/resources/cybersecurity-compliance-statistics)
  • Cybersecurity Compliance by Industry | HIPAA, PCI DSS and GDPR (https://bitlyft.com/resources/cybersecurity-compliance-by-industry-choosing-a-framework-that-fits)
  • 205 Cybersecurity Stats and Facts for 2026 (https://vikingcloud.com/blog/cybersecurity-statistics)
  • 100+ Compliance Statistics for 2026 (https://brightdefense.com/resources/compliance-statistics)
  1. Explore Key Types of Cyber Security Testing Services
  • Cybersecurity Quotes That Define the Future of Digital Protection (https://medium.com/@cyberpromagazine/cybersecurity-quotes-that-define-the-future-of-digital-protection-64897c07bfc6)
  • 35 Cyber Security Vulnerability Statistics, Facts In 2026 (https://getastra.com/blog/security-audit/cyber-security-vulnerability-statistics)
  • 83 Penetration Testing Statistics: Key Facts and Figures (https://getastra.com/blog/penetration-testing/statistics)
  • 9 Quotes that Capture the State of Offensive Security (https://netspi.com/blog/executive-blog/security-industry-trends/quotes-on-the-state-of-offensive-security)
  • Penetration Testing Requirement: What U.S. Rules Mandate It in 2026? (https://halock.com/penetration-testing-requirement-what-u-s-rules-mandate-it-in-2026)
  1. Implement Best Practices for Selecting Cyber Security Testing Services
  • Analysis-New Cybersecurity Rules for US Defense Industry Create Barrier for Some Small Suppliers (https://usnews.com/news/top-news/articles/2026-02-20/analysis-new-cybersecurity-rules-for-us-defense-industry-create-barrier-for-some-small-suppliers)
  • Cybersecurity Challenges for Organizations in 2026 – CVG Strategy (https://cvgstrategy.com/cybersecurity-challenges-for-organizations-in-2026)
  • Solutions Review: Cybersecurity Awareness Month Quotes from Industry Experts in 2024 – Mark43 (https://mark43.com/press/solutions-review-cybersecurity-awareness-month-quotes-from-industry-experts-in-2024)
  • The Top 20 Expert Quotes On Cyber Risk and Security (https://surtech.co.za/20-expert-quotes-on-cyber-risk-and-security)
  1. Ensure Continuous Improvement and Training in Cyber Security Testing
  • Security Awareness Training Statistics 2025 [100+ Studies] | Brightside AI Blog (https://brside.com/blog/security-awareness-training-statistics-2025-100-studies)
  • Best Cybersecurity Training for Employees in 2026 | Huntress (https://huntress.com/cybersecurity-training-guide/best-cybersecurity-training-for-employees)
  • 6 Best Cyber Security Training for Employees in 2026 (Enterprise Guide) (https://hoxhunt.com/guide/best-cyber-security-training-for-employees)
  • Employee Cybersecurity Awareness Training: 2026 Guide (https://miniorange.com/blog/employee-cybersecurity-awareness-training)
  • Fortinet Report Finds Nearly 70% of Organizations Say Their Employees Lack Fundamental Security Awareness (https://fortinet.com/corporate/about-us/newsroom/press-releases/2024/fortinet-report-finds-70-percent-of-organizations-lack-fundamental-security-awareness-for-employees)