In today’s ever-evolving threat landscape, cyberattacks are becoming more frequent, sophisticated, and damaging. Organizations of all sizes must continuously assess and improve their security posture. One of the most effective ways to do this is through Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT). The result of this process is the VAPT report—a comprehensive document that provides deep insight into your organization’s security vulnerabilities and how to fix them.
But what exactly is a VAPT report, and why does it matter so much? This guide breaks down everything you need to know.
What is a VAPT Report?
A VAPT report is a detailed document generated after conducting a Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Test on an organization’s IT infrastructure. It combines automated and manual testing techniques to uncover vulnerabilities in systems, networks, applications, and cloud environments.
More importantly, the report doesn’t just highlight problems—it prioritizes them based on risk and provides clear, actionable recommendations for remediation.
Why is a VAPT Report Important?
A VAPT report is not just a checkbox for audits—it’s a strategic tool that enables organizations to:
- Identify and understand security weaknesses
- Prioritize vulnerabilities based on risk levels
- Take immediate steps toward remediation
- Strengthen long-term security posture
- Meet regulatory compliance requirements (e.g., PCI-DSS, HIPAA, ISO 27001)
- Reduce the likelihood of successful cyberattacks
Key Components of a VAPT Report
Let’s break down the essential elements you’ll find in a professional VAPT report:
1. Executive Summary
This section provides a high-level overview of the assessment. It is written for non-technical stakeholders like executives or board members. It includes:
- Overall security rating
- Summary of critical vulnerabilities
- Brief remediation strategy
- Business impact of the findings
2. Scope and Methodology
This part defines the boundaries of the test and the approach taken. It details:
- What systems, applications, IP addresses, or APIs were tested
- Whether internal, external, or wireless environments were included
- Testing methods used (e.g., black-box, white-box, grey-box)
- Tools used (e.g., Burp Suite, Nessus, Nmap)
3. Vulnerability Assessment Results
Here, the report lists vulnerabilities found through automated scans and manual verification. Each vulnerability typically includes:
- Name and description
- Affected system or asset
- CVE ID (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures)
- CVSS score (Common Vulnerability Scoring System)
- Risk level (Critical, High, Medium, Low)
- Potential impact if exploited
4. Penetration Testing Results
This section explains how testers attempted to exploit the vulnerabilities found during the assessment. It includes:
- Real-world attack scenarios
- Privilege escalations achieved
- Lateral movements within the network
- Screenshots or command outputs as Proof of Concept (PoC)
This helps prove the practical exploitability of each vulnerability.
5. Remediation Recommendations
One of the most valuable sections of the report, this includes:
- Step-by-step instructions for fixing each vulnerability
- Suggested patches or configuration changes
- Prioritization of fixes based on severity and exploitability
Often includes links to vendor advisories or patches.
6. Risk Scoring
This is where the report assigns a quantitative value to each finding, usually based on the CVSS scoring system. It helps teams prioritize remediation based on:
- Attack complexity
- Impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability
- Exploitability and maturity of the threat
7. Compliance Mapping
A good VAPT report will map its findings to relevant compliance frameworks, such as:
- ISO 27001
- PCI-DSS
- HIPAA
- GDPR
- SOC 2
This helps organizations prove due diligence during audits.
8. Proof of Concept (PoC)
For key findings, PoC includes:
- Screenshots of exploited systems
- Logs showing unauthorized access
- Commands used in successful exploits
This section visually confirms the risk and gives technical teams real-world examples to reproduce and resolve.
Common Vulnerabilities Found in VAPT Reports
Some of the most frequent findings in a VAPT report include:
- Outdated software and unpatched systems
- Insecure configurations (e.g., open ports, default credentials)
- Cross-site scripting (XSS)
- SQL injection
- Broken access controls
- Improper API security
- Weak password policies
VAPT Report in Action: Example Use Cases
Case 1: FinTech Startup
After receiving their VAPT report, a FinTech company discovered multiple high-severity vulnerabilities in their mobile banking app. The report allowed them to fix the flaws before launching to the public, avoiding reputational damage and compliance fines.
Case 2: Healthcare Provider
A regional hospital used its VAPT report to identify misconfigured firewalls and outdated software, both of which violated HIPAA compliance. After remediation, they passed a third-party audit with zero findings.
How to Use a VAPT Report Effectively
Receiving a VAPT report is only step one. Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Schedule debrief meetings with security teams to walk through the findings
- Categorize vulnerabilities into short-term and long-term action items
- Track remediation progress using a centralized dashboard or ticketing system
- Re-test after remediation to ensure fixes are effective
- Share executive summaries with leadership and board members
Best Practices for a Strong VAPT Program
- Conduct VAPT regularly (annually or after major updates)
- Include both internal and external assessments
- Combine VAPT with threat modeling and risk assessments
- Work with certified experts (e.g., OSCP, CEH, CREST)
- Document and archive reports for audit readiness
Conclusion: The VAPT Report as a Strategic Cybersecurity Tool
In the modern era of zero-day exploits, ransomware, and regulatory scrutiny, a VAPT report is more than just documentation—it’s a roadmap to better security.
By offering a complete picture of your vulnerabilities, potential attack paths, and prioritized remediation, it helps you move from reactive firefighting to proactive risk management.
Whether you’re a startup building secure apps or an enterprise undergoing digital transformation, regular VAPT assessments and in-depth reporting are essential for maintaining strong cyber defenses.
Need a VAPT assessment?
Let Securis360 provide you with a tailored VAPT report aligned with your risk profile and compliance needs. Our team of ethical hackers delivers detailed, actionable insights to help you stay secure.