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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.
Three Pillars of Cyber Resilience
Cipher Security's methodology is built on three interconnected disciplines that work together to validate, measure, and continuously improve your security posture. Each pillar addresses a critical gap in traditional cybersecurity programs.
Offensive Security & Penetration Testing
Human-led and autonomous testing that simulates real attacker behavior. We identify exploitable vulnerabilities, test security controls under pressure, 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
Security Governance & Assurance
Framework implementation and independent assurance aligned with regulatory expectations. We help boards and executive teams demonstrate security maturity through NIST CSF, ISO 27001/27002, RBNZ cyber resilience 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
Continuous Threat Exposure Management
Ongoing validation of security posture through automated attack simulation and exposure analysis. CTEM moves beyond point-in-time assessments to provide 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
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
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
  • Ongoing advisory support
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
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.
vCISO & Executive Cyber Advisory
Many organizations lack the internal expertise or budget for a full-time Chief Information Security Officer, yet face increasing regulatory scrutiny, sophisticated threats, and board-level questions about cyber risk. Cipher Security provides fractional CISO services and executive advisory tailored to your organization's risk profile and maturity stage.
1
Strategic Security Leadership
A senior Cipher Security advisor acts as your virtual CISO, providing strategic direction, risk oversight, and executive-level security guidance without the cost of a full-time hire.
  • Security strategy and roadmap development
  • Board and executive reporting
  • Security program design and oversight
  • Vendor and technology selection guidance
2
Regulatory & Compliance Advisory
Navigate complex regulatory requirements with confidence. We help organizations understand obligations, prepare for audits, and demonstrate security maturity to regulators and stakeholders.
  • Regulatory requirement interpretation
  • Audit preparation and response support
  • Third-party risk management
  • Incident response planning
3
Board-Level Risk Communication
Translate technical security issues into business risk language that boards and executives understand. We prepare reports, presentations, and risk briefings that enable informed decision-making.
  • Cyber risk quantification and reporting
  • Board presentation preparation
  • Risk appetite framework development
  • Security investment business cases
Technology Distribution: Validated Platforms for ANZ
Cipher Security serves as the authorized distributor for a carefully selected portfolio of global cybersecurity platforms across Australia and New Zealand. Unlike traditional distributors, we only represent technologies we use internally, have validated through our consulting practice, and believe deliver measurable security outcomes.
Our Distribution Philosophy
We maintain complete independence in our consulting and assurance work. The platforms we distribute are selected because they support continuous validation, align with offensive security principles, and integrate into our CTEM methodology—not because of commercial incentives.
Every distributed platform undergoes rigorous evaluation by our technical team. We deploy these solutions in our own testing environments, validate their capabilities against real-world attack scenarios, and ensure they deliver on vendor claims before recommending them to clients.
What We Provide
  • Local Enablement: ANZ-based technical expertise, training, and deployment support
  • Pre-Sales Consulting: Architecture review and solution design before purchase decisions
  • Implementation Services: Configuration, integration, and optimization
  • Managed Services: Ongoing operation, tuning, and reporting
  • Independent Validation: Assurance that solutions deliver promised outcomes

Ethics & Independence
Cipher Security's consulting recommendations are never influenced by distribution relationships. If a client needs a solution we don't distribute, we recommend the best fit for their requirements—not what benefits us commercially.
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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 info@ciphersecurity.co.nz
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.