> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.softwaresecured.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.softwaresecured.com/after-testing/consultation-requests.md).

# Consultation requests

One of the key advantages of [Penetration Testing as a Service (PTaaS)](https://www.softwaresecured.com/service/penetration-testing-as-a-service) with <code class="expression">space.vars.company\_name</code> is the consultation hours with a team of skilled professionals whenever you require security expertise.&#x20;

***

### How to use consulting hours

Our clients leverage their consulting hours in a variety of ways to manage risk.&#x20;

#### Parameters for consulting hours

The options for using the consultation hours are flexible as long as they fit within the following basic parameters:

* The topics discussed during the consultation must be directly tied to the security of the systems that we tested.&#x20;
  * While our team knows a lot about security and security implications of various subjects, they are not suited to provide operational assistance with tasks that are usually performed by Development, DevOps, IT, QA, Compliance Managers, and so on. For appropriate referrals, contact our sales and partnership team.
* Consulting hours cannot be substituted for testing or training hours.

***

#### Common uses for consulting hours

* Actionable and comprehensive advice on vulnerability mitigation based on the results from <code class="expression">space.vars.company\_name</code>’s pentests.
* Advice on security controls for new features that are being designed or considered for the product roadmap.
* Education on how to proactively threat model as a part of your Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC).
* Analysis of third-party vulnerability reports—such as bug bounties or external researchers—or disclosures, including validation and a calibrated risk assessment.
* Information and suggestions for implementing effective and secure engineering practices and policies based on your attack surface and business goals.
* Quick identification of possible threats or exposures to new or emerging vulnerabilities.

***

### **Requesting a consultation**      &#x20;

1. Click the user menu icon in the header on your <code class="expression">space.vars.product\_name</code> Dashboard.
2. Click <mark style="color:orange;">**Request Consultation**</mark>.&#x20;
3. In the <mark style="color:orange;">**Consultation Request**</mark> pop-up, enter a topic or message for discussion during the consultation.&#x20;
4. To submit the request, click <mark style="color:orange;">**Proceed**</mark>.&#x20;

Once the request is approved, you will be contacted by someone from the testing team to schedule the consultation hours.

<figure><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/qRDf9--ppdkf2vRz_Fy4tNiwZscnFGvR_3laaQ6ET1KT4uiNOaKxn-NJXNVSzyaHrFYfslAqm7JK5SZn-JEa-10z97jITazXGxSlg5KETWBSGNMGxUtgPsrYNxVXTlOy6ioGXabx9JbmjLloIEvK4yE" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


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