Security evaluation, commonly referred to as “security testing,” aids organizations in identifying and remedying security vulnerabilities through ethical hackers executing planned assaults. A certain level of security evaluation maintenance can also be automated due to advancements in technology enabling continuous automatic vulnerability scanning. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of the six best security evaluation firms to assist you in selecting the most suitable option for your company and financial resources.
Comparison of Top Security Evaluation Firms
In addition to pricing, there are various other aspects you should evaluate when selecting the finest security evaluation firm for your requirements. Here are some essential criteria to explore:
| Initial cost | Evaluation capacity | Scanning logged-in areas | Compliance | Professional remediation | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Astra Security | $1,999 annually | Web/mobile apps, cloud platforms, APIs, networks | Yes | PCI-DSS, HIPAA, SOC2, ISO 27001 | Yes |
| Intruder | $157 monthly (billed annually) | Websites, servers, cloud services | Yes | PCI-DSS, HIPAA, SOC2, ISO 27001 | No |
| Cobalt | Contact for pricing | Web/mobile apps, APIs, networks, cloud services | No | SOC2, PCI-DSS, HIPAA, ISO 27001, CREST, NEST | Yes |
| Acunetix | Request quote | Web apps | Yes | OWASP, ISO 27001, PCI-DSS, HIPAA | Yes |
| Invicti | Request quote | Web apps, APIs | Yes | OWASP, ISO 27001, PCI-DSS, HIPAA | Yes |
| Breachlock | $2,000 for single test | Web apps, cloud platforms, networks | Yes | SOC 2, PCI DSS, HIPAA, ISO 27001, NIST, CREST, GDPR | Yes |
Astra Security: Top Choice Overall
Astra Security offers a diverse range of evaluation options catering to various needs, including web apps, mobile apps, cloud service infrastructure, APIs, and networks. It also provides a vulnerability scanner with over 8,000 tests capable of scanning through logged-in pages. Small enterprises can acquire scanners and evaluations individually based on transparent pricing schemes, while larger firms can choose the consolidated enterprise plan or customize a quote for precise required services.
SEE: What Is Cloud Penetration Testing & Why Is it Important? (TechRepublic)
Why Astra Security Stands Out
The wide evaluation capacity offered by Astra Security influenced my decision. With such a broad array of options, both startups and large enterprises can likely find a suitable Astra evaluation option, whether a startup needing testing for a single target or a large corporation safeguarding a varied infrastructure.
Pricing
- Webapp
- Scanner: $1,999 annually or $199 monthly for 1 target.
- Pentest: $5,999 per annum for 1 target.
- Enterprise: Commences at $9,999 yearly for multiple targets across various asset categories.
- Mobile application
- Pentest: $2,499 annually for 1 target.
- Enterprise: Starting from $3,999 for 1 target.
- Cloud security
- Basic: Reach out to sales for a quotation.
- Elite: Reach out to sales for a quotation.
Characteristics
- Harnessing artificial intelligence and machine learning to automate assessments.
- The vulnerability scanner can conduct over 8,000 tests.
- Endorses publicly verifiable pentest certificates.
- Has the capability to scan beyond authenticated pages.
Advantages and disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
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Intruder: Ideal for vulnerability scanning
Alongside its continuous pentest services, Intruder employs automation for offering external and internal vulnerability scanning ensuring around-the-clock protection. This strategy aids customers in identifying and resolving critical vulnerabilities even outside scheduled pentests. If you require both pentesting and vulnerability scanning, Intruder provides both services under one roof.
Reasons for Choosing Intruder
I opted for Intruder because of its reasonably priced internal and external vulnerability scanning tools. Note that you’ll require the Premium plan for access to the continuous penetration testing tool. I also appreciated the 14-day trial provided by Intruder and its integrations with platforms like Slack and GitHub.
Pricing
- Essential: Starting at $157 per month, annually billed, or $174 per month, monthly billed, for 1 application and 1 target.
- Pro: Beginning at $221 per month, annually billed, or $284 per month, monthly billed, for 1 application and 1 target. A 14-day free trial is available.
- Premium: Reach out to sales for a personalized quote.
Characteristics
- Add targets through URL, IP address, or cloud integration.
- Conformance reports are consistently audit-ready.
- Schedule various scans and adjust settings based on business priorities.
- Rapid response times ensured by continuous pentesting.
Advantages and disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
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Cobalt.io: Top choice for on-demand penetration testing
Employing a Pentest-as-a-Service strategy, Cobalt offers on-demand penetration testing services tailored to the needs of businesses. Depending on the selected subscription and the testing scope, Cobalt can initiate penetration tests within as little as 1-3 business days. Its adaptable credit-based system enables companies to allocate work based on their business priorities or asset complexities (credits are bought in annual packages).
Why I opted for Cobalt.io
The speedy response times and versatile pricing model of Cobalt attracted me. This distinctive model aids businesses in saving time and money, which is crucial as penetration testing can often be time-consuming and expensive. For swift on-demand penetration testing needs, Cobalt.io is a service provider worth exploring.
Pricing
Cobalt provides three pricing tiers — Basic, Prime, and Enterprise — without revealing specific costs or credit allocations. Contact the sales team to obtain pricing information.
Characteristics
- Assessments adhere to various industry standards.
- A bespoke team is assembled from a pool of over 400 security professionals to meet each client’s requirements.
- Both predesigned and customizable reporting choices are offered.
- Complimentary retesting is included with all subscriptions.
Advantages and disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
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Acunetix: Optimal choice for small enterprises
Designed for small businesses that do not require enterprise-grade pentesting features, Acunetix, a web application security tool developed by Invicti, focuses on web application security. Acunetix is specifically tailored for web applications and does not cover testing for other infrastructures like networks and APIs. Its vulnerability scanner is capable of identifying over 7,000 web vulnerabilities and integrates both DAST and IAST scan results for comprehensive reporting.
Reasons for Acunetix selection
I went with Acunetix because its automated pentesting streamlines the process for small businesses by uncovering numerous potential vulnerabilities efficiently. The unlimited users and scans provided without additional charges, in contrast to per-seat or per-scan fees, offer small companies cost savings and convenience.
Pricing
Pricing details for Acunetix are not disclosed; therefore, reach out to the sales team for a quote.
Characteristics
- Severity-ordered vulnerability reports.
- Comprehensive coverage of over 7,000 web vulnerability types.
- Option to schedule one-time or recurring scans.
- Capability to scan multiple environments concurrently.
Advantages and disadvantages
| Advantages | Drawbacks |
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Invicti: Ideal for large businesses and corporations
Invicti (formerly Netsparker) shares resemblances with Acunetix, yet it’s intended for substantial businesses and corporations rather than small ventures. Invicti’s evidence-centric scanner exploits automation’s potential to swiftly recognize vulnerabilities and furnish practical data. Invicti’s automation and scalability empower corporate cybersecurity units to safeguard hundreds or even thousands of websites at once.
Reasons for Selecting Invicti
I opted for Invicti because its automated vulnerability scanner is tailored specifically to the exigencies and extent of large companies. I also appreciate its wide range of integrations, linking to several prevalent developer and communication tools.
Price Info
Invicti doesn’t disclose pricing — get in touch with the sales team for a quotation.
Characteristics
- Alternate between on-premises and on-demand deployment.
- Provision of onboarding support and training.
- Versatile support possibilities.
- Handy scanning manual toolkit.
Advantages and disadvantages
| Advantages | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
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BreachLock: Optimal for adaptable pentesting choices
BreachLock presents three distinct pentesting frequencies to select from, enabling you to choose the one that suits your enterprise. Opt for either one-time security validation, annual security validation, or continuous security validation based on your requirements. All three test varieties are executed internally by BreachLock’s pentesting crew and are accompanied by limitless online remediation support as well as reports prepared for auditing.
Reasons for Choosing BreachLock
I preferred BreachLock due to its diverse pentesting possibilities, making it one of the most versatile penetration testing firms available. I also value its transparent pricing structure.
what kind of service you will receive with each of the various pentesting packages.
Cost
- One-time Security Validation: Starts at $2,000 per engagement.
- Annual Security Validation: Starts at $5,000 per year.
- Continuous Security Validation: Contact sales for a personalized quote.
Offerings
- Complimentary manual re-tests included with every plan.
- Assigned project coordinator for Annual and Continuous plans.
- Exclusive white glove onboarding and implementation assistance offered.
- Limitless online remediation guidance provided.
Advantages and disadvantages
| Advantages | Drawbacks |
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How can I select the finest penetration testing firm for my organization?
To choose the optimal penetration testing firm for your requirements, start by determining the level of assistance you require. Are you seeking automated scanning, manual testing, or both? Compile a list of all targets, applications, and asset types needing testing. Additionally, consider the pentesting frequency you desire: Do you need a one-time test or continual monitoring for your whole infrastructure?
SEE: How to Conduct a Cybersecurity Risk Assessment in 5 Steps (TechRepublic Premium)
Once you have a clear understanding of these criteria, contact your preferred options to collect pricing estimates. Many pentesting firms operate on a quote-based pricing model due to the uniqueness of each pentesting engagement. Their sales teams engage in detailed discussions with you concerning your requirements and budget to create a quote based on your input. Depending on the pentesting firm, you may also have access to a complimentary trial or demonstration of a vulnerability scanner.
After evaluating all your top choices and receiving pricing estimates, it’s time to pick the best penetration testing firm for your organization. If you’re unsure, you might consider initially engaging the firm for a limited-time, scope-limited project to observe their operations firsthand without committing to a long-term contract right away.
Approach
In my selection of the finest penetration testing companies, I referred to service documentation and customer feedback. Throughout this assessment, I took into account aspects such as pentest capacity, compliance adherence, and expert remediation. I also considered supplementary factors like pricing, customer service quality, and turnaround time.
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