Penetration testing, commonly known as “pentesting,” plays a crucial role in helping businesses identify and rectify security vulnerabilities, conducted by ethical hackers who execute premeditated attacks. To some extent, the upkeep of pentesting can be automated through technological advancements that facilitate continuous automatic vulnerability scans. This in-depth guide explores the attributes, advantages, and disadvantages of the six prominent penetration testing organizations to assist you in selecting the most suitable option for your enterprise within your financial constraints.
Comparison of Top Penetration Testing Companies
Aside from pricing, various other factors warrant consideration when opting for the finest penetration testing organization to cater to your requirements. Presented below are some crucial criteria that merit thorough evaluation:
| Initial Cost | Pentesting Capacity | Scanning Capability for Logged-In Areas | Regulatory Compliance | Expert Remediation | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Astra Security | $1,999 per year | Web and mobile applications, cloud infrastructure, API, and networks | Yes | PCI-DSS, HIPAA, SOC2, ISO 27001 | Yes |
| Intruder | $157 per month billed annually | Websites, servers, and cloud | Yes | PCI-DSS, HIPAA, SOC2, ISO 27001 | No |
| Cobalt | Contact for quote | Web and mobile applications, APIs, networks, and cloud | No | SOC2, PCI-DSS, HIPAA, ISO 27001, CREST, NEST | Yes |
| Acunetix | Contact for quote | Web applications | Yes | OWASP, ISO 27001, PCI-DSS, HIPAA | Yes |
| Invicti | Contact for quote | Web applications and APIs | Yes | OWASP, ISO 27001, PCI-DSS, HIPAA | Yes |
| Breachlock | $2,000 for a one-time test | Web applications, cloud, and networks | Yes | SOC 2, PCI DSS, HIPAA, ISO 27001, NIST, CREST, GDPR | Yes |
Astra Security: The Ultimate Choice
Offering a diverse array of pentesting solutions, Astra Security accommodates a broad spectrum of requirements encompassing web apps, mobile apps, cloud security structure, APIs, and networks. It provides a comprehensive vulnerability scanner with over 8,000 tests, capable of scanning even within authenticated pages. Small enterprises can opt for individual scanners and pentests based on transparent pricing structures, while larger corporations can choose the consolidated enterprise plan or request personalized quotes tailored to their specific service needs.
SEE: What Is Cloud Penetration Testing & Why Is it Important? (TechRepublic)
Reasons for Selecting Astra Security
I opted for Astra Security due to its extensive pentest capacity compared to other penetration testing organizations under review. With an extensive range of services, both startups and large enterprises are likely to pinpoint an appropriate Astra pentest option, whether they are a fledgling company necessitating testing for a single target or a large firm grappling with safeguarding a diverse infrastructure.
Pricing
- Webapp
- Detector: $1,999 annually or $199 per month for 1 target.
- Penetration Test: $5,999 per annum for 1 target.
- Corporate: Commencing at $9,999 per year for multiple targets covering various asset categories.
- Mobile application
- Penetration Test: $2,499 annually for 1 target.
- Corporate: Begins at $3,999 for 1 target.
- Cloud protection
- Essential: Reach out to sales for a customized estimate.
- Elite: Reach out to sales for a customized estimate.
Characteristics
- Utilization of artificial intelligence and machine learning for automated evaluations.
- The vulnerability detector can conduct over 8,000 assessments.
- Assists in acquiring publicly verifiable pentest certifications.
- Capable of scanning secure pages.
Advantages and disadvantages
| Upsides | Downsides |
|---|---|
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Intruder: Most Suitable for Vulnerability Scanning
In addition to its continuous pentesting services, Intruder also leverages automation for both external and internal vulnerability scanning to provide round-the-clock coverage. This method assists customers in identifying and addressing critical vulnerabilities even outside scheduled pentests. If you require vulnerability scanning along with pentesting, you can avail both services from Intruder.
Reasons for Choosing Intruder
I opted for Intruder due to its cost-effective internal and external vulnerability scanning tools. Kindly note that the Premium plan is necessary for adding the continuous penetration testing tool. I also found it valuable that Intruder offers a 14-day free trial and integrations with popular platforms like Slack and GitHub.
Pricing
- Essential: Starts at $157 monthly billed annually or $174 per month billed monthly for 1 application and 1 target.
- Pro: Starts at $221 monthly billed annually or $284 per month billed monthly for 1 application and 1 target. A 14-day free trial is offered.
- Premium: Get in touch with sales for a tailored quotation.
Characteristics
- Add targets using URLs, IP addresses, or cloud integrations.
- Compliance reports are perpetually ready for auditing.
- Schedule diverse scans and define parameters based on business priorities.
- Continuous pentesting ensures swift response times.
Advantages and disadvantages
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Cobalt.io: Optimal for on-demand pentesting
Cobalt adopts a Pentest-as-a-Service approach, supplying on-demand penetration to corporations as required. Based on your chosen subscription and the nature of the testing engagement, Cobalt may initiate pentesting within as little as 1-3 business days. Their adaptable, credit-based structure enables each business to allocate the workload according to their business priorities or asset complexities (credits are acquired in yearly bundles).
Reasons for Choosing Cobalt.io
I went for Cobalt because of its rapid response times and adjustable pricing strategy. This distinctive approach helps businesses conserve both time and money, something crucial since pentesting can be time-consuming and expensive. If you are in urgent need of on-demand pentesting, this pentesting company is definitely worth exploring.
Pricing
Cobalt provides three pricing options — Basic, Premium, and Enterprise — but does not reveal the specific costs or credit allocations for each. For pricing specifics, reach out to the sales team for a quote.
Attributes
- Assessments align with a variety of industry standards.
- Customized team selection from a pool of over 400 security professionals based on individual client requirements.
- Both preset and customizable reporting choices are at your disposal.
- Free retesting is encompassed with all subscriptions.
Advantages and disadvantages
| Advantages | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
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Acunetix: Ideal for small enterprises
Acunetix, a web application security tool under Invicti’s ownership, caters to small-scale enterprises that don’t require the complexities of enterprise-level pentesting. Designed for web applications, Acunetix can’t be utilized to examine other infrastructure like networks and APIs. Acunetix’s vulnerability scanner can identify over 7,000 web vulnerabilities and amalgamates both DAST and IAST scan outcomes for detailed reporting.
Why Opt for Acunetix
I selected Acunetix for its automated pentesting, which aids small enterprises in inspecting numerous potential vulnerabilities swiftly. Additionally, the provision of limitless users and scans, as opposed to charging per user or scan, is advantageous for smaller businesses, saving them money and effort.
Pricing
Acunetix does not publicly reveal its pricing; therefore, reach out to the sales department for a quotation.
Characteristics
- Vulnerability reports are segregated based on severity.
- Over 7,000 varieties of web vulnerabilities tested.
- Can arrange one-time or recurring scans.
- Possibility to scan multiple environments concurrently.
Advantages and disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
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Invicti: Ideal for large corporations and businesses
Invicti (formerly Netsparker) is comparable to Acunetix but tailored for large corporations and enterprises rather than small businesses. Invicti’s evidence-based scanner utilizes automation to promptly detect vulnerabilities and present useful data. The automation and scalability of Invicti empower enterprise cybersecurity teams to protect hundreds or even thousands of sites simultaneously.
Reasons for selecting Invicti
I opted for Invicti because its automated vulnerability scanner is specifically crafted for the demands and scale of large corporations. I also appreciate its wide range of integrations, linking with numerous popular developer and communication tools.
Pricing information
Invicti does not disclose pricing – contact the sales team for a quote.
Characteristics
- In-house and on-call deployment possibilities available.
- Guidance and training available for onboarding.
- Various support alternatives.
- Advanced scanning manual toolkit.
Advantages and disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
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BreachLock: Perfect for versatile penetration testing options
BreachLock offers three distinct pentesting frequencies to select from, empowering you to choose the one that best suits your business. Opt for one-time security validation, annual security validation, or continuous security validation based on your requirements. All three test types are carried out internally by BreachLock’s pentesting team and include unlimited online remediation support along with audit-ready reports.
Reasons for opting for BreachLock
I chose BreachLock due to its variety of pentesting options, making it one of the most adaptable penetration testing firms available. I also value its transparent pricing system that clearly illustrates the costs.The different pentesting packages come with varying levels of service.
Pricing
- Single Security Validation: Pricing starts at $2,000 per project.
- Yearly Security Validation: Starts at $5,000 per annum.
- Ongoing Security Validation: Contact our sales team for a tailored estimate.
Characteristics
- Complimentary manual re-tests included with every package.
- Assigned project coordinator for Yearly and Ongoing plans.
- White glove onboarding assistance and support available.
- Limitless online remediation support.
Pros and cons
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How can I choose the most suitable penetration testing provider for my company?
If you are searching for the best penetration testing service for your business, the first step is to determine the level of assistance you require. Decide if you need automated scanning, manual testing, or a combination of both. Make a list of all the targets, applications, and asset types in need of testing. Also, consider how frequently you need pentesting: Do you require a one-time assessment or continuous monitoring of your entire infrastructure?
SEE: How to Perform a Cybersecurity Risk Assessment in 5 Steps (TechRepublic Premium)
Once you have defined these criteria, approach your preferred providers to obtain pricing estimates. Many pentesting companies adopt a quotation-based pricing model due to the uniqueness of each testing engagement. Their sales teams will have detailed discussions with you regarding your requirements and budget to formulate a customized quote. Additionally, you might have the opportunity to try out a vulnerability scanner through a free trial or demonstration offered by the pentesting company.
After evaluating all your options and receiving pricing estimates, you can finalize your decision on the most suitable penetration testing company for your business. If you are unsure, consider starting with a short, limited-scope project to observe their performance before committing to a longer-term agreement.
Methodology
In selecting the top penetration testing companies, I referred to service documentation and client feedback. Throughout this evaluation, I took into account factors such as pentest capabilities, compliance adherence, and expert remediation services. I also considered aspects like pricing, customer service quality, and turnaround times.
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