Investing in penetration testing is a critical security decision, but navigating the landscape of providers, pricing models, and testing types can be overwhelming. This comprehensive guide helps you understand what penetration testing costs, how to choose the right provider, and most importantly – which type of testing actually delivers value for your specific security goals.
Understanding Penetration Testing Services
Before diving into costs and providers, it’s essential to understand what penetration testing actually is and how it differs from other cybersecurity services.
What Is Penetration Testing?
Pen tests are a real-world test of your security, which includes feigned attacks on your systems and infrastructure. The idea is that you find out how good your security is by attempting to gain access. This serves to give you a full understanding of your security’s competencies and shortcomings. The goal is to discover all its shortcomings and fix them before a real attack takes place.
At Berezha Security Group, we consider penetration testing as one of the best ways of running a controlled attack simulation to uncover how malicious hackers might access your network and create unexpected damages.
Penetration Testing vs Other Security Services
Several types of cyber security testing services are related but distinct: application security, information security audits, cybersecurity assessments, penetration tests, and red-team assessments. Understanding these differences is crucial for choosing the right service.
A cyber security Penetration Test is a controlled simulation of different types of cyber-attacks. This exercise measures the target’s resilience to real-life cyber security threats. Unlike audits that test compliance with standards, or assessments that evaluate control effectiveness, penetration testing actively attempts to exploit vulnerabilities to demonstrate real business risk.
When Do You Actually Need a Penetration Test?
You should get a pen test when you already have security in place but aren’t completely sure about its efficacy. Timing and readiness are critical factors that many organizations overlook.
Signs Your Organization Is Ready
- You have comprehensive security infrastructure deployed
- Basic security controls are operational
- You need independent validation of your security posture
- Compliance requirements demand regular testing
- You’re launching a new product or service
- You’re handling sensitive customer data
When Penetration Testing Isn’t the Right Choice
If you don’t yet have comprehensive security infrastructure in place, then a pen test won’t reveal anything valuable. It would be like having someone perform a mock burglary of your home without having anything except a normal lock in place as a deterrent.
Similarly, requesting a black-box penetration test without understanding your goals can lead to wasted resources. Companies seeking black-box security assessments are often misled by marketing information, spending time and budget on achieving the wrong security goals.
Understanding Penetration Testing Costs
Security penetration testing is charged based on time and complexity. Let’s review the most significant factors that influence your test’s final price.
Key Pricing Factors
1. Internal vs External Testing
External and internal infrastructure pen tests have different price tags. Internal network penetration testing puts your business’s security to the test against attacks from inside your network. These tests are more expensive than their external counterparts because they require more time, expertise, and often on-site presence.
At Berezha Security Group, the internal and external pentest cost starts at $5,000 for small projects or small businesses. In most cases, it does not exceed $20,000 for the full-scope security assessment.
2. Manual vs Automated Testing
You don’t necessarily need a qualified person who will oversee your testing process. However, choosing the manual route with a professional can take longer but ensures you don’t miss problems that automated programs often overlook. A manual test involves exploiting vulnerabilities manually. This is an important step if you want to know what a real attack by real people would look like.
Many companies selling these services will heavily rely on automation. This may make their services cheaper. But over-reliance on automation can easily lead to missing out on key weaknesses that a human would address.
3. On-Site vs Remote Testing
On-site testing is often more expensive, but it’s also often necessary. Having testers on-site implies higher expenses and more time for the professionals conducting the tests. In the case of internal network pen tests, an on-site presence is often needed.
Remote tests may suffice for many external network penetration test services and can save you money. Just keep in mind, you may miss out on the oversight benefits of on-site professionals.
4. Testing Methodology: Black Box, White Box, or Grey Box
The testing methodology has a larger impact than most factors when it comes to pricing. Understanding these approaches is crucial for choosing the right test type.
Black Box Testing
Black box pen tests replicate real attacks more closely. It means that the testers will attack your infrastructure, but they will not have any information regarding their target provided in advance. The professionals you hire will demonstrate how a real cybercriminal with no inside information would go about attacking your business.
However, black-box testing has significant limitations:
- For applications: Black box application testing is often inefficient. Building software is complex, and testing it “in the dark” provides limited visibility. Security testing should give developers visibility about their product’s attack surface. Limiting testing to black box breaks the learning feedback loop.
- For infrastructure: Black box network testing is only valuable when the scope covers your entire infrastructure. No cybercriminal will limit their attention to a portion of your attack surface – neither should ethical hackers.
- Cost consideration: Black box testing requires more time (since testers start with zero knowledge) and therefore costs more money.
White Box Testing
White box pen tests are conducted by testers with full knowledge of your infrastructure. They conduct a mock attack using all the information you provide them surrounding your network and systems. They normally also possess network maps, source code access, and detailed architecture documentation.
Benefits of white box testing:
- More efficient use of testing time
- Deeper coverage of attack surface
- Better identification of logic flaws and business logic vulnerabilities
- Actionable feedback for developers
- More cost-effective for comprehensive security assessment
Grey Box Testing
Grey box testers will have some information about your infrastructure, but not everything. This hybrid approach balances realism with efficiency, often providing the best value for most organizations.
5. Tester Experience and Qualifications
While it’s not always the case, more experienced testers will normally charge a premium. In particular, the more industry qualifications they possess, the higher their rate is likely to be.
At Berezha Security Group, all our mid-and senior-level consultants are OSCP, CISSP-certified. The average project team consists of 2 to 3 application security professionals and is managed by the AppSec Lead and the Project Manager. Despite a brilliant and experienced team of recognized security experts at BSG, we keep our services affordable, even for small or medium-sized businesses.
The Importance of Proper Scoping
Scoping is one of the most important parts of penetration testing, as it will determine the amount and type of potential engagement. The price of the pentest depends on the scope of work and types – external, internal, or social engineering pentest.
Scoping is a stage of the assessment during which the company will come up with an accurate quote. This helps reduce the chance that you get charged more than necessary because of unforeseen circumstances.
The other purpose of the scoping stage is to ensure you get the pen test that best serves your needs. You want to maximize the value you receive from the investment.
At Berezha Security Group, we normally offer scoping services before the start of any project and after it ends, we provide a free retest within 60 days of a grace period.
Choosing the Right Penetration Testing Provider
Selecting a penetration testing provider is about more than just comparing prices. The quality, methodology, and value delivered vary significantly across the industry.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Over-reliance on automated tools: Many companies heavily rely on automation to reduce costs. While automation has its place, it easily misses complex vulnerabilities that require human analysis.
- Vague or unclear scoping: If a provider can’t clearly articulate what will and won’t be tested, you’re likely to face scope creep or inadequate coverage.
- No retest offered: Quality providers offer free retesting after you’ve implemented their recommendations to verify fixes are effective.
- Lack of relevant certifications: Look for OSCP, CISSP, CEH, or other recognized security certifications.
- Poor communication: Security testing requires clear communication throughout the engagement. If communication is difficult during scoping, it won’t improve during testing.
What to Look For in a Provider
- Clear methodology: The provider should explain their testing approach and how it aligns with your security goals.
- Detailed reporting: Reports should include not just findings, but context, business impact, and actionable remediation guidance.
- Industry experience: Providers with experience in your industry understand your specific threat landscape and compliance requirements.
- Value focus: A quality provider will sometimes push back on requests that don’t serve your security goals, rather than just taking your money.
- Transparent pricing: Pricing should be based on clearly defined scope and methodology, not hidden behind vague estimates.
The Right Scope for Maximum Value
Here’s a general rule when choosing your testing scope and methodology:
The narrower the scope – the deeper the visibility should be; and the shallower the visibility – the broader the scope must be.
You either want depth, or breadth, or both. Otherwise, you may not need security testing – you may need something else entirely, such as:
- Security assessment: If you need to evaluate your security controls and get actionable recommendations without active exploitation
- Security audit: If you need compliance verification against a specific standard or framework
- Vulnerability scan: If you need regular automated checks that internal teams can manage
- Red team exercise: If you have a mature security program and want to test your detection and response capabilities
Making the Black Box vs White Box Decision
The most common request we at BSG get from potential clients is for black-box testing. And our response is always: are you sure?
When Black Box Testing Makes Sense
- Full infrastructure scope: Black box network testing is valuable when testing your complete external attack surface
- Compliance requirements: Some regulations specifically require black-box testing
- Validating perimeter security: Testing how outsiders see your security posture
- Red team exercises: When testing detection and response capabilities alongside security controls
When White Box or Grey Box Is More Appropriate
- Application security testing: Black box application testing provides limited value. Developers need visibility into vulnerabilities to fix them effectively.
- Pre-release testing: New applications or features benefit from comprehensive testing with full knowledge
- Limited budgets: White box testing provides more thorough coverage in less time
- Learning and improvement: When your goal is improving your security program, not just checking a compliance box
- Narrow infrastructure scope: If you’re only testing specific systems or networks, limited scope black-box testing wastes expert time
The reason a company needs a pentest is simple: to get an independent assessment of the effectiveness of their security effort. While virtually anyone with a little experience can do an unsophisticated vulnerability assessment, pentesting experts are scarce. Companies need to apply them accurately.
Questions to Ask Before Engaging a Provider
- What is your testing methodology? Look for manual testing backed by selective automation, not just automated scanning.
- Who will perform the test? Ask about certifications, experience, and team composition.
- What’s included in the report? Ensure you’ll receive technical details, business context, and remediation guidance.
- Do you offer retest? Free retesting demonstrates confidence in findings and commitment to your security.
- What’s the scoping process? A thorough scoping process indicates attention to your specific needs and reduces cost surprises.
- What happens after the test? Look for post-testing support, not just a report drop-off.
- Can you provide references? Speaking to similar organizations about their experience provides valuable insights.
Conclusion: Getting Real Value from Penetration Testing
Cybersecurity pen tests aren’t a single, uniform product. There are many types of security assessment services you can consider, and they’re all different. The key to getting value from penetration testing is understanding:
- Your security goals: Are you seeking compliance, risk reduction, or security program improvement?
- The right timing: Do you have sufficient security controls in place to make testing valuable?
- Appropriate methodology: Does black box, white box, or grey box testing serve your goals?
- Proper scope: Does your scope provide either the depth or breadth needed for actionable results?
- Quality over price: The cheapest provider rarely delivers the most value.
At Berezha Security Group, we’re hesitant to do jobs just for money – we always seek to provide value. To the point where we sometimes reject customer requests for narrow-scope black-box pentesting that won’t serve their security goals.
You can contact us with your security goal or target, and we will help you pick the most effective security investment strategy for your business type and needs. Contact us now – get advice from our security expert.