The Top 13 Penetration Testing Companies on the Market Today

1. Defendify

Defendify’s penetration testing services uncover vulnerabilities in an organization’s network, systems, and applications. Unlike simple vulnerability scanning and automated penetration tests, Defendify emphasizes a “human-powered” approach, employing experienced ethical hackers to simulate real-world attacks that go beyond the capabilities of automated tools. This approach is particularly appealing to organizations seeking a more thorough and realistic assessment of their security posture.

Key Features

  • Human Expertise: Defendify leverages the skills of ethical hackers to identify weaknesses and vulnerabilities that automated scanners might miss, including chaining providing a deeper level of analysis and potentially uncovering more critical weaknesses.
  • Advanced Techniques: Defendify pen testers use the same tools and techniques as sophisticated criminals to connect the dots between weaknesses, vulnerabilities, and misconfigurations, often by chaining together several vulnerabilities. This allows pen testers to gain a foothold where they can demonstrate the ability to exfiltrate data or execute ransomware attacks, corrupt systems, install malware, and more, without damaging any systems or exposing any data. 
  • Customizable Options: Defendify offers internal and external network testing, mobile and web application testing and wifi testing, allowing organizations to tailor the assessment to their specific needs and risk profile. 
  • Comprehensive Reporting: Defendify provides detailed reports that not only identify vulnerabilities but also outline the attack methods used, providing valuable insights into exploitable attack vectors and what damage a malicious hacker could cause.
  • Prioritized Remediation Guidance: All Defendify penetration tests include detailed remediation guidance supported by prioritized findings, risk ratings, and remediation recommendations.

What Users Like

  • Customized Risk Assessment: Company-specific penetration tests provide tailored insights into the unique vulnerabilities and threats facing the organization, considering its specific infrastructure, applications, and operational environment. This ensures that the security measures implemented are highly relevant and effective for that particular company.
  • Simple to schedule: Defendify’s “Everything You Need” cybersecurity platform provides a simple interface for planning pen tests and retests.
  • Non-destructive: Defendify’s penetration tests are carefully designed to identify and exploit vulnerabilities without disrupting operations, damaging data, or degrading system performance.
  • Red and Purple teaming options: Defendify supports pen tests where defensive teams work together with offensive teams to test an organization’s ability to identify and contain an attack. This helps ensure the organization can respond swiftly and effectively to actual security incidents, minimizing potential damage and downtime.

Pricing

  • The cost and duration of a penetration test can vary significantly based on several factors, including the size, scope, and complexity of the environment being tested. 

What real-world users are saying about Defendify

  • “… vulnerability scanning and penetration testing inform us of any areas of the network that are vulnerable to network attack, which then tells us which areas we need to focus our improvement efforts on.”
  • “Defendify has enabled us to check off a number of our security requirements, including penetration testing, vulnerability scans, awareness training, and phishing simulations.” 
  • “The tools are what initially drew us to Defendify. However, for me, it’s been the staff and customer service.”

2. Breachlock

BreachLock is a penetration testing as a service (PTaaS) platform that focuses on providing comprehensive and continuous security testing. BreachLock stands out due to its emphasis on combining automated scanning with manual validation by security experts. This hybrid approach aims to provide a thorough assessment of vulnerabilities and potential attack vectors.

Key Features

  • Automated Scanning: BreachLock utilizes automated scanning tools to identify common vulnerabilities and weaknesses. This can serve as a valuable starting point for manual testing.
  • Manual Penetration Testing: BreachLock’s pen testing team validates findings from automated scans and performs in-depth manual testing, including exploitation attempts. This approach allows for a more thorough assessment compared to relying solely on automated tools.
  • Continuous Testing: BreachLock’s PTaaS model emphasizes continuous testing, allowing for ongoing identification and remediation of vulnerabilities. This is beneficial for organizations that want repeatable testing across specific frameworks.
  • Reporting and Remediation: BreachLock provides detailed reports outlining vulnerabilities, their severity, and recommended remediation steps. This information is crucial for penetration testers to demonstrate the impact of their work and guide clients towards improved security.

What Users Like

  • Hybrid Approach: The combination of automated scanning and manual testing provides a comprehensive assessment that balances efficiency and thoroughness.
  • Expert Validation: The involvement of security experts ensures that vulnerabilities are not overlooked and that the reported findings are accurate and actionable.
  • Continuous Improvement: The continuous testing model allows penetration testers to stay engaged with clients and track the impact of their work on an ongoing basis.
  • Collaboration: BreachLock encourages collaboration between its team and clients, which can be beneficial for penetration testers who want to share their expertise and insights.

Pricing

A one-time security validation starts at $2,500.

3. Cobalt

Example: Cobalt is a Penetration Testing as a Service (PTaaS) platform that connects businesses with a curated community of pentesters. The program designs and runs practical attack scenarios personalized to your industry and risk profile.

Key Features

  • Pentester Community: Cobalt boasts a global network of vetted pentesters with diverse skill sets. 
  • Platform and Collaboration Tools: Cobalt’s platform facilitates collaboration between pentesters and clients, allowing for real-time communication, issue tracking, and progress monitoring. This streamlined approach can be attractive for companies looking to outsource specific testing needs or augment their in-house capabilities.
  • Flexible Scoping and Pricing: Cobalt allows for tailored pentest scopes and pricing models, which can be appealing for businesses seeking customized solutions that fit their budget and specific security requirements.
  • Reporting and Remediation Guidance: Cobalt generates comprehensive reports detailing identified vulnerabilities, their severity, and recommended remediation steps. This information can be valuable for both pentesters and clients in understanding the security posture and prioritizing fixes.

What Users Like

  • Streamlined Workflow: The Cobalt platform facilitates communication and collaboration, making it easier to manage pentests and track progress.
  • Access to Diverse Skills: The pentester community on Cobalt offers a diverse range of skills and expertise, which can be leveraged for specialized testing needs.
  • Flexibility: Cobalt’s flexible scoping and pricing models allow for tailored pentest solutions that meet specific client requirements.

Pricing

“Fast Start” pen tests are priced at $4,950. More elaborate programs are custom priced.

4. CrowdStrike

CrowdStrike, best known for its Falcon endpoint protection platform, also offers penetration testing services to help organizations identify and address vulnerabilities in their systems and applications. Their approach focuses on simulating real-world attack scenarios to assess an organization’s security posture.

Key Features

  • Adversary Emulation: CrowdStrike’s penetration testing emphasizes adversary emulation, simulating the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used by real-world attackers.
  • Threat Intelligence Integration: CrowdStrike leverages its extensive threat intelligence database to inform its penetration testing methodologies and simulate realistic attack scenarios.
  • Cloud-Native Approach: CrowdStrike’s penetration testing emphasizes cloud security assessments and the identification of cloud-specific vulnerabilities.

What Users Like

  • Real-World Simulations: CrowdStrike’s focus on adversary emulation provides a realistic assessment of an organization’s ability to defend against sophisticated attacks.
  • Red Team Exercises: Evaluates your organization’s internal systems to identify how an attacker could navigate through your network. 
  • Cloud Security Expertise: CrowdStrike’s experience in cloud security can be beneficial for organizations that rely heavily on cloud-based infrastructure and applications.

Pricing

You can learn more about their pricing plans by contacting CrowdStrike sales. 

5. Rapid7

Rapid7, developers of the Metasploit pen testing software, also offer penetration testing services to identify vulnerabilities through simulated real-world attacks on networks, applications, IoT devices, and social engineering. They offer tailored assessments, providing actionable remediation plans and prioritizing risks. Key Features include network, web and mobile application testing, red team simulations, and wireless network assessments.

Key Features

  • Comprehensive Services: They offer a wide range of penetration testing services, including network, web application, mobile, social engineering, and red teaming.
  • Methodology: Rapid7’s penetration testing methodology is 15% automated and 85% manual to catch weaknesses tools alone can miss.
  • Reporting: Their reports are detailed and provide story boarded details of the entire attack chain and scorecards that compare your environment with attackers’ standard practices.

What Users Like

  • Experienced team: Rapid7’s team of penetration testers have a strong reputation and conduct over 1,000 pen tests annually
  • Attacker Intelligence: Rapid7’s penetration testers have unparallelled access to attacker intelligence, including the latest TTPs to leverage during engagements.
  • Simulates Real World Attacks: Strong focus on manual penetration testing and recreating attack sequences that mimic the attacker’s perspective.

Pricing

For information on their pricing plans, you can reach out to Rapid7 sales.

6. Offensive Security

Offensive Security (OffSec) isn’t primarily a penetration testing service provider; rather, it’s a well-respected educational and training platform renowned for its certifications (OSCP, OSWE, etc.) and the Kali Linux distribution. However, they do have a boutique penetration testing arm, offering targeted assessments to a maximum of ten clients per year.

Key Features

  • Reputation and Expertise: Offensive Security boasts a strong reputation within the penetration testing community due to their rigorous training and certifications. Their pentesters are the same individuals who teach their classes and write their books
  • Advanced Methodology: OffSec’s penetration testing services often involve sophisticated techniques and methodologies, reflecting the expertise gained through their training programs.
  • Real-World Simulations: Criminal hackers take time to attack their targets. To best simulate this, OffSec limits engagements to one customer at a time and requires a minimum of 2 weeks of testing. They are known for simulating real-world attack scenarios, emulating the tactics and techniques of sophisticated threat actors.
  • Training and Certification Focus: While they offer penetration testing services, their core focus is on training and certifying individuals, which could influence their approach to engagements.

What Users Like

  • High Skill Level: OffSec’s penetration testers are typically well-trained and experienced, capable of uncovering complex vulnerabilities.
  • Advanced Techniques: Their methodology often involves cutting-edge techniques and tactics, providing a thorough assessment of an organization’s security posture.
  • Reputation: The OffSec name carries significant weight in the cybersecurity industry, which could be beneficial for clients seeking a reputable and recognized provider.

Pricing

Pricing is available by contacting OffSec sales.

7. Intruder

Intruder is a platform that specializes in automated vulnerability scanning and attack surface management. They also offer continuous penetration testing services for web applications, APIs, cloud configurations, and external infrastructure.

Key Features

  • Continuous Penetration Testing: Intruder’s “Vanguard” service combines automated vulnerability scans leveraging Tenable’s Nessus tool with manual validation by security experts, providing a continuous testing loop for ongoing risk reduction.
  • Cloud Configuration Assessment: Intruder specializes in assessing cloud configurations for misconfigurations and vulnerabilities, a critical area often overlooked in traditional penetration tests.
  • API Testing: Intruder offers specialized API penetration testing services, following OWASP guidelines to identify a wide range of vulnerabilities in exposed APIs.

What Users Like

  • Scalability: Because Intruder is built on an automated vulnerability scanner it is highly scalable across multiple environments.
  • Continuous Monitoring: The continuous testing model ensures that new vulnerabilities are identified and addressed promptly, reducing the window of exposure.
  • API Testing Expertise: Their specialized API testing services address a critical attack surface that often requires specialized knowledge.

Pricing

Please contact Intruder sales for penetration testing pricing. 

8. UnderDefense

UnderDefense is a relatively new player in the penetration testing space, focusing on providing affordable and accessible security testing services to small and medium-sized businesses.

Key Features

  • Affordability: UnderDefense aims to make penetration testing accessible to smaller organizations with limited budgets, offering competitive pricing compared to larger firms.
  • Targeted Approach: Their services are often tailored to specific needs and budgets, allowing clients to focus on critical areas of concern.
  • Transparency: UnderDefense emphasizes transparency in their methodology and reporting, providing clients with a clear understanding of the vulnerabilities identified and the steps needed for remediation.

What Users Like

  • Cost-Effective: Their pricing model makes penetration testing more accessible for smaller organizations.
  • Targeted Assessments: They offer flexibility in scoping engagements, allowing clients to prioritize specific areas of concern.

9. Mandiant

Mandiant is a renowned cybersecurity company owned by Google and known for its incident response and threat intelligence expertise. Their penetration testing services leverage this frontline experience to simulate real-world attack scenarios used by sophisticated adversaries.

Key Features

  • Adversary Emulation: Mandiant’s penetration testers mimic the tactics, techniques, and procedures of real-world attackers, providing a highly realistic assessment of an organization’s security posture.
  • Threat Intelligence Integration: Mandiant leverages its vast threat intelligence database to inform its penetration testing methodologies and simulate the latest attack trends.
  • Red Teaming: Mandiant offers red teaming services, which go beyond traditional penetration testing to simulate full-scale attacks, including social engineering, phishing simulation, and physical intrusion.

What Users Like

  • Realism: Mandiant’s adversary emulation approach provides a highly realistic assessment of an organization’s ability to defend against sophisticated attacks.
  • Scalability: Mandiant’s size and staffing allows them to scale up testing of multiple or complex environments.
  • Industry Expertise: Their specialized knowledge in various industries allows for tailored penetration tests that address specific threats and vulnerabilities.

Pricing

Pricing is available through Mandiant sales.

10. Astra Security

Astra Security is a penetration testing platform that aims to streamline the testing process by combining automated scanning with manual validation. Their focus is on providing continuous and comprehensive security assessments for networks, web applications, APIs, and cloud infrastructures.

Key Features

  • Automated Scanning: Astra utilizes automated scanners to quickly identify common vulnerabilities, saving time for manual testers.
  • Manual Verification: All automated findings are verified by security experts to ensure accuracy and minimize false positives.
  • Continuous Pentesting: Astra offers continuous pentesting subscriptions, allowing for ongoing security assessments and vulnerability detection.
  • Compliance-Focused Reporting: Astra provides comprehensive reports that help organizations meet various industry compliance requirements.

What Users Like

  • Efficiency: The combination of automated scanning and manual verification allows for a faster and more efficient testing process.
  • Accuracy: Manual validation ensures the accuracy of findings and minimizes false positives.
  • Continuous Security: The continuous pentesting model helps organizations stay ahead of emerging threats versus annual or semi-annual testing.

Pricing

Pricing for vulnerability scanning with a single pen test starts at $5,999 per year.

11. Cyberhunter

CyberHunter is a penetration testing and security assessment company that specializes in network and web application security. They offer a range of services, including penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and threat hunting.

Key Features

  • Manual Penetration Testing: CyberHunter primarily focuses on manual penetration testing, leveraging the expertise of their security professionals to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in network perimeters and web applications.
  • Network Reconnaissance: CyberHunter conducts in-depth network reconnaissance to identify potential entry points and attack vectors.
  • Customizable Services: They offer tailored security assessments to meet the specific needs and requirements of different organizations.

What Users Like

  • Manual Expertise: CyberHunter’s focus on manual testing allows for deeper analysis and identification of complex vulnerabilities.
  • Targeted Retesting: CyberHunter will retest any issues identified during the initial penetration test once they have been resolved.
  • Customization: Their customizable services cater to the unique security needs of different organizations.

Pricing

Pricing varies with the scope of each pen test.

12. Redbot Security

Redbot Security is a boutique penetration testing firm that focuses on manual penetration testing and red teaming services. It prides itself on its team of highly skilled, full-time employees based in the U.S. who specialize in testing critical infrastructure, IT networks, OT networks, and applications.

Key Features

  • Manual Penetration Testing: Redbot emphasizes manual testing over automated scans, providing a more in-depth and nuanced assessment of an organization’s security posture.
  • Red Teaming: They offer red teaming services that simulate real-world attack scenarios, testing an organization’s ability to detect and respond to threats.
  • Critical Infrastructure Expertise: Redbot boasts specialized expertise in testing critical infrastructure, a high-stakes area requiring a deep understanding of complex systems and protocols.

What Users Like

  • Transparent Communication: Redbot prioritizes transparent communication with clients, providing detailed reports and actionable recommendations for remediation.
  • U.S. Based Team: Their team of U.S.-based security experts provides an added layer of assurance for clients concerned about data security management and regulatory compliance.
  • Expert Remediation Guidance:  Detailed write-ups include screenshots,  prioritization of results, testing, proof of concept reporting and knowledge transfer.

Pricing

Pricing for manual penetration tests varies with the scope and environment. RedBot Security’s sales team can provide quotations.

13. SecureWorks

Secureworks, a subsidiary of Dell, is a global cybersecurity company that offers a wide range of services, including threat intelligence, incident response, and consulting. Their penetration testing services are part of their broader portfolio and focus on identifying vulnerabilities and weaknesses in systems and applications.

Key Features

  • Threat Intelligence-Driven: Secureworks leverages its extensive threat intelligence database to inform its penetration testing methodologies and simulate real-world attack scenarios.
  • Red Teaming: They offer red teaming services that simulate full-scale attacks, testing an organization’s people, processes, and technology.
  • Managed Services: They offer managed security services that include ongoing vulnerability scanning and penetration testing, providing continuous monitoring and protection.

What Users Like

  • Industry Expertise: Secureworks has experience in various industries and regulatory environments, allowing for tailored penetration tests that address specific threats and compliance requirements.
  • Adversary Mimicking: Hands-on tests can replicate internal Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) or Nation State adversaries.
  • Reporting: Detailed reports and executive-level summaries to convey pertinent information to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Pricing

Pricing is available from SecureWorks sales.

Penetration Testing Companies FAQs

What Is a Penetration Test?

A penetration test, often called a “pentest,” is a simulated cyberattack on a computer system, network, web application, or other cyber asset to identify exploitable vulnerabilities. The goal is to find security weaknesses before malicious hackers do, allowing organizations to patch systems and strengthen their security posture. 

These weaknesses can stem from misconfigurations, flaws in software or hardware, or even gaps in operational security procedures. By proactively identifying and addressing these vulnerabilities, organizations can significantly reduce their risk of suffering a damaging cyber attack.

While vulnerability scanning is an automated process that checks for known vulnerabilities, penetration testing goes further by actively trying to exploit these vulnerabilities. This hands-on approach provides a more realistic assessment of the potential impact of vulnerabilities and can uncover issues that automated scans might miss.

Are Penetration Testing Providers Ethical?

Penetration testing providers are companies or independent consultants that specialize in performing penetration tests. They perform services in a controlled manner to exploit weaknesses without disrupting operations, damaging data, or degrading system performance.  They typically have teams of experienced security professionals (“white hat” or “ethical hackers”) who use various tools and techniques to simulate real-world attack scenarios and identify vulnerabilities.

Some examples of penetration testing providers include:

  • Large Security Firms: IBM, Secureworks, Mandiant
  • Boutique Firms: Redbot Security, Bishop Fox
  • Platform-Based Providers: Cobalt, Bugcrowd
  • Tool Providers (with Services): Rapid7, Invicti

Why is Independent Security Testing Important for Your Business?

Independent security testing is crucial for several reasons:

  • Unbiased Assessment: A third-party provides an independent assessment of your security posture, free from internal biases or assumptions.
  • Expertise: Penetration testing providers have specialized, high demand expertise in identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities that your internal team might miss.
  • Compliance: Many industries and regulations require regular, independent penetration testing to ensure compliance and maintain security standards.
  • Risk Management: Identifying and addressing vulnerabilities proactively helps mitigate the risk of cyberattacks and security breaches.
  • Enhanced Access Controls: Independent testing can reveal weaknesses in access management, enabling the implementation of stronger controls like just-in-time access or privileged access management to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Pentesting Companies

  • Experience and Expertise: Look for a provider with a proven track record and expertise in your industry and technology stack.
  • Methodology: Ensure the provider’s methodology aligns with industry standards and best practices.
  • Reporting and Remediation: The provider should provide detailed reports with actionable recommendations for fixing vulnerabilities.
  • Communication and Collaboration: Choose a provider that is responsive, communicates clearly, and collaborates effectively with your team.
  • Cost and Value: Consider the cost of the services in relation to the value they provide for your organization.

Pen Testing Services & Techniques to Consider

  • Web Application Penetration Testing: This assesses the security of your web applications, identifying vulnerabilities like SQL injection and cross-site scripting.
  • Network Penetration Testing: This tests the security of your network infrastructure, including firewalls, routers, and servers.
  • Mobile Application Penetration Testing: This evaluates the security of your mobile apps, ensuring they are resistant to attacks.
  • Red Teaming: This simulates a real-world attack scenario to test your organization’s defenses and incident response capabilities.
  • Cloud penetration testing: This is a simulated cyberattack on cloud infrastructure, applications, and services to identify and exploit security vulnerabilities.

Do You Need a Penetration Testing Provider if You Have an Internal Security Team?

Yes, you still need an external provider. While having an internal security team is important, they might lack the specialized expertise, unbiased perspective, and real-world attack simulation capabilities that an independent penetration testing provider brings. An external provider can uncover vulnerabilities that your internal team might miss and provide a fresh perspective on your overall security posture.

If you’re unsure whether your organization needs a penetration test, consider factors such as the sensitivity of your data, the complexity of your systems, and your industry’s regulatory requirements. Consulting with a security expert can help you determine the best course of action for your specific needs.

Defendify: Your Partner in Cyber Defense

While penetration testing is a crucial element of a robust security strategy, Defendify goes beyond being just another testing provider. Our holistic approach, combining human expertise with advanced technology, offers a comprehensive assessment of your security posture. 

We don’t just identify vulnerabilities – we help you understand them, remediate them, and build a stronger defense against real-world threats.

Ready to experience the Defendify difference? Book a demo today and see how we can empower your organization to take control of its cybersecurity.

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