Find the Right Penetration Testing Provider

When selecting a provider, evaluate their accreditations (CREST, CHECK, ISO 27001), team certifications (OSCP, CREST CRT/CCT), industry experience, methodology, and references from similar organisations. Check whether they have experience with your specific compliance requirements (PCI DSS, SOC 2, HIPAA, etc.) and can deliver the type of testing you need. Request sample reports and verify their approach includes both automated and manual testing.

Common types include web application pen testing, network pen testing (internal and external), mobile app testing, cloud security testing, API testing, IoT testing, and social engineering assessments. More advanced services include red teaming, purple teaming, assumed breach testing, and SCADA/ICS testing for industrial environments. The right type depends on your assets, threat model, and compliance requirements.

Penetration testing costs vary based on scope, complexity, and provider expertise. Basic web application tests may start from $5,000-$10,000. Network pen tests typically range from $5,000-$30,000. Complex engagements like red teaming can cost $30,000-$150,000+. Pricing in the UK typically ranges from £500-£1,500 per day, while European providers may quote €600-€1,800 per day. Get quotes from multiple providers and compare scope, methodology, and deliverables rather than just price.

At minimum, annual penetration testing is recommended and often required by compliance frameworks. High-risk organisations should test more frequently - quarterly for critical applications and after major changes. PCI DSS requires annual pen testing and quarterly vulnerability scans. Some regulations like DORA require threat-led pen testing every three years. Continuous testing through bug bounty programmes can supplement periodic pen tests.

Key accreditations include CREST (international standard for pen testing companies), CHECK (required for UK government testing), and ISO 27001 (information security management). Individual tester certifications to look for include OSCP, CREST CRT/CCT, GPEN, and GWAPT. For specific sectors, look for CBEST capability (UK financial services), FedRAMP 3PAO (US government), or PCI QSA (payment card industry).

A vulnerability assessment uses automated tools to scan and identify known vulnerabilities across your infrastructure, producing a list of findings. A penetration test goes further by having skilled testers manually attempt to exploit vulnerabilities, chain findings together, and demonstrate real-world attack scenarios. Pen testing finds business logic flaws, complex attack paths, and context-specific vulnerabilities that automated scanners miss.

A quality pen test report should include an executive summary for management, detailed technical findings with evidence (screenshots, proof of concept), risk ratings based on exploitability and business impact, specific remediation recommendations prioritised by risk, and a methodology section describing the testing approach. The best reports also include positive findings (what worked well) and strategic recommendations for improving overall security posture.

It depends on the type of test. External testing requires only the target IP addresses and domains. Internal testing requires network access (VPN or on-site). Web app testing needs test accounts for different user roles. The level of information provided determines the test type: black box (no information), grey box (some information like credentials), or white box (full information including source code and architecture documentation).

Yes, we welcome submissions from qualified penetration testing providers. Visit our Submit Provider page to provide information about your company, accreditations, services, and team. We review all submissions against our quality standards including accreditations, team certifications, and demonstrated expertise before adding providers to the directory.