NetSPI vs MDSec
Side-by-side comparison of NetSPI and MDSec for penetration testing services. Compare their services, accreditations, compliance expertise, pricing, and overall scores.
This is one of the tightest matchups in our directory. Both providers score within a few points of each other, so the decision here comes down to specific needs rather than overall quality. Both hold CREST accreditation, but their credentials diverge beyond that — NetSPI additionally carries SOC 2, while MDSec holds CHECK and CBEST. MDSec's CHECK status also makes it eligible for UK government testing. Both operate at a global level but from different home bases — NetSPI in Minneapolis and MDSec in Southam — which can affect response times and familiarity with local regulatory environments. There's a meaningful size gap: NetSPI (201-500 team) brings deeper bench strength and capacity for concurrent engagements, while MDSec (11-50 team) offers the smaller firm advantage of senior-led engagements and direct access to principal consultants.
| NetSPI | MDSec | |
|---|---|---|
| Headquarters | Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States | Southam, United Kingdom |
| Founded | 2001 | 2011 |
| Team Size | 201-500 | 11-50 |
| Pen Testers | — | — |
| Geography | Global | Global |
| Markets | North America, Global | UK, Europe, Global |
| Pricing | — | — |
| Services | Web ApplicationNetworkCloudAPIMobile AppRed TeamingSocial EngineeringWirelessVulnerability AssessmentConfiguration ReviewAssumed Breach | Web ApplicationNetworkCloudRed TeamingVulnerability AssessmentConfiguration ReviewSource Code ReviewSocial EngineeringPhysicalAssumed Breach |
| Accreditations | SOC 2ISO 27001CREST | CRESTCHECKCBESTSTARISO 27001Cyber EssentialsCyber Essentials Plus |
| Compliance | PCI DSSSOC 2HIPAANIST CSFISO 27001CCPA+1 | ISO 27001PCI DSSGDPRNIS 2DORANIST CSF+1 |
| Best For | EnterpriseMid-Market | EnterpriseGovernmentCritical Infrastructure |
| Methodologies | OWASP, PTES, NIST | OWASP, CREST, TIBER-EU, CBEST, STAR, NIST |
Shared Services (8)
Only NetSPI (3)
Only MDSec (2)
Comparison FAQs
How does NetSPI compare to MDSec?+
NetSPI is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States and offers 11 services. MDSec is based in Southam, United Kingdom with 10 services. Both providers offer 8 services in common.
Which provider has more accreditations?+
NetSPI holds 3 accreditations (SOC 2, ISO 27001, CREST), while MDSec holds 7 (CREST, CHECK, CBEST, STAR, ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials, Cyber Essentials Plus).
What services are unique to each provider?+
NetSPI uniquely offers: API, Mobile App, Wireless. MDSec uniquely offers: Source Code Review, Physical.
Have you worked with NetSPI or MDSec? Help others decide.