How Much Does Pentesting Cost?

Penetration testing (pentesting) is done for a variety of reasons. Whether for compliance, customer confidence, or a string security posture the price of a pentest is not small. Understanding the what you are getting for the cost of a pentest varies greatly from company to company. The different pricing models for pentesting vary including our own competitive rates. Get to know what you can expect from competitors. The cost of automated pentesting. Then get to know the pricing structure for resellers and how they operate.

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Pentest Pricing

Pricing for pentesting can vary widely based on the type of environment and complexity of the testing required. On average, you can expect to pay between $4,000 to $20,000 for a comprehensive web application pentest from a reputable provider. External pentests typically range from $3,000 to $30,000. Some of the higher-end firms may charge even more, especially for extensive, multi-faceted testing engagements. It's important to compare not just prices, but also the depth and quality of the services provided, as well as the reputation and experience of the pentesters.

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Automated Pentesting Pricing

Automated pentesting tools offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional, manual testing. These tools use scripts and algorithms to identify common vulnerabilities and can be a good option for smaller businesses or as a supplementary measure to manual tests. Prices for automated pentesting can range from $1,000 to $5,000 per scan, depending on the tool and the complexity of the environment being tested. While automated tools can help identify low-hanging fruit, they often miss more sophisticated vulnerabilities that skilled human pentesters would catch. And is even considered by many cybersecurity experts to not be a real pentest.

MSP, vCISO, and Reseller Pricing

Managed Service Providers (MSPs), virtual Chief Information Security Officers (vCISOs), and resellers often include pentesting as part of a broader suite of security services. Pricing for pentesting through these channels can vary significantly based on the service level agreements (SLAs) and the additional services bundled with the pentesting. MSPs and vCISOs may offer pentesting as part of a managed security package, with costs ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 per month, depending on the scope of services. Resellers might offer one-time pentesting engagements at competitive rates, often with discounts for bundled purchases or long-term contracts.

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K1C Pricing

At K1C for a standard web application pentest, our prices start at $3,000, while external network pentesting begins at $2,000. We also offer bundled packages for organizations requiring multiple types of tests, providing further cost savings. Our goal is to ensure that robust cybersecurity is accessible to businesses of all sizes.

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The cost of pentesting can vary widely based on the provider, the scope of testing, and other various factors. By understanding the different pricing models and what they include, you can make an informed decision that balances cost with the quality and comprehensiveness of the security testing your organization requires.

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For affordable and reliable pentesting services, contact us today to discuss your needs and get a customized quote.

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