Penetration testing is a type of security testing that aims to identify vulnerabilities in computer networks or applications. The cost of a penetration test is determined by the number of variables you encounter during the testing:

Size. The size of the organization and its complexity has a direct impact on the cost of penetration testing. The number of personnel and branches is referred to as size, while complexity is defined by the intricacy of apps, servers, IP addresses, facilities, and databases.

Scope. The scope is the specific area that a penetration test will examine. The scope serves as a roadmap for the testing, stating what priority areas will be examined in your application or network. It also specifies the organization’s aim in performing the examination.

Methodology. Penetration testing pricing is determined by the type of test and its thoroughness. The use of various methodologies results in diverse focus areas and incorporates a different number of tests. Once again, changing or adding specific tests affects penetration testing costs.

Experience. Experience is important to most clients. It is a typical practice for established businesses to charge more based on their service history, credentials, and experience. This is because mastery comes with experience, which is essential to performing this assignment without breaking the system. 

Remediation. The penetration tests are concluded post-reporting. Some services, on the other hand, go above and beyond and assist you in addressing the flaws. This may frequently result in an increase in overall costs.

Different penetration testing techniques come with varying costs.

White box penetration testing cost. A white box penetration test is a form of network security testing in which the pentester is given access to the system’s inner workings before starting. A white box pentesting can cost anywhere from $500 to $2000 per scan.

Black box penetration testing cost. A black box penetration test is a form of pen testing in which the pentester receives almost no information about the target system beforehand.  The prices range from $10,000 to $50,000 per scan.

Gray box testing is a penetration testing method in which the pentester is given some information about the system ahead of time. The cost of Gray box pentesting ranges between the aforementioned two methods.

What is Penetration Testing?

Penetration testing, also called pentesting or ethical hacking, is a critical tool for identifying vulnerabilities in a company’s security system. This proactive approach involves simulating cyberattacks on the company’s computer systems, networks, or web applications.

A penetration test is conducted under controlled conditions and with the client’s consent; thus, it can protect valuable data from actual breaches. Different types of penetration testing, such as external, internal/network, and mobile application testing, provide unique insights into specific areas of a firm’s digital landscape.

While executing each type requires different skill sets and tools like vulnerability scanners and selenium scripts, all aim to improve an organization’s defense against real-world threats.

The Importance of Penetration Testing

Penetration testing is pivotal in identifying vulnerabilities within an organization’s security infrastructure. These simulated attacks help expose weak spots that could be exploited by malicious threats like hackers, providing the opportunity to address these gaps before they can be used against the company.
Businesses of all sizes are under constant risk from cyber attacks, and it only takes one successful breach to cause severe damage. Penetration testing ensures businesses can keep pace with evolving cyber threats by regularly assessing their security measures and making necessary improvements.

With the growing reliance on digital systems for storing and managing sensitive information, penetration testing becomes even more crucial as part of an effective cybersecurity strategy.
This practice is about detecting potential flaws and instilling confidence in an organization’s ability to safeguard critical data against future threats.

Breakdown of Penetration Testing Costs

Penetration testing costs usually differ according to the type, style, and scope of testing required.

Cost According to Testing Styles

The penetration testing cost can vary significantly based on the adopted testing style. This price variation is mainly due to the depth of investigation and the time required for each type of testing.

Testing Style Average Cost

White Box Penetration Testing $2000 – $5,000 per scan
Black Box Penetration Testing $10,000 – $50,000 per scan
Gray Box Penetration Testing In between the cost of white and black box testing

White Box Penetration Testing, also known as clear box testing, is a testing method where the tester has complete knowledge of the system’s architecture and source code. This detailed knowledge allows for a comprehensive assessment but requires less time, resulting in a lower cost.

On the other hand, Black Box Penetration Testing, where the tester does not know the system’s internal workings, often requires a more extensive and time-consuming process. The tester must explore and identify vulnerabilities without prior knowledge, considerably driving the cost.

Meanwhile, Gray Box Penetration Testing offers a balanced approach. In this method, the tester has partial knowledge of the system’s internal workings. As a result, the cost typically falls somewhere between White Box and Black Box testing.

Cost According to Type of Penetration Test

Penetration testing costs can significantly vary depending on the penetration test being employed. Here are some cost estimates for different types of standard penetration tests:

Type of Penetration Test Average Cost

Cloud Infrastructure, Network, and Devices Penetration Testing $10000 to $20,000
White Box Penetration Testing $2000 – $5,000 per scan
Black Box Penetration Testing $10,000 to $50,000 per scan
Gray Box Penetration Testing Falls somewhere between the cost of white box and black box testing

Each type of penetration test has its specific processes and requirements, significantly influencing the final price. For instance, black box penetration testing, which involves simulating a real-world cyberattack without prior knowledge of the system, is typically more expensive than white box testing where the tester has complete knowledge of the system’s infrastructure. Similarly, the cost of cloud penetration testing can be relatively low compared to other types, due to its scalable and flexible nature.

Key Factors Influencing Penetration Testing Costs

Several key factors can influence the cost of penetration testing, including scope and scale, type of test, tester experience, compliance requirements, system type, remediation and retesting needs, special requirements, contract type, and vendor type.

Scope and Scale

The scope and scale of a penetration testing project can significantly influence its cost. The larger the scope and complexity of the tested systems, the more time and resources it will require, resulting in higher costs.

Additionally, the number of live IP addresses that need to be assessed and the overall data sensitivity will also impact pricing. It’s important to carefully consider the goals of your test, the type of applications involved, and any specific security requirements you have to determine an accurate scope for your project.

Tester Experience

Tester experience plays a crucial role in the cost of penetration testing. The more experienced and skilled the tester, the higher their fees will likely be. Experienced testers deeply understand different vulnerabilities and can efficiently identify security loopholes.

They are also well-versed in various testing methodologies and possess knowledge about emerging threats in the cybersecurity landscape. Hiring an experienced penetration tester ensures a thorough and practical assessment of your systems, increasing the likelihood of identifying critical vulnerabilities that may go unnoticed.

It’s important to consider the tester experience when selecting a provider to ensure you receive high-quality testing services that meet your specific needs and requirements, ultimately enhancing your overall cybersecurity posture.

Compliance Requirements

Compliance requirements play a significant role in determining the costs of penetration testing. Various compliance standards, such as SOC and PCI DSS may necessitate specific types of penetration tests to ensure data security and regulatory compliance.

These requirements can increase the overall costs of penetration testing due to the additional time and resources needed to meet these standards. The complexity and scope of compliance requirements directly impact the extent of testing required, resulting in varying costs for different organizations.

Remediation and Retesting

To ensure the effectiveness of penetration testing, remediation and retesting play a critical role. After identifying vulnerabilities during the initial testing, remediation involves fixing these issues to strengthen security measures.

Once the necessary fixes have been implemented, retesting is conducted to verify that the vulnerabilities have been addressed and no new weaknesses have emerged. This iterative process helps organizations enhance their overall security posture and reduce the risk of cyberattacks.
As such, both remediation and retesting significantly contribute to the cost factors involved in penetration testing.

Special Requirements

Penetration testing may require special requirements based on your organization’s specific needs. For example, if you operate in a highly regulated industry such as finance or healthcare, you may have compliance requirements that must be addressed during penetration testing.
Additionally, if your system includes unique or proprietary technology, special considerations might be necessary to test all potential vulnerabilities thoroughly. Furthermore, customized testing scenarios or complex network architectures could also impact the cost and time required for the penetration test.
These particular requirements will play a crucial role in determining the overall scope and approach of the testing process, ensuring that your specific security needs are met effectively.

Contract Type

The cost of penetration testing can vary depending on the contract type. Providers may offer options like one-time testing contracts or ongoing subscription-based agreements.

The pricing structure for each type of contract can significantly impact the overall cost of penetration testing. Companies should carefully consider their needs and budget when selecting a contract type to ensure they get the most value for their investment.

For instance, white box testing typically requires a fixed fee per scan, ranging from $500 to $2000. On the other hand, black box testing tends to be more expensive, ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 per scan.

Gray box testing falls within the price range of white and black box testing. Companies must assess their specific requirements and evaluate the benefits of different contract types to make an informed decision that aligns with their cybersecurity goals and budget constraints.

Vendor Type

Different vendors can have different pricing structures for penetration testing. The cost of penetration testing can vary depending on the vendor selected. The vendor type is a key factor influencing the penetration testing cost.
It is important to consider the vendor type when determining the cost of penetration testing. The choice of vendor can significantly impact the overall cost of penetration testing.

Understanding Penetration Testing Quotes

Penetration testing quotes provide valuable insights into the cost and scope of a penetration testing project. These quotes outline the specific services that will be provided, along with associated costs.
Organizations can make informed decisions about their cybersecurity investments by understanding penetration testing quotes.

One important factor to consider when interpreting these quotes is the type of penetration test offered. Different types of tests have varying levels of complexity and depth, which can impact the overall cost.
For example, white box penetration testing typically involves scanning for vulnerabilities in known areas. It has a lower price range than black box testing, which includes more comprehensive and extensive assessments.

Additionally, it is crucial to pay attention to other vital factors influencing penetration testing costs mentioned earlier in this article, such as scope and scale, tester experience, compliance requirements, system type, remediation needs, special requirements, contract type, vendor type,and more.
All these factors contribute to the final quote provided by a professional security service provider.

How Often Should Penetration Testing Be Carried Out?

Regular penetration testing is crucial for maintaining a secure environment and avoiding potential vulnerabilities. The frequency of these tests can vary depending on factors such as the size and complexity of the organization, industry regulations, and risk tolerance.

For large companies, recurring penetration testing may be beneficial to ensure continuous protection and identify any new weaknesses or vulnerabilities. This proactive approach helps businesses become more cyber resilient and prevents a false sense of security.

It’s important to note that small and medium-sized businesses are also at risk, with a significant percentage of cyber attacks targeting them. Therefore, regardless of company size, regularly conducting penetration tests alongside other cybersecurity measures is essential in safeguarding against potential threats.

Choosing the Right Penetration Testing Provider

Experienced testers are more likely to understand your organization’s unique challenges and provide tailored solutions. By selecting a provider with strong credentials and extensive experience, you can ensure that your penetration test is conducted by skilled professionals who can effectively identify potential security risks.

Testing Methods Used

Penetration testing utilizes various testing methods to identify vulnerabilities and assess the security of a system or network. These methods include vulnerability scanning, which involves automated tools scanning for known vulnerabilities.

Threat intelligence analysis is another method that gathers and analyzes information on potential threats and attackers to understand their tactics better. Social engineering testing simulates real-world attacks to assess an organization’s security measures.

Lastly, red teaming exercises simulate advanced attacks to test defenses and uncover weaknesses. Each method serves a specific purpose in assessing the resilience of systems and providing valuable insights into potential security risks.