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0. Overview

Penetration testing, also known as pen testing or ethical hacking, is a proactive cybersecurity measure designed to identify and fix vulnerabilities in your systems before malicious hackers can exploit them. Understanding the cost of penetration testing is crucial for budgeting and planning your organization’s cybersecurity strategy. Here’s a comprehensive and detailed exploration of the factors that influence the cost of penetration testing and what you can expect to pay.

1. Factors Influencing Penetration Testing Costs

factors influencing the cost of a penetration test

1.1 – Scope and Complexity

One of the first steps of the penetration test sales process is to identify the scope of the assessment. Scoping helps determine the size and overall effort of the project. Several factors can affect scope, but the two most common factors are the:

    • Size of the Organization: The cost of penetration testing for a smaller organization with a simpler infrastructure will be significantly lower than for a large enterprise with a complex network. Smaller organizations typically have fewer assets to test, reducing the overall effort and cost.
    • Complexity of the Environment: Complexity directly impacts the cost. If your environment includes multiple interconnected systems, applications, databases, and devices, the testing process becomes more extensive and time-consuming. Complex environments with diverse technologies and configurations require more expertise and effort to test thoroughly. This includes multiple web applications, various network segments, cloud environments, and IoT devices.

1.2 – Type of Penetration Tests

Costs of common penetration tests

There are many different types of penetration tests, each of which have different testing complexities and time requirements. For example, an external network penetration test, on average, ranges anywhere from three to five days of testing. A web application penetration test, on the other hand, almost always averages a week’s worth of testing, which drives a higher cost. Below are the most common types of penetration tests performed by our team and the cost ranges we see associated with them:

1.2.1 Network Penetration Testing Costs

Network testing involves assessing both internal and external networks for vulnerabilities like open ports, outdated software, and misconfigurations. External network penetration tests typically cost between $5,000 to $20,000 (with $10,000 representing the average cost for a typical client), depending on the number of public-facing IP addresses and other factors, such as employee headcount and social engineering. Internal network testing is more expensive due to the need for an on-site device to perform the assessment (and sometimes on-site testing with travel are required) and the increased complexity of internal environments, which typically focus on Active Directory exploitation. An internal penetration test typically ranges from $7,500 to $30,000, with $12,500 representing the average cost for a typical client.

1.2.2 Web Application Penetration Testing Costs

This type of testing focuses on identifying vulnerabilities in web applications, such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and insecure configurations. Costs for web application penetration testing can range from $5,000 to $30,000, with $12,500 representing the average cost for a typical client. The price is influenced by the number of applications, their complexity, and the specific technologies used.

1.2.3 Cloud Penetration Testing/Auditing Costs

With the growing adoption of cloud services, testing cloud environments such as AWS, Azure, and GCP has become essential. Cloud penetration testing ranges from $10,000 to $50,000 (with $15,000 representing the average cost for a typical client), focusing on cloud-specific vulnerabilities like insecure APIs, misconfigured storage services, and inadequate access controls.

1.2.4 API Penetration Testing Costs

Testing application programming interfaces (APIs) is critical as they often serve as a gateway to the backend systems. API penetration tests usually cost between $5,000 and $30,000 per asset, depending on the number of endpoints and their complexity. The average cost of a typical client is $12,500.

1.2.5 Mobile Application Penetration Testing Costs

This involves assessing mobile applications for security flaws, including insecure data storage, weak authentication mechanisms, and insecure communication channels. The cost for mobile application testing typically ranges from $12,500 to $40,000, depending on the number of applications, their complexity, and the platforms (iOS, Android) they are developed for. The average cost of a typical client is around $25,000 because multiple platforms are often tested for each application.

learn how to hack, then prove it

1.3 – Penetration Testing Methodology

The testing methodology used during the engagement directly affects the cost. A black box test, for example, often costs more as the testing team is given no information and thus spends more time on reconaissance than would be required in a white or grey box test. Below, we walk through the different types of testing methodology that could be used on an engagement:

1.3.1 Black Box Testing

In this approach, the tester has no prior knowledge of the system, simulating an external attack. This method is comprehensive and is typically more expensive. Black box testing closely mimics the actions of a real attacker, providing valuable insights into how your system would withstand an external threat. However, this type of testing should be reserved for more mature organizations. If an organization is performing their first penetration test, it is often not beneficial for the test to be performed via black box methodology.

1.3.2 White Box Testing

The tester is given full knowledge of the system, including source codes, network architecture, and internal configurations. This method is ideal for identifying internal vulnerabilities. White box testing allows for a thorough examination of the internal workings of your systems, uncovering vulnerabilities that might not be visible from an external perspective.

1.3.3 Grey Box Testing

A combination of black and white box testing, where the tester has partial knowledge of the system. This method simulates both internal and external threats. Grey box testing provides a balanced approach, combining the thoroughness of white box testing with the external perspective of black box testing while also typically being the cheaper option.

1.4 – Experience and Expertise of the Penetration Tester

The cost is influenced by the expertise and experience of the penetration tester or the team. More experienced professionals, especially those with specialized skills, command higher fees. Hourly rates for skilled testers range from $250 to $500, with more specialized tasks such as reverse engineering or product security assessments costing even more. Experienced testers can identify subtle and complex vulnerabilities that less experienced testers might miss, providing a higher quality assessment.

1.5 – Reputation of the Penetration Testing Company

Not all cybersecurity consulting companies are created equal. Often, consultancies will attempt to pass off a vulnerability scan as a penetration test, outsource work to cheap consultants, and provide poor findings. A high-quality consultancy will have a strong reputation, have highly experienced (and well-paid) staff, and have case studies and/or recommendation letters to back up their reputation. Due diligence is incredibly important when selecting a vendor and there is often a strong correlation between quality and hourly rate when it comes to penetration testing.

1.6 – Location and Logistics

Onsite testing can increase costs due to travel and lodging expenses if the testing company is not local. While most modern testing is performed remotely to save on client costs, onsite assessments are sometimes necessary for internal penetration tests where physical access to the systems is required but remote access cannot be provided. The logistics of coordinating onsite visits and the associated travel expenses must be factored into the overall cost.

2. Average Penetration Test Cost Ranges

average cost ranges for penetration testing

Once we understand the different factors that influence pentest costs, we can break down a project into three core categories:

  • Basic Penetration Tests: For smaller, less complex organizations, basic penetration tests range from $5,000 to $15,000. These tests cover essential assessments and provide a general overview of the security posture.
  • Comprehensive Penetration Tests: For larger and more complex environments, penetration test costs range from $10,000 to $30,000. Comprehensive tests include detailed assessments of multiple systems and applications, providing a thorough evaluation of the security landscape.
  • High-End Penetration Tests: For very large organizations or highly specialized tests, costs can range from $30,000 to $100,000. High-end tests involve advanced techniques and in-depth analysis, suitable for organizations with critical assets and high-security requirements.

3. Why Invest in Penetration Testing?

why invest in penetration testing

Investing in penetration testing is essential for several reasons:

  • Proactive Vulnerability Identification: Penetration testing identifies vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them, allowing you to address security issues proactively.
  • Cost-Effective Security Measure: The cost of penetration testing is a fraction of the potential losses from a data breach. Data breaches can lead to significant financial losses, legal liabilities, and reputational damage.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Regular penetration testing is often required for compliance with industry standards such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). Compliance with these standards not only protects your organization, but also assures your customers and partners of your commitment to security.
  • Enhanced Security Posture: Penetration testing provides valuable insights into your security weaknesses, allowing you to strengthen your defenses and improve your overall security posture.
  • Risk Mitigation: By identifying and addressing vulnerabilities, penetration testing reduces the risk of cyberattacks and helps safeguard sensitive data and critical assets.
  • Trust and Reputation: Demonstrating a commitment to cybersecurity through regular penetration testing enhances your organization’s reputation and builds trust with customers, partners, and stakeholders.

4. Conclusion

Investing in penetration testing is a crucial component of any robust cybersecurity strategy. While the costs can vary widely depending on the scope, complexity, and specific requirements of your organization, understanding these factors helps you make informed decisions. By investing in high-quality penetration testing, you not only safeguard your data and assets but also enhance your organization’s overall security posture, ensuring long-term protection against cyber threats.

By prioritizing penetration testing, you demonstrate a proactive approach to cybersecurity, ensuring that your organization is well-prepared to defend against the ever-evolving threat landscape.

Heath Adams

About the Author: Heath Adams

Heath Adams, also known as “The Cyber Mentor,” is the CEO of TCM Security. While Heath is an ethical hacker by trade, he also loves to teach! Heath has taught courses to over 1,000,000 students on multiple platforms, including TCM Academy, Udemy, YouTube, Twitch, and INE.

Heath has held many certifications, including CISSP, PNPT, QSA, GSNA, OSCP, ECPTX, and eWPT. He also holds an MBA degree.

Finally, Heath is also a husband, animal dad, tinkerer, and military veteran.

About TCM Security

TCM Security is a veteran-owned, cybersecurity services and education company founded in Charlotte, NC. Our services division has the mission of protecting people, sensitive data, and systems. With decades of combined experience, thousands of hours of practice, and core values from our time in service, we use our skill set to secure your environment. The TCM Security Academy is an educational platform dedicated to providing affordable, top-notch cybersecurity training to our individual students and corporate clients including both self-paced and instructor-led online courses as well as custom training solutions. We also provide several vendor-agnostic, practical hands-on certification exams to ensure proven job-ready skills to prospective employers.

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