Our clients and customers often ask: how is the price for penetration testing services determined? To provide a detailed answer, we, along with experts from ESKA, have gathered the main factors that influence pricing and their impact on the final cost.
Before diving into the specifics of pricing and the factors that affect the cost of penetration testing, let’s revisit what a penetration test (Pentest) is:
A penetration test (Pentest) is the process of identifying, investigating, and exploiting vulnerabilities within an organization’s cybersecurity framework. This service is essential for various companies, regardless of their industry.
During a penetration test, a specialist examines:
Websites
Web applications
Network services
Databases
Network equipment
OSI protocols
Data protection measures
Software
Typically, penetration testing begins with a technical analysis, during which cybersecurity experts identify and exploit vulnerabilities in software or hardware. All actions are taken to ensure that the specialists' activities do not impact the organization’s operations. Both automated and manual tools are used for testing. Importantly, all testing stages are coordinated with the client's information security department.
Additionally, tests based on social engineering methods are conducted. This means experts assess how well employees understand information security issues and whether they know how to recognize threats and respond appropriately. Unfortunately, many departments within companies have a low level of awareness among employees, leading to breaches of protocols or complete ignorance of their content. This can result in opening infected emails, downloading files from unknown sources, and sharing data over the phone, giving attackers access to confidential information.
Some researchers highlight socio-technical penetration tests, which combine the principles of the previous approaches, allowing the identification of the most likely attack vectors.
Penetration tests are categorized into several types:
Black Box Penetration Testing
Black box penetration testing allows for choosing targets with multiple assets, maximizing the impact of identified vulnerabilities, similar to a real attack. This audit requires minimal preparation from the client. The advantage of this method is that it allows pentesters to evaluate the system from a fresh perspective, as an attacker would, uncovering non-obvious potential vulnerabilities. This helps avoid focusing excessively on protecting only key elements, overlooking other potential risks. Conducting a black box test without warning security teams allows testing the organization’s ability to recognize and respond to attacks.
Grey Box Penetration Testing
In grey box penetration testing, pentesters have some information about the target. This can include data on the audited object’s functioning, access to accounts with limited rights, and access to non-public resources. This allows for more detailed testing and a better understanding of the context. In grey box testing, auditors focus on specific areas already identified as high-risk, sensitive, or accessible only internally. This helps simulate potential attacks from clients, partners, visitors, or employees. The advantage of this approach is the ability to precisely tailor the testing scope according to priorities, such as verifying newly launched features or particularly sensitive components.
White Box Penetration Testing
White box security auditing goes beyond traditional pentesting, turning into a tool for deeper analysis. Unlike penetration testing, where auditors think like potential attackers, white box auditing offers a more detailed examination of the system’s protective mechanisms. This approach not only uncovers hidden vulnerabilities that might go unnoticed during standard pentesting but also provides a deeper understanding of security issues, revealing potential threats buried within system settings.
Specialized types of pentesting include:
Web application testing
Cloud platform testing
Mobile application testing
Network testing
Software testing
Hardware testing
IoT and industrial systems testing
Blockchain systems testing
Social engineering testing
Penetration Testing Methodologies
Methodologies governing pentesting include:
OWASP: A set of standards and guidelines for application security testing.
OSSTMM: A structured methodology for testing open systems.
PTES and NIST SP 800-115: Guidelines for performing penetration tests and IT system security assessments.
MITRE ATT&CK: A database of cyberattack techniques and tactics.
Penetration Testing vs. Cybersecurity Audits
Penetration testing actively exploits vulnerabilities to simulate an attacker, while cybersecurity audits focus more on passive data collection and analysis to assess vulnerabilities without active intervention.
Stages of Penetration Testing
Planning and Reconnaissance: Gathering information and defining testing targets.
Vulnerability Analysis and Exploitation: Identifying and exploiting weaknesses.
Post-Exploitation and Analysis: Deep analysis of the compromised system.
Reporting: Documenting the process and results of the penetration test.
Penetration testing is an integral part of a cybersecurity strategy, providing businesses with deep insights into potential threats and helping prevent real attacks.
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The Penetration Testing Pricing Process: Reasons and Stages
In our practice, we've encountered clients who approached us after unsuccessful collaborations with newer companies. Despite having penetration tests conducted, they still discovered new vulnerabilities in their systems. This indicates that not all providers can deliver the required service quality.
Therefore, it's crucial to consider several key aspects when choosing a company to conduct a penetration test:
Experience of the Company: Choose companies with many years of experience in cybersecurity. Experienced specialists better understand modern threats and have effective methods for identifying and mitigating them.
Successful Case Studies: Ask for examples of successfully completed projects. This will help you assess the company's ability to handle tasks similar to yours.
Client Reviews: Read reviews and recommendations from other clients. This will give you an idea of customer satisfaction levels and the quality of services provided.
Contracts and Guarantees: Carefully review the contract terms. Ensure it clearly defines the responsibilities of both parties, stages of work, and dispute resolution mechanisms. Guarantees on completed work are also an important indicator of the company's reliability.
Longevity of the Company: Companies that have been in the market for many years typically have a stable reputation and proven methodologies.
By paying attention to these factors, you can choose a reliable provider that will ensure the effective protection of your systems and data.
To ensure the most effective protection of your information systems, it's important not only to conduct a penetration test but also to thoroughly assess the scope and quality of the work performed. One of the key aspects of such an assessment is determining the model of action of a potential attacker, which allows for more precise identification of possible vulnerabilities and threats. Below is a table that details the scope and quality of work in penetration testing projects, as well as the models of actions of potential attackers. It will help you better understand how testing is conducted and which factors are considered to ensure the maximum security of your system.
Table 1: Scope and Quality of Work in Penetration Testing Projects, Defining Potential Attacker Models
Security Level | Attacker | Main Threats | Imitation (Relation to Pentest) | Specialists |
Low | Inexperienced (script kiddie) | Use of standard tools and programs without detailed understanding includes: - Performing DDoS attacks using publicly available botnets. - Spreading standard viruses through social media. - Automatic exploitation of basic SQL injections. | Automated vulnerability scanning Phishing site | Junior-level capable |
Medium | Hacktivist, novice hacker | Conducts DDoS attacks using own resources. Creates phishing pages for attacks. Exploits medium-complexity vulnerabilities found through automated tools. Compromises accounts through database leaks. | Automated vulnerability scanning. Conducting phishing through attachments or sites Performing simple stress-testing (DoS). Security analysis. | Middle-level capable |
High | Hacker | Uses custom exploits for vulnerabilities. Creates and spreads complex malware. Compromises corporate networks and systems Manually exploits IT sector vulnerabilities. Stealthily infiltrates and remains in the victim’s system for a long time. Conducts financial fraud and data theft through phishing. | Penetration testing. Distributed stress-testing (DoS) and phishing simulation through websites or email. Information security measures evaluation. | Team of middle and senior-level specialists. |
Very High | APT Groups | Conducts targeted attacks on government and critical business entities. Employs advanced evasion and anti-detection techniques. Creates and uses zero-day vulnerabilities Infiltrates IT infrastructure with long-term stealth. Steals state and commercial secrets. Conducts politically or socially motivated website attacks. | Red Team Testing bypassing information security measures. Phishing (attachments, sites) Zero-day exploit usage Blue Team training | Team includes senior and lead-level specialists. |
The quantity, equipment, training, and awareness of potential violators, as well as the details of their actions, all need to be simulated by pentesters in a project. Therefore, agreements on all these aspects should be made in advance, and these criteria should serve as the basis for establishing a fair price.
Considering clear models of malicious behavior and ways to simulate their actions, we can proceed to describe the pricing process. How can we determine the cost of a pentest by a "beginner" that lasts five working days and is performed by a junior-level specialist, versus the cost of a three-month Red Teaming effort by a group of top specialists?
Components of Penetration Testing Cost
Typically, the cost of a pentest is formed from several components:
Team Composition
Planned Number of Working Days for the Project
Testing Methodology (black box, gray box, or white box)
Scope of Testing (public services, Wi-Fi, etc.)
Date of the Last Audit and Other Variables
Different testing objects require different approaches to team formation and cost calculation. Thus, the concept of "low" or "high" price for a pentest does not exist—there is only the business need for testing at a certain level. By determining the complexity level, a justified testing cost can be calculated.
It's senseless to invest in complex and expensive Red Teaming tests if the company is just beginning to develop its information security processes. Similarly, there's no point in spending money on a "script kiddie" pentest model if the company regularly conducts audits, has established protection mechanisms, and has more mature IS processes.
Besides the price, it’s also important to consider the business needs for testing at a certain level, the scope of work necessary to achieve the project's goal, the level of specialists' qualifications, their experience, and their recognized achievements: OSCP, OSCE, eWPTX certificates; participation in Bug Bounty programs, "Halls of Fame," research, etc., and the attacker model.
Detailed Analysis of Pentest Service Pricing
Pricing for pentest services is a multifaceted process that takes into account various factors influencing the total cost. Below are the main factors affecting the price:
1. Scope of Work
The scope of work determines the quantity and complexity of tasks required for the pentest. Key aspects considered include:
Infrastructure Size and Complexity: A large corporate network or numerous web applications require more time for analysis.
Types of Testing: External, internal testing, social engineering testing, mobile app testing, etc.
Depth of Check: Superficial vulnerability scanning or detailed penetration testing.
2. Urgency
The project's time frame significantly impacts the budget. Key points include:
Urgency: If the pentest needs to be performed in a short period, additional specialists or overtime work may be required.
Planning: Pre-planned projects allow for more efficient resource allocation.
3. Level of Involved Specialists
The qualification and experience levels of specialists significantly impact the cost. Typically, the team consists of specialists of various levels, each involved in performing specific tasks corresponding to their competencies:
Junior Engineers: Perform basic tasks under senior colleagues' supervision. They handle meticulous and routine work but are not involved in critical tasks.
Middle Engineers: Capable of performing more complex tasks independently. They have enough experience to make decisions and perform more responsible tasks, enhancing team efficiency and ensuring high work quality.
Senior Engineers: Have extensive experience and can solve the most complex tasks. They often lead teams, develop strategies, and make critically important decisions. Investments in developing these specialists ensure high work quality. They have certifications like CISSP, CEH, OSCP, confirming their high qualification level.
Experts and Contractors: Engaged for specific tasks requiring specialized knowledge and skills. They may have certifications like CISM, CISA, or specialized vendor certificates such as Cisco (CCIE), Microsoft (MSCE), etc. Their knowledge and experience solve the most complex technical issues.
Certification and Continuous Training
All these specialists regularly undergo training and hold relevant certifications, confirming their knowledge and skills. Among the most common certifications are:
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): Confirms deep knowledge in cybersecurity.
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Certification for penetration testing specialists.
Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP): Confirms practical skills in attacks and information systems protection.
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA): Certifications for information security management and audit specialists.
Continuous training and certification of specialists guarantee that they are always aware of the latest protection methods and can effectively respond to modern cyber threats. This ensures high-quality work and the reliability of services provided by our team.
4. Use of Special Tools
Some types of testing require special tools and resources:
Testing Software: Commercial or proprietary solutions used for conducting attacks and analysis.
DDoS Attacks: Require significant resources for traffic generation.
Software Licenses: Can increase costs depending on the required tools.
5. Infrastructure Costs
The use and maintenance of testing infrastructure are also considered:
Cloud Platforms: Deploying hacking machines in the cloud provides flexibility but adds costs for rental and administration.
Local Infrastructure: Additional equipment may need to be deployed on-site at the client’s location.
Example Cost Calculation
For example, consider a medium-complexity pentest project for a corporate network:
Scope of Work: External and internal testing, web application checking.
Deadline: 1 month.
Team: 1 senior engineer, 2 middle engineers, 1 junior engineer.
Tools: Use of commercial vulnerability scanning software, proprietary scripts.
Infrastructure: Cloud resources for deploying test machines.
The cost of such a project can range from $5,000 to $30,000, depending on specific requirements and conditions.
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Conclusion
The cost of a pentest is varied and has a wide range, depending on factors such as the scope of work, task complexity, and the number of involved specialists. There is no upper limit to the cost, as different projects may require different resources and specialists of various levels.
For example, comparing two e-commerce projects like Amazon and a Ukrainian e-commerce company such as Rozetka, the system checks will differ significantly. Amazon, being a global e-commerce giant with vast infrastructure, numerous web applications, millions of users, and multiple service integrations, would require a large number of highly qualified specialists, including experts in various cybersecurity areas. Additionally, companies like Amazon often have bug bounty programs, where a single vulnerability can earn between $5,000 and $20,000. It's important not to confuse a pentest with bug bounty: a pentest is a comprehensive penetration test conducted by professional teams at the company's request, while a bug bounty allows independent researchers to voluntarily find and report vulnerabilities in exchange for a reward. This emphasizes the high cost of reputational losses that large companies may incur in the event of a compromise. Investing in cybersecurity is justified, as it helps protect businesses from potential threats and preserve their reputation.
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