It’s a fear for many businesses how much security testing will cost. A pen test costs between $10,000 and $35,000 on average. This blog post will list the things that make these costs different.
We’ll help you figure out how much money you need for good security tests.
What Makes Penetration Testing Costs What They Are
Costs for pen tests depend on a number of important factors. Because these things affect the test’s reach and depth, they also affect the end price.
How complicated the target system is
The cost of vulnerability testing depends a lot on how complicated the target system is. Costs for testing are higher for big projects with a lot of tools. Custom code and old tools make tests harder and cost more to run.
Different combinations add to the work and cost as well.
The cost of testing goes up with each extra system or app that is used. When there are more assets, pen testers have to put in more time and work. Networks that are complicated need to be carefully looked at, which raises the total cost.
The final bill goes up because skilled testers have to spend more time on difficult setups.
How much experience the penetration testing team has
We’re now going to talk about the team’s skills instead of the system’s complexity. To find security holes, you need a skilled penetration testing team. Some of the best testers have CREST, OSCP, and SANS qualifications.
It costs more to hire these pros, but they do a better job.
Risks are found by skilled testers that less skilled teams might miss. In a hurry, they help businesses fix security problems. If you hire a team with a good reputation, you can avoid costly data breaches. Senior testers who are very good at what they do usually charge more.
But their knowledge gives businesses more useful information.
The Test’s Scope and Length
Based on how skilled the testing team is, the scale and length of a breach test are two of the most important factors that affect the cost. The project’s difficulty and time needs are directly related to the number of systems, apps, or products that need to be checked.
Most of the time, a bigger scope means more work hours and resources, which means the costs are higher.
Test times depend on how big and complicated the job is. Tests of simple web apps might only take a few days, but tests of complicated networks could last for weeks. Longer tests let you dig deeper and check for vulnerabilities more thoroughly.
When choosing the scope and length of a test, companies have to weigh their security needs against their budgets.
The limits of a pentest are set by its scope, and its depth is determined by its length.
Compliance and Requirements Unique to the Industry
When an industry is regulated, there are strict rules that affect how much security testing costs. Certain rules, like HIPAA and PCI DSS, must be followed in the healthcare and banking industries. Because of these rules, security checks may need to be done once a year, which can add to costs.
When companies have to meet more than one legal standard, these tests get harder.
Companies that have to follow ISO 27001 or SOC 2 rules also have to pay more for tests. These standards call for very careful security measures. Pen testers need to know how to use these complicated rules to check systems.
Regulated areas often have to pay more for expert testers who know how to meet their specific needs.
Different types of penetration tests and how much they cost on average
The price of a penetration test depends on the type of test you need. Want to know more about how much different pen tests cost? Read on to find out!
Penetration testing for web applications
Testing web apps for vulnerabilities finds weak spots in SaaS apps and web platforms. Testing people look for problems in how apps work, who can use them, and how the technology works. This method helps find holes in security before hackers can use them.
The price of these tests depends on how big and complicated the app is. Hard to make apps can cost up to $30,000, while easy ones can cost $5,000. The price is based on how thoroughly the protection needs to be tested.
For practice, experts use special tools that look like real hacks on web apps. They look for holes in login screens, data fields, and server systems. Bugs that could cause data leaks or system takeovers need to be found and fixed.
A lot of businesses hire qualified testers who know how to do both aggressive and responsible hacking. These experts know how to protect you from the newest online risks and think like attackers.
Testing for Network Penetration
We are now focusing on Network Penetration Testing, which means we are moving from web apps to networks. This kind of test looks at how safe an entire organization’s network is. It checks out computers, firewalls, routers, and other devices that are linked.
Pen tests for networks cost more than tests for web apps. They cost between $7,000 and $35,000 for tests inside the company. The cost is based on the size and complexity of the network. Testers have to look at a lot of different gadgets and sets.
To find weak spots, they use programs like Nmap and Wireshark. These tests help keep private info safe and stop cyberattacks.
Penetration testing for mobile apps
Network testing looks at bigger systems, while mobile app testing is more focused on one platform at a time. Mobile Application Penetration Testing looks at Android and iOS apps to find places where they are weak.
It also looks at the processes behind the apps that make them work. Most of the time, this kind of testing costs between $5,000 and $30,000.
The cost of trying a mobile app depends on a number of things. The number of apps checked out is important. It also matters how hard each tool is to use. Testers also look at the app’s features and the jobs of its users.
The price can also change based on the technology used in the app. A thorough test can help you find holes in your security before hackers do.
Testing for holes in the cloud
When you do cloud security testing, you make sure that cloud systems, apps, and data are safe. People who test things look at how many and what kind of cloud services a business uses. They also make sure that the business meets all the rules.
Tests like these can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $40,000. The cost depends on how big and hard it is to set up the cloud.
People who do cloud security tests need to be very skilled. They need to know how to keep the cloud safe and how different cloud systems work. Before bad people can use them, these tests help find weak spots in cloud setups.
We will now talk about the various ways to pay for security tests.
Penetration testing for SaaS and APIs
From testing in the cloud, we now check the security of SaaS and APIs. Web apps and data links that fail these tests are found. Testers check how apps work, what parts users play, and any unique features they have.
How much it costs is based on how many apps need to be tested and how hard they are to make. Tests that aren’t too complicated start at $5,000, and bigger jobs can cost up to $30,000. Hackers look closely at how each app is set up to find any holes that they could use.
To keep online services safe, SaaS and API tests are very important. To keep user info safe and stop unauthorized entry, they are used. Testers use tools to make attacks on the system look like real ones. This lets us know where our shields need work.
This helps businesses fix issues before bad guys find them. If you test well, you can stop data leaks early and save money.
Models for Setting Prices in Penetration Testing
To meet the needs of all of their clients, penetration testing companies offer a range of price options. Find out more about monthly plans with set prices, time-based bills, and choices for ongoing testing by reading on.
Packages with a fixed price
It costs the same amount for all of the security testing services that come with a fixed-price plan. These sets help businesses figure out how much money they need to spend on security checks. There is no doubt about what firms will get or how much it will cost with this choice.
A lot of the time, the tools include basic tasks like checking the network or the web app.
Fixed-price deals might not work for every business, though. Some companies have special systems that need to be tested in a certain way. In this case, extra services might cost more on top of the price of the deal.
Before you buy, you should look at what’s included and make sure it fits your protection needs.
How much time and money
Companies can use Time and Materials prices to only pay for the work that is actually done in pen tests. Testers get paid for the time they spend on the job and the tools they use. Firms can control costs with this plan because they only pay for services they need.
The best companies that do pen tests charge between $250 and $300 an hour for their experts.
Firms like this price because it can be changed. But the exact price may change based on how long the test takes. How long it takes varies on how big the system is and how many problems come up. It may save money in the long run to have skilled testers find problems faster.
Retainer models for testing that never ends
With retainer plans, you can handle your ongoing security testing needs in a flexible way. Companies can pay ahead of time for a set number of testing days or points. With this method, security checks can be done regularly without having to set up new contracts every time.
Some service companies charge fees every month or every three months for a set number of service hours. This model works well for companies that need to test their systems often or react quickly to new threats.
Prices are often better when providers know how a company’s systems work. They work faster and better by using what they already know. This set-up is good for both the business and the tester.
It makes tests go faster and more accurately, and it might also lower costs in the long run. The next part will talk about how to make a good budget for a security test.
How much it costs to do a penetration test
It takes some time and thought to make a pen test budget. You’ll need to figure out how much the first tests and repairs will cost and make plans for them.
Trying to Guess the First Costs
Careful planning is needed to figure out how much the beginning costs of security testing will be. For a full review, businesses should set aside at least $30,000. Usually, the price is between $10,000 and $45,000, and a quality test costs at least $25,000.
These numbers show the basics. However, costs can go up depending on how complicated the system is and how many tests are needed.
The final price depends on things like the size of the network, the number of apps, and the need for compliance. Some tests charge more, but they usually give you more for your money. Companies also need to plan for possible retests and fixes after the first evaluation.
A good knowledge of these factors helps make a correct cost estimate for security testing.
Thinking About Support for Retesting and Remediation
A big part of security testing is fixing problems and doing more tests. A lot of companies offer these services to keep your computers safe. For example, Blaze Information Security lets you get one free fix check every 90 days.
This lets clients fix problems that were found in the first test without having to pay extra.
When you make a smart budget, you include money for fixes and retests. To keep your protection strong over time, you need to take these steps. Some businesses offer these services as part of their deals. Some of them charge extra.
For no surprise costs later, it’s best to ask about these choices right away.
In conclusion
There are many things that affect how much penetration testing costs. Companies can get the most out of their security tests if they plan their budgets well. Companies should look at what they need and compare it to the choices and price models that are out there.
Getting thorough testing and useful results is guaranteed if you choose the right service. Systems stay safe from new threats and online risks when they are tested regularly.