Pen testing costs can range from $2500 to more than $50000. Numerous factors impact this pricing range: compliance software subscription, quantity of assets incorporated, type of pen tests, difficulty of the environment, and company size.
Introduction
The factors that affect penetrating testing costs are dependent on quicker experience, technique, and complexity. For example, a big company with numerous apps or websites will raise the difficulty. The tester’s service and level offered will also impact the cost.
Here are some details on factors that impact pen testing cost.
Company Size
Large companies encounter increased costs because of having various points of attack. Huge data volumes, difficult networks, and more employees are expected to cost more than a company with fewer employees.
Scope of Testing
The testing scope importantly affects the cost. Assessing one website with all incorporated web apps is less time-consuming and difficult in comparison to assessing a huge number of apps or assessing various locations. The quantity of devices or IP addresses also impacts the price. Every additional element raises the resources and time needed for in-depth evaluation.
Pen Testers Experience
The average pen testing cost per hour is dependent on the experience level of the testers. A senior tester level is significantly more expensive in comparison to automated testing. In addition, the number of engineers involved impacts the cost. A big team can finish the testing rapidly, but at a higher expense.
Complexity of Testing Environment
The difficulty of the testing ecosystem, like internal versus external, also affects the cost. Internal testing is extremely expensive because of the requirement to evaluate internal systems, apps, and networks. Whereas, external networks are affordable and simpler to assess. In-depth testing for the objective of certification may need extensive and in-depth evaluation. This leads to higher costs.
Remediation Services
Remediation services need extremely skilled experts who pinpoint issues and create and implement effective solutions. This procedure requires more effort and time. This importantly increases the entire cost. Your quoted price includes remediation services.
Sorts of Penetration Tests
Comprehension of different pen testing sorts is significant in selecting the correct approach. This sort of pen test incorporates Red Team, Physical, IoT, Social Engineering, Cloud, Wireless, Client-side, Wireless, Web app, and network services.
Testing Methodology
Various techniques simulate various attacks. The company objectives, environment, and scope are seen in the methods utilized. External attacks that replicate attacks from outside the companies are economical. Internal attacks are sometimes expensive because of the difficulty.
Black, Gray, or White Box Testing
- Black Box: Testers have zero previous information. Therefore, they need more time and research and time.
- Gray Box: It is an amalgamation of black box and white box testing. This is moderately priced because of the previous information given.
- White Box: Testers have complete knowledge that saves cost and time, although the test scope might still require significant expenses.
Regulatory Requirements
Following industry standards and rules can affect the cost. For example, companies in the healthcare or financial sectors may need to follow regulatory needs like HIPAA or PCI-DSS. This can necessitate increasingly costly and in-depth testing.
Geographical Location
The testing team or location can affect the costs. Regions with a higher cost of limited or low availability of expert testers may have higher rates. In addition, testing across various locations may incur logistical difficulties and travel expenses.
Testing Frequency
The testing speed of pen testing can impact the overall costs. As part of a security maintenance, occasional testing perhaps provide economies of scale and possible discounts. In comparison, one-time testing is perhaps more expensive because of initial assessment and set-up costs.
Reporting and Modification
In-depth reporting and customized testing requirements can increase the costs. Modifying the pen test to particular organizational requirements and producing in-depth reports for various audiences, like technical management and teams, requires more expertise or effort.
Third-Party Collaboration
The involvement of the consultants or 3rd party vendors can add to more costs. Collaborating with external parties, guaranteeing flawless collaboration, and integrating their systems may require more expenses and resources.
Post Assessment Support
Post-assessment services are expected to add to the cost. Perhaps they entail in-depth debriefings, follow-up tests, and staff training sessions to authenticate remediation effectiveness. These services guarantee that the company completely understands the results and can effectively address pinpointed vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
Pen testing companies that do not implement their pen tests will not be prepared for the attackers. They may be unpleasantly surprised if one of their partners implements a supply chain pen test and looks for the company’s mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is meant by pen testing?
Penetration testing is an essential component of a comprehensive security testing program. By simulating a real-world attack, pen testing helps organizations identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses, improve security, and reduce the risk of a successful attack.
What are the types of pen testing?
Black Box: Testers have zero previous information. Therefore, they need more time and research and time.
Gray Box: It is an amalgamation of black box and white box testing. This is moderately priced because of the previous information given.
White Box: Testers have complete knowledge that saves cost and time, although the test scope might still require significant expenses.
