Cyberattacks are getting more sophisticated with advanced technologies, and the cost of data breaches is crippling companies and even pushing some to the edge of bankruptcy. And that’s why budgeting for strong offensive security measures like penetration testing isn’t optional—it’s imperative.
But understanding the cost of penetration testing isn’t just about looking at a single price tag. Because the real cost—Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)—covers much more. Think tools, skilled personnel, resources, and even the cost of fixing vulnerabilities uncovered during the test.
And what drives these costs? The scope of the test is a big factor—how many systems, applications, or networks need to be assessed. Then there’s the complexity, which depends on the technologies you’re using, how sensitive your data is, and how everything is set up. And other factors like the expertise of the testers, the chosen methodology, reporting requirements, and the frequency of testing also contribute.
Let’s break down these elements to see how they influence the overall cost.
There are several types of penetration tests, each with its own unique focus and factors that influence pricing. Here's an overview to help you understand the key differences and considerations.
Network Penetration Testing is all about assessing your internal and external networks for vulnerabilities. It’s like staging a simulated attack to uncover weaknesses—open ports, outdated software, weak firewall rules, and insecure configurations that attackers could exploit to gain access.
Security engineers conducting these tests use a combination of techniques. Vulnerability scanning helps identify known flaws using automated tools. Network mapping provides a detailed diagram of your network, highlighting potential attack paths. And controlled exploitation attempts are then carried out to determine just how far an attacker could penetrate your defenses.
The cost of network penetration testing depends on several factors. The size and complexity of your network are key—larger networks with multiple subnets and intricate routing naturally take more time and effort to test. It ranges from $5,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on the level of access you grant testers, as higher-level access often demands a more thorough examination.
Web Application Penetration Testing focuses on identifying vulnerabilities in your web applications—the public-facing interfaces where users interact with your business. These tests target common flaws like SQL injection, where attackers manipulate database queries; cross-site scripting (XSS), which involves injecting malicious scripts into web pages; and authentication bypasses that let attackers gain unauthorized access.
Security engineers use a mix of approaches to uncover these issues. Black-box testing examines the app without prior knowledge of its internal workings, while grey-box testing is conducted with some insights into the app’s design. Automated scanning tools are also employed to efficiently identify known vulnerabilities. Testers then manipulate inputs, attempt to bypass security controls, and try to exploit weaknesses to see how your app holds up under attack.
The cost of web application penetration testing depends primarily on the app’s complexity, typically ranging from $3,000 to $15,000 or more. Applications with numerous features, multiple user roles, and integrations with other systems require more extensive analysis.
APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) are the backbone of modern software systems, enabling different applications to communicate and exchange data. API penetration testing helps uncover security weaknesses in these interfaces, including flawed authorization mechanisms, data exposure vulnerabilities, and injection flaws that attackers could exploit.
Security engineers use a variety of techniques to test APIs. Fuzzing involves sending random or unexpected data to the API to see how it handles errors. Parameter tampering tests whether modifying API requests can bypass security controls. Request forgery attempts are made to exploit how the API processes unauthorized or malicious requests.
The cost of API penetration testing ranges from $2,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on variables like the number of APIs being tested and the complexity of their logic. APIs handling sensitive or high-value data also require more rigorous testing, which can increase TCO.
Cloud Penetration Testing
With businesses increasingly moving to the cloud, securing cloud environments has become critical. Cloud penetration testing focuses on platforms like AWS, Azure, and GCP, identifying misconfigurations, insecure APIs, and vulnerabilities in cloud-native services that could expose your organization to risk.
Security engineers use several techniques tailored to cloud environments. Cloud configuration reviews check for settings that deviate from best practices, ensuring compliance and reducing risk. Vulnerability scanning is conducted to identify weaknesses specific to cloud services. Engineers also attempt to exploit identified issues—always with your authorization—to understand the real-world impact of potential attacks.
The cost of cloud penetration testing ranges from $4,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on key factors. The specific cloud provider and the types of services you’re using, such as virtual machines, serverless functions, or managed databases, also play a significant role in the TCO. And the complexity of your cloud architecture—how everything is interconnected—also adds to the effort required.
Mobile Application Penetration Testing is all about uncovering security flaws in your mobile apps, whether they’re on iOS or Android. These tests look for issues like insecure data storage on the device, vulnerabilities in the app’s code, and weaknesses in how the app authenticates and authorizes users.
Security engineers use several techniques to evaluate mobile apps. Static analysis involves examining the app’s code without running it, while dynamic analysis tests the app during runtime to identify real-world vulnerabilities. Reverse engineering is used to dissect how the app works internally, and API testing ensures secure communication between the app and backend servers.
Typical costs for mobile application penetration testing range from $2,500 to $12,000 or more. They depend on factors like the platform (iOS or Android), the complexity of the app’s features and functionality, and how deeply it integrates with backend systems.
Penetration testing isn’t just an expense—it’s a strategic investment in your organization’s security. It is one of the smartest ways to safeguard your business and stay ahead of potential attackers.
Here’s why investing in penetration testing makes sense:
Siemba is a leader in offensive security, offering a consolidated security platform to help organizations harden their defenses and proactively manage cyber threats. Through our Penetration Testing as a Service (PTaaS), Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM), and External Attack Surface Management (EASM) solutions, we provide advanced capabilities for adversarial security testing and vulnerability management.
Here’s how Siemba can make a difference:
Ready to take control of your organization’s security? Get in touch with our experts to learn more about Siemba’s offensive security solutions and discover how we can help you build a more secure and resilient future.