Pen testing is a critical security measure, helping organisations identify and validate exploitable vulnerabilities before cybercriminals do. However, one of the most common questions we hear is:
“How Much Does a Pen Test Cost?”
The answer depends on several factors. While pen testing was once considered expensive and unpredictable, modern approaches such as Continuous Pen Testing and Pen Testing as a Service (PTaaS) have made it more accessible than ever.
Below, we break down the 5 key factors that determine pen testing costs, along with the value it provides.
1. Scope of the Pen Test
The size and complexity of the system being tested significantly impact cost.
A simple website pen test is typically more affordable than a full network penetration test or web application penetration test covering multiple assets.
Typical scope considerations include:
- Website Pen Test
Focused on identifying vulnerabilities in public-facing websites, such as poor authentication, outdated plugins, and misconfigured security headers. - Web App Pen Testing
A more comprehensive assessment of dynamic web apps (including APIs), targeting logic flaws, insecure data handling, and authorisation weaknesses. - Network Pen Testing
Covers both internal and external infrastructure, identifying risks like exposed ports, outdated systems, and weak access controls.
2. Cost of One-Off vs. Continuous Pen Testing
Traditional pen testing is often conducted as a one-off engagement, meaning you get a snapshot of your security posture at a specific point in time. However, vulnerabilities evolve constantly, making periodic testing essential.
Continuous pen testing spreads costs over time while ensuring ongoing security visibility. This model provides ongoing exploitable vulnerability assessments, regular updates, and actionable insights.
Traditional vs. Continuous Pen Testing
For a network with 250 IPs and 5 web applications, a traditional pen testing approach would typically cost around £15k for a one-off assessment.
In contrast, a continuous pen testing service combining skilled human expertise with automation provides monthly pen testing for £1.3k, offering a more cost-effective and always-on approach to cyber risk management.
| Pen Test Type | Scope | Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-off Pen Test | 250 Network IPs + 5 Web Apps | £15k | Single pen test, point-in-time security snapshot |
| Continuous Pen Testing | 250 Network IPs + 5 Web Apps | £1.3k Per Month | Monthly pen test c/w automation & human expertise |
In other words, for roughly the same price as a one-off traditional pen test, a continuous pen testing service would deliver 12 pen tests, often levelling the playing field against adversaries that refuse to go away!
3. Automated vs. Manual Testing
The methodology used also influences cost:
- Automated Pen Testing
Uses tools to scan for known vulnerabilities. It’s faster and more affordable but lacks depth. - Manual Pen Testing
Ethical hackers mimic real-world attacks to uncover deeper threats. - Hybrid Approach
Combining automation with expert analysis for better accuracy.
4. Compliance and Industry Requirements
Regulated industries such as finance, retail, and healthcare often have specific security standards that affect pen testing costs. Organisations required to comply with UK GDPR, PCI DSS, ISO 27001, and Cyber Essentials may need more detailed assessments.
- Cyber risk assessments that validate security posture.
- Risk assessments in cyber security to ensure regulatory alignment.
- Cyber security consulting for ongoing compliance management.
5. The Cost of NOT Testing
Many organisations focus on the cost of pen testing but overlook the hidden cost of not testing:
- Data breaches can lead to significant reputational damage and financial losses. The average cost of a data breach in the UK has reached £3.58M.
- Regulatory non-compliance can result in severe penalties, with UK GDPR fines reaching up to £17.5M or 4% of global turnover.
Operational downtime from cyber-attacks results in lost revenue and brand harm, with ransomware attacks costing businesses an average of £100k in downtime alone.
Investing in continuous pen testing today prevents costly cyber incidents tomorrow.
Pen Testing as an Investment
Rather than viewing pen testing as an expense, organisations should see it as an investment in cyber risk management, compliance, and business resilience. The shift to continuous pen testing makes security more cost-effective, predictable, and valuable than ever before.
