10 Best Penetration Testing Companies & Services in 2024

Penetration Testing Companies are pillars of information security; nothing is more important than ensuring your systems and data are safe from unauthorized access. Many organizations have a flawed security culture, with employees motivated to protect their information rather than the organization.

This opens the door for attackers seeking ways into a company to exploit it and gain access to critical data and secrets.

In this article, we will examine the 10 best penetration testing companies and learn about penetration testing. We will also discuss its importance, the different types of tests, and how they are conducted. 

Penetration testing is a critical aspect of cybersecurity, where specialized companies assess IT infrastructure security by simulating cyberattacks.

The ability to offer comprehensive security solutions, cutting-edge methodologies, and expertise sets apart the best penetration testing companies. These companies typically provide services tailored to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in various IT systems, including network penetration, application security, and social engineering tests.

Table of Contents

What Is Penetration Testing?
Why Is a Penetration Test Deemed Important?
Types of Penetration Testing
Best Pentesting Companies: Our Top Picks
Best Penetration Testing Companies: Key Features and Services
8 Benefits You can Obtain with Regular Penetration Testing 
12 Best Penetration Testing Companies 2024
1. Under defense
2. Breachlock
3. ThreatSpike Labs
4. Cobalt
5. Rapid7
6. SecurWorks
7. Pentera
8. Intruder
9. Invicti
10. Astra Security
Conclusion

What Is Penetration Testing?

The term “penetration testing” refers to checking the security of an application or network by exploiting known vulnerabilities.

These security flaws might be found in various places, such as system configuration settings, authentication methods, and even end-user risky behaviors.

Apart from assessing security, pentesting is also used to evaluate the effectiveness of defensive systems and security tactics.

The cyber security situation is shifting at a breakneck speed. New vulnerabilities are discovered and exploited constantly, and some are publicly recognized, and others are not.

Being aware is the most excellent defense you can have. A penetration test uncovers security flaws in your system that might lead to data theft and denial of service.

Why is Penetration Testing Important?

Because organizations must be able to identify and repair vulnerabilities before attackers exploit them, penetration testing is essential.

As a result, businesses may reduce the chance of data breaches, malware infections, and other cybersecurity problems.

Penetration testing is also important because it helps businesses to ensure that their security controls are effective. Businesses may examine their settings to see whether they need to be updated or replaced.

Types of Penetration Testing

Many tests can be performed, but most pentesters will focus on three main areas: network security, application security, and control testing.

• Network Security Testing

In this type of test, the pentester tries to gain access to the target system’s network by bypassing security controls such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems.

They will also look for weaknesses in protocols that could be exploited to gain a foothold on the network.

• Application Security Testing

This type of test focuses on the security of applications running on the system. The pentester will try to find vulnerabilities allowing them to execute malicious code or access sensitive data.

They will also look for weaknesses in authentication and authorization controls that could be exploited to gain access to restricted areas of the application.

• Controls Testing

This type of test is designed to assess the effectiveness of security controls such as policies, procedures, and technical safeguards. The pentester will try to bypass or circumvent these controls to see if they work as intended.

The penetration testing procedure is as follows:

The first step in any penetration test is to collect information about the target system. Public sources such as a company’s website, social media sites, and search engines can be used to get this information.

Once the tester understands the system’s architecture and components, they will look for potential vulnerabilities.

The next stage is to utilize any discovered vulnerabilities. It may be accomplished manually or by using automated tools.

If the tester can gain access to sensitive data or execute malicious code, they will attempt to escalate their privileges to gain more control over the system.

Finally, the tester will document and present their findings to the client. They’ll advise on how to fix any problems that were discovered, as well as provide recommendations for further mitigation.

How to Choose the Best Penetration Testing Companies?

When selecting the best penetration testing services, it’s important to carefully evaluate various factors to ensure the service provider meets your unique security requirements and goals. Here are some tips to assist you in making a well-informed decision:

Recognize Your Security Requirements: Gain a clear understanding of the specific aspects of your IT infrastructure that require testing. Possible focus areas could be network security, web applications, mobile applications, or wireless networks. Understanding your requirements will enable you to choose a company specializing in those areas.

Experience and Expertise: Seek out companies with a strong track record and extensive background in penetration testing. Look at their case studies, client testimonials, and industry reputation. The team’s expertise, demonstrated through certifications like OSCP, CEH, or CISSP, is also crucial.

Methodology and Tools: I would like to know more about the methodologies and tools employed for penetration testing. Top-tier companies often adhere to established frameworks such as OWASP for web application security and employ a blend of automated tools and manual testing methods.

Customization and Scope of Services: The company should be able to customize its services to meet your specific requirements. Ensure they have the expertise to conduct the specific types of penetration tests you need, such as black box, white box, or grey box testing.

Ensuring legal and ethical compliance: The company needs to adhere to cyber security guidelines and operate within legal boundaries. It would be ideal if they were open to signing a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to ensure the safety of your data.

Thorough Reporting and Support: After conducting the tests, the best penetration testing services should offer a detailed report that outlines the identified vulnerabilities, their level of severity, and suggestions for resolving them. Find out if they assist in addressing these vulnerabilities.

Communication and Project Management: The success of any endeavor relies heavily on effective communication and project management. The company needs to provide regular updates during the testing process and promptly address any questions or concerns you may have.

Cost and Value: Considering cost is important, but it shouldn’t be the only factor to consider. Take into account the company’s expertise, service quality, and the potential cost savings that come from preventing security breaches.

Client References and Reviews: To assess client satisfaction and the company’s track record, it is advisable to request client references or conduct online research to read reviews and testimonials.

Ongoing Engagement and Support: Selecting a company that provides ongoing support even after the testing phase is important. This includes retesting after vulnerabilities have been addressed and offering valuable security advice and updates.

Best Pentesting Companies: Our Top Picks

Best Penetration Testing Companies: Key Features and Services

8 Benefits You Can Obtain with Regular Penetration Testing

1. Finding vulnerabilities quickly and easily.
2. It is less likely that cyberattacks and data breaches will happen.
3. Better protection against threats.
4. Have more faith in the safety of your processes.
5. Proof that the company is following the rules set by regulators.
6. Better finding of events and responding to them.
7. Security operations are now more efficient and successful.
8. More information about the pros and cons of your security settings.

10 Best Penetration Testing Companies 2024

1. Under defense
2. Breachlock
3. ThreatSpike Labs
4. Cobalt
5. Rapid7
6. SecureWorks
7. Pentera
8. Intruder
9. Invicti
10. Astra Security

As the world shifts its focus to digital transformation, ensuring that your systems and data are secure has become more important than ever. One of the finest methods to do this is penetration testing.

But there are so many pentesting firms available that deciding which is appropriate for you might be difficult. So, here is a detailed view of the top 10 penetration testing companies that can make your digital experience better than ever.

1. Under defense

UnderDefense is a prominent cybersecurity firm offering specialized services in Managed Detection and Response (MDR), Penetration Testing, Incident Response, and Compliance Automation.

It caters to midmarket and enterprise organizations, providing advanced tools and expertise to protect against cyber threats.

Key Features

• MDR Services: 24/7 monitoring, proactive threat hunting, and rapid response times (as low as 20 minutes) to detect and mitigate threats.
• Penetration Testing: Conducts over 160 offensive simulations annually to identify vulnerabilities in systems and applications.
• Incident Response: Offers swift mitigation of cyberattacks to minimize downtime and damage.
• Compliance Automation: The MAXI platform simplifies regulatory requirements like SOC 2, HIPAA, and GDPR compliance.
• External Attack Surface Monitoring: Identifies vulnerabilities in Internet-facing assets to prevent exploitation.

MAXI Platform

UnderDefense’s MAXI platform integrates existing security tools with features such as automated threat detection, compliance readiness assessments, user behavior analytics, and external attack surface monitoring. It is designed for cloud, hybrid, and on-premise environments, providing comprehensive visibility and response capabilities.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
24/7 proactive threat hunting with fast response times	May not be cost-effective for small businesses
Comprehensive services including MDR, penetration testing, and compliance	Initial setup and integration can take time
MAXI platform streamlines compliance and security workflows	Advanced features may require higher-tier plans
Recognized globally for expertise (e.g., Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)	Heavy reliance on automation may miss nuanced manual insights

Best For

UnderDefense is ideal for:

• Organizations requiring continuous monitoring for advanced threats.
• Businesses needing compliance automation for regulations like SOC 2 or GDPR.
• Companies seeking expert penetration testing to proactively uncover vulnerabilities.

Under defense – Demo/Trial

2. Breachlock

BreachLock is a cybersecurity platform offering Penetration Testing as a Service (PTaaS), Attack Surface Management (ASM), and Red Team as a Service (RTaaS).

It combines AI-driven automation with expert manual validation to deliver efficient and scalable security solutions.

Key Features

• PTaaS: CREST-certified penetration testing for web apps, APIs, networks, mobile apps, IoT, and cloud systems.
• Attack Surface Management (ASM): Continuous discovery of exposed assets and vulnerabilities.
• Red Team as a Service (RTaaS): Simulates real-world attacks to assess organizational defenses.
• AI-Powered Automation: Streamlines routine tasks while ensuring precision with manual validation.
• Compliance Support: Assists with GDPR, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, SOC 2, and ISO 27001 compliance.
• Unified Platform: Centralizes vulnerability data for efficient tracking and remediation.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Combines automation with expert manual validation	Occasional delays in resolving false positives
Scalable for small to large organizations	Initial setup can be challenging for some users
Continuous testing ensures timely detection	Pricing may be higher for smaller businesses
User-friendly portal with actionable insights	Admin portal navigation could be improved
Integrates with tools like Jira and Slack	Documentation clarity could be enhanced

Best For

BreachLock is ideal for:

1. Organizations requiring continuous penetration testing.
2. Businesses needing compliance support for regulations like PCI-DSS or GDPR.
3. Enterprises securing diverse attack surfaces across multiple environments.

Breachlock – Demo/trial

3 .ThreatSpike Labs

ThreatSpike Labs is a cybersecurity company offering a 7-in-1 endpoint security platform and fully managed security services.

It combines advanced technologies like AI and machine learning with expert analysis to provide real-time threat detection, incident response, compliance monitoring, and offensive security services.

Key Features

• Endpoint Security: Includes web filtering, data loss prevention, ransomware heuristics, application control, and network zoning.
• Real-Time Threat Detection: AI-powered analysis and 24/7 monitoring for malware, phishing, insider threats, and hacking attempts.
• Incident Response: Rapid response to threats with forensic capabilities like traffic recording and disk forensics.
• Compliance Support: Ensures adherence to standards like CIS, GDPR, and PCI-DSS with device compliance checks.
• Asset Management: Tracks endpoint activity, configurations, and antivirus status while supporting inventory management.
• Scalability: Suitable for businesses of all sizes with fixed-cost pricing.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Comprehensive 7-in-1 endpoint security suite	Initial setup may require time and resources
AI-powered real-time threat detection	Advanced features may be complex for smaller teams
Strong customer support with rapid responses	Potential performance impact during heavy usage
Fixed-cost pricing for scalability	Some users report challenges with documentation
Compliance monitoring and detailed reporting	Limited integration options compared to competitors

Best For

ThreatSpike is ideal for organizations seeking:

1. Comprehensive endpoint protection with real-time threat detection.
2. Managed services for cybersecurity monitoring and incident response.
3. Compliance assurance for regulatory standards like GDPR or PCI-DSS.

ThreatSpike – Demo/Trial

4. Cobalt

Cobalt is a leading provider of Pentest as a Service (PtaaS), offering modern, scalable, and efficient offensive security solutions.

Its platform combines human expertise with AI-driven automation to deliver rapid, continuous security testing for applications, networks, cloud environments, and more.

Key Features

• Pentest as a Service (PtaaS): Enables fast, on-demand penetration testing with a vetted global community of over 400 security experts.
• Comprehensive Security Testing: Covers application pentesting, secure code reviews, network pentests, IoT testing, and red teaming.
• Real-Time Collaboration: Integrates with tools like Slack, Jira, and GitHub for seamless communication and issue tracking.
• Compliance Support: Provides audit-ready reports for standards like SOC 2, GDPR, and PCI-DSS.
• AI-Driven Automation: Streamlines routine tasks while leveraging expert insights for thorough vulnerability assessments.
• Dynamic Reporting: Delivers actionable insights with detailed proof-of-concept (PoC) findings and remediation steps.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Fast setup and execution with PtaaS	Initial scoping and documentation can be tedious
Access to a large pool of vetted pentesters	Some in-depth coverage may be missed for complex apps
Seamless integration with DevSecOps tools	Costs may be higher for smaller organizations
Detailed reports with PoC and remediation steps	Quality depends on the assigned pentester
Excellent customer support and collaboration	Limited public information on individual testers

Best For

Cobalt is ideal for:

1. Organizations needing fast, continuous penetration testing to secure applications and infrastructure.
2. Businesses requiring compliance support for certifications like SOC 2 or GDPR.
3. DevSecOps teams looking for seamless integration into their development lifecycle.

Cobalt – Demo/Trial

5. Rapid7

Rapid7 is a leading cybersecurity company offering a unified platform for vulnerability management, detection and response, cloud security, and application security.

It combines advanced tools, automation, and expert services to help organizations manage risk, prevent breaches, and secure their environments effectively.

Key Features

• Insight Platform: A unified solution for vulnerability management (InsightVM), detection and response (InsightIDR), dynamic application security testing (InsightAppSec), and cloud risk management (InsightCloudSec).
• Managed Detection and Response (MDR): 24/7 monitoring, threat detection, and incident response with SOC experts.
• Vulnerability Management: InsightVM provides continuous visibility into risks across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments with prioritized remediation guidance.
• Application Security: InsightAppSec uses dynamic application security testing (DAST) to identify vulnerabilities in web applications.
• Cloud Security: InsightCloudSec offers comprehensive cloud risk and compliance management for multi-cloud environments.
• Automation & Orchestration: Streamlines workflows with automated threat intelligence, remediation tracking, and integrations with tools like Jira and Slack.
• Open-Source Tools: Maintains Metasploit and Velociraptor communities for penetration testing and digital forensics.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Unified platform for end-to-end security	Initial setup can be complex for some users
24/7 MDR services with expert SOC support	Advanced features may require steep learning curve
Strong vulnerability management capabilities	Pricing may be high for smaller organizations
Cloud-native tools for multi-cloud environments	Some tools may generate false positives
Open-source contributions like Metasploit	Limited customization in certain workflows

Best For

Rapid7 is ideal for:

1. Organizations needing a comprehensive security platform covering vulnerability management, detection, response, and cloud security.
2. Businesses requiring managed services like MDR to offload day-to-day security operations.
3. Enterprises looking for automation to streamline threat detection, remediation, and compliance efforts.

Rapid7 – Demo/trial

6. SecureWorks

Secureworks is a global leader in cybersecurity, offering advanced, intelligence-driven solutions to help organizations prevent, detect, and respond to cyber threats.

With over 20 years of experience and a focus on innovation, Secureworks provides scalable services tailored to meet the needs of businesses across industries.

Key Features

• Taegis Platform: A cloud-native security platform combining advanced analytics, machine learning, and human intelligence for superior threat detection and response.
• Managed Security Services (MSS): 24/7 monitoring, threat detection, incident response, and vulnerability management.
• Threat Intelligence: Real-time insights from the Counter Threat Unit™ (CTU), analyzing over 750 billion events daily for proactive defense.
• Incident Response: Rapid containment and mitigation of breaches with forensic capabilities to minimize downtime.
• Security Consulting: Comprehensive assessments, compliance support (e.g., GDPR, PCI-DSS), and risk management strategies.
• Threat Hunting: Proactive identification of hidden or advanced threats using analytics and expert techniques.
• Cloud Security: Specialized solutions for securing cloud environments and workloads.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Comprehensive solutions with 24/7 SOC support	Initial setup may require significant resources
Taegis platform offers advanced analytics	Some features may be complex for smaller teams
High accuracy in threat detection (99.9%)	Pricing may be prohibitive for small businesses
Strong incident response expertise	Limited customization in certain workflows
Real-time threat intelligence from CTU	Heavy reliance on proprietary tools

Best For

Secureworks is ideal for:

1. Enterprises requiring robust managed security services with continuous monitoring.
2. Organizations seeking advanced threat detection and response capabilities through the Taegis platform.
3. Businesses needing expert incident response and compliance support.

SecureWorks – Demo/Trial

7. Pentera

Pentera is a cybersecurity company specializing in Automated Security Validation™. Its platform enables organizations to continuously test their defenses by simulating real-world attacks, identifying vulnerabilities, and prioritizing remediation efforts.

Founded in 2015 as Pcysys and rebranded in 2021, Pentera is trusted by over 950 enterprises across 45 countries.

Key Features

• Automated Security Validation™: Emulates adversary behavior to test internal and external attack surfaces, including cloud environments, without requiring agents or playbooks.
• Comprehensive Attack Simulation: Tests vulnerabilities using techniques like lateral movement, credential exploitation, ransomware simulation, and data exfiltration.
• Risk-Based Prioritization: Provides actionable remediation guidance based on the severity and potential impact of vulnerabilities.
• Modular Products:
  • Pentera Core: Validates internal network security controls.
  • Pentera Surface: Focuses on external network security.
  • Pentera Cloud: Secures cloud environments.
  • RansomwareReady Module: Tests resilience against ransomware attacks.
  • Credentials Exposure Module: Identifies risks from leaked credentials.
• Pentera Labs: Research team that continuously updates the platform with the latest threat intelligence and attack techniques.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Agentless design ensures easy deployment	Initial setup may require expertise
Continuous validation of security controls	Advanced features may be costly for smaller teams
Real-world attack simulations with full kill chains	Limited customization for specific use cases
Risk-based remediation guidance	May not replace manual penetration testing fully
Enhances team productivity (up to 5x)	Requires regular updates to stay effective

Best For

Pentera is ideal for:

1. Enterprises seeking continuous security validation across internal, external, and cloud environments.
2. Organizations wanting to proactively identify and remediate vulnerabilities before attackers exploit them.
3. Security teams looking to automate pentesting and improve productivity.

Pentera – Demo/trial

8. Intruder

Intruder is a cloud-based vulnerability management platform designed to help organizations identify, prioritize, and remediate cybersecurity weaknesses.

It offers continuous monitoring, real-time threat detection, and proactive security scanning for internet-facing systems, making it a valuable tool for businesses aiming to reduce their attack surface and prevent data breaches.

Key Features

• Vulnerability Scanning: Detects and prioritizes issues like SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), encryption flaws, and misconfigurations.
• Continuous Monitoring: Automatically scans for vulnerabilities and provides alerts on new threats or changes in the attack surface.
• Perimeter Scanning: Monitors internet-facing assets to identify unnecessary exposure and reduce risks.
• Patch Management: Identifies missing patches across software, frameworks, and hardware.
• Integration Support: Works seamlessly with tools like Jira, Slack, Microsoft Teams, AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.
• Compliance Support: Helps meet standards like GDPR and PCI-DSS by providing detailed reports.
• Ease of Use: SaaS-based platform with simple setup and intuitive interface.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Easy-to-use SaaS platform with quick setup	Limited advanced features compared to competitors
Continuous monitoring ensures up-to-date protection	May not replace in-depth manual penetration testing
Strong prioritization of vulnerabilities	Higher-tier plans may be costly for small businesses
Seamless integration with popular tools	Limited customization for specific scanning needs
Regular updates to include the latest threats	Focuses primarily on external vulnerabilities

Best For

Intruder is ideal for:

1. Small to medium-sized businesses needing affordable yet robust vulnerability management.
2. Organizations looking for continuous monitoring of internet-facing systems.
3. Teams requiring easy integration with existing workflows and tools.

Intruder – Demo/Trial

9. Invicti

Invicti is a leading web application security platform specializing in Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) and Interactive Application Security Testing (IAST).

It helps organizations secure their web applications and APIs by automating vulnerability detection, prioritization, and remediation. Invicti is trusted by thousands of organizations globally for its accuracy, scalability, and integration capabilities.

Key Features

• Proof-Based Scanning™: Automatically verifies vulnerabilities by safely exploiting them to eliminate false positives and provide proof of exploit.
• Comprehensive Security Testing: Combines DAST and IAST to detect vulnerabilities like SQL injection, XSS, and more across web applications and APIs.
• Automation & Integration: Integrates with CI/CD pipelines, issue trackers (e.g., Jira, GitHub), and communication tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams) for seamless DevSecOps workflows.
• Scalability: Designed to secure thousands of web assets with features like continuous scanning, API testing, and advanced crawling.
• Compliance Support: Helps meet standards like PCI-DSS, GDPR, and SOC 2 with audit-ready reports.
• Predictive Risk Scoring: Uses AI to prioritize vulnerabilities based on their potential impact.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Highly accurate with minimal false positives	Advanced features may require technical expertise
Proof-Based Scanning saves time on validation	Pricing can be high for small businesses
Combines DAST, IAST, and SCA in one platform	Initial setup can be time-consuming
Seamless integration into SDLC workflows	Limited customization for niche use cases
Scalable for large enterprises	Focuses primarily on web applications

Best For

Invicti is ideal for:

1. Enterprises needing scalable application security for thousands of web assets.
2. DevSecOps teams seeking automated vulnerability detection integrated into CI/CD pipelines.
3. Organizations requiring compliance support with audit-ready reporting.

Invicti – Demo/Trial

10. Astra Security

Astra Security is a cybersecurity SaaS company offering comprehensive solutions for penetration testing (Pentest as a Service, or PTaaS), vulnerability management, and real-time threat detection.

Its AI-powered platform helps organizations secure web applications, APIs, mobile apps, and cloud environments by identifying and remediating vulnerabilities efficiently.

Key Features

• Pentest as a Service (PTaaS): Automated and manual penetration testing with over 9,300 security tests covering OWASP Top 10, SANS 25, and business logic vulnerabilities.
• Vulnerability Management Dashboard: Provides centralized visibility into vulnerabilities with actionable insights and remediation support.
• Continuous Scanning: Real-time vulnerability assessments integrated with CI/CD pipelines for DevSecOps workflows.
• Compliance Support: Helps meet standards like GDPR, HIPAA, SOC 2, PCI-DSS, and ISO 27001 with detailed reports.
• Threat Intelligence: Leverages up-to-date threat intelligence to detect emerging vulnerabilities.
• Customizable Testing: Tailored penetration tests for specific applications, networks, or systems.
• Integration Capabilities: Works seamlessly with tools like Jira, Slack, GitHub, Jenkins, and other CI/CD platforms.
• Remediation Support: Includes collaboration with Astra’s security experts to resolve vulnerabilities effectively.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Combines automated and manual pentesting	No free trial for higher-tier plans
AI-powered platform ensures fast detection	Pricing may be high for small businesses
Continuous scanning integrated with CI/CD	Limited integration options for niche tools
Detailed reports with video PoCs and remediation steps	Initial setup can be time-intensive
Strong compliance support for multiple standards	Advanced features may require technical expertise
Excellent customer support and collaboration	Monthly subscription only available for basic plans

Best For

Astra Security is ideal for:

1. Organizations seeking continuous vulnerability management integrated into their development pipelines.
2. Businesses requiring compliance support for regulatory standards like GDPR or PCI-DSS.
3. Enterprises looking for scalable solutions to secure web applications, APIs, mobile apps, and cloud environments.

Astra Security – Demo/trial

Conclusion

Penetration testing is an indispensable aspect of the system and data security. By selecting a reputable and experienced provider, you can be sure that your systems are secure and that any vulnerabilities are found and fixed before they can be exploited.

As the world progresses, more businesses are going online, increasing vulnerability to cyber-attacks. To protect your assets and data, it is essential to invest in a reliable pentesting company that offers a comprehensive range of services.

Because there are so many alternatives, discovering the best one is worth the effort.