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What is a Penetration Test?
A penetration test, better known as a pentest, is an authorized simulated cyberattack on a computer system, performed to evaluate the security of the system; this is not to be confused with a vulnerability assessment or a cyber risk assessment. Both of these typically precede a penetration test for reasons of practicality and cost.
Definitions:
A test methodology in which assessors, using all available documentation (e.g., system design, source code, manuals) and working under specific constraints, attempt to circumvent the security features of an information system.
SOURCE: SP 800-53A
A test methodology in which assessors, typically working under specific constraints, attempt to circumvent or defeat the security features of an information system.
SOURCE: SP 800-53; CNSSI-4009
Security testing in which evaluators mimic real-world attacks in an attempt to identify ways to circumvent the security features of an application, system, or network. Penetration testing often involves issuing real attacks on real systems and data, using the same tools and techniques used by actual attackers. Most penetration tests involve looking for combinations of vulnerabilities on a single system or multiple systems that can be used to gain more access than could be achieved through a single vulnerability.
SOURCE: SP 800-115
Used In A Sentence:
Howard was new at the firm, and thought we should pentest every client. However, it was more practical to start with a cyber risk assessment to baseline things first. I took him aside and said “Look, Howie, ya gotta crawl before you can walk.”
Costs
The average cost of a penetration test can range from $5-$30K or more depending on factors like the scope, complexity, and type of testing required.
- Scope of the Test:
A broader scope, meaning more systems, applications, or networks being tested, will generally lead to higher costs.
- Complexity of the Environment:
Testing complex environments with multiple systems, applications, or networks will require more time and expertise, thus increasing the cost.
- Type of Penetration Testing:
Different types of penetration testing, such as web application, network, or cloud penetration testing, can have varying costs.
- Experience of the Penetration Tester:
More experienced and specialized penetration testers may command higher fees.
- Company Size and Complexity:
Larger, more complex organizations may require more extensive testing and therefore incur higher costs.
- Reporting and Remediation:
The level of detail in the final report and the level of remediation support provided can affect the overall cost.
- Web Application Penetration Testing: $5,000 to $30,000
- Network Penetration Testing: $5,000 to $25,000
- Cloud Penetration Testing: $10,000 to $50,000
- Mobile Application Penetration Testing: $7,000 to $35,000
- API Penetration Testing: $5,000 to $25,000
