How Much Does a Pentest Cost? Breaking Down the Savings with Automation
Cybersecurity is a priority for businesses of all sizes, and penetration testing (pentesting) is one of the most effective ways to protect your systems from potential threats. But one question often arises: How much does a pentest cost? The answer depends on the method—manual or automated. Here, we’ll break down the costs and show how automated pentesting, like Hacksessible, can save your business time and money.
Table of contents
How Much Does a Manual Pentest Cost?
Manual pentests are performed by ethical hackers who simulate real-world cyberattacks on your systems. While these tests are thorough, they come with significant costs.
Factors Affecting Manual Pentest Costs:
- Scope of Testing: Larger or more complex systems require more time and resources.
- Frequency: Manual pentests are typically conducted once or twice a year due to their high cost.
- Expertise Level: Hiring experienced ethical hackers can drive up the price.
Average Costs:
- A basic manual pentest can cost between €5,000 and €10,000 per test.
- More complex tests can exceed €15,000, depending on the size and nature of the infrastructure.
Limitations of Manual Pentests:
- High cost makes it unaffordable for many SMBs.
- Infrequent execution leaves vulnerabilities undetected between tests.
How Much Does Automated Pentesting Cost?
Automated pentesting uses advanced software and AI to simulate attacks and detect vulnerabilities. These solutions offer continuous protection at a fraction of the cost of manual pentesting.
Costs of Hacksessible’s Automated Pentesting:
- Passive Pentest Plan: €75/month – Continuous monitoring and basic vulnerability detection.
- Active Pentest Plan: €200/month – Advanced testing with real-time alerts and actionable insights.
Annual Cost Comparison:
- Manual Pentesting: €5,000–€10,000 for a single test.
- Hacksessible (Passive Plan): €75/month.
- Hacksessible (Active Plan): €200/month.
- Savings: Businesses can save up to 95% annually by switching to automated pentesting.
Benefits of Automated Pentesting Beyond Cost
Automated pentesting provides significant advantages over manual testing, making it a practical choice for businesses of all sizes.
Key Benefits:
- Continuous Protection: Automated pentesting runs 24/7, identifying vulnerabilities as they emerge.
- Speed: Automated tools deliver results in minutes, compared to weeks for manual tests.
- Scalability: Easily adapt to growing infrastructure without a significant increase in costs.
- Actionable Insights: Receive detailed reports with clear recommendations to address vulnerabilities.
Why Hacksessible Makes Sense for Businesses of All Sizes
Hacksessible’s automated pentesting is tailored for SMBs that need robust cybersecurity without the high costs of manual pentesting.
Affordable Plans for Every Business:
- Passive Pentest Plan: €75/month – Ideal for basic protection.
- Active Pentest Plan: €200/month – Includes advanced features and real-time monitoring.
Scalable Solutions:
- Hacksessible adapts to growing business needs without drastically increasing costs.
- Suited for both small businesses and large enterprises.
Conclusion
Manual pentests, while effective, are prohibitively expensive for many businesses. Automated pentesting, like the solutions provided by Hacksessible, offers an affordable and scalable alternative. For just €75–€200 per month, businesses can enjoy continuous security and peace of mind.