Manual vs. Automated Pentesting: Which Is Right for Your Business?
When it comes to protecting your business from cyber threats, penetration testing (pentesting) is a crucial practice. It helps identify vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them. But not all pentesting methods are the same. Businesses today often face a choice between manual pentesting and automated pentesting. Which one is the right fit for your organization? Let’s break it down.
Table of contents
Manual Pentesting: A Deep Dive
Manual pentesting is conducted by cybersecurity experts (ethical hackers) who simulate real-world attacks on your systems.
Advantages:
- Human Expertise: Ethical hackers can think creatively and uncover vulnerabilities that automated systems might miss.
- Tailored Approach: Tests can be customized to focus on specific business needs or compliance requirements.
- Comprehensive Analysis: Provides an in-depth evaluation of system vulnerabilities.
Disadvantages:
- High Costs: Manual pentests often cost thousands of euros per test, making them less accessible for small businesses.
- Limited Frequency: Due to the high costs and time required, they are typically conducted only once or twice a year.
- Time-Intensive: Manual pentests can take weeks to complete, delaying critical security fixes.
Automated Pentesting: A Smarter Alternative
Automated pentesting uses advanced software, often powered by artificial intelligence, to perform vulnerability assessments.
Advantages:
- Cost-Effective: Automated solutions like Hacksessible start at just €75/month, making them affordable for businesses of all sizes.
- Continuous Testing: Automated tools run 24/7, ensuring that new vulnerabilities are detected as soon as they arise.
- Speed: Automated pentests are faster than manual tests, delivering results in minutes or hours instead of weeks.
- Scalable: Ideal for businesses with growing infrastructures that need regular security assessments.
Disadvantages of solutions other than the AI-powered Hacksessible
- Lacks Human Creativity: Automated tools follow predefined algorithms and may not catch all vulnerabilities that a human might uncover.
- Less Contextual Understanding: Automated tools might generate false positives or fail to account for business-specific contexts.
Cost Comparison: Manual vs. Automated Pentesting
| Feature | Manual Pentesting | Automated Pentesting |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | €5,000–€10,000 per test | Starting at €75/month |
| Frequency | Once or twice a year | Continuous |
| Speed | Weeks | Minutes or hours |
| Customization | High | Moderate |
| Human Insight | Limited | |
| Scalability | Low | High |
Why Automated Pentesting Is Ideal for SMBs
Budget-Friendly:
- SMBs often have tight budgets for cybersecurity. Automated pentesting provides high-quality assessments without breaking the bank.
Time-Saving:
- Automated tools deliver results quickly, enabling SMBs to act on vulnerabilities in real-time.
Easy to Use:
- With platforms like Hacksessible, no technical expertise is required to set up and run pentests.
Proactive Security:
- Continuous testing ensures that your business stays ahead of evolving cyber threats.
Finding the Right Balance
For businesses with complex systems or compliance requirements, a combination of manual and automated pentesting might be the best approach. However, for SMBs looking for an affordable and efficient solution, automated pentesting is the clear winner.
Conclusion
Both manual and automated pentesting have their merits, but for most businesses—especially SMBs—automated pentesting strikes the perfect balance between cost, efficiency, and effectiveness. With Hacksessible, you can enjoy continuous, affordable security powered by advanced AI.