Cyber threats are becoming more advanced and common. While traditional moat-and-castle approaches can stop some of these threats in their tracks, organizations must take a more proactive stance to get ahead of attackers.
That’s why more organizations are investing in penetration testing. Regular pentests allow businesses to spot weaknesses in their armor before they’re exploited, blocking potential exploits to improve overall security posture.
However, it’s impossible to conduct thorough pentesting without the right processes and systems. Security-minded organizations rely on pentesting service providers to conduct more effective, holistic tests that mitigate threats from the start. There are many cyber security providers on the market, and in this article, we’ve identified 10 of the best.
Choosing the right pentesting service provider is crucial for ensuring the security and integrity of your organization’s IT infrastructure. A good provider will identify vulnerabilities before malicious hackers can exploit them, giving you the chance to enhance your defenses. Here’s what to consider when selecting a pentesting service provider.
Check how long the provider has been in the business and their track record in your specific industry. Different sectors have unique security challenges and regulatory requirements.
In addition, ensure that the team has the necessary qualifications and certifications, such as CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker), OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional), or CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional).
Look for testimonials and case studies from previous clients. This can provide insight into their effectiveness and reliability. Consider whether they’re recognized by reputable industry organizations or have won awards for their services.
Understand their approach to penetration testing. They should follow established methodologies such as OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project) or NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology).
The provider should also offer a clear and comprehensive report format that includes detailed findings, risk assessments, and actionable recommendations.
Look for a pentesting service provider that offers the types of testing you need, whether it’s network, web application, mobile, wireless, large language model (LLM), social engineering, or physical security testing. The provider should be flexible in tailoring their services to fit your specific needs and threats.
Confirm that the provider can help you meet any relevant compliance requirements, such as GDPR, PCI DSS, or HIPAA. Make sure they have strong confidentiality agreements to protect your sensitive information.
Understand their pricing model and ensure that it aligns with your budget and expectations. However, keep in mind that the lowest-cost provider isn’t always the best choice. Consider the value they provide in terms of thoroughness, expertise, and quality of service.
Assess whether the provider uses the latest tools and technologies to detect emerging threats. Providers who invest in R&D tend to stay ahead of the curve and can offer insights into new vulnerabilities and protection strategies.
Selecting the right pentesting service provider is not just about checking boxes but rather ensuring a partnership that aligns with your business goals and security objectives. Take your time to research, compare, and choose a provider that demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of today’s complex security landscape.
Let’s explore 10 of the leading pentesting service providers.
BugCrowd eliminates blind spots through end-to-end pentesting and visibility. Its solution identifies and prioritizes verified threats to streamline remediation.
Its pre-built integrations, webhooks, and APIs make it a cinch to fix security gaps in no time.
While Deloitte is primarily known for its data services, this multinational corporation also specializes in securing sensitive data from attackers. This pentesting service provider specializes in large, enterprise-level tests designed for complex cyber ecosystems.
Does your organization use artificial intelligence (AI) or large language models (LLMs)? These new technologies save time and reduce complexity but are prime targets for cyber attacks.
Mindgard’s automated AI red teaming and pentesting solution streamlines AI security. Our Offensive Security solution identifies and fixes AI-specific risks and integrates into existing reporting systems to make risk management easier at scale.
As a pentesting service provider, Accenture focuses on risk reduction. It offers penetration testing in addition to more holistic approaches to cyber security, such as business strategy, regulatory compliance, and infrastructure modernization.
Capgemini’s “deep tech” arm, Cambridge Consultants, focuses not just on security but also on the technologies, services, and products powering your business.
Lean on its AI and data analytics service to create an exploitation-free AI framework for building and dynamically testing your models before they go to market.
Millennium Corporation is a specialized pentesting service provider for government organizations. It offers various services, from technical engineering to enterprise services.
Check out Millennium’s ShadowView report, which identifies vulnerabilities traditional scans might miss.
France-based Advens has over 450 experts across Europe specializing in preventing and neutralizing cyber attacks. This pentesting service provider helps with risk assessments and offers auditing and intrusion detection for a balanced offensive cyber security strategy.
PwC offers a range of penetration testing services tailored to the nuances of your organization. Its pentesters are OSCP-certified and experienced in financial services, telecommunications, media, manufacturing, and more.
PwC’s large team offers red teaming, web application testing, mobile testing, and even IoT hardware hacking.
EY offers end-to-end vulnerability management, including attack simulations and mitigation support. It follows OWASP, NIST, and CIS frameworks to identify vulnerabilities and provides you with a comprehensive report with steps to address them.
Publicis Re:Sources supports businesses in finance, legal, tax, real estate, and many other sensitive sectors. It’s a shared services platform for Publicis Groupe, the largest marketing services agency in the world.
It has a dedicated Global Security Office (GSO) responsible for the company's information security program. The GSO offers various services, including security testing such as vulnerability scanning and penetration testing.
Cyber threats are growing at an alarming pace, but organizations can fight back with the right tools. Pentesting allows businesses to identify and address vulnerabilities before attackers exploit them, significantly improving security. Choosing the right pentesting service provider is crucial to ensuring a comprehensive and effective security assessment.
AI-powered systems introduce new attack surfaces that traditional security measures often miss. Mindgard’s automated AI red teaming and pentesting solutions help organizations proactively identify and mitigate AI-specific vulnerabilities before they become actual threats.
Don’t leave your AI security to chance—protect your models with Mindgard’s Offensive Security solution and integrate seamless risk management at scale. Book your Mindgard demo now.
Depending on an organization's needs, there are several types of penetration testing. Some of the most common include:
Organizations should conduct pentesting at least annually. You may need to test more frequently if you:
Vulnerability scanning automatically looks for known security weaknesses but doesn’t try to exploit them. Penetration testing, on the other hand, is a manual, in-depth security assessment conducted by ethical hackers who simulate real attacks to determine if and how vulnerabilities can be exploited.
