In the first half of 2024, the United Kingdom has seen a surge in cyber threats, with 7.78 million attacks attributed to generative AI and ongoing threat exposure, making the security landscape more volatile.
Even with a Zero-Trust infrastructure in place, human errors and zero-day vulnerabilities can still leave your organization vulnerable to AI-driven attacks. This is where penetration testing becomes crucial. However, with over 50 penetration testing companies in the UK and beyond, choosing a reliable provider can be challenging.
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To help, our security experts have compiled a list of the top 10 penetration testing providers. This selection is based on key factors including qualified testers, effective management platforms, login bypass capabilities, detailed reporting, compliance expertise, clear timelines, and competitive pricing.
What is Penetration Testing?
Penetration testing is a proactive security approach that integrates automation, AI, and human expertise to identify, assess, and prioritize vulnerabilities and zero-day threats in your digital infrastructure.
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Furthermore, an effective pentester provides a comprehensive report that includes thorough analysis, compliance alerts, steps for recreating vulnerabilities, and remediation recommendations for each issue. Besides the well-known GDPR, HIPAA, PCI, and UK GDPR standards, this article will also cover additional compliance and regulatory standards that govern cybersecurity in detail.
How Much Does a Pentest Cost in the UK?
In the UK, the cost of a penetration test can vary based on the complexity of your requirements, generally ranging from £500 to £3,000 per day for third-party testing platforms and experts.
Factors influencing the final cost include the size and complexity of your organization, the scope of the testing, the methodology employed, and the level of expertise needed.
Top 10 Penetration Testing Companies in the UK
1. Astra Pentest
Astra Pentest is recognized as a top penetration testing company in the UK. We blend the efficiency of automation with the thoroughness of manual testing, performing over 9,300 tests and compliance checks conducted by seasoned security professionals with over 50 years of combined experience. Our approach ensures a thorough security assessment.
Beyond mere numbers, our expert-vetted scans eliminate false positives, conserving your time and resources. Our detailed manual testing, done with a hacker’s perspective, reveals critical vulnerabilities such as payment gateway breaches and business logic flaws.
Serving a diverse range of industries and international clients, we utilize industry-specific AI test cases, a cutting-edge GPT-powered chatbot for efficient communication, and customizable reports to deliver a seamless experience and protect your organization from potential security breaches.
Key Features:
- Pentest Capabilities: Web and Mobile Applications, Cloud Infrastructure, API, and Networks
- Accuracy: Zero false positives (Verified with Vetted Scans)
- Scan Behind Logins: Yes
- Compliance Scans: GDPR, PCI-DSS, HIPAA, SOC2, and ISO 27001
- Expert Remediation: Yes
- Publicly Verifiable Certification: Yes
- Workflow Integrations: JIRA, GitHub, GitLab, Slack, CI Circle, and Jenkins
- Cost: Starting at $1999 per year
Pros:
- Pentesting conducted by security experts with OSCP, CEH, and CVEs
- Continuous proactive testing available through a vulnerability scanner
- Customized reporting for executives and engineers
- Ability to scan behind logged-in pages
Cons:
- 1-week trial available for $7
2. RedScan
Based in the capital, RedScan offers a wide range of cybersecurity services under the KROLL umbrella. Beyond traditional testing, they address human risk with social engineering penetration testing services.
RedScan’s team of CEH, CREST, CISA, and CISM-qualified security experts performs both annual and continuous penetration tests with minimal disruption to business operations.
Key Features:
- Pentest Capabilities: Applications, Cloud, and Network
- Accuracy: False positives possible
- Scan Behind Logins: Yes
- Compliance Scans: CREST, OWASP, PCI-DSS, ISO
- Expert Remediation: Yes
- Publicly Verifiable Certification: No
- Workflow Integrations: JIRA, ZenDesk, ServiceNow, and more
- Cost: Available upon request
Pros:
- Easy deployment and enrollment
- Conducted by CREST-certified experts
Cons:
- Customer support response time can be slow at times
3. SecurityHQ
Based in London, SecurityHQ is a leading penetration testing company in the UK, providing a comprehensive vulnerability scanner and manager. Its intelligence analytics and action-oriented reports deliver clear remediation steps, promoting a proactive security approach.
Tailored for growing organizations, SecurityHQ is well-supported by security experts with qualifications such as OSCP, GPEN, GWAPT, and CEH, ensuring thorough testing.
Key Features:
- Pentest Capabilities: Applications, network, API, and cloud
- Accuracy: False positives possible
- Scan Behind Logins: No
- Compliance Scans: CREST and ISO 27001
- Expert Remediation: Yes
- Publicly Verifiable Certification: No
- Workflow Integrations: Cloudflare, Microsoft Sentinel, IBM QRadar, and more
- Cost: Available upon request
Pros:
- User-friendly and easy to set up
- Available on multiple platforms including Windows, Linux, and SaaS
Cons:
- Can be relatively expensive
4. Invicti
Headquartered in London, Invicti is recognized as a top provider of automated application and API penetration testing solutions for enterprises in the UK. Its scalable, multi-user platform integrates seamlessly with DevSecOps practices.
With extensive customization options, Invicti’s proof-based scanning minimizes false positives, and its graphical vulnerability analysis improves data presentation. The platform also offers compliance support and a transparent approach to data presentation.
Key Features:
- Pentest Capabilities: Web applications and APIs
- Accuracy: False positives possible
- Scan Behind Logins: No
- Compliance Scans: PCI-DSS, HIPAA, OWASP, ISO 27001
- Expert Remediation: Yes
- Publicly Verifiable Certification: No
- Workflow Integrations: JIRA, GitHub, GitLab, Kenna, and Bitbucket
- Cost: Available upon request
Pros:
- Supports various compliance standards
- Quick and easy installation
Cons:
- API endpoint scanning could be enhanced
- Performance may slow down with large applications
5. Sencode
Based in Durham, Sencode performs comprehensive penetration tests across various assets, including applications and networks. Conducted by OSCP and CREST certified professionals, their services include free retesting with each penetration test.
Additionally, they provide a testing certificate to showcase your commitment to security.
Key Features:
- Pentest Capabilities: Web application, network, mobile app, and API
- Accuracy: False positives possible
- Scan Behind Logins: No
- Compliance Scans: CREST and GDPR
- Expert Remediation: Yes
- Publicly Verifiable Certification: Yes
- Workflow Integrations: None
- Cost: Available upon request
Pros:
- Delivers detailed reports with executive and business risk summaries
- Aligned with OWASP guidelines
Cons:
- Lacks transparency in pricing plans
6. Aardwolf Security
Located in Buckinghamshire, Aardwolf Security provides a range of cyber essential and penetration testing services across the UK. The service is designed mainly to address the OWASP Top 10 and employs various approaches and targets.
Additionally, Aardwolf offers database reviews, social engineering assessments, and actionable reports to facilitate remediation.
Key Features:
- Pentest Capabilities: Applications, Cloud Infrastructure, API, and Networks
- Accuracy: False positives possible
- Scan Behind Logins: No
- Compliance Scans: GDPR & OWASP
- Expert Remediation: No
- Publicly Verifiable Certification: No
- Workflow Integrations: None
- Cost: Available upon request
Pros:
- Quick and detailed communication, ensuring transparency
- Provides GDPR compliance
Cons:
- Lacks transparency in pricing packages
- Does not cover all compliance standards
7. ThreatSpike Red
ThreatSpike Red, based in London, is a prominent UK penetration testing company known for its unlimited offensive security testing packages. Combining automation with manual testing, it provides detailed reports.
In addition to vulnerability scans, ThreatSpike Red offers comprehensive services including red team exercises, segment analysis, and threat simulations for a thorough security assessment.
Key Features:
- Pentest Capabilities: Web app and network
- Accuracy: False positives possible
- Scan Behind Logins: No
- Compliance Scans: OWASP, ISO 27001, SOC 2, and PCI-DSS
- Expert Remediation: Yes
- Publicly Verifiable Certification: No
- Workflow Integrations: None
- Cost: Starting at $7,000 per year
Pros:
- Fast response from the customer support team
- Provides additional functionality beyond traditional EDR
Cons:
- Requires a web interface to display reports and findings
8. Dhound
Based in Leeds, Dhound specializes in penetration testing for web and mobile applications in the UK. With certifications including CEH, CISSP, and OSWE, their security experts perform tests with a hacker-like approach.
Dhound is noted for its straightforward yet effective reports and provides complimentary retesting of vulnerabilities and applied patches.
Key Features:
- Pentest Capabilities: Web and mobile applications
- Accuracy: False positives possible
- Scan Behind Logins: No
- Compliance Scans: GDPR, SOC2, HIPAA, PCI DSS
- Expert Remediation: No
- Publicly Verifiable Certification: No
- Workflow Integrations: WordPress
- Cost: Available upon request
Pros:
- Supports compliance-based penetration testing
- Includes a smart alerting system
Cons:
- The software’s speed could be improved
9. Coalfire
Coalfire is a cybersecurity advisor dedicated to helping both private and public sector organizations avert threats, close security gaps, and manage risk effectively. They offer independent and customized advice, assessments, technical testing, and cyber engineering services. Coalfire’s approach is designed to help clients develop scalable security programs that enhance their security posture and meet their business objectives.
Key Features:
- Pentest Capabilities: Technical Testing, Cyber Engineering, Risk Management
- Accuracy: False positives possible
- Scan Behind Logins: Yes
- Compliance Scans: Industry standards (varies by client needs)
- Expert Remediation: Yes
- Publicly Verifiable Certification: Yes
- Workflow Integrations: Not specified
- Cost: Available upon request
Pros:
- Tailored advice and assessments
- Expertise in developing scalable security programs
10. Acunetix
Acunetix, part of the Invicti family and based in London, is an automated penetration testing tool that integrates smoothly with your firm’s CI/CD pipeline and GRC platforms to optimize workflow.
It identifies over 4,500 vulnerabilities and provides detailed reports to assist your developers with re-creation steps and clear remediation instructions.
Key Features:
- Pentest Capabilities: Web applications
- Accuracy: False positives possible
- Scan Behind Logins: Yes
- Compliance Scans: OWASP, ISO 27001, PCI-DSS, NIST
- Expert Remediation: Yes
- Publicly Verifiable Certification: No
- Workflow Integrations: JIRA, GitHub, GitLab, DevOps, and Mantis
- Cost: Available upon request
Pros:
- Easy to schedule scans
- High-quality user interface for web applications and reports
Cons:
- LFI and reconnaissance features may need enhancement
- Login sequencing can sometimes produce errors
11. BAE Solutions
BAE Solutions offers a comprehensive range of services by combining large-scale data exploitation, advanced security measures, and complex integration solutions. Their expertise spans four key domains: Cyber Security, Financial Crime, Communications Intelligence, and Digital Transformation.
Their specialties include Advanced Threat Protection (APT), Email Security, Mobile Security, Network Security, Penetration Testing, Professional Services, Threat Management & Intelligence, and Vulnerability Assessment & Management.
Key Features:
- Pentest Capabilities: Penetration Testing, Vulnerability Assessment & Management
- Accuracy: False positives possible
- Scan Behind Logins: Yes
- Compliance Scans: Industry standards (varies by client needs)
- Expert Remediation: Yes
- Publicly Verifiable Certification: Yes
- Workflow Integrations: Not specified
- Cost: Available upon request
Pros:
- Extensive range of security services
- Expertise across multiple domains
12. Qualysec
Founded in 2020, Qualysec has quickly become a trusted name in the UK cybersecurity industry. While their operational office is not based in the UK, Qualysec’s deep expertise in cybersecurity testing has earned it a strong reputation.
Their services are especially beneficial for businesses needing to meet industry regulations or demonstrate a commitment to security. By conducting routine penetration testing, businesses can identify and address vulnerabilities before they are exploited by attackers.
Key Features:
- Pentest Capabilities: Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT), Security Consulting, Incident Response
- Accuracy: False positives possible
- Scan Behind Logins: Yes
- Compliance Scans: Industry regulations (varies by client needs)
- Expert Remediation: Yes
- Publicly Verifiable Certification: No
- Workflow Integrations: Not specified
- Cost: Available upon request
Pros:
- Extensive expertise in cybersecurity testing
- Effective for compliance and security dedication
Cons:
- Operational office not located in the UK
13. CyberQ Group
Based in Birmingham, CyberQ Security offers a wide range of services, including Cyber Due Diligence, Managed SOC, Penetration Testing, and 365 Audits on demand. They cover both internal and external infrastructure, as well as web applications, and help identify potential CVEs.
CyberQ provides fixed pricing plans with flexible scaling options, CREST certification, and compliance support, though costs are provided only on a quote basis according to your specific needs.
Key Features:
- Pentest Capabilities: Applications, cloud, and data structures (internal and external)
- Accuracy: False positives possible
- Scan Behind Logins: Yes
- Compliance Scans: CREST & ISO27001
- Expert Remediation: Yes
- Publicly Verifiable Certification: No
- Workflow Integrations: None
- Cost: Available upon request
Pros:
- Provides comprehensive penetration testing for your digital infrastructure
Cons:
- Pricing transparency could be improved
14. NCC Group
NCC Group is a global leader in cybersecurity and risk mitigation, offering a range of services including penetration testing, threat intelligence, and incident response. Their team of highly skilled penetration testers utilizes cutting-edge tools and techniques to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in systems and networks.
With a strong reputation for delivering high-quality services, NCC Group has partnered with some of the largest organizations in the UK.
Key Features:
- Pentest Capabilities: Penetration Testing, Threat Intelligence, Incident Response
- Accuracy: False positives possible
- Scan Behind Logins: Yes
- Compliance Scans: Industry standards (varies by client needs)
- Expert Remediation: Yes
- Publicly Verifiable Certification: Yes
- Workflow Integrations: Not specified
- Cost: Available upon request
Pros:
- Extensive experience with large organizations
- Utilizes advanced tools and techniques
15. CyberCX
CyberCX is a global cybersecurity firm providing a variety of services, including penetration testing, threat intelligence, and incident response. With a team of highly skilled penetration testers using the latest tools and techniques, CyberCX excels at identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities. They have a strong presence in the UK and have partnered with numerous high-profile organizations.
Key Features:
- Pentest Capabilities: Penetration Testing, Threat Intelligence, Incident Response
- Accuracy: False positives possible
- Scan Behind Logins: Yes
- Compliance Scans: Industry standards (varies by client needs)
- Expert Remediation: Yes
- Publicly Verifiable Certification: Yes
- Workflow Integrations: Not specified
- Cost: Available upon request
Pros:
- High expertise in penetration testing and cybersecurity
- Established reputation with high-profile clients
Factors to Consider While Choosing a Penetration Testing Company UK
- Expertise and Qualifications:
Choose a penetration testing service with a team holding industry-recognized certifications such as CREST or OSCP. These credentials indicate proficiency in testing methodologies and ethical hacking techniques. - Methodology:
Familiarize yourself with different testing methodologies, including black-box, white-box, and grey-box. Select a UK penetration testing company that specializes in the methodology that best suits your needs. - Communication and Reporting:
Ensure the penetration testing company provides clear and consistent communication throughout the engagement, including regular updates on testing progress. Assess their reporting format to ensure it aligns with the requirements of all stakeholders. - Compliance:
Verify that the company has experience conducting tests in accordance with your industry’s compliance requirements (e.g., SOX, ISO, PCI DSS, HIPAA). Look for a CREST/ CHECK accreditation to guarantee an ethical and thorough assessment. - Cost & Timelines:
Penetration testing costs can vary based on the scope of the engagement, chosen methodology, and team size. Obtain quotes from multiple agencies, but prioritize value over cost. The most expensive or least expensive option may not always be the best fit.
Compliance & Regulations for Pentesting UK
- Data Protection Act 2018:
While not directly a cybersecurity regulation, the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA 2018) complements the UK GDPR by focusing on how organizations handle personal data. It mandates that organizations implement appropriate measures to secure personal data, including practices that address cyber risks such as unauthorized access or data breaches. - Network and Information Systems (NIS) Regulations:
The UK’s NIS Directive, which will be replaced by NIS 2 in October 2024, requires companies in sectors like energy, transport, and healthcare to enhance cybersecurity. This includes reporting attacks, managing risks, and developing backup plans to handle potential attacks. - Telecommunications (Security) Act 2021:
This act strengthens the UK’s telecommunications infrastructure by granting authorities the power to address threats, manage vulnerabilities, and impose sanctions on operators who fail to meet cybersecurity requirements. - PECR (Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations):
PECR protects user privacy in electronic communications such as emails and marketing messages, and combats spam. Although not strictly a cybersecurity regulation, it helps prevent misuse of these communication channels by malicious actors, with non-compliance resulting in fines of up to £500,000. - UK eIDAS (Electronic Identification and Trust Services for Electronic Transactions Regulations 2016):
Building on the EU’s eIDAS framework, UK eIDAS sets standards for electronic identification (eID) and trust services, such as digital signatures. This regulation ensures the security and reliability of electronic transactions, reducing vulnerability to cyber fraud. - Digital Technology Assessment Criteria (DTAC):
The DTAC framework, used within the National Health Service (NHS), assesses the cybersecurity of digital health technologies. It employs vulnerability management and secure development practices to ensure data safety in the healthcare sector.
FAQ’s
What is penetration testing?
Penetration testing, or pentesting, is a cybersecurity practice where experts simulate attacks on a system to identify vulnerabilities that real attackers could exploit. It combines automated tools, AI, and manual methods to assess the security of applications, networks, and cloud infrastructure. The goal is to uncover and prioritize vulnerabilities, including zero-day threats, before they can be exploited.
Why is penetration testing important even with Zero-Trust infrastructure?
Zero-Trust infrastructure strengthens an organization’s security by enforcing strict access controls and continuous verification. However, it can’t eliminate human errors or address unknown vulnerabilities (zero-day exploits). Penetration testing helps identify these blind spots, ensuring that even with robust defenses, hidden vulnerabilities are detected and fixed before malicious actors can exploit them.
How often should penetration testing be performed?
It is recommended to perform penetration testing at least annually. However, more frequent tests may be necessary after major infrastructure changes, software updates, or to comply with industry regulations. Continuous testing can also be implemented to provide ongoing security assurance.
Can penetration testing help with compliance?
Yes, penetration testing is an essential tool for maintaining compliance with security regulations like GDPR, PCI DSS, and ISO 27001. It helps organizations identify and fix security gaps that could lead to data breaches or non-compliance penalties, providing reports that demonstrate adherence to regulatory requirements.
Conclusion
As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated with the rise of AI-driven attacks, penetration testing has never been more crucial. It allows organizations to identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited, ensuring a proactive defense strategy. By regularly conducting pentests, businesses can stay ahead of potential risks, safeguard sensitive data, and maintain compliance with evolving cybersecurity regulations. Investing in a trusted penetration testing provider is a vital step in fortifying your digital infrastructure against ever-evolving threats.
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