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Top 14 Penetration Testing Companies UK

Techie Teacher

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.

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.

Top 14 Penetration Testing Companies UK

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Factors to Consider While Choosing a Penetration Testing Company UK

Compliance & Regulations for Pentesting UK

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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