Penetration Testing Companies

List of the top penetration testing companies

Top Penetration Testing Companies
Are you looking for a penetration testing company to help you improve your organization’s security? The following list focuses on the industry’s top Penetration Testing Companies [2024] located in the United States. Additionally, this article contains expanded service overviews with additional information to help you learn more about penetration testing and the different types.

Penetration Testing is invaluable

Increased Threats Cyber
Threats have increased dramatically over the last few years, and cybercriminals have easy access tools to breach organizations of any size. Smaller businesses are considered “low-hanging fruit” to hackers, but as we’ve seen, mid-sized enterprises are not as equipped as they should be to handle the current threat landscape. One of the most powerful strategies a company of any size can implement is penetration testing and according to NIST  (National Institute of Standards and Technology), Penetration testing can be invaluable, but it is labor-intensive and requires great expertise to minimize the risk to targeted systems. Systems may be damaged or otherwise rendered inoperable during the course of penetration testing, even though the organization benefits in knowing how a system could be rendered inoperable by an intruder. Although experienced penetration testers can mitigate this risk, it can never be fully eliminated. This is why choosing an experienced team for your project is a crucial step.

Finding the Right or Best Pen Testing Service Provider

We reviewed a host of Manual Penetration 2024 Testing firms (Ethical Hacking Companies) based on a set of controls and mainly focus on USA-based controlled pen-testing service providers.  Each Pen-Testing Service company on the list provides penetration testing as a service . There are many Network Penetration Testing Companies and Application ‘Pentest’ Companies, but not all provide Manual Controlled Pen-testing.  Expanded in this article we identify in-depth service offerings of the top penetration testing companies that focus on true manual hacking methods,  however, we do not list the variety of vulnerability assessment companies or junior-level service teams.   We have also included a list of India-based service providers, however, keep in mind our in-depth review of the top-ranked pen-testing companies are all within the United States.  If you are a USA firm seeking a trusted cybersecurity partner who provides controlled penetration testing based only in the USA, then this article will help you discover the top USA Pen-test Service Providers.   

Worldwide Penetration Testing Companies

We have also included a list of service providers that are worldwide.  However, keep in mind our in-depth review of the top-ranked pen-testing companies are all within the United States.  If you are a USA firm seeking a trusted cybersecurity partner who provides controlled penetration testing based only in the USA, then this article will help you discover the top USA Pen-test Service Providers.  Learn more about current U.S. threats and foreign adversaries that you should avoid using for services.

List of top penetration testing companies [Key Players in the U.S.]

Penetration Testing Companies [Comparison]

The following expanded list of pen-testing companies is based on companies that offer true penetration testing (pen testing) with remediation planning and does not include the variety of do-it-yourself pen testing or vulnerability scanning companies. (difference between a vulnerability scan vs a penetration test)

1. Redbot Security- Expert Manual Pentesting Company

 Redbot Security

Overview:

Redbot Security is a boutique penetration testing firm with a Sr. Level Team of cybersecurity experts that hail from some of the larger penetration testing groups. Redbot’s reporting shows detailed proof of concept, and the company specializes in Manual Penetration Testing.  Redbot Security’s Team exploits Applications, Internal/ External IT, and OT networks. Since Redbot Security is a smaller, more specialized penetration testing group, the company can focus on building client relationships and delivering a premier customer experience through continuously engaged Senior Engineers with 30-plus years in the industry.    With enterprise-level services and highly competitive service rates, the company is in high demand and sought after for any size project. The Redbot Security portfolio of clients ranges from Mid-market companies to Enterprise accounts, and features an array of market leaders and recognizable brand names.

Redbot Security [Key Benefits- Fact Check]:

Redbot Security provides proof of concept reporting that shows what a real-world malicious actor can do, not what a scanner can do.

Redbot Security’s Engineering Team has 30 years combined experience in data, application and system security.

Redbot does not use contractors or freelancers and has a secure data policy. 

Redbot Security’s Team has deep network and application knowledge, and can readily explain remediation; why and how to resolve issues.

Redbot Security’s pricing model is cost competitive and the company strives to exceed budget, timeline and service delivery expectations.

Redbot Security is aligned with customer needs and excels at quick response times, easily accessible engineering staff, and relationship building.

Redbot Security’s industry experience enables the team to fully understand project needs.  Redbot Security provides accurate scoping and testing focus ensuring customer goals are the top priority.

Redbot Security provides remediation guidance that is specific to testing environment and can customize remediation for each individual situation.

Redbot Security provides proof concept retesting for remediation to ensure environments are secure.

Redbot Security provides the industry’s best customer journey, always accessible and quick to respond.

2. Rapid7 

 rapid7

Overview:

At Rapid7, we believe in simplifying the complex through shared visibility, analytics, and automation that unite your teams around challenges and successes of cybersecurity. Whether you’re looking for a comprehensive security platform, an assessment to better understand your security posture, or something in between, we’ve got your back.  

Contact

 

3. Secureworks 

SecureWorks

Overview:

Secureworks approaches every penetration test as unique to every organization. Our methodology is performed by the industry’s top security testers, leveraging our proprietary tactics and intelligence from the Secureworks Counter Threat Unit™. Both Penetration and Advanced Penetration Tests are designed to show how an attacker would gain unauthorized access to your environment by compromising in-scope systems and highlight pivoting opportunities from compromised hosts. Based on the findings, Secureworks pen-testing services will discuss the findings with all relevant audiences and provide a customized course of action for both leadership and technical audiences.

Contact: https://secureworks.com

4. FireEye

 fireeye
Overview:

FireEye is providing security testing services  and products combat today’s advanced persistent threats (APTs). As an integral piece of an Adaptive Defense strategy, our state-of-the-art network security offerings protect against cyber attacks that bypass traditional signature-based tools such as antivirus software, next-generation firewalls, and sandbox tools. The company offers penetration testing through a 3rd party with additional support for remediation which has them join our Top Penetration Testing Company list. 

Contact: https://www.fireeye.com/

5. VeraCode 

 veracode

Overview:

Veracode Manual Penetration Testing (MPT) complements Veracode’s automated scanning technologies with best-in-class penetration testing services to find business logic and other complex vulnerabilities in web, mobile, desktop, back-end and IoT applications. Using a proven process to ensure high customer satisfaction, Veracode MPT provides detailed results, including attack simulations, through the Veracode Application Security Platform, where both manual and automated testing results are assessed against your corporate policy. Developers can consult Veracode application security consultants on the findings and retest uncovered vulnerabilities to verify successful remediation.

Contact: https://www.veracode.com/

 

 6. NetSpi

 NetSpi

Overview:

NetSPI is a penetration testing company that is transforming the cyber security testing industry with tech-enabled services and prevention-based cyber security techniques. Global enterprises choose NetSPI’s penetration testing service to test their applications, networks, and cloud infrastructure at scale and manage their attack surfaces.

Contact: https://www.netspi.com/

7. Netragard

Overview:
 
Real Time Dynamic Testing™ is an advanced penetration testing methodology that is unique to Netragard and derived from vulnerability research & exploit development practices. The methodology is highly extensible and often incorporates components from the OWASP, the OSSTMM, bleeding edge offensive tactics, and more. Real Time Dynamic Testing™ can be delivered entirely without automated vulnerability scanning.

Contact: https://netragard.com/

8. Rhino Security Pen Testing Services

 Rhino Security

Overview:

Rhino Security Labs is a penetration testing company with a focus on network, cloud, and web/mobile application penetration testing services.

As a deep-dive security testing provider, we uncover vulnerabilities that put your organization at risk and provide guidance to mitigate them.  We bring together security research, proprietary technologies, and industry-leading security engineers to create the best penetration testing firm in the industry.  So whether your focus is the external network, complex web applications, in the AWS cloud, or social engineering testing, we have the specialists to fit your unique needs.

Contact: https://rhinosecuritylabs.com/company/

 

9. Coalfire Pen Testing Services

 Coalfire

Overview:

Coalfire helps organizations comply with global financial, government, industry, and healthcare mandates while helping build the IT infrastructure and security systems that will protect their business from security breaches and data theft. The company is a leading provider of IT advisory services for security in retail, payments, healthcare, financial services, higher education, hospitality, government, and utilities.

Contact: https://www.coalfire.com/about

10. Fortra’s Core Security Pen Testing Services

 CoreSecurity

Overview:

Fortra’s Core Security is a leading provider of cyber threat prevention and identity governance solutions that help companies proactively prevent, detect, test, and monitor risk in their business.

With more than 25 years of experience in cybersecurity and risk management, our team of experts and award-winning solutions empower organizations to stay one step ahead and intelligently safeguard critical data and assets—protecting what’s most important to their business. 

Contact: https://www.coresecurity.com/about

Also Learn About  best red team companies

Penetration Testing Service Providers [Cost Comparison]

Key Players - Security Management Platforms

Did you know?  Many of the penetration testing firms on this list have security platforms that can also help to strengthen your security posture.

Penetration Testing Company Location Security Platform
Redbot Security
Denver, CO USA
Cymbiotic
Rapid 7
Boston, Ma USA
InsightVM
Secureworks
Atlanta, GA USA
XDR
Mandiant (google cloud)
Reston, VA USA
Mandiant Advantage
Veracode
Burlington, MA USA
SAST
NetSpi
Lehi, Utah USA
Resolve
Netragard
Marlborough, MA USA
None
Rhino Security
Seattle, WA USA
None
CoalFire
Westminster, CO USA
FastRAMP 360
Core Security (fortra)
Eden Prairie, MN USA
Core Impact

List of Penetration Testing and Vulnerability Management Companies [Worldwide with direct links]

  1. Redbot Security
  2. Rapid7
  3. Secureworks
  4. Mandiant
  5. Vericode
  6. NetSpi
  7. Netragard
  8. Rhino Security
  9. CoalFire
  10. Core Security
  11. HackerOne
  12. Synack
  13. BreachLock
  14. ScienceSoft
  15. Trellix
  16. Raxis
  17. Securus
  18. Acunetix
  19. Intruder
  20. SumaSoft

Also Read : offensive security companies

Additional industry websites with pen-testing service provider reviews

Need More? Additional Pen Testing Information below:

What is Penetration Testing?

Penetration Testing or pen testing is a method of testing an organization’s data defense from a controlled ethical hacking environment.  The scope of the penetration test is defined and a penetrating testing company will attempt to hack into a company’s network to expose and exploit the organization’s network weaknesses.

The process typically identifies a target system and identifies particular goals, The testing team performs discovery of that system or systems and then attempts to achieve the penetration testing goals. A penetration test project might be white box penetration test (which provides credentials and network information, typically used for insider threat assessments) a black-box pen-test (provides no information other than the targeted system, ie web app IP address) and a gray-box penetration test which would be a combination of both black-box and white-box Penetration testing (where some information is shared with the penetration testing team). A penetration test is a proactive assessment that helps determine if  a system is vulnerable to attack by bad actors (hackers, criminals, terrorists etc)

A Penetration test will identify the potential impact of vulnerabilities on the organization and recommends proper remediation efforts to fix the vulnerabilities to ultimately reduce risk. A true manual penetration test shows only the verified vulnerabilities, potentially chained together for exploits with proof of concept for each.

Different Types of Penetration Testing:

There are several types of penetration tests, each focusing on different aspects and potential vulnerabilities. Some of the most common types include:

  1. Black Box Penetration Testing: The tester has no knowledge of the systems being tested, simulating an attack from a malicious outsider without prior knowledge of the target system.

  2. White Box Penetration Testing (or Clear Box): The tester has full knowledge of the systems being tested, including network diagrams, source code, and other critical details. This approach can uncover vulnerabilities that may not be detected in a black-box approach.

  3. Grey Box Penetration Testing: This is a combination of both black and white box testing. The tester has partial knowledge of the system, which helps in identifying vulnerabilities faster than in black box testing but still simulates a semi-informed attacker.

  4. External Penetration Testing: Focuses on vulnerabilities in external-facing assets like websites, DNS servers, email servers, etc. The objective is to identify vulnerabilities that external attackers could exploit.

  5. Internal Penetration Testing: Concentrates on what might happen if the defenses are breached or if an insider decides to attack. It simulates an internal threat.

  6. Red Team Testing: A more comprehensive approach where a team tries to simulate real-world attacks on an organization using any means possible to understand the organization’s security posture and readiness level. This is often more scenario-driven than traditional penetration tests.

  7. Blue Team Testing: The blue team is responsible for defending against the red team’s attempts. While not a type of penetration test in the traditional sense, blue-team activities complement red-team operations.

  8. Purple Team Testing: This is a collaborative approach that involves both red and blue teams working together to improve an organization’s security posture.

  9. Physical Penetration Testing: Focuses on testing physical security measures, such as bypassing door locks, tailgating employees into secured areas, or accessing secure server rooms.

  10. Social Engineering Testing:Aims to exploit human psychology rather than technical vulnerabilities. Methods can include phishing emails, baiting, tailgating, or any other technique that leverages human interaction.

  11. Web Application Penetration Testing: Specifically targets web-based applications, looking for vulnerabilities like SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and cross-site request forgery (CSRF), among others.

  12. Wireless Penetration Testing: Concentrates on wireless networks (Wi-Fi) and aims to exploit vulnerabilities associated with wireless protocols and configurations.

  13. Cloud Penetration Testing: Focuses on vulnerabilities in cloud environments, be it Infrastructure as a Service (PaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), or Software as a Service (SaaS) setups.

  14. IoT Penetration Testing: Focuses on vulnerabilities in Internet of Things devices, which can range from smart home appliances to industrial control systems

What are the Benefits of Penetration Testing?

Here are some of the benefits of penetration testing:

  • Identify security vulnerabilities: Penetration testing can help organizations to identify security vulnerabilities that they may not be aware of. These vulnerabilities could be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access to an organization’s systems or data.
  • Fix security vulnerabilities: Penetration testing can help organizations to fix security vulnerabilities that have been identified. This can help to reduce the risk of an attack and protect an organization’s systems and data.
  • Improve security posture: Penetration testing can help organizations to improve their security posture by identifying and fixing security vulnerabilities. This can help to make an organization more secure and less likely to be attacked.
  • Meet compliance requirements: Many industries are required to comply with security regulations. Penetration testing can help organizations to meet these compliance requirements by demonstrating that they are taking steps to protect their systems and data.
  • Increase employee awareness: Penetration testing can help to increase employee awareness of security risks. This can help employees to be more careful about their security practices and reduce the risk of human error.

When should your organization perform a Penetration Test?

  • Seek Penetration Testing Services when you have network infrastructure, devices, or applications updates
  • Upgrades, Modifications, Patches, and Firewall Changes made to infrastructure and applications
  • When Policy, Compliance, and regulation change. its time to order a penetration test
  • New locations should be Pen-tested

Penetration Testing Services Help to Discover Gaps In Compliance

In today’s heavily regulated environment, many organizations are looking for better ways to assess their compliance posture continually. Using penetration testing to identify compliance gaps is a bit closer to auditing than true security engineering. Still, experienced penetration testers often breach a perimeter because someone did not get all the machines patched or possibly because a non-compliant device was put up “temporarily” and became a critical resource. Most regulations have multiple components related explicitly to system auditing and security.
 
U.S. Pen-Testing Organizations typically can scope a wide range of projects. When searching for the Best Penetration Testing Company for your project, you’ll need to define your goals and expectations clearly.  Larger Penetration Testing Firms might turn away your project if it is on a smaller scale, since their top engineers are working on larger, more time-intensive projects.

Network and Application Penetration Testing

Also Read: Penetration Testing for Critical Infrastructure

What are the Questions to ask of a Penetration Testing Company?

  • Where are they located?  Is the Penetration Testing Company in the United States? 
  • Do they perform vulnerability scans or provide accurate manual testing?
  • Do they have proof of concept reporting?  (not a vulnerability scan, but actual testing results with screenshots of exploitation)
  • Do they use Full-time background-checked U.S. Employees, or do they use independent contractors ( not advised due to security of data )
  • Are their certifications and credentials verifiable?
  • What is their availability? 

Once you have identified the best penetration testing firm for your project, the report delivered is just as important as the test’s quality. Penetration Testing Reporting should include remediation recommendations, and vulnerabilities should be classified as Critical, High, Moderate, Low, and Informational. 

How to Plan for Penetration Testing

  • Are the engineers assigned to your project Senior Level or Junior Level
  • What is the time box for the testing period?
  • Is your budget in place
  • What are your goals for the test? (e.g., escalation of privileges, proof of defacement, evidence of critical system access
  • Compliance requirements
  • Report Audience ( Executive level reporting, technical reporting, Customer facing redacted Pen-test report)
  • Specialty Penetration testing (ICS/SCADA, IoT)
  • Retesting requirements ( are retests built into service/ statement of work)
  • Penetration Testing Services – is the Vendor Full-Service? (can they help with remediation and offer additional cybersecurity services)
  • Recurring Penetration Test (is the penetration testing company a one-off or a potential ongoing security partner)

Conclusion

We hope this article has been useful in your search to find the right company for your project. Finding the best penetration testing firm, specifically for your project is not challenging if you do your homework. There are many Penetration Testing Service Providers based in the USA that provide controlled Penetration Testing Services. You should consider experience, credentials, scoping documentation, and customer service quality to identify the best penetration testing firm for your project. Below, you will find additional information that contains questions to ask a penetration testing company, along with additional helpful information.

When selecting a penetration testing company for your project, choosing the best one is crucial to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of your organization’s cybersecurity defenses. Here are some key factors to consider in your decision-making process:

  1. Expertise and Experience:
    • Look for a company with a proven track record in penetration testing.
    • Ensure they possess the necessary certifications and qualifications, such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) or Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP).
    • Assess their experience working in your industry or with similar organizations to ensure they understand the specific risks and challenges you may face.
  1. Methodology and Approach:
    • Evaluate the company’s methodology for penetration testing. They should follow recognized frameworks such as Open Source Security Testing Methodology Manual (OSSTMM) or Penetration Testing Execution Standard (PTES).
    • Inquire about their approach to testing different areas like network infrastructure, web applications, or mobile devices.
    • Consider the depth and breadth of their testing techniques, including manual testing, automated scanning tools, and social engineering.
  1. Reporting and Documentation:
    • Check whether the company provides comprehensive and detailed reports after the testing is complete.
    • Ensure the reports offer clear explanations of vulnerabilities found, their potential impact, and recommended remediation steps.
    • Look for companies that offer ongoing support and guidance to help address any vulnerabilities discovered.
  1. Reputation and References:
    • Research the penetration testing company’s reputation in the industry by reading reviews, testimonials, and case studies.
    • Request references from their previous clients to gain insight into their performance, professionalism, and responsiveness.
  1. Compliance and Regulations:
    • Confirm that the penetration testing company understands and adheres to relevant regulations that apply to your project.
    • Check if they have specific expertise in compliance testing and can guide you in meeting your industry’s unique requirements.
  1. Cost and Value:
    • While cost is an important consideration, prioritize the value and quality of the services offered.
    • Consider the long-term implications of choosing a less expensive option, as inadequate testing could lead to significant security breaches and financial losses.

If you evaluate these factors, you can choose the best penetration testing company that aligns with your organization’s specific needs and ensures a thorough assessment of your cybersecurity defenses. Investing in robust security measures is essential in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Best of luck!  Let us know if you have questions!

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Penetration Testing References

NIST states: “Penetration testing services can be invaluable, but it is labor-intensive and requires great expertise to minimize the risk to targeted systems. Systems may be damaged or otherwise rendered inoperable during the course of penetration testing, even though the organization benefits in knowing how a system could be rendered inoperable by an intruder. Although experienced penetration testers can mitigate this risk, it can never be fully eliminated. Penetration testing should be performed only after careful consideration, notification, and planning.”

NIST 800 Warns “that caution should be exercised when performing physical security testing—security guards should be made aware of how to verify the validity of tester activity, such as via a point of contact or documentation. Another nontechnical means of attack is the use of social engineering, such as posing as a help desk agent and calling to request a user’s passwords, or calling the help desk posing as a user and asking for a password to be reset. “

NIST SP 800-115

“Penetration testing can be useful for determining:

  • How well the system tolerates real-world-style attack patterns
  • The likely level of sophistication an attacker needs to successfully compromise the system
  • Additional countermeasures that could mitigate threats against the system
  • Defenders’ ability to detect attacks and respond appropriately.

Penetration testing can be invaluable, but it is labor-intensive and requires great expertise to minimize the risk to targeted systems. Systems may be damaged or otherwise rendered inoperable during the course of penetration testing, even though the organization benefits in knowing how a system could be rendered inoperable by an intruder. Although experienced penetration testers can mitigate this risk, it can never be fully eliminated. Penetration testing should be performed only after careful consideration, notification, and planning”

Supplemental guidance for the RA controls can be found in the following documents:

  • NIST SP 800-30 provides guidance on conducting risk assessments and updates [79].
  • NIST SP 800-39 provides guidance on risk management at all organizational levels [20].
  • NIST SP 800-40 provides guidance on handling security patches [40].
  • NIST SP 800-115 provides guidance on network security testing [41].
  • NIST SP 800-60 provides guidance on determining security categories for information types [25].
  • NIST SP 800-100 provides guidance on information security governance and planning [27].
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Penetration Testing Companies [U.S.]
Article Name
Penetration Testing Companies [U.S.]
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Penetration Testing Services and Top Rated Pen-testing Service Companies. List of USA Penetration Testing Firms. Updated Monthly. View list of Top 10 U.S. penetration testing service providers and learn more about each company's skills and service offerings.
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Redbot Security
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