The Pricing Confusion Is Real

If you've ever requested quotes for penetration testing, you've probably experienced sticker shock—and confusion. One vendor quotes $3,000, another quotes $25,000, and a third offers something for $500 that sounds similar. What's going on?

The truth is, "penetration testing" has become a catch-all term that covers everything from automated vulnerability scans to weeks-long manual assessments by elite security researchers. Understanding the difference isn't just about saving money—it's about getting the right level of security for your actual risk profile.

Vulnerability Scanning: Your Security Baseline

Vulnerability scanning is an automated process that systematically checks your systems for known security weaknesses. Think of it like a comprehensive health screening—it efficiently checks for hundreds of common issues across your entire environment.

What vulnerability scanning does well: - Identifies outdated software with known vulnerabilities - Detects misconfigurations in servers, firewalls, and applications - Finds missing security patches - Checks for weak encryption and exposed services - Provides consistent, repeatable results - Delivers findings quickly (often within hours)

Typical cost: $99 to $500 per scan, depending on scope

For most small businesses, regular vulnerability scanning catches the issues that actually lead to breaches. The reality is that attackers typically exploit known vulnerabilities—not sophisticated zero-day attacks. They're looking for easy targets with unpatched systems or misconfigured services.

Penetration Testing: The Deep Dive

True penetration testing involves skilled security professionals manually attempting to breach your systems. They think creatively, chain vulnerabilities together, and test your defenses the way a real attacker would.

What penetration testing does well: - Discovers complex, multi-step attack paths - Tests business logic flaws unique to your applications - Evaluates human factors like social engineering susceptibility - Provides expert analysis and context - Validates whether vulnerabilities are actually exploitable

Typical cost: $5,000 to $50,000+ depending on scope and tester expertise

Penetration testing makes sense when you have custom applications, handle highly sensitive data, face sophisticated threat actors, or need to meet specific compliance requirements that mandate manual testing.

Which One Do You Actually Need?

Here's a practical framework for deciding:

Start with vulnerability scanning if: - You're a small business without a dedicated security team - You're not sure what vulnerabilities exist in your environment - Budget constraints make comprehensive pentesting impractical - You need to demonstrate basic security due diligence for compliance (like CMMC Level 1 or Ohio SB 220 safe harbor) - You haven't scanned your systems in the past 90 days

Consider penetration testing when: - You've addressed findings from vulnerability scans and want deeper assurance - You're launching a custom web application that handles sensitive data - Compliance requirements specifically mandate manual penetration testing - You're preparing for a merger, acquisition, or major client audit - You have reason to believe you're a target for sophisticated attackers

The Smart Approach: Layer Your Security Testing

The most cost-effective security strategy isn't choosing one or the other—it's using both appropriately.

Monthly or quarterly: Run automated vulnerability scans to catch new issues as they emerge. Software gets updated, configurations drift, and new vulnerabilities are discovered constantly. Regular scanning keeps you aware of your exposure.

Annually or after major changes: Invest in a focused penetration test for your most critical systems. This provides the expert analysis that automation can't replicate.

This layered approach means you're not paying premium rates for a pentester to find that your WordPress installation is three versions behind. The automated scan catches the obvious issues, freeing up your pentest budget for the complex analysis that actually requires human expertise.

Don't Let Pricing Confusion Lead to Inaction

The worst outcome isn't choosing the "wrong" type of testing—it's doing nothing because the options seem overwhelming or expensive. A basic vulnerability scan that you actually run beats a comprehensive pentest that stays on your "someday" list.

For small businesses, MSPs managing client security, and organizations working toward compliance, the priority should be establishing a baseline. You can't secure what you haven't assessed.

Take Action Today

Don't wait for attackers to find your vulnerabilities first. Regular scanning is one of the most cost-effective ways to protect your business and demonstrate security due diligence.

Oscar Six Security's Radar solution provides automated vulnerability scanning for just $99—giving you the security baseline every business needs without enterprise-level costs. Whether you're working toward CMMC compliance, seeking Ohio SB 220 safe harbor protection, or simply want to know where you stand, start with visibility into your actual risk.

Focus Forward. We've Got Your Six.