VAPT Pricing: What to Expect

TL;DR

There aren’t fixed prices for Vulnerability assessment and penetration testing (VAPT) services. Costs vary hugely based on scope, complexity, the tester’s experience, and reporting detail. This guide explains what affects pricing and gives realistic ranges you can expect to pay in the UK.

Understanding VAPT Pricing Factors

Before looking at numbers, understand what drives the cost of a cyber security assessment:

1. Scope: This is the biggest factor. Are you testing one web application, your entire network (internal and external), or mobile apps? More assets = higher price.
2. Complexity: A simple website with basic functionality costs less than a complex e-commerce platform with lots of user roles and integrations.
3. Testing Type: Different types of tests have different costs:
   • Vulnerability Scanning: Automated tools find known weaknesses. Cheapest option.
   • Penetration Testing (Black Box): Tester knows nothing about your systems – most realistic, and therefore more expensive.
   • Penetration Testing (Grey Box): Tester has some limited knowledge. A middle ground in price.
   • Penetration Testing (White Box): Tester has full access to information. Can be faster but less representative of a real attack.
4. Reporting Detail: Do you want just a list of vulnerabilities, or a detailed report with remediation advice and proof-of-concept exploits?
5. Tester Experience & Certification: Highly experienced testers (e.g., OSCP certified) charge more.
6. Location: London-based firms generally cost more than those in other parts of the UK.

Typical VAPT Pricing Ranges (UK, 2024)

These are approximate ranges. Always get quotes from multiple providers.

1. Vulnerability Scanning

• Small Website/Network: £50 – £300 per scan
• Medium-Sized Business (up to 50 assets): £300 – £800 per scan
• Large Enterprise: £800+ per scan, often with annual subscription models (£2,000 – £10,000+)

2. Penetration Testing

• Simple Web Application (Black Box): £1,500 – £3,000
• Medium-Sized Web Application: £3,000 – £7,000
• Complex Web Application/Small Network (Internal & External): £7,000 – £15,000+
• Large Enterprise Network (Full Scope): £15,000 – £50,000+ (and potentially much higher)

3. Mobile App Penetration Testing

• Basic Android/iOS App: £2,000 – £4,000
• Complex Mobile App with Backend APIs: £4,000 – £8,000+

Getting Accurate Quotes

1. Define Your Scope Clearly: List all the assets you want tested (IP addresses, URLs, app names).
2. Specify Testing Type: Black box, grey box, or white box?
3. Outline Reporting Requirements: What level of detail do you need in the report?
4. Request a Statement of Work (SOW): This document should clearly outline what’s included in the test.
5. Ask About Tester Qualifications: Check for certifications like OSCP, CEH, or CISSP.

Tools & Automation Considerations

While automated tools are used, a good VAPT isn’t just about running scanners. Manual testing is crucial to find complex vulnerabilities that automation misses.

# Example: Nessus vulnerability scan command (simplified)

nessuscli scan --policy-id 1024 --target 192.168.1.100

This is a very basic example; real scans are far more complex and require configuration.

Don’t Just Focus on Price

Cheaper isn’t always better. A thorough VAPT from an experienced tester can save you significant money in the long run by preventing costly cyber security breaches. Prioritise quality and expertise over price alone.