For many SMBs, Pen Testing (Penetration Testing) can seem like a luxury reserved for large enterprises with deep pockets. But the truth is: there’s likely a level of Pen Testing that fits your budget and delivers strong return on investment (ROI) by helping you avoid costly breaches, fines, and downtime.
What is Pen Testing?
Penetration testing simulates a cyberattack on your systems, applications, or networks to identify vulnerabilities that a real attacker could exploit. It’s conducted by ethical hackers who use the same tools and techniques as malicious actors—but with your permission and for your protection.
Think of it like hiring a security expert to try to break into your office so you can see what needs to be fixed before a real criminal tries.
Why Pen Testing Matters: ROI and Risk
The ROI of Pen Testing comes down to one simple truth: prevention is far cheaper than remediation.
- Average cost of a data breach: $4.88 million (IBM, 2024)
- Average cost of downtime: $9,000 per minute for SMBs and mid-market firms
- Potential regulatory fines: Thousands to millions depending on industry
A well-scoped Pen Test identifies critical gaps before they become costly incidents. It also validates your existing security controls and strengthens your compliance posture (HIPAA, PCI-DSS, SOC 2, etc.).
Bottom line: Pen Testing can save you money by avoiding breaches, reducing downtime, and protecting your brand.
Types of Pen Testing (and What They Cost)
Pen Tests aren’t one-size-fits-all. Here’s a breakdown of common types and their typical investment range:
| Type of Pen Test | Scope | Ideal For | Typical Price Range |
| External Network Test (Level 1 & 2) |
Internet-facing assets (firewalls, VPNs, IPs) | Any org with a public presence | Level 1: $3,000–$10,000 Level 2: $7,500-$35,000 |
| Internal Network Test (Level 1 & 2) |
Inside-the-firewall systems (network, devices, IPs) | Organizations with many users | Level 1: $4,000–$15,000 Level 2: $10,500-$35,000 |
| Wireless Pen Test | Wi-Fi networks and protocols | Offices, multi-location orgs | $2,000–$10,000 |
| Social Engineering Test | Phishing, pretexting, vishing | Employee awareness validation | $3,000–$8,000 |
| Full Red Team Engagement | Simulated, persistent threat scenario | High-risk or regulated industries | $20,000–$100,000+ |
These can be tailored—mix and match based on your risk profile, compliance needs, and budget. Price and discounts may vary if your business needs regular testing vs. a one-time, scheduled test.
How to Decide Which Penetration Test Makes Sense
The best Pen Test is the one that aligns with your risk, compliance requirements, and budget. You don’t need to start with the most expensive option. Even a basic external test can uncover serious vulnerabilities—like unpatched firewalls or exposed RDP—that threat actors frequently exploit.
We work with organizations to:
- Prioritize critical assets and systems
- Select the right type and depth of test
- Maximize value from limited security budgets
What’s the Cost of Doing Nothing?
Organizations often hesitate on Pen Testing due to cost, but failing to act can be much more expensive:
- Breach cleanup and legal fees
- Ransom payments and operational downtime
- Reputation loss and customer churn
A $5,000 Pen Test that helps you avoid a $500,000 ransomware incident isn’t a cost—it’s a strategic investment.
Ready to Find Vulnerabilities?
Whether you’re looking for a lightweight scan or a deep dive into your application stack, we can help scope a Pen Test that aligns with your cybersecurity goals—and your budget.
Bonus Offer: Ask us about our complimentary Threat Exposure Report or bundling Pen Testing with your ongoing managed security services.
