Understanding penetration testing costs is crucial for UK businesses budgeting for cybersecurity. Prices vary dramatically based on scope, complexity, and provider expertise. This guide breaks down all cost factors to help you make informed decisions.
💰 UK Penetration Testing Price Ranges (2024)
| Test Type | Typical Cost Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Web App Test | £1,500 – £5,000 | Small websites, MVP applications |
| Standard Network Test | £3,000 – £10,000 | SME internal networks, office systems |
| Advanced Pen Test | £10,000 – £25,000 | Large enterprises, complex environments |
| Red Team Exercise | £15,000 – £50,000+ | High-security orgs, simulated APT attacks |
| Physical Pen Test | £5,000 – £20,000 | Office security, data center protection |
| Social Engineering | £2,500 – £10,000 | Employee security awareness testing |
📊 What Impacts Penetration Testing Costs?
1. Scope & Complexity (Biggest Cost Factor)
- Small web app (5-10 pages): £1,500-£3,500
- E-commerce platform: £5,000-£15,000
- Corporate network (50+ devices): £7,000-£20,000
2. Tester Experience & Certifications
- Junior testers: £500-£800/day
- CREST-certified professionals: £1,000-£1,800/day
- CHECK Team Leaders: £1,500-£2,500/day
3. Compliance Requirements
- Cyber Essentials: £1,500-£3,000
- PCI DSS: £5,000-£15,000
- ISO 27001: £3,000-£10,000
4. Geographic Coverage
- Single London office: £3,000-£8,000
- Multiple UK sites: +50-100% cost
- International testing: Custom pricing
🛡️ Cost vs Risk: Why Pen Testing Pays For Itself
Average UK Data Breach Costs:
- SMBs: £8,460 – £25,000 per incident
- Enterprises: £120,000+ for serious breaches
- GDPR fines: Up to £17.5 million or 4% global turnover
ROI Example:
£5,000 pen test finds critical flaw → Prevents £50,000 breach = 10x return
💡 How UK Businesses Can Save on Pen Testing
- Start Small
- Test critical systems first (payment processors, customer databases)
- Expand scope over time
- Bundle Services
- Many providers offer discounts for:
- Annual retesting packages
- Combined web + network tests
- Many providers offer discounts for:
- Time It Right
- Avoid peak seasons (pre-Christmas rush for e-commerce)
- Schedule tests during business quiet periods
- Use Hybrid Approaches
- Automated scanning (£500-£2,000) + manual verification
🚀 Choosing the Right Pen Test Provider
Look for:
✔ UK-based with local understanding
✔ CREST/CHECK certifications
✔ Clear pricing structure
✔ Sample reports demonstrating value
Avoid:
✖ Unrealistically cheap offers (£500 “full pen tests”)
✖ No verifiable credentials
✖ Vague scope definitions
📅 Recommended Testing Frequency by Budget
| Budget Level | Recommended Approach |
|---|---|
| Under £5k/year | Annual basic web app test |
| £5k-£15k/year | Quarterly automated scans + annual manual test |
| £15k+/year | Continuous testing program with retesting |
🔍 Hidden Costs to Watch For
- Remediation consulting (£800-£2,000/day)
- Retesting fees (typically 30-50% of initial test cost)
- Travel expenses for on-site testing
🏆 Top UK Pen Test Providers Compared
While we don’t endorse specific companies, reputable options include:
- Evalian (featured in your reference)
- CyberHeroes
- Nettitude (CHECK-certified)
- NCC Group
Pro Tip: Always get 3-5 quotes before committing.
📌 Key Takeaways for UK Businesses
✔ Basic tests start around £1,500, comprehensive tests £10,000+
✔ CREST-certified testers cost more but provide better value
✔ Prevention is cheaper than breach costs
✔ Bundle tests and negotiate for best pricing
🔒 Remember: The cheapest test isn’t the best value. Invest in quality cybersecurity to protect your business’s future.
