81.50 Cr—that’s the number of Aadhaar accounts compromised in the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) data breach last October, as per The Hindu.
This incident, coupled with a 15% YoY surge in cyberattacks on Indian businesses per Mint, underscores the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures across public and private sectors. However, with limited resources, how can you achieve comprehensive VAPT security and a strong ROI?
Our security experts have meticulously curated a list of India’s top 7 penetration testing service providers who cater to your specific needs, such as cost, timeline, functionality, compliance, and the depth of pentesting capabilities.
Top 7 Penetration Testing Services India
Essential Features to Look For in a Penetration Testing Provider
1. Ability to Offer Continuous Pentests (PTaaS):
While evaluating security services in India, prioritize those offering a wide range of tests. Look for vulnerability scanners that offer event-triggered scans for real-time monitoring, continuous pentests for ongoing security checks, and ad-hoc scans for specific assessments.
Pro Tip: Look for PtaaS platforms designed by experienced security professionals. They often offer a more comprehensive approach to discovering all potential vulnerabilities.
2. Compliance & Law Specific Security Tests:
Indian regulations often mandate annual penetration testing to ensure compliance with CERT-IN, CIS, and ISO standards. Pentest tools can help streamline this process by offering compliance-focused scans and reporting algorithms specifically designed to help you save time and resources.
Pro Tip: Previous experience with Indian security laws and regulations in your industry can also help improve the quality of the pentest.
3. Experience of Pentesters:
While certifications aren’t the sole indicator of skill, they demonstrate a commitment to industry standards and ongoing professional development. Look for a penetration testing service provider that employs security engineers with recognized certifications like OSCP, CEH, or CISSP.
Pro Tip: If accessible, look for information about CVEs discovered and the other quantifiable metrics, such as the number and severity of bugs found by the team.
4. Industry Standard Pentest Report:
Look for pentest services that generate customizable industry-standard reports. Thus, CXOs receive concise summaries highlighting key remediation priorities, while developers benefit from exhaustive reports with CVSS, potential impact, and instructions for replicating and patching bugs.
Pro Tip: Active customer support also helps solve execution bottlenecks by providing better insights into patches and speeding up the remediation processes.
5. Engineering Workflow Integrations:
Look for penetration testing companies in India that seamlessly integrate with your CI/CD pipeline, including JIRA, GitHub, or GitLab, as well as communication platforms like Slack. This will allow you to transition smoothly from DevOps to DevSecOps.
Why Astra is the best in pentesting?
- We’re the only company that combines automated & manual pentest to create a one-of-a-kind pentest platform.
- Vetted scans ensure zero false positives.
- Our intelligent vulnerability scanner emulates hacker behavior & evolves with every pentest.
- Astra’s scanner helps you shift left by integrating with your CI/CD.
- Our platform helps you uncover, manage & fix vulnerabilities in one place.
- Trusted by the brands you trust like Agora, Spicejet, Muthoot, Dream11, etc.
Comparing the Top 3 Pentesting Companies in India
| Features | Astra Security | eSec Forte | IndusfaceWAS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pentest Capacity | Web and Mobile Apps, Cloud, API, and Networks | Web and Mobile Apps, Cloud, Hardware and Networks | Web applications |
| Manual Pentest | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Continuous Vulnerability Scanning | Yes | No | Yes |
| Scan Behind Login (Vulnerability Scanner) | Yes | No | Yes |
| PtaaS Platform | Yes | No | Yes |
| Seamless CI/CD Integration | Slack, JIRA, GitHub, GitLab, and Jenkins | No | Jira, GitHub, Slack, and Microsoft Teams |
| Compliance | PCI-DSS, HIPAA, SOC2, ISO 27001 and CERT-IN | PCI-DSS, ISO 27001 and CERT-IN | SOC2, ISO, and OWASP |
| Pricing | Starting at INR 16,000 | Available on quote | INR 16,500/app/month |
| Best Suited For | Holistic security and compliance penetration testing | Red team assessment | Small businesses looking for VAPT |
Top 7 Penetration Testing Companies in India
1. Astra Security
Key Features:
- Services Offered: Web & Mobile App, Cloud Infrastructure, API & Network Pentesting
- Headquartered In: New Delhi
- Manual Pentest: Yes
- Continuous Vulnerability Scanning: Yes
- Scan Behind Login: Yes
- PtaaS Platform: Yes
- Seamless CI/CD Integration: Slack, JIRA, GitHub, GitLab, and Jenkins
- Compliance: CERT-IN, PCI-DSS, HIPAA, SOC2, and ISO 27001
- Pricing: Starting at INR 16,000
- Best Suited For: Holistic security and compliance penetration testing
Astra is a NASSCOM EMERGE 50 awarded cyber security company specializing in Pentest & Vulnerability Scanning solutions. Astra Security has also been awarded by PM Narendra Modi at the Global Conference on Cyber Security.
Our VAPT techniques blend automation, AI, and manual expertise to conduct more than 9,300 tests.
We generate AI test cases specific to your app, industry, and technology stack, scanning for vulnerabilities beyond the known and emerging CVEs. With zero false positives, scan behind login, custom reporting, and real-time support, we strive to make pentesting simple and hassle-free.
Astra is empanelled by a CERT-IN for providing Information Security Auditing services.
Pros:
- Hacker-style pentest by certified security professionals.
- One-of-a-kind Pentest platform to manage the Pentest.
- Seamlessly integrate with your CI/CD pipeline.
- Continuously scan for vulnerabilities with fortnightly updated scanner rules.
- Leverage AI-based exclusive test cases.
- Collaborate with security experts with OSCP, CEH & CVEs under their name.
- Generate custom executive and developer-friendly reports.
Limitations:
- Only 1-week free trial is available.
2.eSec Forte
Key Features:
- Services Offered: Web & Mobile App, Cloud Infrastructure, Hardware & Network Pentesting
- Headquartered In: New Delhi
- Manual Pentest: Yes
- Continuous Vulnerability Scanning: No
- Scan Behind Login: No
- PtaaS Platform: No
- Seamless CI/CD Integration: None
- Compliance: PCI-DSS, ISO 27001 and CERT-IN
- Pricing: Available on quote
- Best Suited For: Red team assessment
Esec Forte is a trusted penetration testing service provider with certifications like CMMI Level 3, ISO 9001:2008, and ISO 27001-2013. It offers comprehensive information security services, from compliance testing to digital forensics and incident response.
They have a proven track record of serving government undertakings, Fortune 1000 companies, and emerging businesses.
Pros:
- Offers a broad spectrum of information security services.
- CERT-IN empanelled and PCI DSS QSA certified.
Limitations:
- No upfront pricing.
- UI can be difficult to navigate.
3. IndusfaceWAS
Key Features:
- Services Offered: Web Application Pentesting
- Headquartered In: Bangalore
- Manual Pentest: Yes
- Continuous Vulnerability Scanning: Yes
- Scan Behind Login: Yes
- PtaaS Platform: Yes
- Seamless CI/CD Integration: JIRA, GitHub, Slack, and Microsoft Teams
- Compliance: SOC2, ISO and OWASP
- Price: INR 16,500/app/month
- Best Suited For: Small businesses looking for VAPT
IndusFaceWAS is a DAST (Dynamic Application Security Testing) solution designed specifically for Indian businesses. It offers automated vulnerability assessments, manual penetration testing, and real-time monitoring – all under one platform.
Going beyond generic compliance reporting, IndusfaceWAS generates detailed reports, including proof of concept documentation, and facilitates testing across various standards.
Pros:
- Quick support turnaround.
- Tests for OWASP top 10 and SANS 25 vulnerabilities.
Limitations:
- GUI can be more intuitive.
- Constant scan status update emails can be overwhelming.
4. Kratikal
Key Features:
- Headquartered In: New Delhi
- Services Offered: Web and Mobile Applications, Cloud Infrastructure, API, and Networks
- Manual Pentest: Yes
- Continuous Vulnerability Scanning: No
- Scan Behind Login: No
- PtaaS Platform: No
- Seamless CI/CD Integration: None
- Compliance: PCI-DSS, HIPAA, SOC2, and ISO 27001
- Price: Available on Quote
- Best Suited For: DMARC, Compliance pentest
Another CERT-In empanelled company, Krantikal, provides manual and automated penetration testing services for various assets, including web apps, IoT, and medical devices.
In addition to its pentest services, it is well-known for its email authentication protocol, TDMARC. Kratikal also assists with achieving compliance through scans for significant standards like ISO 27001 and PCI-DSS and offers virtual CISOs for startups.
Pros
- Detailed penetration reporting practices.
- Good support and service.
Limitations
- No upfront pricing.
Astra Pentest is built by the team of experts that helped secure Microsoft, Adobe, Facebook, and Buffer
5. SumaSoft
Key Features:
- Services Offered: Web & Mobile Applications, Cloud, and Networks
- Headquartered In: Pune
- Manual Pentest: Yes
- Continuous Vulnerability Scanning: No
- Scan Behind Login: No
- PtaaS Platform: No
- Seamless CI/CD Integration: None
- Compliance: HIPAA, GLBA, NIST, ISO 27001
- Price: Available on Quote
- Best Suited For: VAPT, cloud, and managed security
Suma Soft is a popular penetration testing service company that offers both automated and manual pentesting services. It leverages exploitation techniques like system hacking, evading IDS, and honeypots to identify and verify attack vectors and bugs.
In addition to pentests, the company provides tools for hyper-automation and technical support for networks and desktops.
Pros
- CERT-IN empanelled
- Cultivating a client-first culture
Limitations
- Not primarily VAPT-oriented
- Upfront pricing is not provided
6. Threatsys
Key Features:
- Services Offered: Web Applications, Mobile Applications, Networks, IoT
- Headquartered In: Bhubaneswar
- Manual Pentest: Yes
- Continuous Vulnerability Scanning: No
- Scan Behind Login: No
- PtaaS Platform: No
- Seamless CI/CD Integration: None
- Compliance: GDPR, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, SOC2, FISMA,
- Price: Available on quote
- Best Suited For: Custom penetration testing
Threatsys is a leading Indian security services provider specializing in manual pen testing. Their team of over 60 experienced pentesters can assess the security of various assets, including web and mobile applications, IoT devices, and networks.
Employing black box and white box testing methodologies, Threatsys is a CERT-In empanelled and ISO-certified company that offers compliance-specific scans for industry standards such as HIPAA, PCI DSS, GDPR, and ISO.
Pros:
- Round-the-clock customer support
- Experience in a variety of sectors
Limitations:
- No continuous vulnerability scanning services are available.
7. Cyberops Infosec
Key Features:
- Services Offered: Web and mobile applications, Networks, and Desktop
- Headquartered In: Jaipur
- Manual Pentest: Yes
- Continuous Vulnerability Scanning: No
- Scan Behind Login: No
- PtaaS Platform: No
- Seamless CI/CD Integration: None
- Compliance: SOC2, PCI-DSS, and ISO27001
- Price: Available on quote
- Best Suited For: Cybersecurity penetration tests.
Cyberops Infosec is a penetrating testing service provider that offers a diverse range of cybersecurity services, including VAPT for several digital assets. On successful completion, they also provide a safe-to-host certificate.
In addition to the above, their offerings include compliance-specific scans, cybersecurity training for employees, and cybercrime consultations.
Pros:
- Cybersecurity training available for employees
- Safe-to-host certificate available after
Limitations:
- Lack of continuous vulnerability scanning post the pentest
- No upfront pricing
It is one small security loophole v/s your entire website or web application.
Get your web app audited with
Astra’s Continuous Pentest Solution.
Final Thoughts
While this list provides a strong foundation, the best pentesting partner ultimately depends on your unique needs, security budget, and industry. Some key considerations include scanning capabilities, the experience of pentesters, compliance needs, reporting, and remediation.
Although penetration testing services in India can be a significant investment, the ROI and savings against non-compliance fees are more than worth it!
FAQs
1. How much does penetration testing cost in India?
The cost of vulnerability assessment and penetration testing services in India ranges between INR 16,000 and INR 8,00,000. It depends on various factors, such as the scope of work, assets, and the provider.
2. How long does a pentest take?
Penetration tests vary depending on complexity. On average, they take 10-15 business days, but they can range from a few days for small businesses to several weeks for large organizations.
3. What Is Penetration Testing & VAPT?
Penetration testing (pentesting) simulates an attacker’s attempt to exploit vulnerabilities in an IT system. VAPT (Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing) combines automated vulnerability scanning with manual pentesting for a more comprehensive security assessment.
4. What are the different penetration services offered by security companies?
Security companies offer various pentesting services, including web application pentesting, mobile application pentesting, network pentesting, cloud infrastructure pentesting, and API pentesting.
5. Why is penetration testing important?
Penetration testing is crucial for identifying and remediating security weaknesses before attackers exploit them. It helps organizations improve their overall security posture, comply with regulations, and prevent data breaches.
