Penetration Testing in Vancouver: Costs, Types, and How to Choose a Provider

Penetration testing (pentesting) is one of the most effective ways to identify security vulnerabilities before attackers do. This guide covers everything Vancouver businesses need to know about penetration testing—costs, types, and how to choose the right provider.

What is Penetration Testing?

Penetration testing simulates real-world cyberattacks against your systems to identify vulnerabilities. Unlike vulnerability scanning (automated tools), pentesting involves skilled security professionals who think and act like attackers.

A professional pentest:

• Identifies vulnerabilities that automated scans miss
• Tests your defenses against realistic attack scenarios
• Validates security controls actually work
• Provides remediation guidance to fix issues
• Satisfies compliance requirements (PCI DSS, ISO 27001, SOC 2)

Types of Penetration Testing

Network Penetration Testing

Tests your internal and external network infrastructure:

• External network pentest: Tests perimeter defenses (firewalls, VPNs, exposed services)
• Internal network pentest: Simulates an attacker inside your network
• Wireless pentest: Tests WiFi security and rogue access points

Best for: All organizations with network infrastructure

Web Application Penetration Testing

Tests web applications for security vulnerabilities:

• OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities (SQL injection, XSS, CSRF)
• Authentication and session management flaws
• Business logic vulnerabilities
• API security issues

Best for: SaaS companies, e-commerce, any business with web applications

API Penetration Testing

Tests REST, GraphQL, and other APIs:

• Authentication and authorization flaws
• Data exposure vulnerabilities
• Rate limiting and abuse potential
• Integration security issues

Best for: Companies with mobile apps, microservices, or API-first architectures

Cloud Penetration Testing

Tests cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP):

• Misconfigured cloud services
• IAM policy weaknesses
• Data exposure in cloud storage
• Kubernetes and container security

Best for: Cloud-native companies, any business using AWS/Azure/GCP

Mobile Application Penetration Testing

Tests iOS and Android applications:

• Insecure data storage
• Weak authentication
• API security
• Certificate pinning bypass

Best for: Companies with mobile apps

Red Team Assessment

Full-scope simulated attack combining multiple techniques:

• Social engineering (phishing, vishing)
• Physical security testing
• Technical exploitation
• Persistence and lateral movement

Best for: Mature organizations wanting realistic attack simulation

Penetration Testing Costs in Vancouver

Penetration testing costs vary widely based on scope and complexity:

What Affects Pentest Cost?

1. Scope: More systems/applications = higher cost
2. Complexity: Custom applications take longer than standard ones
3. Compliance requirements: PCI DSS pentests have specific requirements
4. Retesting: Many providers charge for verification testing
5. Provider quality: CREST-accredited providers may charge more (worth it)

How to Choose a Penetration Testing Provider in Vancouver

Look for CREST Accreditation

CREST is the gold standard for penetration testing providers. CREST accreditation means:

• Testers hold recognized certifications (CCT, CRT)
• Company follows rigorous testing methodologies
• Quality assurance and ethics standards are maintained

Svalbard Security is CREST accredited.

Check Their Methodology

Ask about their testing methodology. Professional providers should follow:

• OWASP Testing Guide for web applications
• PTES (Penetration Testing Execution Standard)
• NIST SP 800-115 for technical security testing
• PCI DSS requirements if compliance is needed

Evaluate Report Quality

The pentest report is what you're really paying for. A quality report includes:

• Executive summary for leadership
• Detailed technical findings with evidence
• Risk ratings (CVSS or similar)
• Step-by-step remediation guidance
• Retesting scope for verification

Request sample reports before engaging.

Consider Response Time

Security doesn't wait. Look for providers offering:

• Same-week scheduling for urgent needs
• Fast turnaround on reports
• Availability for questions during remediation

Verify Insurance and NDAs

Professional pentest providers should have:

• Professional liability insurance
• Cyber liability insurance
• Standard NDA before any discussions
• Clear rules of engagement

Penetration Testing Requirements for Compliance

PCI DSS

• Annual penetration test required
• Must test network segmentation
• Internal and external testing
• Must use qualified personnel

SOC 2

• Penetration testing demonstrates security controls
• Typically annual testing
• Remediation evidence required

ISO 27001

• Risk-based penetration testing
• Regular testing as part of security program
• Management review of findings

HIPAA

• Not explicitly required but strongly recommended
• Documents technical safeguards
• Part of risk analysis requirements

Svalbard Security Penetration Testing

As Vancouver's CREST-accredited penetration testing provider, Svalbard Security offers:

• Same-week scheduling for most engagements
• CREST-certified testers (CCT, CRT, OSCP, OSCE)
• Detailed remediation reports with step-by-step guidance
• Free retesting within 30 days
• Compliance-ready documentation (PCI, SOC 2, ISO 27001)

Our Pentest Process

1. Scoping call: Define targets, goals, and timeline
2. Rules of engagement: Signed authorization and scope
3. Testing: Thorough manual and automated testing
4. Report delivery: Detailed findings within 5 business days
5. Debrief call: Walk through findings with your team
6. Retesting: Verify remediation (included free)

Getting Started

Ready to test your defenses? Contact Svalbard Security for a free penetration testing consultation.

We'll help you determine the right scope, provide a competitive quote, and schedule testing at your convenience.

Svalbard Security is Vancouver's CREST-accredited penetration testing provider. We also offer SOCaaS, MDR, XDR, and compliance services. Learn more about our penetration testing.