Penetration Testing Provider

Selecting a penetration test provider

Choosing a pentest provider is crucial to the success of your IT security project. Find out what you should look out for and whether DSecured could be the right provider.

If you think, we are not the right provider - we are happy to recommend someone else which matches your criteria. We are happy to help you with your IT security project.

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From the Founder

Honesty Instead of Sales Tactics

The penetration testing market is full of providers who promise to do everything. At DSecured we do things differently: We clearly state what we're really good at - and what we're not. If we're not the right partner for your project, we honestly recommend a better provider.

A penetration test is only as good as the people who perform it. That's why you won't find automatic scans sold as "pentests" here, but real manual security assessments from experienced experts with OSCP and other certifications.

Selection Criteria

10 Crucial Criteria for Choosing a Provider

In the digital age, annual penetration testing is the absolute minimum to ensure the IT security of your company or a specific system. These 10 criteria will help you find the right pentest provider.

Team & Experience

Critical

An experienced pentest provider should have several years of experience in the industry. Most providers have an "About Us" page where you can learn more about the pentesters.

Important to know: Hacking is a creative process. Certifications like OSCP or CISSP are good indicators - but not everything. Be cautious with CEH - it says very little and has deservedly earned a bad reputation.

OSCP, CISSP or comparable certifications

Multi-year practical experience in pentesting

Transparent information about the team

References

Very Important

References and customer testimonials are an important indicator of a provider's quality - especially in IT security, however, it's often not so easy to show who you've worked with (NDA,...).

Insider Tip: Especially for critical infrastructure or large corporations, references often cannot be shown publicly. It's worth asking! Reputable providers can share more in personal conversations.

Real customer testimonials or case studies

Experience in your industry (critical infrastructure, fintech, etc.)

Proven successful projects

Communication

Very Important

A good pentest provider should be able to explain complex issues simply. Communication should be clear and understandable. The chemistry should also be right.

Understandable explanations without unnecessary jargon

Quick and reliable accessibility

The chemistry is right - arrange an introductory meeting

Services & Specialization

Very Important

Are you looking for someone who can do everything (and therefore perhaps nothing really well) or are you looking for a service provider who, like DSecured, specializes primarily in offensive IT security and penetration testing?

Warning: Generalist vs. Specialist - a provider that offers "everything" (SOC, SIEM, firewall management, pentests, training...) is often not truly excellent in any area.

Clear focus on penetration testing

Specific expertise for your application (web, mobile, API, etc.)

Demonstrable success in core business

Flexibility

Important

IT security is not rigid. The requirements for a penetration test vary greatly from customer to customer. A good pentest provider should be able to respond to individual requirements and adapt their services so that a customer gets maximum results within their budget.

Individually customizable test plans

Flexible scheduling and test windows

Budget-oriented solutions without loss of quality

Pricing Structure

Critical

A penetration testing service provider should offer transparent pricing. You should understand the pricing structure. The daily rate itself is also a good indicator of the provider's quality.

Market Price: Typical rates range from $1,000 to $2,000 per day. If the rate is significantly below or above this, you should be skeptical. It's not uncommon for penetration tests to be performed by inexperienced people from overseas and sold at high prices here.

Transparent cost breakdown

Comprehensible price calculation

No hidden costs or additional fees

Processes & Methodology

Very Important

Penetration tests typically follow established processes. A good provider should at least be able to tell you how they work. Ideally, this is clearly communicated in advance on the website or during discussions.

Documented testing methodology (e.g., OWASP, PTES)

Clear phases: Planning → Testing → Reporting → Debriefing

Defined escalation process for critical findings

Company Structure

Important

Is it important to you that an LLC or corporation stands behind the provider? You need to understand that good penetration testers are generally reluctant to be hired as employees. It's more profitable to work as a freelancer or in a team. DSecured is such a case.

Practical Tip: The best balance: A registered company (LLC, Ltd.) with a network of highly qualified freelancers. This gives you legal security AND top expertise.

Registered company with legal notice

Transparent company structure

Long-term stability of the provider

Insurance

Very Important

When working in the field of IT security, and specifically in penetration testing, the pentest provider should have adequate insurance. For example, we have a special IT insurance policy with a strong focus on offensive activities - worldwide.

Professional liability for IT security services

Worldwide coverage (if operating internationally)

Special coverage for offensive security testing

Final Report

Critical

Ask to see a real penetration test report. A good provider typically has a pentest report ready for this purpose.

Must-Have: In addition to the technical section, the report should also include an executive summary for management. It should also be clearly readable and the recipients should be able to make sense of the information.

Executive summary for management

Technical details with code examples

Concrete recommendations for remediation

Risk assessment and prioritization

Warning: Manual Pentest vs. Automated Scan

As strange as it sounds: We regularly receive requests where we're asked to review or explain the results of a "pentest" because the customer doesn't understand what they're looking at. Often, these are long automatically generated reports created by tools like Nessus, Qualys, or OpenVAS.

Important to know: If a pentest provider sells something like this as a complete penetration test, you should be skeptical. A penetration test should be a manual test - an automated scan can only be a part of it at most.

Ask: What percentage is manual work? Who performs the tests? Are tools just executed or is there also creative security analysis?

DSecured at a Glance

Since

2020

Team

Specialized Expert Team

Certifications

OSCP, CISSP, CEH

Projects

150+ Successful Tests

Focus

100% Offensive Security

Insurance

Worldwide IT Liability

Request Without Obligation

Let's find out in a free initial consultation whether we're the right partner for your penetration test.

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