16 Best Penetration Testing Firms - Features, Pros, & Cons Of Each Firm

Penetration testing is a method for determining the security of computer systems. The aim of a penetration test is to evaluate the danger posed by a system using its flaws. Many organizations use penetration testing as a way to improve their security posture and protect against potential attacks. In this blog post, we will discuss 16 of the top penetration testing firms and their features, pros, and cons.

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16 Best Penetration Testing Firms With Details

1. Astra’s Pentest

Astra’s PENTEST is a web application security scanning and penetration testing platform that discovers and reports SQL Injection, Cross-site Scripting (XSS) and a range of other vulnerabilities and security flaws in web applications.

Pros:

Scans for a variety of vulnerabilities including SQL injection and Cross-site Scripting (XSS) with zero false positives.
Scans behind login
Includes manual penetration testing.
Helps with Compliance reporting

Cons:

“Basic” version is not free

2. Parrot Security OS

Parrot Security OS is a Debian-based, security-focused operating system for Pentesting, Computer Forensics, Reverse Engineering, Hacking, Cloud Privacy/Anonymity, and Cryptography.

Pros:

Offers a wide range of tools for pentesting needs
It may be used on a plethora of platforms, including ARM.
Has good documentation and support

Cons:

Maybe too complex for some users

3. BlackArch Linux

It is composed entirely of free and open-source software, with no hidden spyware or malware. The project’s goal is to provide a lightweight yet comprehensive distribution that will satisfy the needs of even the most security-conscious users. BlackArch features over 600 tools organized in 12 categories.

Pros:

Offers a wide range of tools for pentesting needs (over 600)
Is based on Arch Linux, so it has good package management

Cons:

It’s possible that it will be too complex for some users.

4. Dradis Framework

Dradis Framework is an open-source web application for information gathering and collaboration during penetration tests. It helps you produce reports more easily, and it makes sharing findings with your team simple.

Pros:

Web application makes it easy to use and share results
It may be utilized for a range of activities beyond just pentesting.

Cons:

Not as comprehensive as some other tools

5. Metasploit Project

Metasploit Project is a computer security project that focuses on reporting security flaws and assisting with penetration testing and IDS signature development. Metasploit’s main purpose is to help developers write code that detects or exploits security vulnerabilities. The program also includes the largest collection of public, verified hacking tools in the world.

Pros:

Provides in-depth information on security breaches.
Useful for penetration tests and IDS signature generation.
The world’s most comprehensive database of public, tested exploits.

Cons:

Some individuals might find it too complicated.

6. Nmap

Nmap is a free and open-source software application that performs network mapping and security auditing, as well as other tasks. Many networks and network administrators find it useful for tasks such as host inventory, service upgrade planning, and network monitoring.

Nmap is flexible security software that employs raw IP packets in innovative ways to identify which hosts are accessible on the network, what services (app name and version) they provide, what operating systems (and OS versions) they run, and a slew of other parameters.

Pros:

Free and open source
Can be used for a variety of tasks beyond just pentesting.
Good documentation is a must.

Cons:

Extremely complex

7. Wireshark

Wireshark is a free and open-source packet analyzer that runs on Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, Solaris, HP-UX, AIX, iOS, Android. It supports TCP/IP protocol analysis and capture. It’s used for network troubleshooting, study, software and communications protocol creation, and teaching. Because of trademark issues, the program was renamed Wireshark in May 2006.

Pros:

Free and open source
Can be used for a variety of tasks beyond just pentesting (network troubleshooting,.)
Good documentation is available.

Cons:

There’s nothing at all to see here.

8. Burp Suite

Burp Suite is a tool that may be used to test the security of web applications. Its numerous tools collaborate to assist in the whole testing procedure, from initial mapping and analysis of an application’s attack surface to identifying and exploiting software vulnerabilities.

Pros:

It offers a convenient, integrated platform that’s simple to use and quick.
It’s not just for penetration testing. It may be used for a variety of purposes beyond that.

Cons:

Complexity is an issue for some users.

9. Kali Linux

Kali Linux is a Debian-based Linux distribution that’s been developed for digital forensics and penetration testing. Offensive Security Ltd. maintains and finances it. The KaliNetHunter Android-powered Nexus device penetration testing platform was the first open-source penetration testing platform for OnePlus One users.

Pros:

Offers a wide range of tools for pentesting needs
NetHunter provides support for a large number of devices
It can be used on a wide range of platforms (including ARM).

Cons:

Users may find it too difficult.

10. The Social-Engineer Toolkit

The SocialEngineerr Toolkit (SET) is a security tool that helps you assess the risk of social engineering attacks and perform social engineering reconnaissance. It includes a variety of tools to help you in your reconnaissance efforts, including an email spoofing tool, a password cracker, and a web server scanner.

Pros:

Includes many different tools to help with social engineering reconnaissance
Easy use interface

Cons:

None.

11. IBM Security AppScan

IBM Security AppScan is a vulnerability scanning solution for identifying security vulnerabilities in Web applications and mobile apps. It can be used as part of an organization’s vulnerability management program or as part of an application penetration testing process.

Pros:

Vulnerability scanning solution for identifying security vulnerabilities in Web applications and mobile apps
Can be used as part of an organization’s vulnerability management program or as part of an application penetration testing process

Cons:

Can be too complex for some users

12. Nessus

Nessus is a proprietary comprehensive vulnerability scanner. It is produced by Tenable Network Security.

Pros:

Comprehensive vulnerability scanner
Produced by a reputable company (Tenable Network Security)

Cons:

“Proprietary” means it is not free

13. PortSwigger Burp Suite Pro

PortSwigger Burp Suite Pro is the most advanced edition of the Burp Suite security tool. It includes all the features of the standard edition, plus additional features such as intrusion detection, scanning for vulnerabilities in SSL/TLS communications, and more.

Pros:

Includes all the features of the standard edition, plus additional features such as intrusion detection, scanning for vulnerabilities in SSL/TLS communications, and more

Cons:

“Proprietary” means it is not free

14. SoapUI Pro

SoapUI Pro is a web service testing tool that allows you to test SOAP and RESTful web services. It also includes a suite of load-testing, security-testing, and API-virtualization tools.

Pros:

Allows you to test SOAP and RESTful web services
Includes a set of tools for load testing, security testing, and API virtualization

Cons:

“Proprietary” means it is not free.

15. WebInspect HP

WebInspect by HP is a dynamic web application security testing tool. It includes features such as automated crawling and attack generation, as well as manual pentesting tools.

Pros:

Dynamic web application security testing tool
Includes features such as automated crawling and attack generation, as well as manual pentesting tools.

Cons:

Too complex for some users

16. ZAP

Zed Attack Proxy (ZAP) is a free, open-source web application security testing software. It is meant for both novices and experts to use.

Pros:

Open source web application security scanner
Designed to be used by both beginners and experts

Cons:

None to speak of.

Conclusion

Overall, there are many different penetration testing firms to choose from, each with its own unique set of features and benefits. Your ideal business may be determined by your particular demands and requirements. Make sure you conduct adequate research to discover the best suited for you.