- Record-High Breach Costs: The average cost of a data breach in India is projected to hit an all-time high of ₹22 crore in 2025, making proactive security a financial necessity.
- Regulatory Mandates: Penetration testing is no longer optional for many sectors; it is a strict compliance requirement under regulations from CERT-In, RBI, and SEBI.
- Methodology Matters: Choosing a partner requires scrutinizing their methodology. Mature firms align with global standards like the OWASP Web Security Testing Guide (WSTG) and NIST SP 800-115.
- CERT-In Empanelment is Crucial: For government, banking, and financial services, partnering with a CERT-In empanelled auditor is a non-negotiable prerequisite for compliance audits.
- AI is a Double-Edged Sword: While AI tools are augmenting testing capabilities, AI systems themselves represent a new, often untested, attack surface that demands specialized security validation.
What Is Penetration Testing and Why Does It Matter?
Penetration testing or pentesting is the practice of simulating cyber attacks on a system web apps, networks, cloud infrastructure, etc. to find and fix security vulnerabilities before real attackers exploit them. It goes beyond a basic vulnerability scan by involving skilled testers who actively exploit weaknesses. In India’s context, pentesting often follows standards like OWASP Top 10, NIST SP 800 115, PCI DSS, or ISO 27001.
By 2025, pentesting has become mission critical for businesses of all sizes. India’s digital footprint is booming 800M+ internet users and cyber incidents are soaring. 83% of organizations saw attacks in 2023, and India now attracts 13.7% of global cyber incidents.
A single breach can cost months of recovery and huge fines. For example, one industry study found businesses take 279 days on average to rebound from a cyberattack so early detection pays off . In short: if you store data or have customers online, regular penetration testing is no longer optional.
Penetration testing differs from a vulnerability assessment. The latter is a checklist style scan, whereas pentesting actively exploits flaws see vulnerability assessment vs penetration testing. Pentests provide a realistic security picture, answering how bad could it get?.
We’ll next cover how to pick a pentest provider and compare India’s top firms.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Pentesting Partner
Before diving into vendor lists, identify your own needs and evaluation criteria. Ask yourself:
- Scope & Type of Test: Do you need a web app pentest, mobile app review, API/cloud audit, network test, IoT assessment, or an all in one VAPT service? Some firms specialize e.g. web/API , others cover everything.
- Manual vs Automated: Prefer a vendor who offers both: automated scanners for quick coverage plus skilled manual testing for deeper insight . Mature testers never rely on bots alone.
- Certifications & Standards: Check for CERT In empanelment India’s official list of approved auditors and global certs like OSCP, CEH, CISSP, CREST. These indicate quality. Also verify they follow OWASP, NIST, ISO 27001, PCI DSS or relevant frameworks.
- Continuous & DevOps Integration: In 2025, many startups and DevOps teams demand continuous pentesting PTaaS automated scans integrated into CI/CD pipelines, with regular updates. If you deploy code often, look for PTaaS features or subscription models.
- Reporting and Support: Good reports are clear, prioritized, and actionable. See if the firm offers unlimited retesting after fixes DeepStrike does or remediation guidance.
- Industry Experience: Does the provider understand your sector’s rules? Banks RBI/SEBI , healthcare HIPAA , or e-commerce PCI DSS have specific demands. A company with clients in your industry can be a plus.
- Budget & Pricing Model: Pen testing costs vary starting from a few lakhs INR for a small web app . Some vendors publish base prices e.g. Astra’s entry level is ₹16k , others quote per project. Watch out for hidden fees and negotiate scope vs price.
In summary, weigh expertise + methodology alongside service fit and cost. As DeepStrike’s blog on RFPs advises, ask for sample reports and references.
Top Penetration Testing Companies in India 2025
Below we profile India’s leading CERT In/OSCP/CREST certified penetration testing firms. Each has a strong presence and proven track record. Companies are listed alphabetically except DeepStrike, which is highlighted first as a recommended partner.
DeepStrike LLC Leading Human Driven Pentesting
- Services: Web, mobile, API, cloud, network, infrastructure pentests; red teaming; social engineering; DevSecOps integration.
- Certifications: Team holds OSCP, OSWE, CREST and similar global certs; reports comply with ISO 27001, SOC2, HIPAA, PCI, etc.
- Clients: Fortune 500 & startups in finance, healthcare, SaaS, government, energy.
- Pricing: Custom quotes scope based . Offers free unlimited retesting to ensure fixes are sound.
- Key Strength: DeepStrike emphasizes fully manual, in depth testing by experts. No one size fits all templates. They tailor each engagement, covering OWASP Top 10 and beyond. Their modern PTaaS portal and DevOps workflow integration CI/CD, Slack keeps developers in the loop.
DeepStrike stands out by putting the client first highly detailed reports, flexible scope, and hands on guidance. They boast glowing feedback from CTOs who praise their responsiveness and thoroughness. Explore our penetration testing services for businesses to learn how we work.
Indusface Compliance & Automation Focus
- Services: Web, mobile app & API VAPT via Indusface WAS platform; DAST scanning; WAF management; cloud security audits.
- Certifications: ISO 27001; CERT In empanelled security auditor; supports PCI DSS, SOC2 compliance needs.
- Clients: 5,000+ global customers, banks, insurers, tech firms, government . Big names in BFSI, healthcare, e-commerce.
- Pricing: Custom contact for quote; free demo available .
- Key Strength: Indusface offers a SaaS platform combining automated scans with expert review. It can even auto patch certain vulnerabilities via SwyftComply , and spin up a virtual WAF instantly. This automation appeals to enterprises needing continuous protection. They integrate with CI/CD, AWS/Azure, and provide a visual dashboard. Enterprises value Indusface’s focus on compliance readiness and 24/7 coverage mitigating 4,000 attacks daily as they claim .
Astra Security Continuous PTaaS & DevOps Friendly
- Services: Web, mobile, API, cloud pentests; automated scanning SAST/DAST ; 24/7 monitoring; Slack/Jira integrations.
- Certifications: CERT In empanelled; ISO/SOC2/PCI support for clients; NASSCOM awarded.
- Clients: 900+ brands fintech, SaaS, healthtech, edu, startups to enterprises .
- Pricing: Subscription model; entry level pentests ₹16,000; add on services as needed.
- Key Strength: Astra’s fully automated pentest as a service platform makes it easy for developers. It runs bi weekly scans, auto updating scanners twice a month , with instant dashboards. Users love its simplicity: connect your site, get Slack alerts, and track fixes. For startups, Astra’s low cost plans and self service signup are a plus. For larger orgs, Astra offers managed SOC. Its hybrid model scanner + manual validation is designed for speed/scale.
SecureLayer7 Comprehensive Testing & API Platform
- Services: Web, mobile, API, cloud, network, IoT, enterprise pentests; smart contract/code audits; red teaming. Also offers BugDazz™ API scanning platform API focused PTaaS .
- Certifications: CREST accredited; SOC2 compliant; ISO 27001 implied.
- Clients: Global tech firms, enterprises in finance, retail, government, IoT.
- Pricing: Custom project based or subscription .
- Key Strength: SecureLayer7 is known for its in house BugDazz API Pentest platform real time scanning and dashboards and deep manual testing. They serve 1000+ global clients, including some Fortune 500s. Their CREST accreditation gives confidence, especially to Western enterprises. They emphasize transparency: clients can see pentest progress online. Also notable is their talent pool including blockchain/IoT specialists . SecureLayer7 touts fast remediation tracking via their platform.
eSec Forte Enterprise VAPT Powerhouse
- Services: Full VAPT gamut web, mobile, API, network, cloud ; managed security SOC , digital forensics & IR; compliance consulting; code review.
- Certifications: CMMI Level 3; ISO 27001; ISO 9001; PCI DSS QSA; CERT In empanelled.
- Clients: Fortune 1000 & govt Infosys, Tata, Hyundai, major banks, telecoms, etc. .
- Pricing: Custom enterprise quotes .
- Key Strength: eSec Forte is a one stop shop for large organizations. They combine pentesting with 24/7 monitoring, incident response, and compliance audits PCI, ISO, etc. Their decade plus of experience in telecom, banking, and government means they understand scale and regulation. If you need high touch consulting and integration with your SOC, eSec Forte’s breadth of services is a plus.
iSecurion Boutique Specialist
- Services: Web, mobile, network VAPT; cloud security; crypto & blockchain audits; risk/compliance assessments.
- Certifications: ISO 27001:2022; CERT In empanelled.
- Clients: 25 fintechs, 15 healthcare firms, plus IT/software companies total 100+ .
- Pricing: Custom quotes.
- Key Strength: iSecurion is smaller but highly focused. Their team CEH, CISSP, OSCP certified targets cutting edge sectors like fintech and healthcare. They pride themselves on research driven approaches and up to date methodologies often contributing to security communities . Their compact size means personalized service. If your company values a boutique touch and very current tactics, iSecurion is worth a look.
CyberOps Infosec Holistic Security Suite
- Services: Web, mobile, network, IoT, cloud VAPT; wireless audits; ISO 27001/PCI/SOC2 compliance audits; SOC testing; 24×7 monitoring; incident response; security training.
- Certifications: ISO 27001:2013; auditors certified CEH, Security+, CISA, etc.
- Clients: Government, defense, PSUs, BFSI, education PSU banks, law enforcement, military academies .
- Pricing: Custom.
- Key Strength: CyberOps Infosec formerly NetSPI India offers end to end security. They bundle pentesting with advisory services: governance audits, response drills, and training. With 15+ years in InfoSec, they have deep compliance expertise. Government agencies and banks choose them for proven track records and seniors on engagement. Their one stop VAPT + GRC + training pitch appeals to institutions seeking a single vendor for audits, remediation, and cyber ops.
Kratikal Security Automation + Expert Hybrid
- Services: Web, mobile, API, network VAPT; compliance testing PCI DSS, SOC2, ISO ; phishing simulations; pen test orchestration PTaaS platform .
- Certifications: CERT In empanelled; team includes CREST and OSCP certified pentesters.
- Clients: 150+ firms in BFSI, NBFC, SaaS, telecom, healthcare, telecom, govt, etc.
- Pricing: Custom self service SaaS or managed .
- Key Strength: Kratikal combines speed with depth. They employ proprietary tools VMDR, AutoSec to scan large networks/websites quickly, then expert testers verify results. This hybrid model catches common flaws fast without missing the subtle ones. They launched an on demand pentest platform SaaS as well as dedicated services. Kratikal is known for catering to both startups API driven self serve and enterprise managed projects , making them flexible and tech forward.
Payatu Red Team & Research Driven
- Services: Red teaming/attack simulations; cloud & SaaS security; IoT/SCADA testing; mobile/web pentests; DevSecOps consulting; AI/ML security; source code reviews.
- Certifications: First ISO/IEC 17025 NABL accredited cyber lab in India; CERT In empanelled.
- Clients: Fintechs, defense contractors, telecoms, research labs, tech firms.
- Pricing: Custom enterprise projects .
- Key Strength: Payatu differentiates through innovation. Founders run Nullcon security conference and Hardwear.io, reflecting a strong research culture. Their ISO 17025 lab accreditation means testing processes are highly rigorous. They excel at advanced adversary simulation e.g. red team ops, AI model security and bring cutting edge know how zero days, IoT hacks . Their clients often rave about creativity and thoroughness e.g., a 10/10 quality rating in an independent survey. Payatu is ideal if you need a truly in depth, adversarial style pentest with a research edge.
Every firm above covers core pentesting apps, cloud, networks , but each has a niche. DeepStrike & SecureLayer7 tout full manual expertise; Astra & Indusface stress automation/CI CD integration; eSec Forte & CyberOps combine pentesting with broad enterprise services; Payatu & iSecurion lean on research & specialized sectors. All are CERT In empanelled and offer certified teams.
When evaluating providers, it helps to understand testing approaches:
- Automated Testing: Tools scanners, fuzzers quickly find known vulnerabilities, outdated libs, misconfig . It’s great for initial checks and large scope. But on its own, it misses complex issues.
- Manual Testing: Expert hackers probe business logic, chain exploits, and test authenticated flows. Manual efforts uncover advanced flaws e.g. chained SSRF+RCE, logic bugs . It’s slower but more thorough.
- Black Box vs White Box: In black box testing, the tester has no source code or internal knowledge like an external attacker . In white box, testers are given code or architecture info like full internal insight . Most pentests are gray box partial info given as a balance.
Look for a mix. For example, DeepStrike’s pentesters use automated tools for breadth, then spend days manually chasing leads. Some clients want black box simulating an internet attacker while others want white box insider risk test . Ask providers what they use.
Why Continuous Pentesting PTaaS Matters
Traditional pentests happen once a year, but with Agile/DevOps, code and infra change constantly. Continuous Pentesting sometimes called PTaaS treats security as an ongoing process:
- Frequent Scans: Automated tools rerun tests weekly or bi weekly. New code is checked before production.
- DevSecOps Integration: Issues pop up in your bug tracker Jira/Slack in real time, so devs fix them immediately.
- On Demand Experts: The vendor can be engaged for a quick retest or to investigate critical findings immediately.
This model fits cloud native teams. For 2025, we expect continuous testing to be the norm, especially for SaaS companies and fintechs. See why continuous penetration testing matters for more.
Internal Link: Curious about how testing fits your dev cycle? Check out our guide on Mobile App Penetration Testing solutions and Web Application Pentesting for context.
How to Choose and Prepare for a Pentest Step by Step
- Define Scope & Goals: Decide which assets websites, APIs, networks need testing. Determine test types black box, white box, red teaming, social engineering . Clarify compliance requirements PCI, ISO 27001, RBI/SEBI audit, etc. .
- Set a Budget: While costs vary, establish a range. Remember: low cost can mean skimpy tests. Quoting often depends on complexity #IP addresses, code lines, features .
- Shortlist Vendors: Ensure they match your industry and needs. Prefer CERT In empanelled companies required for Govt audits . Look for OSCP/CREST accredited testers.
- Request Proposals: Issue an RFP or questionnaire. Ask about methodology OWASP Top 10, NIST SP 800 11, tools, team experience, deliverables, turnaround time. See our penetration testing RFP writing guide for tips.
- Evaluate Reports: Request a sample pentest report sanitized . Good reports have clear executive summaries, risk ratings, and remediation advice. Check if they allow rescan after fixes DeepStrike offers free retests .
- Check References: Speak to their existing clients or read reviews. Did they find serious issues? Were they professional in communication?
- Engagement Kickoff: Once selected, provide the tester with all necessary access accounts, network diagrams . Have internal stakeholders ready to collaborate with the IT, dev, security team .
- During the Test: Clarify rules of engagement e.g. do you allow social engineering/email phishing? DoS testing? . Stay in contact with the team for quick clarifications.
- Post Report Actions: Plan to address critical findings immediately. Share the report with your security team; schedule re tests once patches are applied.
Following these steps ensures a smooth process. A common mistake is treating pentesting as a checkmark instead, loop in developers and management so fixes actually happen.
The Role of Penetration Testing in Security
In a nutshell, regular pentests help your business by:
- Finding Hidden Flaws: Experts often uncover issues missed by automated scans, from SQL injection to logic bugs.
- Meeting Compliance: Many standards PCI DSS 11.3, HIPAA, RBI, ISO require penetration tests by certified auditors. Using empanelled firms CERT In ensures compliance.
- Building Trust: Demonstrating your test security and fixing problems reassures customers, partners, and regulators.
- Saving Money: Identifying breaches before attackers prevents costly incidents. One survey showed recovery from a breach can take 279 days. Pentesting avoids that downtime and damage.
It depends on your needs. DeepStrike is often recommended for thorough manual testing and client focus. Astra Security and SecureLayer7 offer leading automated PTaaS platforms. Indusface excels in compliance heavy environments. eSec Forte and CyberOps Infosec suit large enterprises needing full service offerings. Always compare experience, certifications like CERT In, OSCP/CREST , and service fit.
Costs vary by scope and vendor. A simple web app pentest might start at a couple of lakhs of rupees, whereas enterprise networks or full blue team exercises cost much more. Some providers like Astra list entry prices ₹16,000 for basic tests . Others quote per project. Expect prices to scale with features: more IPs, APIs, user roles, or smart contract audits add cost. Get detailed quotes. Remember, cheap is not always better if it means a shallow test.
Startups often ship features fast, which can introduce vulnerabilities. A pentest helps catch security bugs early, which is cheaper than fixing after a breach. It can also be a differentiator when pitching to investors proof of security and is often required before integrating with partners e.g., payment gateways, cloud providers . Continuous pentesting platforms allow startups to integrate security checks into agile workflows.
In black box testing, the pentesters have no prior knowledge of the system they attack like an external hacker without access to code or architecture. In white box testing, they have full access source code, documentation and can do very deep analysis. Most organizations use a gray box approach with some privileged access to balance coverage and real world simulation.
- How often should penetration testing be done?
At minimum, once a year is often a compliance requirement . However, with frequent code or infrastructure changes, more frequent testing is ideal. Many companies now do quarterly or continuous testing. Also test after major releases or new integrations. Some regulations e.g. banking mandate annual VAPT at least.
Bug bounties and pentesting complement each other. A bug bounty taps a broad crowd to find issues over time, but pentesting is a structured, deadline driven assessment by known experts. Most businesses, especially regulated ones, need at least one formal pentest per year for compliance. Bounties can add extra coverage later. Learn bug bounty vs penetration testing comparison.
- What certifications should a pentesting company have?
Look for teams with OSCP, CISSP, CEH, CREST certifications, as they indicate skill. Critically, ensure the firm is CERT In empanelled especially for government or financial sector work . ISO 27001 accreditation of the company is a bonus.
Many pentest firms provide compliance focused reports. For example, PCI DSS requires quarterly internal scans and annual external pentests PCI DSS 11.3 penetration testing guide. A good vendor will map findings to these standards. DeepStrike’s reports explicitly reference ISO 27001 clauses or SOC2 criteria where applicable. Always ask how the test aligns with your audit requirements e.g., RBI’s Cybersecurity Framework mandates periodic VAPT by empanelled auditors .
Strengthen Your Defenses
In today’s threat landscape, investing in a trusted penetration testing partner is non-negotiable. We’ve compared the top Indian pentest firms all CERT In accredited with expert teams across services, pricing, and sectors. Whether you choose DeepStrike manual expert testing , Astra fast automated PTaaS , Indusface regulation friendly SaaS , or another leader, make sure their strengths match your needs.
Ready to strengthen your defenses? The threats of 2025 demand more than awareness; they require readiness. If you’re looking to validate your security posture, identify hidden risks, or build a resilient defense strategy, DeepStrike is here to help. Our team of practitioners provides clear, actionable guidance to protect your business.
Explore our penetration testing services for businesses to see how we can uncover vulnerabilities before attackers do. Drop us a line we’re always ready to dive in.
About the Author:
Mohammed Khalil is a Cybersecurity Architect at DeepStrike, specializing in advanced penetration testing and offensive security operations. With certifications including CISSP, OSCP, and OSWE, he has led numerous red team engagements for Fortune 500 companies, focusing on cloud security, application vulnerabilities, and adversary emulation. His work involves dissecting complex attack chains and developing resilient defense strategies for clients in the finance, healthcare, and technology sectors.
