Penetration Testing Companies in Iceland 2025 (Reviewed)

• DeepStrike A global pentest leader offering rapid, manual style testing with unlimited retests and a real time dashboard. Ideal for tech firms needing aggressive, continuous security validation.
• Syndis Iceland’s homegrown cyber innovator. Provides full spectrum security services, pentests, red teaming, 24/7 SOC and spearheads Defend Iceland, a national bug bounty initiative.
• Cyber Threat Defense CTD EU based firm serving Iceland. Certified testers OSCP, GXPN, etc. deliver network, web/mobile, IoT tests plus forensics and training. Known for deep technical audits and upskilling clients.
• SecureIT Reykjavík consultancy focused on compliance heavy industries. Offers managed security, pentesting, and PCI/GDPR assessment. PCI DSS QSA and CISA experts cater to large Icelandic banks and enterprises.
• CyberAudit Budget friendly provider in Reykjavík. Focuses on straightforward PCI and network pentests, led by a CEH/CISA certified founder. Appeals to SMEs with cost effective, hands on testing.
• Choosing a vendor? Look for certifications OSCP, CEH, etc., clear pricing one off vs PTaaS packages, retest policies, and compliance alignment PCI/DSS, ISO 27001, TIBER IS.
• A trusted partner will fit your scope and budget while helping meet local regulations like GDPR Icelandic Act 90/2018 and TIBER‑IS Iceland’s adoption of the EU red teaming framework.

Penetration testing or pentesting is a proactive way to uncover cybersecurity flaws before attackers do. Icelandic businesses from fintech startups to utility operators rely on expert ethical hackers to test their defenses. This article reviews Iceland’s top penetration testing companies, comparing their services, pricing, certifications, and unique strengths.

We answer, Which firms offer the best pentest services for Iceland? and How should you pick one? We also explain why pentesting matters now, rising cyber threats and stricter rules like GDPR/TIBER‑IS and highlight tips for choosing the right partner.

What is Penetration Testing and Why It Matters in 2025

Penetration testing is an authorized, simulated attack on a computer system, network, or application to identify security weaknesses. Unlike basic vulnerability scans, a pentest involves skilled engineers manually exploiting flaws from SQL injection and XSS to misconfigured cloud settings to see how far an attacker could go.

In other words, pentesters answer the question: What damage could a real hacker do if they tried? This real world approach exposes hidden risks that automated tools often miss.

In 2025, regular penetration testing is crucial. Cyberattacks are growing more sophisticated, and budgets are rising accordingly: one report notes that 92% of organizations boosted IT security spending last year, and 85% specifically increased their pentesting budgets.

Yet cost remains a barrier: roughly one third of companies cite budget constraints as the reason they don’t test as often as they’d like. For Icelandic companies, the stakes are high. As part of the EU/EEA, Iceland enforces GDPR Act No. 

90/2018 meaning firms handling personal data must implement strong security controls. The Icelandic financial sector has also adopted TIBER IS Iceland’s version of the EU’s TIBER‑EU framework for red team testing. In short, pentests help meet compliance e.g. GDPR, PCI DSS, ISO 27001 and provide evidence of due diligence in case of audits.

More importantly, they prevent costly breaches: finding and fixing vulnerabilities early can save millions in incident response and fines. For all these reasons, penetration testing is more than a technical exercise it’s a business necessity for Icelandic organizations in 2025.

Top Penetration Testing Companies in Iceland

Below we profile the leading firms serving Iceland’s cybersecurity needs. Each company brings different strengths from DeepStrike’s global PTaaS platform to Syndis’s local innovation. A summary comparison follows in the table.

DeepStrike Global PTaaS Leader Recommended for Iceland

DeepStrike is a US/UAE based penetration testing company with a global client base now serving Icelandic organizations seeking continuous, high impact security validation. Unlike automated scanners, DeepStrike’s experts perform attacker style manual testing to uncover real world vulnerabilities across applications, infrastructure, and people.

Services:

DeepStrike provides both one off pentests and subscription based continuous testing programs, including:

• Web & Mobile Application Pentesting OWASP Top 10, CWE 25
• Cloud & Infrastructure Security Assessments AWS, Azure, GCP, hybrid
• Red Team & Social Engineering phishing, vishing, on site simulation
• Continuous PTaaS with weekly scans, dark web exposure monitoring, and attack surface management

Through its Pentesting as a Service PTaaS platform, clients can view results in real time, chat with testers via Slack, and track remediation directly in Jira bridging the gap between security and DevOps teams.

Plans & Delivery:

DeepStrike’s Basic plan launches tests within 48 hours of kickoff and includes 12 months of unlimited free retesting, ensuring verified remediation long after initial delivery. The Premium plan extends this with biannual full pentests, continuous vulnerability scans, and threat intel monitoring for proactive protection.

Expertise & Certifications:

DeepStrike’s team includes certified professionals OSCP, OSWE, CISSP, CREST, many of whom have tested Fortune 500 systems and high profile SaaS platforms. Their reports are audit ready for major standards PCI DSS, ISO 27001, HIPAA, SOC 2 and include detailed remediation steps mapped to severity and business impact.

Client Feedback:

Customers including Carta, Tapcart, and other global SaaS and e-commerce firms commend DeepStrike for its responsiveness, technical depth, and collaborative testing process. Many highlight the team’s “above and beyond” attitude and their ability to uncover complex, multi stage vulnerabilities missed by automated tools.

Why They Lead:

• 100 % Manual Testing: True attacker style simulations uncover deeper flaws.
• Continuous PTaaS Platform: Live dashboards, real time reporting, and Jira/Slack integrations.
• Unlimited Retesting: Free for 12 months ideal for continuous improvement.
• Transparent Pricing: Tiered structure; clear scope and turnaround expectations.
• Proven Expertise: Certified testers with Fortune level experience and 98 % client retention.

For Icelandic companies seeking a modern, continuous pentesting solution, DeepStrike delivers the best of both worlds manual, hacker grade testing combined with the speed and visibility of a SaaS platform. Its mix of deep expertise, transparent pricing, and unlimited retesting makes it a top recommended choice for 2025.

Syndis Iceland’s Homegrown Cybersecurity Innovator

Syndis, headquartered in Reykjavík, is Iceland’s leading information security firm and one of the most established players in the Nordic cybersecurity landscape. With a team of over 80 specialists and more than 400 clients, Syndis delivers a full suite of services from penetration testing and red teaming to 24/7 SOC monitoring, security consulting, and compliance advisory.

Services

• Penetration testing and red team operations simulating realistic external and internal attacks.
• 24/7 Security Operations Center SOC for threat detection and incident response.
• Cybersecurity consulting and regulatory compliance advisory, including PCI DSS and Icelandic frameworks such as Act 78/2019 on NIS.
• Defend Iceland initiative: national scale bug bounty and attack surface mapping platform co funded by the EU €2M, 2023.

Pricing

• Provides custom quotes per engagement, with no fixed public pricing.
• Engagements tailored to organizational size, infrastructure complexity, and compliance requirements.

Clients

• Serves over 400 organizations including Arion Bank, Íslandsbanki, airlines, utilities, and government agencies.
• Deeply integrated into Iceland’s public and private cyber ecosystem, supporting both critical infrastructure and commercial sectors.

Certifications

• Consultants hold leading certifications such as OSCP, CISSP, CISA, and PCI QSA.
• Operates under internationally recognized standards, combining ethical hacking with audit grade assurance.

Strengths

• Deep local expertise and national impact, demonstrated through initiatives like Defend Iceland, which collected over 100 vulnerability reports and awarded €50K+ in bounties to ethical hackers.
• Offers full spectrum coverage from attack simulation and incident response to long term strategy and compliance alignment.
• Ideal for organizations seeking a trusted, Iceland based partner capable of delivering both technical excellence and strategic cybersecurity leadership.

Cyber Threat Defense CTD Certified European Pentesters

Cyber Threat Defense CTD is a pan European cybersecurity firm with dedicated services for Icelandic enterprises and digital organizations. Known for its deep technical testing and educational approach, CTD combines penetration testing, incident response, and hands on security training to build long term resilience among its clients.

Services

• Full spectrum penetration testing: external/internal network, web and mobile applications, Wi Fi, OT, and IoT systems.
• Digital forensics and incident response, providing in depth analysis of exploited vulnerabilities.
• Security training and workshops, including post engagement courses on secure coding and incident handling.

Pricing

• Project based, with custom quotations depending on scope and complexity.
• Engagements often include follow up training or forensic reviews beyond standard testing deliverables.

Clients

• Primarily serves European SaaS platforms, e-commerce companies, and tech driven enterprises with distributed operations across the EU and Iceland.
• Valued by organizations seeking technically rigorous testing and capacity building support.

Certifications

• Team holds elite credentials including OSCP, OSCE, GIAC GXPN, and CompTIA Security+.
• Consultants also maintain ISO 27001 Lead Auditor certifications, bridging technical testing with governance expertise.

Strengths

• Certified European pentesters combining offensive, forensic, and educational capabilities.
• Goes beyond scanning and reporting delivers root cause analysis, incident documentation, and custom training after each engagement.
• Ideal for organizations that want more than a checklist those seeking long term improvement, staff upskilling, and mature security culture development.

SecureIT Icelandic Compliance & Testing Specialists

SecureIT, headquartered in Reykjavík, is a leading cybersecurity and compliance consultancy known for combining penetration testing with regulatory and managed security expertise. The firm serves as a trusted advisor to Iceland’s largest enterprises and critical infrastructure operators, delivering high assurance testing, 24/7 monitoring, and full compliance lifecycle support.

Services

• Penetration testing across network, application, and wireless environments.
• Managed SOC and threat monitoring, providing continuous detection and response capabilities.
• Regulatory compliance assessments including PCI DSS, GDPR, NIS, and ISO 27001.
• PCI DSS Qualified Security Assessor QSA services for Icelandic payment processors and financial institutions.

Pricing

• Works primarily on contract and multi year retainers, offering long term support rather than fixed scope packages.
• Tailored engagements aligned with client maturity, audit cycles, and compliance frameworks.

Clients

• Serves large Icelandic enterprises, banks, and critical infrastructure providers.
• Trusted partner of Icelandair and Íslandsbanki, providing PCI and regulatory consulting.
• Acts as Iceland’s PCI DSS QSA for major payment processors.

Certifications

• Staff hold key qualifications including ISO 27001 Lead Implementer/Auditor, CISA, and PCI QSA.
• Operates under globally recognized compliance and information security standards.

Strengths

• Compliance centric approach that bridges technical testing with governance and audit readiness.
• Provides not just vulnerability findings, but implementation support for PCI and ISO controls.
• Maintains ongoing audit assistance and regulatory readiness services.
• Highly regarded for proactivity, reliability, and long term partnership ideal for regulated industries such as finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure.

CyberAudit Europe Low Cost Pentesting in Reykjavík

CyberAudit Europe is a Reykjavík based penetration testing provider offering affordable, pragmatic security assessments for Icelandic and European businesses. With over 14 years of hands-on experience, the company focuses on delivering manual, high value testing at accessible rates, making professional cybersecurity attainable for SMEs and budget conscious organizations.

Services

• External and internal network penetration testing.
• Web application security assessments and PCI DSS compliance scans.
• Network segmentation reviews and infrastructure audits.
• Mix of automated scanning and manual verification to identify complex vulnerabilities missed by standard tools.

Pricing

• Transparent, low cost pricing explicitly marketed as affordable pentesting in Reykjavík.
• Suitable for small and mid sized enterprises needing quick, standards based assessments without enterprise overhead.

Clients

• Works primarily with SMEs across Iceland and Europe UK, Germany, Spain, and other EU regions.
• Frequently engaged by small financial services, retail, and technology firms seeking PCI or internal security audits.

Certifications

• Founded and led by a CEH, PCIP, and CISA certified cybersecurity professional with extensive field experience.
• Methodologies follow OWASP and PCI DSS best practices for consistency and reliability.

Strengths

• Experienced leadership with a strong personal track record in IT auditing and penetration testing.
• Combines manual and automated testing for balanced, thorough results.
• Transparent pricing and no frills delivery model appeal to organizations seeking credible, efficient, and cost effective testing.
• Ideal for SMEs or startups needing a quick, professional pentest or PCI audit on a limited budget.

Exploit Labs ISO Certified Red Teamers with Global Reach

Exploit Labs is a global offensive security firm with offices in Frankfurt, Dubai, and Reykjavík, providing enterprise grade penetration testing, red teaming, and cybersecurity training. While not Icelandic founded, Exploit Labs has established a strong client base in Iceland through its ISO certified methodologies and Offensive Security OffSec training partnerships.

Services

• Advanced penetration testing and red team operations simulating real world adversary tactics.
• OffSec certified training programs for developers and security teams.
• Compliance grade audits aligned with ISO 27001 and IT Grundschutz frameworks.
• Post engagement workshops and training sessions tailored to findings from red team simulations.

Pricing

• Enterprise level, project based pricing, customized per scope and sector.
• Designed for large organizations requiring both deep technical testing and compliance driven reporting.

Clients

• Works with major banks, energy companies, and global technology firms across Europe and the Middle East.
• Serves large Icelandic enterprises and multinationals seeking world class testing combined with staff training.

Certifications

• ISO 27001 and IT Grundschutz certified.
• Official OffSec Training Partner, indicating adherence to strict international standards and lab environments.

Strengths

• Combines rigorous certification frameworks with expert level red teamers and training delivery.
• Unique dual focus on real world attack simulation and developer education, turning test results into measurable learning outcomes.
• Ideal for large enterprises and regulated organizations seeking a single vendor for penetration testing, compliance auditing, and technical upskilling.
• ISO certified labs ensure high process maturity and quality assurance across global operations.

Comparison of Penetration Testing Providers

Each of these firms has proven capabilities. DeepStrike’s continuous testing model, user friendly platform, and client centric features e.g. real time Slack updates and unlimited retests often put it at the top of the list for security conscious organizations.

However, your choice depends on needs: Syndis is unmatched for local market knowledge and national scale projects, SecureIT excels in compliance driven environments, CTD offers deep technical analysis and training, and CyberAudit covers budget scenarios.

Evaluate each against your priorities cost, scope, support and remember that rigorous pentesting is an investment in preventing breaches and meeting regulatory requirements.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Pentesting Provider

When selecting a penetration testing partner, consider these factors:

• Scope & Specialties:
  • Ensure the company covers the types of testing you need web and mobile app pentests, cloud security reviews, network/infrastructure tests, IoT/OT/SCADA assessments, or even full red teaming.
  • For example, some firms offer specialized web application penetration testing services to defend against OWASP Top 10 flaws, while others provide cloud penetration testing for AWS/Azure.
  • Check if they do both internal and external tests internal tests simulate an attacker inside your firewall, external tests simulate an internet attack.
  • Also clarify if they use black box no insider knowledge or white box full knowledge approaches, or a combination grey box.
• Certifications & Expertise:
  • Look for certified experts OSCP, OSCE, CISSP, CEH, GIAC/GXPN, etc. and ask if testers have hands-on experience in your industry. Certifications alone aren’t everything, but they signal a baseline of skill.
  • Reputable firms often highlight their team’s credentials or accreditations CREST, ISO 27001, PCI QSA, etc.. For instance,
  • DeepStrike’s team holds OSCP and CISSP among others, while SecureIT’s staff includes PCI DSS QSA auditors.
  • Client testimonials or case studies can indicate real world expertise e.g. has the vendor tested banks, airlines, healthcare systems, or startups similar to you?
• Pricing & Retesting Policy:
  • Understand the pricing model. Many consultancies give custom quotes typically $10K- $50K for a mid size pen test, but others offer clear packages or subscription plans.
  • For example, DeepStrike advertises tiered plans: a one off Basic pentest or a recurring Premium plan with continuous scanning.
  • Ask if retesting is included. A common pain point is paying for fixes: the best vendors include at least one re-test of critical issues, ideally for free.
  • DeepStrike, for example, offers unlimited free retests for 12 months, so clients can patch findings and confirm fixes at any time. Verify how many retest cycles and for how long.
  • Transparent pricing and clear deliverables are key you should know upfront whether re-checks, smoke tests, or report revisions incur extra fees.
• Tools & Methodology:
  • A quality provider combines automated tools Nmap, Burp, Nessus, etc. with deep manual analysis.
  • Ask if they follow a proven methodology e.g. NIST 800 115, OWASP Testing Guide, or their own documented process.
  • They should enumerate all attack vectors: network ports, web APIs, firmware, social engineering phishing, etc., not just run scanners.
  • Also consider Penetration Testing as a Service PTaaS modern platforms let you continuously test on demand.
  • If your product updates frequently, a PTaaS model subscription with periodic tests and ongoing vulnerability monitoring can be more agile than a one off project.
• Reporting & Compliance Support:
  • A pentest is only useful if the results are clear and actionable. Check sample reports or ask about their report structure: it should include an executive summary,
  • clear risk ratings CVSS or similar, and specific remediation steps. Good vendors map findings to standards e.g. OWASP Top 10, ISO 27001 controls, PCI DSS requirements.
  • If you need audit evidence, see if they offer compliance friendly reports or attestation letters e.g. we conducted a PCI DSS pentest as per Requirement 11.3.
  • For example, DeepStrike provides SOC 2, ISO 27001, and PCI report templates and can supply redacted reports for auditors.
  • Ensure the firm understands Icelandic and EU regulations for instance, if you handle EU personal data, they should explicitly test GDPR related risks.
• Communication & Support: The process should be collaborative.
  • Will the testers set up a Slack/Teams channel or ticket system to communicate findings in real time? Rapid response to high severity issues is vital.
  • Inquire if you get a dedicated project manager and how updates are delivered.
  • Some vendors like DeepStrike integrate directly with Slack and Jira for live dialogue.
  • Also confirm post test support: can you consult them for clarifications or retest requests? The best providers act as partners, not just auditors.

By weighing these factors breadth of services, expert credentials, transparent pricing, compliance know-how, and ongoing support you can pick a partner that aligns with your goals.

Common Penetration Testing Myths and Pitfalls

• We only need it once. Myth: Many organizations view pentesting as a one off checkbox. In reality, software and infrastructure change constantly. As a quick fix, a single test is worth doing but continuous or periodic testing is needed to stay secure over time. New vulnerabilities emerge, so consider Subscription/continuous pentesting PTaaS for ongoing protection.
• Automated scans are enough. Myth: Automated vulnerability scanners catch low hanging fruit, but they miss logic flaws, chaining of minor bugs, and social engineering issues. The best pentests combine tools and skilled human testers who can think like attackers. Look for companies that emphasize manual techniques and real world exploitation.
• Penetration testing is only for compliance. Pitfall: While pentests help meet standards PCI, ISO 27001, etc., their value goes beyond audits. They reveal how an attacker could breach your actual defenses. Don’t do it just to check a box, use the results to strengthen your security program.
• It’s too expensive. Myth: Pentesting does have costs, but there are models for every budget. As we saw, entry level tests can be a few hundred dollars and average around $18K. Firms like CyberAudit offer affordable plans for SMEs. Weigh the cost of a test against the potential cost of a breach for context, global pentesting spending will exceed $5B by 2031. In many cases, missing one patch can cost far more than the pentest itself.
• One report fits all. Pitfall: Don’t assume all pentest vendors report in the same way. Some only give raw findings, others produce polished, actionable reports. Make sure the report format meets your team’s needs for instance, linking issues to CVSS scores or OWASP categories helps prioritize fixes. Always request a sample report to avoid surprises.

Being aware of these pitfalls can help you set realistic expectations and choose a partner who addresses them.

How Penetration Testing Helps Your Business

Penetration testing delivers several concrete benefits:

• Uncover hidden vulnerabilities. Real attackers exploit chains of flaws. A pentest simulates such attacks, revealing issues you might not spot. Fixing these gaps before attackers find them reduces breach risk.
• Strengthen compliance and trust. A quality pen test demonstrates due diligence. It helps fulfill requirements like PCI DSS 11.3 and ISO 27001 Annex A controls, and it produces evidence for regulators or auditors. Knowing a reputable firm has tested your security can also reassure clients and partners.
• Improve incident preparedness. Many pentests include social engineering or phishing scenarios. This not only finds technical holes but also tests your people and processes, helping you tighten procedures.
• Support cyber insurance. Insurers often require or reward pentests. Demonstrating you conduct regular tests can help qualify for cyber insurance or lower premiums. For example, pentesting is increasingly seen as key to qualifying for cyber insurance in 2025.
• Guide remediation priorities. Reports provide actionable steps and risk rankings CVSS, so your team knows exactly what to fix first. This makes patch planning efficient and ensures critical issues aren’t overlooked.
• Boost stakeholder confidence. Showing that you work with top cybersecurity firms signals to investors, customers, and the board that security is taken seriously. It can be a competitive advantage in sectors like fintech or healthcare.

In short, penetration testing is both a security practice and a business practice. It helps you stay ahead of threats, manage compliance, and build customer trust.

In Iceland’s evolving cyber landscape, partnering with a top notch penetration testing firm is crucial. Firms like DeepStrike, Syndis, SecureIT, CTD, CyberAudit, and Exploit Labs each bring unique strengths from aggressive continuous testing to deep local expertise.

When choosing, weigh factors like services offered, industry experience, pricing transparency, and compliance support. A well chosen pentesting partner will not only find hidden vulnerabilities but also guide you on remediation and improve your overall security culture.

Ready to Strengthen Your Defenses? The threats of 2025 demand more than just awareness they require action. If you need to validate your security posture, uncover hidden risks, or build a resilient defense strategy, DeepStrike is here to help.

Our team of certified practitioners delivers attacker style penetration tests and clear, actionable reports tailored to your needs. Explore our penetration testing services or reach out to discuss your security challenges. We’re always ready to dive in and help protect your business.

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.

FAQs

• What are the top penetration testing companies in Iceland?
  • Leading firms include DeepStrike, Syndis, SecureIT, Cyber Threat Defense CTD, CyberAudit, and Exploit Labs.
  • DeepStrike is often top rated for its global PTaaS model and continuous testing features.
  • Syndis is Iceland’s largest local provider known for its Defend Iceland bug bounty, while SecureIT and CyberAudit serve compliance and budget needs respectively.
  • Each has different specialties, so the best depends on your needs. We compare them above by services, clients, and certifications.

• How much does penetration testing cost in Iceland?
  • Costs vary widely by scope. On average, a mid level web or network pentest can range from $5K- $20K USD, though enterprise scale tests run higher.
  • According to industry data, the average organization spends about $18,300 on a pentest.
  • In Iceland, expect similar ballpark. Low cost providers like CyberAudit offer smaller tests for a few thousand, while full scope tests with social engineering, IoT, etc.
  • could exceed $50K. Always clarify what’s included retests, reporting, compliance letters when comparing quotes.

• How do I choose a penetration testing provider? Follow a clear selection process:
  • 1 Define your scope internal vs external networks, web apps, mobile, etc. and goals compliance vs general security.
  • 2 Look for providers with relevant experience and certifications OSCP, CEH, CISSP, PCI QSA, etc..
  • 3 Review sample reports to ensure clarity and actionability.
  • 4 Check pricing model fixed quote vs subscription and retest policies ideally multiple retests are included.
  • 5 Read customer reviews or ask for references.
  • 6 Confirm they understand Icelandic/EU regulations GDPR, TIBER‑IS.
  • For more, see our How to Choose Your Next Penetration Testing Vendor.

• What is the difference between a vulnerability assessment and penetration testing?
  • A vulnerability assessment scans and lists possible security issues, often using automated tools. It’s a broad check up and is useful for regular reviews.
  • Penetration testing goes further: ethical hackers actively exploit vulnerabilities and chained exploits to see what an attacker could do.
  • Think of a vulnerability scan as a x x ray and a pentest as a live operation. For most organizations, both are valuable, but pentesting provides a higher confidence level that critical risks are truly addressed.
  • See vulnerability assessment vs penetration testing for details.

• Why is regular penetration testing important for my business?
  • Because software, networks, and threats change constantly. Regular pentests catch new vulnerabilities introduced by updates or new features.
  • They help ensure that your defenses don’t become outdated. In addition, many regulations and insurers require periodic tests.
  • Regular testing builds a cycle of continuous improvement: find issues, fix them, test again.
  • This approach keeps your security posture strong and demonstrates proactive risk management to stakeholders.
  • By contrast, doing a single test years ago and never retesting is a recipe for disaster.

• What is the Defend Iceland bug bounty program?
  • Defend Iceland is a national crowdsourced security initiative launched by Syndis in 2023.
  • Funded by the EU, it’s a platform where ethical hackers can report vulnerabilities in critical Icelandic infrastructure and companies, especially banks and utilities.
  • It complements traditional pentesting by continuously scanning and rewarding reported bugs.
  • To date, Defend Iceland has processed over 100 reports and €50K in bounties, engaging the security community to improve Iceland’s overall cyber resilience.

• Which certifications should Icelandic pentesters have?
  • Look for industry standard certs like OSCP, OSCE, OSWE OffSec, CEH EC Council, GIAC GXPN/GPEN, CISSP, etc.
  • Also check for compliance related credentials such as PCI QSA, ISO 27001 Lead Auditor, or local accreditations.
  • While certifications alone don’t guarantee quality, they indicate a formal knowledge base. More importantly, ask about the team’s experience.
  • Have they tested systems like yours? Many Icelandic providers DeepStrike, Syndis, SecureIT list their teams as holding these certs.