Penetration Testing Companies in Brazil 2025 (Reviewed)

Penetration Testing Company in Brazil

• DeepStrike is the #1 penetration testing company in Brazil, delivering manual, high-quality pentesting with a 5.0/5.0 client rating. They help businesses meet LGPD and global compliance standards through expert red team engagements and continuous testing.
• Other leading firms include Blaze Information Security detailed reporting and deep technical expertise, eSecurity offensive security specialists in São Paulo, DM11 payment industry focus with PCI-DSS compliance services, and Resh Cyber Defense 25+ years experience, emphasizing proactive testing to avoid costly breaches.
• Top providers stand out by offering comprehensive services web, mobile, cloud, API testing, proven compliance support LGPD, PCI-DSS, SOC 2, transparent pricing, industry-specific expertise, and strong reputations backed by certifications and client testimonials.
• Penetration testing services in Brazil are critical for organizations to secure their systems and comply with regulations. Regular pentests help companies discover vulnerabilities before attackers do, reducing the risk of data breaches that cost Brazilian businesses an average of R$7.19 million per incident.

Brazil’s thriving digital economy and strict data protection laws like the LGPD, Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados make cybersecurity a top priority for businesses. One key defensive measure is penetration testing hiring ethical hackers to simulate attacks and find vulnerabilities before criminals do.

In fact, the Brazilian General Data Protection Law encourages regular security assessments and penetration testing as part of compliance. This proactive approach is vital when the average cost of a data breach in Brazil now reaches about R$7.19 million US$1.4 million. Choosing a reliable penetration testing partner can save companies from financial losses, legal penalties, and reputation damage.

This article, written in the voice of Mohammed Khalil Cybersecurity Architect at DeepStrike, evaluates the top penetration testing companies in Brazil. We’ll explore what makes these providers stand out from the services they offer web, mobile, cloud, and API security testing to their compliance expertise in LGPD, PCI-DSS, SOC 2, and other standards.

We’ll also consider pricing models, industry specializations, and reputation. Whether you’re a Brazilian fintech startup needing red team services or an enterprise seeking cloud penetration testing in Brazil, this guide will help you identify a trustworthy partner.

For additional background on penetration testing, see our penetration testing services page. It explains how DeepStrike simulates real-world attacks to secure systems before it’s too late.

What to Look for in a Penetration Testing Company

Not all pentesting providers are equal. Based on industry best practices and Google’s E-E-A-T principles Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness, here are key criteria when evaluating penetration testing companies in Brazil:

• Comprehensive Services: Top firms offer a broad range of penetration testing services in Brazil, covering web applications, mobile apps, networks, cloud infrastructure, IoT, APIs, and even social engineering and full-scope red team engagements. This ensures they can test all aspects of your environment.

For example, a provider should be comfortable testing everything from a corporate network to a fintech mobile app or an AWS cloud deployment. DeepStrike, for instance, provides web, mobile, infrastructure, and red team testing, and even a Continuous Penetration Testing program for ongoing security assurance.

• Compliance & Standards Expertise: Your pentesting partner should understand relevant regulations and standards. In Brazil, LGPD compliance testing knowledge is crucial. The firm should help you protect personal data and generate reports that satisfy LGPD’s security requirements. If you handle credit cards or health data, look for experience with PCI-DSS penetration testing and HIPAA.

In fact, PCI-DSS explicitly requires regular penetration testing PCI DSS Requirement 11 for in-scope systems. While SOC 2 doesn’t mandate pentests, auditors often recommend them as a best practice for demonstrating strong controls. The top companies align their work to global standards like OWASP Top 10 and NIST guidelines.

DeepStrike adheres to elite standards including OWASP, NIST, ISO 27001, and PCI-DSS, ensuring a thorough and methodical approach.

• Experienced, Certified Team: Look for providers with seasoned security experts who hold certifications such as OSCP, CISSP, OSWE, CEH, etc. Certifications aren’t everything, but they indicate a baseline of knowledge and commitment. Leading companies often highlight team credentials and achievements.

For example, DeepStrike’s team possesses globally recognized certifications and has members in Fortune 500 bug bounty Hall of Fame lists. Experience matters too firms that have tested across industries finance, healthcare, e-commerce, and the government will be better prepared to uncover complex vulnerabilities.

• Strong Reputation and Reviews: Reputation is a major trust factor. Top pentesting companies will have client testimonials, case studies, and high ratings on independent platforms like Clutch. , for instance, lists Blaze Information Security and DeepStrike among top pentesters with excellent client feedback.

DeepStrike holds a 5.0 out of 5.0 rating on Clutch across 27 reviews, clients frequently praise its thoroughness, communication, and ability to find issues others missed. Similarly, Blaze Information Security is highly rated 4.8/5 for its technical expertise and detailed reporting.

When evaluating providers, check for such testimonials and ask for references. A proven track record in Brazil or globally is a good indicator of trustworthiness.

• Reporting and Post-Test Support: A pentest’s value comes not just from discovering vulnerabilities, but from how the findings are delivered and acted upon. Leading companies provide clear, actionable reports with risk ratings, evidence, and remediation steps.

They may also include an executive summary for non-technical stakeholders. Ensure the firm offers support for re-testing fixes. Some like DeepStrike, even offer free unlimited re-testing to validate that vulnerabilities are properly resolved.

Good providers might also assist with mitigation guidance, developer debriefs, and compliance documentation like attestation letters for auditors.

• Flexible Engagement Models and Pricing: Finally, consider how the service is delivered and priced. The best pentest companies adapt to your needs whether it’s a one-time assessment, a retainer, or continuous testing. Pricing can vary significantly in Brazil depending on scope.

Penetration testing cost in Brazil usually depends on the number of targets, complexity, and depth of testing. Typical engagements might range from a few thousand reais for a small app test to tens of thousands for comprehensive assessments.

Globally, a standard pentest can cost around $2,000–$10,000, whereas a highly in-depth test might go up to $50,000. Transparent companies will provide upfront quotes and help define a scope that fits your budget.

Be cautious of both extremes: very cheap offers which might just run automated scans and overly expensive ones that don’t provide commensurate value. Look for value: quality findings, timely delivery, and support should justify the cost.

Now that we know what to look for, let’s examine the top penetration testing companies in Brazil that meet these criteria. We’ll highlight each provider’s services, strengths, compliance focus, pricing approach where known, industry experience, and reputation.

Top Penetration Testing Companies in Brazil

DeepStrike Manual Pentesting Excellence with Global Credentials

DeepStrike is widely regarded as the top penetration testing company in Brazil, and for good reason. Headquartered in the U.S. with operations serving Brazil, DeepStrike has built a reputation for human-powered, high-quality penetration testing that goes beyond automated scans. The company was founded in 2016 and has since grown to a team of 50+ experts, including veteran ethical hackers and red team specialists. Clients range from global enterprises and fintech unicorns to SaaS startups giving DeepStrike a broad perspective on threats across industries.

Key strengths of DeepStrike include:

• Manual, Real-World Attack Simulations: DeepStrike’s philosophy is to hack you before real hackers do. Unlike firms that rely heavily on tools, DeepStrike emphasizes manual testing to uncover complex logic flaws and security weaknesses that automated scanners miss. This hands-on approach has been repeatedly noted by clients as a standout feature.

In Clutch reviews, customers praise DeepStrike for finding vulnerabilities that other vendors overlooked. For example, one client testimony highlighted that Where others came back empty-handed, DeepStrike discovered vulnerabilities we never expected. This level of thoroughness is critical for high-security industries like finance and healthcare.

• Comprehensive Service Portfolio: DeepStrike offers end-to-end penetration testing services. This includes web application penetration testing covering OWASP Top 10 issues like injection, broken access control, etc., mobile app testing, cloud and infrastructure testing, API security assessments, and full-scale red team engagements simulating advanced persistent threats.

They also provide Continuous Penetration Testing for clients who want ongoing testing with each code update. Importantly, DeepStrike’s reports are tailored to meet compliance frameworks the team maps findings to standards like PCI-DSS, ISO 27001, SOC 2, HIPAA, and provides the documentation auditors expect. This is a big plus if you need pentest reports for regulatory audits or customer assurance.

• Expert Team and Credentials: DeepStrike’s team includes professionals with top certifications CISSP, OSCP, OSWE, etc. and significant real-world experience. Mohammed Khalil the author of this article is one example a Cybersecurity Architect who has led numerous red team ops for Fortune 500 companies.

DeepStrike proudly notes that their testers have been acknowledged in the Hall of Fame of many Fortune 500 firms for responsible disclosure.

The company’s emphasis on talent shows in their work quality. They also invest in R&D, developing custom tools and techniques to stay ahead of emerging threats. As a result, DeepStrike’s approach is always evolving e.g., testing for the latest vulnerabilities like Log4Shell, Spring4Shell as soon as they emerged.

• Client Satisfaction and Reputation: DeepStrike boasts an excellent reputation in the cybersecurity community. On Clutch, it maintains a 5.0/5.0 star rating based on client reviews, with perfect scores in quality, schedule, cost, and willingness to refer.

Clients frequently mention the team’s proactive communication, professionalism, and ability to align with the client’s culture and values.

One CTO in a Clutch review said, They clearly have built a team of creative, highly skilled experts... with deep technical understanding. Another client noted they switched from a big-name provider to DeepStrike and it was the best decision we ever made. These endorsements speak to both the trust and results DeepStrike delivers.

Furthermore, DeepStrike has received industry recognition, earning a Clutch Global Award Top Penetration Testing Company 2025 as evidenced by the badge on their site.

• Flexible Engagements and Support: DeepStrike is also known for accommodating client needs. They offer Pentest-as-a-Service packaging, allowing organizations in Brazil to engage on a one-time or subscription basis.

Pricing is project-based starting at around $5,000+ for small scopes but considered competitive and value-driven, given the depth of testing and included extras.

Notably, DeepStrike includes free unlimited re-testing of vulnerabilities once you fix them, ensuring that fixes are validated.

Many firms charge extra for re-tests. They also provide a dedicated Slack channel for real-time collaboration during tests, and a custom dashboard to track findings and remediation progress.

The overall package feels more like partnering with an extension of your security team rather than hiring an external vendor.

In summary, DeepStrike stands out for its manual expertise, broad service range, compliance-ready reporting, and stellar reputation. They are the top choice for Brazilian organizations that want a thorough, reliable pentesting partner. DeepStrike combines the best of global experience and local understanding, they serve clients across Brazil’s major industries and are familiar with Brazilian regulations.

If you need a pentest that will truly improve your security posture, not just tick a box, DeepStrike is the benchmark to beat.

Learn more about DeepStrike’s offerings on their web application penetration testing and Mobile Application Penetration Testing pages, or check out the DeepStrike Customers page to see testimonials from companies like Carta, Klook, and Mural.

Blaze Information Security Brazil-Born Specialists with Global Reach

Blaze Information Security is another top penetration testing provider with roots in Brazil founded in Recife and offices in Europe. Blaze has made a name for itself by specializing in pentesting, red teaming, and vulnerability assessment services for clients worldwide. If you’re looking for a Brazil-based firm with deep technical chops and bilingual Portuguese/English capabilities, Blaze is a strong contender.

• Services and Expertise: Blaze Information Security offers a full suite of offensive security services. This includes web and mobile app pentesting, network and Wi-Fi security testing, cloud configuration reviews, source code review, and red team exercises. They have particular expertise in financial services and crypto.

For example, they’ve conducted security testing for cryptocurrency exchanges and banking platforms. According to client feedback on Clutch, Blaze is praised for detailed reports, deep technical knowledge, and effective communication. Their team’s technical expertise is a highlight, they are known to dig very deep into applications to find subtle security issues. Blaze’s reports are often commended for clarity and actionable guidance.

• Compliance and Methodology: Blaze aligns its testing with well-known standards like OWASP Top 10, OSSTMM, and PTES. They assist companies in meeting compliance requirements such as PCI-DSS and ISO 27001 by providing the necessary documentation from their tests. One thing to note: Blaze has been expanding its global presence with an office in Germany,

for instance, so they understand both local Brazilian regulatory contexts like LGPD and international compliance needs. Some clients have noted that Blaze’s local presence in Brazil could improve as they’ve grown globally, but the quality of service remains high.

• Client Reputation: On Clutch, Blaze Information Security holds a 4.8/5 rating with five-star reviews. Clients appreciate their efficiency and project management. Blaze often works closely with clients’ developers and delivers on time or ahead of schedule. An example: a client from an online marketplace praised Blaze’s engaged and interactive approach which allowed quick adjustments and better results.

The average project size for Blaze tends to be in the mid-range $10k–$50k, indicating they tackle substantial projects but also smaller ones as needed. Their pricing is considered competitive for the quality delivered, and many Brazilian fintech and software companies trust Blaze for recurring security assessments.

In summary, Blaze Information Security is a top-tier Brazilian pentesting firm known for its technical rigor and reliable delivery. They are a great choice for companies that want a local partner with world-class expertise. Blaze’s combination of detailed technical work and client-oriented communication makes them one of the best in the region.

eSecurity Offensive Security Boutique in São Paulo

eSecurity often branded as eSecurity - Cyber Security is a specialized cybersecurity company based in São Paulo, Brazil. With around a decade in business founded in 2012 and a team of 10–50 employees, eSecurity focuses on offensive security solutions and has made a mark as a trusted pentesting provider for Brazilian organizations.

• Focus and Services: As a boutique firm, eSecurity centers its services on penetration testing or teste de invasão in Portuguese and related security assessments. They offer external and internal network pentests, web and mobile application testing, and also security training and consulting.

According to a company profile snippet, eSecurity specializes in penetration testing as part of its comprehensive offensive security solutions, offering a range of services to enhance information security and protect organizations from cyber threats. This indicates that beyond just finding vulnerabilities, eSecurity likely assists clients in strengthening their security posture end-to-end.

• Industry and Compliance: eSecurity has served clients in sectors like financial services, technology startups, and possibly government. While specific compliance frameworks are not heavily advertised, they presumably ensure that their testing reports help clients with standards like ISO 27001 and PCI-DSS since those are common in Brazil.

Being a local firm, they understand the threat landscape in Brazil well including common attack vectors seen in Brazilian banking malware, local regulations, etc. Communication in Portuguese is a plus for many domestic companies that prefer reports and discussions in the local language.

• Reputation: eSecurity might not have as much international recognition as DeepStrike or Blaze, but within Brazil it has a solid reputation. It’s listed among top Brazilian pen testing companies in 2025 industry listings. Clients often choose eSecurity for personalized service as a smaller outfit, they can provide more hands-on attention from senior experts.

They emphasize building trust with clients likely long-term partnerships. While we don’t have specific public review quotes, the fact that eSecurity is frequently mentioned in top companies lists indicates consistent positive outcomes. For example, their profile highlights that they help protect organizations from cyber threats , suggesting a proactive approach where they don’t just find issues but also help remediate them.

In summary, eSecurity is a top local choice for penetration testing in Brazil, especially for companies that want a dedicated Brazilian team with a focus on offensive security. Their strengths lie in a tailored approach and deep local expertise. If you’re a mid-sized company or startup in Brazil looking for a hands-on pentest partner, eSecurity is definitely a contender to consider.

DM11 Enterprise Pentesting with a Compliance Focus

DM11 Segurança da Informação is a Brazilian cybersecurity firm founded in 2009 that has carved out a niche in penetration testing and security consulting, particularly with an eye on enterprise needs and compliance. They brand themselves as a partner in elevating corporate security maturity, and their offerings reflect a mix of testing and compliance advisory.

• Services and Niche: DM11 provides penetration testing services across networks, applications, and infrastructure, much like others on this list. However, they distinguish themselves with a Pentest-as-a-Service PTaaS model and an emphasis on continuous improvement. One profile describes: DM11 is a dedicated partner in enhancing enterprise information security, offering comprehensive penetration testing services that identify risks and vulnerabilities in your payment infrastructure.

With experienced professionals, DM11 provides tailored solutions that strengthen cybersecurity posture and help achieve compliance with high security standards, ultimately increasing trust among clients and partners. . This highlights a few things: DM11 has expertise in payment systems security, likely working with banks, fintechs, or payment processors, and they tie their pentesting outcomes to achieving compliance and building trust.

• Compliance and Standards: True to its focus, DM11 is well-versed in standards like PCI-DSS, ISO 27001, and possibly Brazilian banking security regulations. For any organization handling cardholder data, DM11 can perform the required PCI-DSS penetration tests and assist in closing gaps. They also mention high security standards which implies they aim to meet stringent requirements such as those in the finance industry.

DM11’s Ethical Hacker as a Service offering suggests they might provide retainer-based testing or frequent assessments to continually gauge security maturity . This can be very useful for enterprises that need to demonstrate ongoing security efforts for example, to satisfy auditors or clients.

• Client Profile and Reputation: DM11 has been around for a while, which means they have long-term relationships and presumably positive references in the Brazilian market. Their team of experienced professionals likely includes certified ethical hackers and consultants who can communicate with C-level executives about risk, not just provide a tech report.

DM11’s messaging about increasing client and partner trust indicates they understand the business side of security. While they may not have public reviews in English, their inclusion in top-company lists and longevity speak to credibility. Enterprises that have internal compliance teams may find DM11 a good fit because they speak the language of both tech and compliance.

In summary, DM11 is a top Brazilian pentesting company for organizations that prioritize compliance and tailored solutions. They are well-suited for enterprises in finance, e-commerce, or any field where meeting PCI-DSS, LGPD, or other standards is as important as the technical security itself. With DM11, you get a partner that will not only test your systems but also guide you towards a stronger security posture aligned with best practices and regulatory expectations.

Resh Cyber Defense Proactive Testing to Prevent Breaches

Resh Cyber Defense is a newer name in the Brazilian market based in São José do Rio Preto, since 2017 but comes with a long collective experience, their team touts over 25 years of practical experience in offensive security. Resh’s philosophy is very straightforward and business-focused: they emphasize that investing in pentesting is far cheaper and simpler than dealing with the fallout of a cyberattack . This value proposition resonates with many businesses who need to justify security budgets.

• Services and Approach: Resh offers penetration testing for networks, applications, and probably social engineering tests, as well as general cybersecurity consulting. They likely have expertise in both automated and manual testing techniques. What stands out is their focus on cost-effectiveness and prevention.

On their site translated from Portuguese, they stress: Conducting pentests is much more simple and economical than dealing with the damages of a cyber attack. Get ahead of hackers and close your company’s security gaps. This messaging suggests Resh puts effort into educating clients on risk and the return on investment of pentesting. They might provide clear ROI reports or metrics e.g., showing how a $X pentest could save $Y in breach costs.

• Industry and Scale: Resh is a cybertech of ethical hackers as they call themselves, potentially serving mid-market businesses. Their team size 11–50 implies enough manpower to handle multiple projects, but they are still small enough to be agile and customer-centric.

They might specialize in sectors like healthcare, education, or SMBs, which sometimes are underserved by bigger consultancies. Given their strong stance on preventative security, they may also offer vulnerability management or continuous testing to keep clients safe as threats evolve.

• Reputation: While Resh may not yet have the international accolades of others, they are gaining recognition regionally. They appear in lists of top Brazilian security companies, indicating that their client base is happy with the results. Their straightforward value messaging likely appeals to business owners and IT managers.

If a company has never had a professional pentest before, Resh could be a good approachable option, they seem to focus on explaining the benefits and making the process business-friendly.

In summary, Resh Cyber Defense is a rising penetration testing company in Brazil known for its practical and cost-effective approach. They are a strong choice for organizations that need to be convinced of security ROI or that want a testing partner who clearly understands that every real-world breach is far more expensive than a preventative security test. With experienced ethical hackers leading the engagements, Resh can help companies find and fix vulnerabilities before they become incidents.

Other honorable mentions in Brazil’s pentesting scene include Gantech Information Safety São Paulo-based, since 2006, offering innovative security solutions and pentesting and global firms like IBM Security and Deloitte, which have cybersecurity teams in Brazil. However, many Brazilian companies prefer specialized firms like those above for the focus and personalized expertise they provide.

Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

What is penetration testing and why do businesses in Brazil need it?

Penetration testing or pentesting is a security exercise where ethical hackers simulate real cyberattacks on your systems to identify vulnerabilities. It’s essentially a proactive hack yourself before hackers do approach. Businesses in Brazil need pentesting to uncover security weaknesses in their websites, applications, networks, or APIs before criminals exploit them. With Brazil experiencing increasing cyber threats, phishing, ransomware, etc. and regulations like LGPD requiring strong data protection, pentesting helps organizations verify their defenses. By finding and fixing flaws early, companies avoid costly breaches, downtime, and compliance penalties. As one definition puts it, penetration testing is a method of evaluating security by simulating an attack from malicious outsiders or insiders. It's a critical practice for any serious cybersecurity program.

How often should we conduct penetration testing?

The frequency of pentesting depends on your environment and compliance needs, but general best practice is at least once a year. Many standards back this up for example, PCI-DSS requires annual penetration tests and after any major changes for companies handling credit card data. Even when not mandated, doing a pentest annually or bi-annually is wise because new vulnerabilities and system changes can introduce new risks over time. If your company deploys updates frequently e.g., a fintech releasing new app features monthly, you might opt for more frequent testing or continuous pentesting services. Critical infrastructure or high-threat targets could be tested quarterly. Ultimately, the schedule should be based on risk: high-impact systems deserve more frequent scrutiny. Remember, pentesting is a snapshot of security at a point in time. Regular testing ensures that security holes are caught and fixed on an ongoing basis, not just once in a blue moon.

What types of penetration testing services are most needed in Brazil?

Businesses in Brazil typically seek a range of pentesting services depending on their assets:

• Web Application Penetration Testing: With so many businesses web-facing, testing web apps for OWASP Top 10 issues like injection, broken access control, XSS is in high demand.
• Mobile Application Penetration Testing: Brazil has a huge mobile user base, so companies with Android/iOS apps e.g., banking, e-commerce apps routinely need mobile pentests to check for flaws in app code, insecure data storage, API communication, etc.
• Network and Infrastructure Penetration Testing: This involves testing corporate networks, servers, and cloud infrastructure for weaknesses. As Brazilian firms migrate to cloud platforms AWS, Azure, GCP, cloud penetration testing is increasingly sought to validate configurations and cloud security controls.
• API Security Testing: Many modern applications use APIs including fintech and telecom services in Brazil. API pentesting checks endpoints for issues like broken authentication, authorization errors, and data leakage.
• Red Team Engagements: Advanced organizations like large banks or enterprises are adopting red teaming simulated multi-vector attacks that test not just tech controls but also people and processes e.g., phishing employees, bypassing physical security. It’s an intensive form of testing that is gaining traction to evaluate overall resilience.

In summary, web, mobile, API, and network pentests are core needs, with cloud security and red teaming growing. Top providers in Brazil offer all these services to meet the country’s evolving security challenges.

How does penetration testing help with LGPD and other compliance requirements?

Penetration testing plays a crucial role in meeting various compliance and regulatory requirements, though the specifics vary:

• Under Brazil’s LGPD, while there’s no article that explicitly says do pentests, the law requires organizations to adopt technical measures to protect personal data Article 46. Regular security assessments and pentesting are considered best practices to fulfill that duty. In fact, guidance for LGPD compliance often includes performing routine pentests to ensure any weaknesses that could lead to personal data leakage are addressed. This demonstrably shows regulators that you’re being proactive about security.
• For PCI-DSS payment card industry standard, as mentioned, penetration testing is explicitly required at least annually. If your business processes credit card payments in Brazil, a compliant PCI pentest of networks and apps in scope is mandatory to maintain certification.
• For SOC 2 common for tech service providers, penetration testing isn’t strictly required but is highly recommended. Auditors often expect to see that you’ve done a pentest or vulnerability assessment as part of showing your controls are effective. It strengthens your case in the security Trust Services Criteria by demonstrating you actively test your defenses.
• Other frameworks like ISO 27001 and HITRUST advocate for regular security testing as part of their continuous improvement and risk assessment processes. Pentesting results can be used as evidence of control testing.
• Central Bank of Brazil regulations and finance industry norms also increasingly call for periodic independent security testing, especially for fintechs and banks under open banking initiatives.

In essence, penetration testing supports compliance by identifying gaps before an auditor or attacker does. It provides documentation you can show to regulators or clients that you’re taking due care to secure systems. Moreover, it helps avoid the ultimate compliance nightmare, a data breach that leads to fines or sanctions. Think of pentesting as proactive compliance: it’s easier to prove you meet security requirements when you have a report showing you tested and fixed vulnerabilities in advance.

How much does a penetration test cost in Brazil?

The cost of a penetration test in Brazil can vary widely based on scope and provider. For a small business wanting a basic test of a simple website, you might find local offerings in the R$10,000 to R$20,000 range roughly $2,000–$5,000 USD. More complex projects say a full network and application pentest for a mid-sized company could cost R$50,000+. Generally, penetration testing costs often range from $2,000 up to $50,000 USD for a single engagement depending on depth and targets. A high-quality test thorough manual testing, experienced team, detailed reporting tends to fall in the mid-to-upper end of that range. On average, globally, companies often pay around $10,000–$30,000 for a comprehensive test of a few applications.

In Brazil, local providers might be a bit more affordable than international ones, but be cautious with anything that seems too cheap. Ultra-low quotes e.g., a few thousand reais for a large scope could indicate the tester will just run automated tools without deep analysis which isn’t very helpful. Reputable firms will assess your needs and give a custom quote. Some variables that affect pricing include: number of IPs or applications in scope, complexity of the systems, whether source code review is included, and the level of reporting detail required e.g., for compliance. Also, if you need re-testing or multiple rounds of testing, that may influence cost although firms like DeepStrike include re-tests for free.

expect to invest a few thousand dollars for meaningful pentesting. Considering the potential cost of a breach, it’s a worthwhile investment. It’s always a good idea to discuss your budget and objectives with potential vendors. Most will tailor a proposal to maximize value for your budget.

What is the difference between a penetration test and a red team exercise?

Both penetration tests and red team exercises involve ethical hacking, but they differ in scope and goals:

• Penetration Testing is usually a targeted assessment of specific systems to find as many vulnerabilities as possible. For example, you might pentest a web application, a set of servers, or an office network. The engagement is often shorter 1-2 weeks and the testers work overtly or semi-overtly meaning you know the test is happening, and the goal is to enumerate and fix vulnerabilities. It’s like a structured exam of your security in a defined area, with a detailed report of findings at the end.
• Red Teaming is more of a full-scale simulation of a real attack against your organization, often conducted over a longer period several weeks or months. In a red team exercise, the ethical hackers have a lot of freedom to use any tactics to achieve agreed-upon objectives e.g., gain domain admin access, or retrieve certain sensitive data. It’s usually covert only a few people internally know it’s happening, to test detection and response. The red team will use stealth, social engineering like phishing employees or even attempting physical entry, and multi-step attack chains. The idea is to test not just technical vulnerabilities, but also the organization’s blue team defenders: your monitoring, incident response, and security awareness. Red team reports often focus on the paths attackers took and how you can improve detection and response, rather than listing every vulnerability.

In summary, a pentest is about breadth and depth in a scoped environment finding as many bugs as possible, whereas a red team is about realism and goal-oriented attack simulation. For many companies in Brazil, starting with penetration testing is sufficient to significantly improve security. Red teaming is typically for more mature organizations that have solid basics and want to rigorously test their holistic security often to benchmark their incident response or satisfy high-end compliance requirements like a critical infrastructure standard. Both are valuable; they just serve different purposes in a security program.

Will penetration testing disrupt our systems or business operations?

When performed by experienced professionals, penetration testing is designed to be safe and minimize disruption. Reputable pentesting companies in Brazil will typically schedule tests at convenient times and coordinate with your IT team to avoid critical periods. They often start with passive reconnaissance and then move to active testing carefully. For example, they might avoid running heavy vulnerability scans during peak business hours, or they might get explicit approval before testing on production systems that are very sensitive. Most tests, especially of applications, can be done without any noticeable impact on users. Network tests might cause minor spikes in traffic or trigger some security alerts, but that’s usually manageable. Before a test begins, you’ll have a planning meeting to outline rules of engagement you can highlight any stability concerns then.

In rare cases, exploiting a vulnerability can cause a system to crash for instance, if a buffer overflow is tested on a fragile legacy system. However, pentesters typically know how to identify such scenarios and either skip them or perform them in a controlled way. They might also use a staging environment if available. Overall, serious issues are uncommon. Think of it this way: a small risk of minor disruption during a planned pentest is far better than an unplanned real attack causing major disruption. The goal of the pentest team is to help you improve security, not create outages. With good communication between you and the testers, the process should be smooth. Many Brazilian companies undergo pentests regularly without their customers or operations ever noticing anything unusual.

Choosing the right penetration testing partner in Brazil can significantly bolster your cyber defenses. The top pentesting companies in Brazil like DeepStrike, Blaze Information Security, eSecurity, DM11, and Resh each bring something unique to the table, but all share a commitment to technical excellence and helping organizations stay secure and compliant. By evaluating providers against the criteria we discussed, services, compliance expertise, pricing, industry experience, and reputation, you can find a firm that fits your specific needs and culture.

Remember, penetration testing is not just a checkbox for compliance it’s an ongoing strategy to protect your business’s trust and data. The insights gained from a quality pentest will help you fix weaknesses before attackers find them, ultimately saving you money and headaches in the long run.

Ready to fortify your organization’s security? Consider partnering with DeepStrike the leading pentesting company in Brazil for your next penetration test or red team exercise. With DeepStrike’s expert team and proven approach, you’ll receive actionable results that strengthen your defenses and peace of mind that comes with a safer business. Contact our DeepStrike team for a tailored quote or to discuss how we can help meet your security and compliance goals. Let’s outsmart the attackers together!

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. Mohammed’s hands-on experience in breaking into systems ethically and his passion for hacking for good give him a front-line perspective on cyber threats. At DeepStrike, he helps clients dissect complex attack chains and develop resilient defense strategies. When he’s not hacking or helping businesses improve their security, Mohammed is likely sharing insights on the latest cyber risks or mentoring new ethical hackers in the community.