In Austin, Texas, a city known for its tech scene, cybersecurity has assumed a centerstage as threat incidents have increased. They realize the criticality of protecting their digital assets. However, Austin has really some good offensive security testing companies that are doing great work. They are helping companies of all sizes and nature to ensure their security environment remains safe. The question arise how to select the best penetration testing companies when CISOs are spoilt for choice:
In this blog, we have carefully evaluated a list of top 9 companies in Austin that are great at this offensive security testing.
Factors to Consider While Choosing the Right Offensive Security Partner
The first step toward enhancing your cybersecurity posture involves finding the right offensive security testing provider. Offensive security testing, commonly called penetration testing, helps uncover system vulnerabilities by simulating potential attacks before they can be targeted by malicious actors. This guide will walk you through the steps to choose the best offensive security testing provider for your needs.
1. Define Your Objectives
Before selecting a provider, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of your goals for offensive security testing. Here are some key points to consider:
- Scope of Testing: Determine which parts of your infrastructure need assessment, whether it’s particular systems, software, or networks. This could range from web and mobile applications to cloud services.
- Type of Testing: Decide on the type of penetration testing—black-box (no prior knowledge), white-box (full knowledge), or gray-box (partial knowledge). Each approach offers varying levels of thoroughness and attention to different aspects of security.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that the provider is well-versed in testing that aligns with your industry’s regulations (e.g., PCI DSS, HIPAA) to guarantee compliance and security standards are met.
2. Evaluate Vendor Experience and Reputation
The provider’s expertise and reputation are key factors to evaluate. Keep these points in mind:
- Sector-Specific knowledge: Choose vendors with experience in your industry, as they will have a deeper understanding of the unique threats and regulatory standards you encounter.
- Track record: Examine the provider’s track record in penetration testing. Ask for case studies or client references to assess how effective they have been in similar projects.
- Professional credentials: Ensure the provider’s team possesses relevant certifications, like Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). These qualifications can be a sign of advanced skills and knowledge.
3. Evaluate Their Methodology and Tools Used
To ensure the effectiveness and thoroughness of testing, it’s important to understand the methodology of the provider:
- Testing methodologies: Confirm that the provider adheres to established frameworks, such as the Penetration Testing Execution Standard (PTES) or the OWASP Testing Guide. Following a structured methodology helps guarantee reliable and consistent results.
- Manual vs. Automated Testing: Discuss how the provider balances automated testing with manual analysis. While automation can quickly spot standard vulnerabilities, skilled human testers are necessary to detect more complex issues that require a deeper understanding and creative approach.
- Tools and techniques: Inquire about the tools and methods the provider employs. A trustworthy vendor should be open about the resources they use, which might include both commercial software and open-source solutions.
4. Do They Hold Adequate Offensive Security Certifications?
Certifications play a crucial role in verifying the credibility of cybersecurity services. Make sure your provider is ISO 27001 certified and complies with GDPR, SEC, and CMMC regulations.
Certifications come in various levels of expertise, ranging from beginner to advanced. These credentials reflect the provider’s knowledge and skills across different proficiency stages. Some prominent organizations offering these certifications include:
- Offensive Security – Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) and Offensive Security Web Expert (OSWE)
- CompTIA
- Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC)
- International Council of E-Commerce Consultants (EC-Council)
- InfoSec Institute.
- Burp Suite Certified Practitioner
- SANS
- GPEN
4. Check For Quality of Reporting
The quality of the penetration testing report is vital for understanding vulnerabilities and remediating them:
- Clarity and Detail: The report should offer precise and practical information, including descriptions of identified vulnerabilities, how they were exploited, their potential impact on your business, and steps for remediation.
- Executive Summary: It should feature an overview tailored for executives, summarizing the main findings in a way that’s easy to understand for those without a technical background.
- Post-Test Support: Check if the provider offers ongoing support to help your team interpret the results and determine the best course of action for fixing the issues.
5. Communication and Collaboration
Communication is the key, throughout the penetration testing process:
- Client Involvement: Clarify how involved your team will be throughout the testing process. Greater collaboration can enhance the relevance and impact of the testing.
- Regular Updates: Ensure the provider will deliver frequent updates, keeping you informed about the progress and initial observations.
- Feedback Mechanism: Choose a vendor who listens to your feedback and is flexible in adjusting their testing methods to meet your specific needs and concerns.
6. Cost Considerations
While cost shouldn’t be the only consideration, understanding the pricing details is crucial:
- Transparent Pricing: Make sure the provider presents a clear pricing model with no hidden charges. It’s wise to compare estimates from several vendors to gauge the typical market rate.
- Value over Cost: Consider the value you receive rather than just the expense. A lower-priced provider may not offer the same quality and effectiveness as a more costly, reputable option.
7. Security and Confidentiality
Given the sensitive nature of the information involved, it’s essential that the provider has strong security protocols in place:
- Data Protection Policies: Ask about how the provider manages sensitive information uncovered during testing. They should have clear and strict guidelines for maintaining data confidentiality and protection.
- Liability Insurance: Verify that the provider carries adequate liability insurance to cover potential damages that may arise during the testing process.
8. Post-Engagement Support
Finally, ask for the level of assistance available after the engageme. Find out if the provider offers help with fixing the vulnerabilities they uncover. This kind of support can be crucial in making sure the identified issues are properly resolved.
List of Top 8 Security Testing Companies
The following list has been prepared after analyzing various sources, such as Clutch, G2, Built in and many other trustworthy sources. The purpose of the list is not to assign quality rating to companies but to make your task easier. Therefore, it should not be construed as a judgment on the companies.
The information has been taken from the company website and other online sources available on the Internet and we believe them to be correct to the best of our knowledge. Here is the list:
1. SecureLayer7
Recognized as a top security testing company in Austin, Texas, SecureLayer7 holds expertise in the entire gamut of application & network security testing, cloud security testing, IoT, mobile security testing, and red team assessment.
SecureLayer7 has built a reputation for delivering tailored solutions that address the specific needs of various industries, such as finance, healthcare, and technology. SecureLayer7’s expertise lies in web and mobile applications, cloud infrastructure, API Security, network security, IoT Security. SecureLayer7 provides Gartner Assessed reports that adheres to the most rigorous compliance standards. Within a decade of starting operations, it has won trust of many Fortune 500 companies that is indicative of the quality.
SecureLayer7’s offerings are tailored to both enterprise-grade companies and SMEs, which is a big USP of the company. It’s rated 5-Star on Gartner Reviews.
Powered with BugDazz, Penetration-Testing-as-a-Service platform, SecureLayer7 provides a centralized view of the penetration testing process, allowing its clients to view and download reports on the dashboard itself.
Key features include the following:
Services :
- Web and mobile application pentest
- Vulnerability assessment
- Penetration testing
- Cloud penetration testing for Azure, AWS, Google Cloud and Kubernates
- Network penetration testing
- Source code audit
- Red team assessment
- Wireless security assessment
- Application pentest
- Vulnerability scanning
Certifications:
- CREST accreditation
- CERT-in
- ISO/IEC 27001:2013
- ISO 9001:2015
Compliance reporting:
- PCI-DSS
- HIPAA
- SOC II
- ISO 27001
Industries Covered
- Finance
- Healthcare
- Retail
- Manufacturing
- Energy
- Non-profit
2. Framework Security
Located in Austin, TX, Framework Security enhances the defense posture of an organization using offensive security testing. Its focus is on emphasizing defense policies and creating a Written Information Security Program (WISP) for businesses to protect against cyber threats. Their approach integrates security measures into the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), ensuring applications are secure from the outset. However, its cost is on the higher side ($150-$199 per hour), which is not very suitable for SMEs.
Key features include the following:
- Services Offered: Risk Assessments, penetration testing, hybrid testing, web applications and API, cybersecurity consulting, vCISO Programs, CISO Advisory, Program and policy development
- Compliance: PCI-DSS, HIPAA, SOC 2, and ISO 27001
- Certifications: TX-RAMP, NIST CSF
- Industries covered: Finance, healthcare, entertainment, technology, and retail
3. Praetorian
Praetorian provides essential digital defense solutions to boost security readiness for companies in Austin. They blend human know-how with the Chariot platform giving custom support throughout the entire attack cycle. Its services span from continuous threat assessment to managing attack surfaces zeroing in on finding and fixing weak spots.
Besides this, Praetorian’s dedication to making clients happy and building trust plays a key role in delivering quick powerful results to beef up company security stances. However, its offerings are tailored to enterprise needs.
Key features includes the following:
- Services : Application penetration testing for web and mobile applications
Network security assessments, cloud security evaluations, IoT, , Critical cloud infrastructure security, corporate security consulting
- Compliance: SOCII
- Price: It’s on the higher side: ( $200 – $300 / hr)
- Industries Covered: Finance, healthcare, pharma, retail, manufacturing
4. Solis Security
Solis Security is a prominent provider of cybersecurity services, specializing in cyber advisory and managed security solutions. Established in Austin, Texas, Solis Security focuses on helping organizations safeguard their networks and data against sophisticated threats.
Solis offers enterprise-grade managed cyber-security services and stands on the front line in the fight against cybercrime. Armed with more than two decades’ worth of experience constructing the digital security solutions that help you trace and eliminate threats online. Services are more geared towards consulting and cyber incident response.
Key Features Include:
- Services : Managed cyber services, web, mobile, IoT, network penetration testing
- Compliance: SOC2, NIST, HIPAA, PCI-DSS
- Price: Available on request
5. BlackLake Security
BlackLake Security aims to simplify the security experience. From consulting to managed security, its services are customized specifically for each client. This is why every BlackLake Security team member undergoes rigorous training and has achieved numerous certifications that allow us to provide the best level of knowledge surrounding compliance, standards (HIPAA/PCI/SOX), online safety etc. However, full suite of penetration testing is not available
Key features include the following:
- Services Vulnerability management, managed cloud, cloud pentesting
- Compliance: Not explicitly mentioned on the website that it’s SOC II and CREST certified
- Price : Available on request
- Industries covered: Energy, education, retail, finance, healthcare
6. PacketLabs
PacketLabs is among leading offensive security solution providers in Austin, TX. Its unified dashboard allows clients to view real-time insights, progress tracking, and collaboration among teams. This streamlines the penetration testing process.
- Services : Ransomware penetration testing, red teaming, application penetration testing, devsecops, cloud penetration testing
- Compliance: CREST and SOC 2 Type II
- Price: Available on request
7. Rapid7
Rapid7 is a leading cybersecurity company that provides comprehensive solutions to help organizations manage their security posture effectively. The company’s mission is to create a safer digital world by making cybersecurity simpler and more accessible. The company offers a range of products, such as InsightIDR for security information and event management, InsightVM for vulnerability management, and InsightCloudSec for cloud risk management.
Key features include the following:
- Services : Application penetration testing, managed vulnerability management, penetration testing, managed detection and response
- Compliance: SOC 2 Type II, PCI DSS and ISO 27001
- Certifications: Crest, Cert-in
- Price: Available on Request
8. Defcon Network Security
DEFCON Network Security is a cybersecurity firm based in Austin, Texas, dedicated to protecting sensitive digital assets. Founded in 1993, the company offers a comprehensive suite of managed security services, including penetration testing, network defense, and compliance support. Their team consists of licensed ethical hackers and network defenders who employ proactive strategies to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities within client systems.
Key features include the following:
- Services : Network vulnerability testing, Incident response, Cybersecurity consulting
- Compliance: Compliance with regulations such as PCI-DSS, HIPAA, and SOC 2.
- Focus area: Protecting network security
Conclusion
In the end, selecting the right offensive security testing partner depends on multiple criteria. Pricing is important but CISOs should look for length and breadth of capability and quality of services offered. If you’re looking for a top-notch security testing partner in Austin, TX, contact SecureLayer7.
