How Much Does Penetration Testing Cost in Australia (2025 Pricing Guide)

Penetration testing is one of the most effective ways to uncover and fix vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. In 2025, Australian organisations are investing more in cybersecurity testing to meet compliance standards and reduce breach risks.

But how much does a penetration test actually cost?

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Average Cost of Penetration Testing in Australia

In Australia, penetration testing typically ranges from AUD 6,000 to AUD 40,000+. Prices vary depending on the test type, scope, and complexity. Simpler external web tests start near the lower end, while red-team or hybrid cloud tests are at the higher end.

These figures are indicative only. Always request a formal quote with a clear scope of work. If a quote seems unusually low, confirm what’s included and check whether the provider follows recognised frameworks such as OWASP, CREST, or PTES.

What Drives Penetration Testing Costs?

Several factors influence the final price of a penetration test.
1. Scope and asset count: More websites, APIs, or networks mean more time and testing effort.
2. Complexity: Multi-tier applications, cloud integrations, and segmented networks increase the difficulty.
3. Test depth: Grey-box and white-box testing uncover more vulnerabilities than black-box testing but take longer.
4. Expertise: Providers with CREST or OSCP-certified testers usually charge more but deliver higher accuracy and better remediation advice.
5. Reporting: Comprehensive reporting and remediation guidance add value but also cost.
6. Timeframe: Expedited tests or after-hours delivery attract surcharges.
7. Compliance needs: Testing aligned to PCI DSS, ISO 27001, or APRA CPS 234 requires additional documentation.

Common Pricing Models

Penetration testing providers use several pricing models.
Fixed-price projects are ideal for well-defined scopes and predictable budgets.
Hourly or time-based pricing suits projects with uncertain scope but can fluctuate in cost.
Subscription or Penetration Testing as a Service (PTaaS) spreads the cost across the year and supports continuous assurance.
Day or credit bundles are used by larger organisations that run multiple tests annually.

Each model offers trade-offs between flexibility and predictability, so align the choice to your risk profile and operational needs.

How to Get Better Quotes

You can improve quote accuracy and value by preparing well.

1. Define your scope clearly, including assets and objectives.
2. Ask for written assumptions and exclusions.
3. Request a sample report to review detail and readability.
4. Compare multiple providers for methodology, not just price.
5. Include at least one retest to confirm vulnerabilities are fixed.
6. Choose local testers familiar with the ACSC Essential Eight to ensure relevance to Australian standards.

Why Penetration Testing Is Worth the Investment

Although penetration testing requires an upfront investment, it prevents far greater costs from breaches and downtime. The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC, 2024) reports that targeted intrusions remain one of the top cyber threats to Australian businesses. A structured pentest identifies weaknesses before attackers do, improving resilience and meeting regulatory expectations. The benefits include compliance readiness, reduced risk exposure, and stronger stakeholder confidence.

Example Cost Scenario

A medium-sized SaaS company with one web application, two APIs, and an AWS environment might expect a AUD 18,000 – 30,000 quote for a full grey-box test with one retest included. The same scope using black-box testing could cost less but may miss logic and privilege flaws. Always weigh cost against testing depth and assurance level.

Summary

In 2025, Australian penetration testing typically costs between AUD 6,000 and AUD 40,000+, depending on the complexity, scope, and compliance requirements. Define your objectives, confirm inclusions, request sample deliverables, and compare multiple providers. Prioritise quality and actionable insights over the lowest quote. A well-executed pentest strengthens your cybersecurity maturity and offers strong return on investment.

Useful Links

Essential 8 Services: https://www.cyberpulse.com.au/essential-8-compliance-australia/

Penetration Testing Services: https://www.cyberpulse.com.au/penetration-testing-services-australia/

Vanta Audit Prep: https://www.vanta.com/collection/grc/preparing-for-a-compliance-audit

Ready to improve your cybersecurity?

Book a consultation with a CyberPulse Penetration Testing specialist to review your scope and receive a tailored proposal.

Contact Us: https://www.cyberpulse.com.au/get-in-touch/