Varshini
2025-09-11 12:59:00
gbhackers.com
Penetration Testing as a Service (PTaaS) is a modern approach to offensive security that combines the best of human-led penetration testing with the efficiency of an automated platform.
Unlike traditional, project-based penetration tests, a PTaaS model provides continuous, on-demand testing, real-time collaboration, and a centralized dashboard for managing findings.
In 2025, this agile approach is crucial for companies operating in fast-paced development environments, as it allows them to identify and remediate vulnerabilities faster and more effectively.
Why PTaaS Is Crucial In 2025
Traditional penetration testing, while valuable, has significant limitations. It’s often a one-off, “point-in-time” assessment that can take weeks to schedule and deliver.
By the time a report is finalized, a new release may have introduced new vulnerabilities. PTaaS addresses this by offering a more continuous, collaborative, and scalable solution.
It empowers teams to integrate security into their development lifecycle (DevSecOps), reduce administrative overhead, and get real-time insights into their security posture.
How We Choose Best Penetration Testing as a Service Companies
To compile this list, we evaluated each provider based on the following criteria:
Agility & On-Demand Access: We prioritized platforms that allow for easy scheduling and scoping of tests to meet agile development cycles.
Human-Led Expertise: We looked for companies that provide access to a vetted community of skilled penetration testers, ensuring a high-quality manual assessment.
Automation & Integration: We assessed platforms that use automation to streamline the process (e.g., asset discovery, vulnerability scanning) and integrate with modern workflows (e.g., Jira, Slack).
Real-Time Reporting: We focused on solutions that provide a centralized dashboard with real-time findings, not just a static PDF report.
Comparison Of Key Features (2025)
1. Cobalt
.webp)
Cobalt is the pioneer and a market leader in the PTaaS space.
Their platform connects you with a global community of over 400 highly vetted security researchers, enabling you to launch a pen-test in minutes.
The platform provides a streamlined workflow for scoping, real-time collaboration with testers, and managing findings with integrations into development tools like Jira. Their PTaaS model is a perfect fit for DevSecOps teams.
Why You Want to Buy It:
Cobalt’s PTaaS platform is the gold standard for transparency and collaboration.
You can track findings in real-time, communicate directly with the testers, and easily re-test vulnerabilities after they’ve been fixed.
The platform eliminates the administrative burden of traditional pen-testing.
Feature | Yes/No | Specification |
On-Demand Testing | ✅ Yes | Launch and scope tests within minutes. |
Human-Led Expertise | ✅ Yes | Vetted community of 400+ ethical hackers. |
Automated Scanning | ✅ Yes | Automation for asset discovery and workflow. |
Real-Time Reporting | ✅ Yes | Real-time findings and a centralized dashboard. |
Continuous Testing | ✅ Yes | Supports continuous and rolling engagements. |
✅ Best For: Fast-moving organizations and DevSecOps teams that require on-demand access to a large pool of ethical hackers for continuous security validation.
Try Cobalt here → Cobalt Official Website
2. NetSPI
.webp)
NetSPI is a leading provider of enterprise penetration testing services, and its PTaaS model is a key part of its offering.
Their Resolve™ platform provides a unified view of your entire security program, with real-time tracking of vulnerabilities, attack paths, and remediation progress.
Unlike many others, NetSPI uses a large team of in-house testers, ensuring consistent quality and expertise.
Why You Want to Buy It:
NetSPI’s combination of a robust platform and a large, skilled team provides unparalleled consistency and scalability.
The Resolve™ platform gives security leaders a clear picture of their risk posture, allowing them to prioritize what matters most.
Feature | Yes/No | Specification |
On-Demand Testing | ✅ Yes | Easy scoping and scheduling via the platform. |
Human-Led Expertise | ✅ Yes | Over 300+ in-house, full-time testers. |
Automated Scanning | ✅ Yes | Integrated into their methodology. |
Real-Time Reporting | ✅ Yes | Real-time reporting on the Resolve™ platform. |
Continuous Testing | ✅ Yes | Offers continuous threat exposure management. |
✅ Best For: Large enterprises and highly regulated industries that need a programmatic, enterprise-grade PTaaS solution with a focus on risk prioritization and continuous threat exposure management.
Try NetSPI here → NetSPI Official Website
3. Synack
.webp)
Synack’s PTaaS model is built on its unique Crowdsourced Security Platform.
They provide on-demand access to the Synack Red Team (SRT), a highly vetted and curated community of ethical hackers.
The platform uses AI to automate initial scanning, allowing the human testers to focus on finding complex, high-impact vulnerabilities.
Why You Want to Buy It:
Synack’s crowdsourced model provides a level of scale and diversity of expertise that a traditional single team can’t match.
Their platform manages the entire engagement, from asset discovery to reporting, making it a highly efficient solution.
Feature | Yes/No | Specification |
On-Demand Testing | ✅ Yes | On-demand access to the SRT. |
Human-Led Expertise | ✅ Yes | Access to the Synack Red Team. |
Automated Scanning | ✅ Yes | AI-driven platform for vulnerability discovery. |
Real-Time Reporting | ✅ Yes | Clear, prioritized findings and re-testing. |
Continuous Testing | ✅ Yes | Platform supports continuous security testing. |
✅ Best For: Companies that need an agile and scalable PTaaS solution with on-demand access to a global pool of elite security researchers.
Try Synack here → Synack Official Website
4. BreachLock
.webp)
BreachLock offers a Continuous Penetration Testing model that is a true PTaaS solution.
Their approach combines an AI-powered platform with a global team of certified ethical hackers.
The platform automates asset discovery and initial scanning, while human testers focus on validating and exploiting complex vulnerabilities.
They also provide a unified platform for managing findings from various security sources.
Why You Want to Buy It:
BreachLock’s hybrid model provides the speed of automation with the depth of human expertise.
Their unified platform streamlines the entire security testing lifecycle, from discovery to remediation, and their continuous testing model ensures your security posture is always up-to-date.
Feature | Yes/No | Specification |
On-Demand Testing | ✅ Yes | Quick scheduling and scoping. |
Human-Led Expertise | ✅ Yes | Provided by a global team of certified ethical hackers. |
Automated Scanning | ✅ Yes | AI-powered platform for discovery and scanning. |
Real-Time Reporting | ✅ Yes | Real-time reporting via their unified platform. |
Continuous Testing | ✅ Yes | Offers a continuous PTaaS model. |
✅ Best For: Companies that need an integrated solution combining automated and manual testing, especially those with a focus on compliance (e.g., ISO, PCI DSS).
Try BreachLock here → BreachLock Official Website
5. Astra Security
.webp)
Astra Security is a PTaaS provider that focuses on transforming security testing into an agile, incremental, and developer-friendly experience.
Their AI-powered continuous pentest platform runs over 13,000+ tests and integrates with DevSecOps workflows.
They provide hacker-style testing, but with real-time collaboration and end-to-end vulnerability management.
Why You Want to Buy It:
Astra Security’s platform is designed to be highly accessible and user-friendly.
Its seamless integrations with popular development tools and its continuous testing capabilities make it an excellent choice for teams that are “shifting left” on security.
Feature | Yes/No | Specification |
On-Demand Testing | ✅ Yes | Get started in minutes with their platform. |
Human-Led Expertise | ✅ Yes | Hacker-style manual testing. |
Automated Scanning | ✅ Yes | AI-powered scanner with 13,000+ tests. |
Real-Time Reporting | ✅ Yes | Real-time collaboration via a centralized dashboard. |
Continuous Testing | ✅ Yes | Continuous pentests and vulnerability scanning. |
✅ Best For: Small to mid-sized businesses and development teams that need an affordable, easy-to-use platform that integrates security testing directly into their CI/CD pipelines.
Try Astra Security here → Astra Security Official Website
6. Pentera
.webp)
Pentera is an automated security validation platform that simulates real-world attacks.
While it is not a traditional PTaaS company in that it doesn’t use human testers for the pen-test itself, its platform provides a unique, fully automated penetration testing solution.
It continuously identifies and exploits vulnerabilities, allowing you to validate your security posture without the need for manual resources.
Why You Want to Buy It:
Pentera’s automation-first approach provides a scalable and repeatable way to ensure your security controls are effective.
It can be run as often as needed, helping to eliminate security gaps in between manual tests and reduce the need for a large in-house security team.
Feature | Yes/No | Specification |
On-Demand Testing | ✅ Yes | Automated, on-demand testing. |
Human-Led Expertise | ❌ No | Fully automated platform. |
Automated Scanning | ✅ Yes | Automated security validation. |
Real-Time Reporting | ✅ Yes | Provides clear, prioritized findings. |
Continuous Testing | ✅ Yes | Platform is designed for continuous validation. |
✅ Best For: Organizations that want to continuously and automatically validate the security of their network and applications, especially those that need to scale testing across a large number of assets.
Try Pentera here → Pentera Official Website
7. Rhino Security Labs
.webp)
Rhino Security Labs is a well-respected offensive security company with a strong focus on red team and cloud security.
While they primarily offer traditional, project-based penetration tests, their services can be structured into a continuous PTaaS-like model for long-term clients.
They are known for their deep expertise and ability to find complex vulnerabilities by mimicking sophisticated threat actors.
Why You Want to Buy It:
Rhino’s red team mindset allows them to go beyond standard checklists and uncover multi-stage attack paths.
They are an excellent choice for a bespoke engagement where a high level of expertise is needed to find complex, high-impact vulnerabilities.
Feature | Yes/No | Specification |
On-Demand Testing | ❌ No | Primarily a project-based engagement. |
Human-Led Expertise | ✅ Yes | Performed by experienced red team members. |
Automated Scanning | ✅ Yes | Integrated into their methodology. |
Real-Time Reporting | ❌ No | Reporting is project-based. |
Continuous Testing | ❌ No | Primarily a project-based engagement. |
✅ Best For: Companies that require highly skilled, senior-level red teamers for a deep-dive, customized penetration test.
Try Rhino Security Labs here → Rhino Security Labs Official Website
8. Detectify
.webp)
Detectify is an application security platform that leverages a unique, crowdsourced ethical hacker community.
Its Crowdsource™ platform automates the knowledge of over 400 ethical hackers into its scanner, allowing it to continuously test for new and emerging vulnerabilities. This hybrid approach makes it a strong PTaaS contender.
Why You Want to Buy It:
Detectify’s unique crowdsourcing model gives you access to the latest security intelligence, ensuring you are protected against emerging threats.
The platform is perfect for modern development environments where new features are deployed constantly.
Feature | Yes/No | Specification |
On-Demand Testing | ✅ Yes | Platform-based, on-demand scanning. |
Human-Led Expertise | ✅ Yes | Powered by a crowdsourced community. |
Automated Scanning | ✅ Yes | Automated DAST with crowdsourced signatures. |
Real-Time Reporting | ✅ Yes | Prioritized findings and remediation guidance. |
Continuous Testing | ✅ Yes | Continuous scanning and monitoring. |
✅ Best For: Companies that need continuous, automated security testing for new and unknown vulnerabilities as they emerge, especially for public-facing web applications.
Try Detectify here → Detectify Official Website
9. CyCognito
.webp)
CyCognito is an External Attack Surface Management (EASM) platform that provides continuous penetration testing capabilities.
Its platform continuously discovers and maps your external assets, and then uses a PTaaS-like model to automatically and safely test for vulnerabilities and potential attack paths.
While not a traditional human-led pen-test, it provides a high-fidelity, continuous assessment.
Why You Want to Buy It:
CyCognito automates the most time-consuming parts of a pen-test (asset discovery and risk prioritization).
It provides a high-level view of your external risk and helps you identify and fix the most critical issues before they are exploited by attackers.
Feature | Yes/No | Specification |
On-Demand Testing | ✅ Yes | Continuous testing via the platform. |
Human-Led Expertise | ❌ No | Platform-based, automated testing. |
Automated Scanning | ✅ Yes | Continuous asset discovery and testing. |
Real-Time Reporting | ✅ Yes | A centralized dashboard for risk management. |
Continuous Testing | ✅ Yes | Continuous testing and attack surface management. |
✅ Best For: Organizations that need a unified platform to discover and continuously test their external attack surface with a focus on real-world exploitability.
Try CyCognito here → CyCognito Official Website
10. SecurityMetrics
.webp)
SecurityMetrics offers a traditional, project-based penetration testing service that can be customized to function in a PTaaS-like model.
They have a team of certified professionals and a proven methodology for finding vulnerabilities.
Their focus is on providing a tailored, compliant, and easy-to-understand test that is perfect for companies seeking to meet regulatory requirements like PCI DSS.
Why You Want to Buy It:
SecurityMetrics offers a high-quality, project-based service with a focus on detailed, actionable reporting.
While not as agile as a true PTaaS platform, it provides a valuable and compliant service with a dedicated point of contact.
Feature | Yes/No | Specification |
On-Demand Testing | ✅ Yes | Customizable and easy to schedule. |
Human-Led Expertise | ✅ Yes | Certified professionals perform the tests. |
Automated Scanning | ✅ Yes | Integrated into their methodology. |
Real-Time Reporting | ✅ Yes | Provides a detailed final report. |
Continuous Testing | ❌ No | Primarily a project-based engagement. |
✅ Best For: Companies that need to meet specific compliance requirements (e.g., PCI DSS) and want a straightforward, one-stop-shop for both a pen-test and other security services.
Try SecurityMetrics here → SecurityMetrics Official Website
Conclusion
In 2025, PTaaS has emerged as a superior model for proactive security.
The best PTaaS companies combine the invaluable expertise of human testers with the efficiency and scalability of a centralized platform.
For a truly on-demand, collaborative experience, Cobalt, Synack, and Astra Security are clear leaders. For large enterprises with complex needs, NetSPI and BreachLock offer robust, programmatic solutions.
For organizations that need continuous, automated validation, Pentera and CyCognito provide a powerful, platform-based alternative.
The right PTaaS partner will not only find vulnerabilities but will also help you embed security into the very fabric of your development and business operations.
Keep your files stored safely and securely with the SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD. With over 69,505 ratings and an impressive 4.6 out of 5 stars, this product has been purchased over 8K+ times in the past month. At only $129.99, this Amazon’s Choice product is a must-have for secure file storage.
Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256-bit AES hardware encryption. Order now for just $129.99 on Amazon!
Help Power Techcratic’s Future – Scan To Support
If Techcratic’s content and insights have helped you, consider giving back by supporting the platform with crypto. Every contribution makes a difference, whether it’s for high-quality content, server maintenance, or future updates. Techcratic is constantly evolving, and your support helps drive that progress.
As a solo operator who wears all the hats, creating content, managing the tech, and running the site, your support allows me to stay focused on delivering valuable resources. Your support keeps everything running smoothly and enables me to continue creating the content you love. I’m deeply grateful for your support, it truly means the world to me! Thank you!
BITCOIN bc1qlszw7elx2qahjwvaryh0tkgg8y68enw30gpvge Scan the QR code with your crypto wallet app |
DOGECOIN D64GwvvYQxFXYyan3oQCrmWfidf6T3JpBA Scan the QR code with your crypto wallet app |
ETHEREUM 0xe9BC980DF3d985730dA827996B43E4A62CCBAA7a Scan the QR code with your crypto wallet app |
Please read the Privacy and Security Disclaimer on how Techcratic handles your support.
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, Techcratic may earn from qualifying purchases.