The cost of penetration testing services Australia largely depends on the scope and complexity of the systems being tested. On average, Australian businesses can expect prices to range between AUD 5,000 and AUD 40,000. Smaller web application tests may start at around AUD 5,000, while larger or more complex network and cloud environments can require a significantly higher investment.
For Australian organizations, penetration testing is not just a technical exercise, but a strategic digital security measures. By identifying and addressing vulnerabilities before cybercriminals can exploit them, businesses can avoid the far greater costs of data breaches, reputational harm, and legal penalties.
In this article, we’ll explore penetration testing in detail, discuss pricing factors, and outline how to choose a trusted provider to strengthen your cybersecurity strategy in Australia.
Cost of Penetration Testing Services in Australia
In Australia, the cost of penetration testing can vary quite a bit depending on the size of the business and how complex its systems are. For small to medium enterprises, a focused web application or network test might land in the AUD $5,000 to $20,000 range. For larger organisations with many systems, cloud infrastructure, or compliance demands, the price might move upward toward AUD $40,000 or more.
While the cost may seem high, the value lies in preventing potentially catastrophic data breaches, fines, or reputational loss.
Below, we have a table outlining typical sub-services and their cost estimates for Australian businesses:
| Pen Test Sub-Service | Estimated Cost (AUD) |
| Web application (single) | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Network (external) | $7,000 – $20,000 |
| Network (internal) | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| API / backend services | $5,000 – $18,000 |
| Mobile app (iOS/Android) | $6,000 – $20,000 |
| Infrastructure + cloud | $10,000 – $30,000+ |
| Red team / full scenario | $25,000 – $50,000+ |
Factors That Can Influence Australia Penetration Testing Costs
For Australian businesses considering penetration testing, it’s important to understand that pricing is never a fixed sum. The final cost depends on several aspects, each tied to the specific needs and risks of your organisation.
Below, we have a few key factors that can influence pen testing pricing in Australia:
- Scope and system complexity – Larger and more layered systems take more time to test. For example, testing a basic website is very different from reviewing an entire cloud-connected network with multiple access points.
- Business size and infrastructure – The larger the business, the more systems, networks, and applications there are to secure. This naturally leads to longer testing cycles and higher costs.
- Number of users, apps, and endpoints – A business with hundreds of employees, mobile users, and cloud-based tools will have a broader attack surface. More endpoints mean more work for testers to cover everything.
- Compliance and industry regulations – If your business operates in a regulated sector, such as finance, healthcare, or government, you may require deeper testing aligned with specific standards like ISO 27001, the NIS2 Directive, or APRA CPS 234.
- Type of testing required – Internal network tests, external perimeter assessments, mobile app testing, and red teaming all require different tools, skill sets, and time investments.
- Location within Australia – If onsite testing is needed, costs may vary depending on where your business is located, particularly in remote or regional areas.
- Timeline and urgency – If your testing needs to be completed urgently or outside standard working hours, expect slightly higher fees for expedited delivery.
The Value of Hiring a Certified Penetration Testing Professional (CPENT)
When Australian businesses look for penetration testing services, one of the key questions they often ask is about the cost of hiring a Certified Penetration Testing Professional (CPENT). Engaging a CPENT-certified expert usually comes at a rate ranging from AUD 10,000 to AUD 25,000 for a comprehensive assessment. The benefit, though, is that you receive measurable results from a professional with years of experience in the industry.
CPENT-certified testers bring validated, hands-on expertise in simulating advanced cyberattacks across modern IT environments. This certification demonstrates that the tester has mastered complex penetration testing techniques, including:
- Web application exploitation
- Network testing
- Privilege escalation
- Evasion tactics
Simply put, they think and act like real-world attackers but with the goal of strengthening your defences.
Certified experts also provide precision and accountability. They follow structured methodologies that align with international standards, ensuring that your business receives a thorough and reliable security assessment. They can uncover hidden vulnerabilities, prioritise risks, and recommend actionable improvements that directly enhance your cybersecurity posture.
For Australian organisations, the cost of a certified penetration testing professional should be viewed as a strategic investment rather than an expense. The insights gained from a professional test can prevent data breaches that would otherwise cost far more in lost trust, downtime, and compliance penalties.
How to Choose the Right Penetration Testing Provider
Selecting the right penetration testing provider is one of the most important cybersecurity decisions an Australian business can make. The right partner won’t just scan your systems for weaknesses; they’ll help you understand how to strengthen them and prevent real-world attacks. To make a smart, confident choice, it’s worth taking the time to evaluate providers carefully and look beyond price alone.
Below, we have some key points to guide your decision:
- Qualifications and certifications to look for
Choose providers with industry-recognised certifications such as CREST, CPENT, OSCP, or ISO/IEC 27001. These confirm that the testers meet high professional and ethical standards.
- Questions to ask potential providers
Ask about their testing approach, tools, reporting methods, and experience working with Australian businesses. Also inquire about how they handle sensitive data and what post-test support they provide.
- Red flags in pricing and service offerings
Be cautious of providers offering unrealistically low prices or fixed packages (offers that apply to multiple businesses). Penetration testing requires tailored assessments, thus, cheap or rushed work often means limited coverage and unreliable results.
- Value indicators beyond cost
A good provider offers detailed reports, clear communication, and actionable recommendations, not just a list of vulnerabilities. Look for partners who explain findings in plain language and help you prioritise fixes.
- Types of pricing models
Common options include fixed-fee pricing for defined scopes, hourly rates for ongoing assessments, or project-based costs for complex infrastructures. The best choice depends on your business size and systems.
Is Penetration Testing Worth the Cost?
For many Australian businesses, the question isn’t whether they need cybersecurity, but whether penetration testing is worth the investment. While the upfront cost can seem significant, the long-term value it delivers far outweighs the expense.
Data breaches can cripple operations. However, a single proactive test can prevent financial loss, reputational harm, and legal penalties that would cost far more to recover from.
Let’s explore the benefits of pen testing in Australia in a little more detail:
- ROI: Breach Costs vs. Pen Testing Costs
In Australia, the average cost of a data breach is estimated at over AUD 4 million, according to recent industry reports. By comparison, a professional penetration test may range between AUD 5,000 and AUD 40,000, depending on scope and complexity. Without a doubt, investing a small amount in penetration testing can prevent millions in potential losses from downtime, legal issues, and system damage.
- Reputation and Compliance Benefits
Beyond financial protection, penetration testing strengthens your organisation’s credibility. Clients, partners, and regulators are expecting businesses to follow strict cybersecurity standards such as the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) and ISO 27001. Regular pen testing helps demonstrate compliance and builds customer trust, showing that your company takes data protection seriously.
While penetration testing may appear costly at first, the consequences of skipping it can be devastating. Data breaches often lead to heavy fines, loss of customer confidence, and in some cases, complete business shutdowns. Investing in proactive security is far less expensive and far more responsible than dealing with the aftermath of an attack.
CyberGlobal’s Transparent Pricing Approach
At CyberGlobal Australia, we believe cybersecurity should be accessible, transparent, and tailored to every business, no matter its size or industry. Having worked with global leaders such as Mercedes-Benz and Red Bull, we bring the same enterprise-grade expertise to Australian businesses and SMBs, making sure that world-class protection is within reach for everyone. Our pricing reflects fairness and clarity, designed to provide maximum value without unnecessary complexity or hidden costs.
Our Australian team is fully dedicated to supporting local organisations, helping them meet both global and national security standards. Our engineers hold respected accreditations such as NIS2 Directive, CREST accreditation, NATO Top Secret clearance, and ISO/IEC 27001 certification. These credentials demonstrate our team’s deep technical knowledge and commitment to delivering secure, compliant, and cost-effective solutions.
Our penetration testing in Australia is structured around three core stages:
- Scoping & Planning – We start by understanding your environment, defining clear objectives, and identifying systems to be tested. Every engagement begins with collaboration and transparency.
- Testing & Analysis – Our certified experts simulate real-world attacks using both automated and manual methods to uncover vulnerabilities and evaluate system resilience.
- Reporting & Remediation – After testing, we provide a comprehensive report with clear, prioritised recommendations and ongoing support to help you close security gaps.
But at CyberGlobal, we don’t just deliver services. We work side by side with you, as an ally, helping your business grow safely in a volatile digital landscape.
If you’re ready to strengthen your security posture with clarity, trust, and expertise, reach out to CyberGlobal Australia today. Together, we’ll build a safer and more resilient digital future for your business!
