--- source_url: "https://soc2auditors.org/soc-2-penetration-testing-firms/" title: SOC 2 Penetration Testing Firms Compared (2026) mirrored_at: 2026-08-13T01:33:44.994Z host: soc2auditors.org cited_in_42a: true mirror_canonical: "https://index.42a.ai/soc2auditors.org/soc-2-penetration-testing-firms/index" --- > **Original source:** https://soc2auditors.org/soc-2-penetration-testing-firms/ [Home](https://soc2auditors.org/)/ [Service Firms](https://soc2auditors.org/security-firms/)/ SOC 2 Pentest Firms SOC 2 criteria do not specifically require a penetration test, but a recent independent test may support vulnerability-management evidence and enterprise security reviews. Compare 47 provider options, including 43 independent firms that publish SOC 2 support, then shortlist on scope, human-led testing, retesting, and report quality. [Search independent firms ↓](#independent-pentest-firms) Updated August 5, 2026 Provider options 47two populations Verified independent 19latest 2026-08-05 Published prices 9independent firms Start here ## Which kind of pentest firm do you need? Match your situation to the type of firm to look for before comparing names. The shortlist and full comparison are below. If this is you Look for Why First SOC 2 audit, tight budget A test scoped tightly to one system boundary, not an enterprise-scope engagement Enterprise-scope pricing covers surface area a first-time SOC 2 program usually does not have yet. Report needs to survive an enterprise security review A firm that explicitly maps findings to the Trust Services Criteria and writes an auditor-facing package Auditors and enterprise buyers both check for TSC mapping and retest evidence, not just a list of findings. You ship code every week A continuous testing (PTaaS) provider with recurring access and defined retest terms A once-a-year snapshot can be stale before your next release ships. Product surface is complex: mobile, API, cloud, or IoT A firm staffed for application-security depth, not a generic network scan Generic scanning firms miss the attack paths specific to a complex product. Buying outside the US A firm with credentials buyers in your region recognize, such as CREST accreditation in the UK when requested Working-hour overlap, data handling, procurement rules, and recognized credentials can affect the shortlist. You also need SOC 2 readiness or ISO 27001 work done A firm that keeps testing separate from attestation work, or uses an unrelated CPA firm for the audit Separate teams make it easier to avoid self-review concerns and answer independence questions. Best by use case ## Best SOC 2 penetration testing firm, by use case Five picks from the explicit SOC 2-support subset: budget startup scope, audit-supporting SaaS testing, manual US delivery, global enterprise assurance, and UK multi-framework work. Each pick names one firm with the qualifier that earned it. Startup budget ### Best for budget SOC 2 pentest for startups Practical Assurance is the pick for startups and SMBs that need an affordable, right-sized SOC 2 pentest, running adaptive fractional tests spread across the year instead of one large annual engagement. **Consideration ·** The $2,800 signal is an entry assessment; confirm manual depth, systems covered, report format, and retest terms. Report for auditor review ### Best for SOC 2-scoped testing mapped to the Trust Services Criteria Software Secured is the pick for high-growth SaaS teams that want manual, exploit-driven web and API testing with compliance mappings, built-in retesting, and evidence for auditor review delivered through a client portal. **Consideration ·** The directory record lists Canada as its published region; confirm working hours, tester location, and whether cloud scope is included. Manual / OSCP-led ### Best for manual US testing with compliance-mapped reports CYBRI is the pick for US buyers that want a pentest-only firm with manual, OSCP-led testing, US-based red-teamers, and reports mapped to SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, or PCI requirements. **Consideration ·** No public price or region list is recorded; request a line-item scope, tester assignment, retest window, and delivery schedule. Enterprise scale ### Best for global enterprise testing and technical assurance NCC Group is the pick for larger enterprises and regulated organizations that need penetration testing, application-security assurance, security consulting, and incident-response depth from one global provider with more than 25 years of operating history. **Consideration ·** Enterprise breadth can exceed a focused SaaS need; require a tightly bounded SOC 2 system scope and named testing team. UK / CREST ### Best for UK buyers combining pentesting with ISO 27001 and SOC 2 readiness URM Consulting is the pick for UK organizations that want CREST-accredited penetration testing alongside SOC 2 readiness, ISO 27001 certification support, GDPR, and PCI work from an NCSC-assured Cyber Advisor. **Consideration ·** UK-focused and multi-service; keep the pentest statement of work and deliverable separate from readiness and any attestation relationship. ## SOC 2 penetration testing shortlist A quick comparison of 10 verified independent firms from the SOC 2-support directory. Compare the fields shown here, then confirm scope, tester experience, retest terms, and report format in each proposal. ### Published attributes for the shortlist Every field below comes from the firm's published record. "Not published" means we could not verify a public value; we do not guess prices or show turnaround times that are not comparable across the set. Firm Compliance frameworks Regions served Founded Price signal [Coral Esecure](https://soc2auditors.org/security-firms/coral-esecure/) SOC 2, ISO 27001, HITRUST, HIPAA +6 more USA, Canada, Europe, India, Mauritius 2003 Not published [Axipro](https://soc2auditors.org/security-firms/axipro/) SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, PCI DSS +5 more Middle East, UK, Europe, USA, Asia-Pacific 2021 SOC 2 or ISO 27001 readiness and implementation: $4,000 under 50 employees, $5,500 over 50 (external CPA audit fee excluded); ongoing compliance + vCISO from $500/month; pentest from $1,000; internal audit from $1,000, scope-dependent (published) [Isecurion](https://soc2auditors.org/security-firms/isecurion/) SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, DORA +4 more India, UAE, Global 2015 Not published [NCC Group](https://soc2auditors.org/security-firms/ncc-group/) SOC 2, ISO 27001, PCI DSS, FedRAMP United Kingdom, Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific 1999 Not published [Rhymetec](https://soc2auditors.org/security-firms/rhymetec/) SOC 2, ISO 27001, PCI DSS, FedRAMP +7 more USA, Global 2015 Not published [Testpros](https://soc2auditors.org/security-firms/testpros/) SOC 2, ISO 27001, CMMC, FedRAMP +7 more USA 1988 Not published [Truvantis](https://soc2auditors.org/security-firms/truvantis/) SOC 2, ISO 27001, PCI DSS, HIPAA +4 more USA 2010 Not published [Cyber Forte](https://soc2auditors.org/security-firms/cyber-forte/) SOC 2, ISO 27001, Essential Eight, PCI DSS +3 more Australia, New Zealand 2019 SOC 2 compliance program from $8,000 AUD fixed price (published) [Securis360](https://soc2auditors.org/security-firms/securis360/) SOC 2, ISO 27001, ISO 27701, ISO 27017 +8 more USA, UK, India, Australia, UAE, Global Not published Not published [Trava Security](https://soc2auditors.org/security-firms/trava-security/) SOC 2, ISO 27001, ISO 42001, CMMC +6 more USA 2020 Not published ## Does SOC 2 require a penetration test? SOC 2 criteria do not specifically require penetration testing. An auditor may still ask for a recent independent test as supporting evidence for vulnerability management or security monitoring, depending on the system and control environment. The absence of a pentest does not automatically determine the audit opinion, but it can lead to follow-up questions. Some enterprise security questionnaires also ask for a recent third-party test alongside the SOC 2 report. If the test supports a customer review, an audit, or both, agree on the scope and report format before the engagement starts. ## Vulnerability scan vs. penetration test A vulnerability scan uses automated tools to identify known weaknesses. A penetration test adds human analysis and controlled exploitation to show whether weaknesses can be chained, what an attacker could reach, and what the business impact may be. NIST treats scanning and penetration testing as different techniques that can serve different assessment goals. A scan may support vulnerability-management evidence, but it may not answer questions about exploitability or attack paths. Use recurring scans for broad monitoring and a human-led pentest when you need evidence about how an attacker could move through the system. Some PTaaS products combine automated scanning with manual validation. Ask how much active tester time is included, which systems and roles are in scope, and whether the report separates tool findings from human-validated findings. ## How much does penetration testing for SOC 2 cost? Use $8,000 to $25,000 as an editorial planning band for a standard SOC 2-scoped SaaS test, not as a firm-confirmed market rate. Scope, complexity, tester seniority, reporting, and retest requirements determine the quote; a narrow entry package and a multi-application assessment are different purchases. Factors that increase cost include large or poorly defined system boundaries, multiple authentication tiers, extensive API surface, cloud infrastructure testing alongside the application layer, and same-cycle retesting written into the contract. Factors that decrease cost include a tight, well-documented SOC 2 boundary, prior test results the firm can reference for delta testing, and fixed-scope packages sold by specialist firms. Budget options exist below $8,000 for startups with a narrow scope. Some specialist firms publish entry prices from $2,800 for a focused assessment, but the scope and deliverable may differ materially from a full manual test. Confirm what is included, then use the [SOC 2 pentest cost guide](https://soc2auditors.org/insights/soc-2-pentest-cost/) to compare pricing drivers and line items. ## When should the SOC 2 pentest happen? Run the test once the production system boundary is stable, leave time to remediate material findings, and collect retest evidence before the auditor reviews the package. For a Type 2 audit, that often means testing before or early in the observation period. For a Type 1 audit, ask the auditor whether the test should be complete by the report date. The right timing depends on the scope, the controls being evaluated, and what evidence the auditor has agreed to review. ## What are SOC 2 penetration testing services? SOC 2 penetration testing services test the systems inside your SOC 2 boundary and produce a technical report that may support the audit. The testing firm does not issue the SOC 2 attestation. Ask the firm and your auditor what scope, remediation evidence, retest terms, and framework mapping the final package should include. Look for a provider that understands your system boundary and can explain its manual testing approach. The options below include curated auditor-linked or partner providers, followed by independent firms that explicitly publish SOC 2 framework support. The shortlist earlier on this page uses verified independent records from that second population. ### Curated auditor-linked and partner options Provider Best fit Cost note [Prescient Security](https://soc2auditors.org/auditors/prescient-security/) Cybersecurity-first audit firm with CREST roots, PTaaS capability, and SOC 2, FedRAMP, CMMC, PCI, HITRUST, and ISO coverage. $8K-$25K typical SOC 2-scoped test [Zero Day CPA](https://soc2auditors.org/auditors/zero-day-cpa/) Startup-focused CPA firm with in-house penetration testing and vCISO support for fast first-audit programs. $5K-$15K typical startup scope [Coalfire](https://soc2auditors.org/auditors/coalfire/) Enterprise security and compliance firm for cloud, PCI, federal, and multi-framework programs that need heavier technical testing. $15K-$40K+ for complex scope [Thoropass](https://thoropass.com/?utm_source=soc2auditors&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pentest_attach) Software-plus-services option when buyers want compliance automation, audit coordination, and security testing procured together. Quoted as package add-on Sponsored or partner links are marked with sponsored nofollow where applicable. Pricing notes are directional and depend on application size, cloud scope, authenticated testing, API coverage, and retesting needs. Independent firms ## 43 independent penetration testing firms for SOC 2 Every firm in this narrower list explicitly publishes SOC 2 in its supported frameworks. Confirm testing scope, report format, and any separate attestation relationship directly with the firm. Listed verified-first; placement never reorders by who pays. Search independent firms Showing 43 firms. Provider type Independent SOC 2 penetration testing firm Location Remote, USA, USA Engagement model Hands-on + advisory Frameworks SOC 2, ISO 27001, CMMC, GDPR Specialties Penetration testing, AI red teaming, Security advisory / fractional CISO, Security questionnaire support, SOC 2 and ISO 27001 readiness Best fit B2B SaaS companies going up-market (often Series A or B) that need pentests and security advisory which hold up in enterprise buyer security reviews. Published price Not published Provider type Independent SOC 2 penetration testing firm Location Minneapolis, MN, USA Engagement model Hands-on + advisory Frameworks SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, HITRUST, GDPR, NIST Specialties healthcare, finance, government, MENA, GCC, UAE, data privacy, AI governance, ISO 27001/27701/42001/27017/27018, PDPL, GDPR Best fit Healthcare, finance, and government organizations across MENA and GCC seeking ISO 27001, SOC 2, HITRUST, or data privacy certifications with regional regulatory expertise. Published price Remote quarter-time ~10 hrs/wk: $7,500 USD/month; Remote half-time ~20 hrs/wk: $9,000 USD/month; Full-time onsite: $19,000 USD/month (published) ### [Axipro](https://soc2auditors.org/security-firms/axipro/) BAHRAIN, UK, AND US · Bahrain Verified Provider type Independent SOC 2 penetration testing firm Location Bahrain, UK, and US, Bahrain Engagement model Hands-on implementation Frameworks SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, PCI DSS, GDPR, CMMC, NIST CSF, DORA, ISO 42001 Specialties ISO 27001, SOC 2, GDPR, ISO 9001, HIPAA, PCI DSS, EU AI Act, Drata Gold partner, Vanta partner, 6-week audit readiness, Gulf / Middle East Best fit Startups and small businesses seeking fast, fixed-fee compliance readiness across SOC 2, ISO 27001, and GDPR — especially in the Gulf, UK, and US — with hands-on implementation support and compliance platform management. Published price SOC 2 or ISO 27001 readiness and implementation: $4,000 under 50 employees, $5,500 over 50 (external CPA audit fee excluded); ongoing compliance + vCISO from $500/month; pentest from $1,000; internal audit from $1,000, scope-dependent (published) ### [BEMO](https://soc2auditors.org/security-firms/bemo/) UNITED STATES · USA Verified Provider type Independent SOC 2 penetration testing firm Location United States, USA Engagement model Hands-on implementation Frameworks SOC 2, ISO 27001, CMMC, NIST 800-171, ISO 42001 Specialties Microsoft 365 / Azure, SMB market, CMMC, Drata/Vanta GRC management, managed IT services, AI compliance (ISO 42001) Best fit SMBs in the Microsoft ecosystem needing fully managed compliance (SOC 2, CMMC, ISO 27001) alongside IT support and security under one roof. Published price Not published Provider type Independent SOC 2 penetration testing firm Location New Jersey, USA, USA Engagement model Advisory Frameworks SOC 2, ISO 27001, HITRUST, HIPAA, GDPR, PCI DSS, CMMC, ISO 42001, ISO 22301, TISAX Specialties Global multi-office (USA/Canada/Germany/India/Mauritius), AICPA SOC 1 & SOC 2, GRC outsourcing, internal audit, healthcare, DPDP (India) Best fit Globally-distributed organizations needing broad multi-framework compliance consulting - SOC 2, ISO 27001, PCI DSS, GDPR, HITRUST - with offices across 5 countries. Published price Not published Provider type Independent SOC 2 penetration testing firm Location Melbourne, VIC, Australia Engagement model Hands-on implementation Frameworks SOC 2, ISO 27001, Essential Eight, PCI DSS, ISO 42001, RFFR, SOCI Specialties Australian government clearances (NV2/Baseline), CREST-certified pen testing, Essential Eight, iRAP, SOCI Act, SOC 2 readiness in 6-8 weeks, AWS/cloud security Best fit Australian businesses and government-adjacent organizations needing CREST-certified penetration testing combined with SOC 2 or ISO 27001 readiness. Published price SOC 2 compliance program from $8,000 AUD fixed price (published) ### [CYBRI](https://soc2auditors.org/security-firms/cybri/) NEW YORK, NY · USA Verified Provider type Independent SOC 2 penetration testing firm Location New York, NY, USA Engagement model Not published Frameworks SOC 2, HIPAA, PCI DSS, ISO 27001, GDPR Specialties Web and mobile app pentesting, API penetration testing, Cloud penetration testing (AWS, Azure, GCP), Network and infrastructure testing, SOC 2 / ISO 27001 compliance testing Best fit Companies that need manual, OSCP-led penetration testing with auditor-ready reports mapped to SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, or PCI compliance requirements. Published price Not published ### [Cypro](https://soc2auditors.org/security-firms/cypro/) LONDON, UK · UK Verified Provider type Independent SOC 2 penetration testing firm Location London, UK, UK Engagement model Hands-on + advisory Frameworks SOC 2, ISO 27001, ISO 42001, Cyber Essentials Plus, GDPR Specialties vCISO, ISO 27001 certification, SOC 2 readiness, penetration testing, MDR, cyber resilience, cyber strategy, Cyber Essentials Plus Best fit High-growth UK businesses that need fractional CISO leadership plus hands-on certification support for ISO 27001 and SOC 2 compliance. Published price Not published Provider type Independent SOC 2 penetration testing firm Location Bangalore, India, India Engagement model Hands-on + advisory Frameworks SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, DORA, DPDP, ISO 42001, RBI Audit, IRDA Audit Specialties SOC 2 readiness and gap assessment, VAPT, ISO 27001, vCISO, cloud security assessment, DevSecOps, DPDP compliance, managed MSSP Best fit Indian SaaS, FinTech, and cloud companies targeting enterprise deals in US, UK, UAE, or Australia that need end-to-end SOC 2 readiness from a CERT-In empanelled partner. Published price Not published Provider type Independent SOC 2 penetration testing firm Location Manchester, UK, UK Engagement model Not published Frameworks SOC 2, ISO 27001, PCI DSS, FedRAMP Specialties Technical assurance and penetration testing, Security consulting and implementation, Digital forensics and incident response, Managed security services, Threat intelligence Best fit Larger enterprises and regulated organizations that need a global provider for penetration testing, security consulting, and incident response under one roof. Published price Not published Provider type Independent SOC 2 penetration testing firm Location Boston, MA, USA Engagement model Hands-on + advisory Frameworks SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA Specialties SOC 2-scoped penetration testing, Compliance readiness, Fractional CISO, Startup and SMB security, Remediation retesting Best fit Startups and SMBs that need right-sized, affordable penetration testing and hands-on SOC 2 readiness support without the cost and overkill of enterprise engagements. Published price Entry 'lay of the land' SOC 2 pentest from $2,800 (published) Provider type Independent SOC 2 penetration testing firm Location New York, NY, USA Engagement model Hands-on + advisory Frameworks SOC 2, ISO 27001, PCI DSS, FedRAMP, HIPAA, GDPR, CMMC, NIST, DORA, NIS2, EU AI Act Specialties SaaS, startups, vCISO, penetration testing, ISO 27001 internal audits, PCI ASV scans, HIPAA, GDPR, FedRAMP, CMMC, AI/LLM security testing Best fit Startups and growth-stage SaaS companies seeking a one-stop cybersecurity partner covering vCISO, compliance readiness, penetration testing, and ISO 27001 internal audits. Published price Not published Provider type Independent SOC 2 penetration testing firm Location Pittsburgh, PA, USA Engagement model Hands-on + advisory Frameworks SOC 2, ISO 27001, ISO 27701, ISO 27017, ISO 27018, HIPAA, HITRUST, GDPR, PCI DSS, CMMC, NIST, DPDP Specialties cloud security, SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, HITRUST, GDPR, VAPT, web/mobile/API penetration testing, managed SOC Best fit Organizations seeking a global cybersecurity partner covering SOC 2 readiness, ISO 27001 consulting, penetration testing, and managed SOC services across the US and India. Published price Not published Provider type Independent SOC 2 penetration testing firm Location Scottsdale, AZ, USA Engagement model Hands-on + advisory Frameworks SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, PCI DSS, CMMC, NIST 800-171, NIST 800-53, NIST CSF, CIS Controls, GDPR, CCPA, FedRAMP Specialties mid-market and emerging companies, SaaS, financial services, healthcare, manufacturing and defense, FedRAMP readiness, CMMC Best fit US-based mid-market and emerging companies that need a full cybersecurity program: SOC 2 readiness, penetration testing, vCISO, and multi-framework compliance under one roof. Published price Not published Provider type Independent SOC 2 penetration testing firm Location Ottawa, ON, Canada Engagement model Hands-on implementation Frameworks SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, PCI DSS, GDPR Specialties Web, API and mobile pentesting, Secure code review, Cloud security review, Penetration testing as a service (PTaaS), Red teaming Best fit High-growth SaaS companies preparing for SOC 2, HIPAA, or ISO 27001 that need manual, exploit-driven pentests with compliance mappings and built-in retesting to unblock enterprise deals. Published price Web & API pentest from $10,800; PTaaS from $21,400 (published) Provider type Independent SOC 2 penetration testing firm Location Reston, VA, USA Engagement model Hands-on implementation Frameworks SOC 2, ISO 27001, CMMC, FedRAMP, NIST 800-53, NIST 800-171, NIST CSF, PCI DSS, HIPAA, HITRUST, FISMA Specialties federal government, defense/CMMC, FedRAMP, Section 508/ADA accessibility, FISMA, NIST 800-53/800-171, SOC 2, ISO 27001, PCI DSS, healthcare Best fit Organizations - especially federal, state/local, and defense contractors - needing independent IT testing, compliance readiness, and verification and validation across a broad stack of US government and commercial frameworks. Published price Not published Provider type Independent SOC 2 penetration testing firm Location Indianapolis, IN, USA Engagement model Hands-on + advisory Frameworks SOC 2, ISO 27001, ISO 42001, CMMC, PCI DSS, HIPAA, GDPR, CCPA, NIST AI RMF, EU AI Act Specialties startups and scale-ups, defense industrial base, CMMC, SaaS, AI risk management, compliance as a service, PTaaS Best fit Startups, scale-ups, and defense industrial base companies that want managed compliance and security programs with expert practitioners, backed by a 100% certification success rate and G2 High Performer recognition. Published price Not published Provider type Independent SOC 2 penetration testing firm Location San Francisco, CA, USA Engagement model Hands-on + advisory Frameworks SOC 2, ISO 27001, PCI DSS, HIPAA, HITRUST, NIST 800-53, NIST 800-171, NIST CSF Specialties SOC 2 readiness, PCI DSS QSA assessments, SaaS penetration testing, vCISO, privacy consulting (GDPR/CCPA/HIPAA), risk assessments, security program development Best fit Companies needing a full-service cybersecurity partner for SOC 2 readiness, PCI DSS QSA assessment, penetration testing, and vCISO - with expertise in managing the full audit lifecycle. Published price Not published Provider type Independent SOC 2 penetration testing firm Location United Kingdom, UK Engagement model Hands-on + advisory Frameworks SOC 2, ISO 27001, PCI DSS, CMMC, NIST CSF Specialties ISO 27001 consultancy and auditing, SOC 2 readiness, GDPR and data protection, CREST penetration testing, Cyber Essentials certification Best fit UK organisations that want ISO 27001 certification support plus SOC 2 readiness, GDPR, and penetration testing from a single accredited consultancy. Published price Not published Provider type Independent SOC 2 penetration testing firm Location BS, Bahamas Engagement model Hands-on + advisory Frameworks SOC 2 Specialties incident response, penetration testing, SOC 1/2/3 compliance prep, security awareness training, governance and audit Best fit Small businesses in the Caribbean / Bahamas region seeking foundational SOC 2 readiness and cybersecurity consulting Published price Not published Provider type Independent SOC 2 penetration testing firm Location Colombia, Colombia Engagement model Hands-on + advisory Frameworks SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, PCI DSS, HITRUST Specialties ISO 27001, PCI DSS v4, SOC 2, HIPAA, HITRUST, AWS/Azure/GCP pentesting, security framework certification, SIEM/SOC monitoring Best fit Latin American organizations seeking a Spanish-language cybersecurity partner with 25+ years of experience across compliance certification and ethical hacking. Published price Not published Provider type Independent SOC 2 penetration testing firm Location United States, USA Engagement model Hands-on implementation Frameworks SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, PCI DSS Specialties SaaS, fintech, healthtech, infrastructure companies, Series A-C, 50-500 employees, enterprise sales enablement, GRC platform management (Vanta, Drata, Thoropass) Best fit Growing tech companies (Series A-C, 50-500 employees) that need an embedded security team to handle SOC 2, ISO 27001, and enterprise sales security reviews end-to-end. Published price Not published ### [Astra Security](https://soc2auditors.org/security-firms/astra-security/) CLAYMONT, DELAWARE (US HQ); NEW DELHI, INDIA (OPERATIONS) · USA Provider type Independent SOC 2 penetration testing firm Location Claymont, Delaware (US HQ); New Delhi, India (operations), USA Engagement model Hands-on + advisory Frameworks SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, PCI DSS, GDPR Specialties PTaaS platform (continuous pentesting), web/API/mobile/cloud/network pentest, SOC 2 / ISO 27001 pentest reports, DAST scanner (15,000+ vulnerability checks), SaaS / fintech / healthcare / ecommerce verticals Best fit SaaS and technology companies seeking continuous automated + manual penetration testing integrated into CI/CD pipelines, with compliance scan support for SOC 2 readiness. Published price DAST Scanner from $7 trial; Pentest plans: manual pentest pricing via custom quote (published partial pricing on getastra.com/pricing) Provider type Independent SOC 2 penetration testing firm Location Sofia, Bulgaria, Bulgaria Engagement model Hands-on + advisory Frameworks SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, CMMC, NIST, PCI DSS, HITRUST Specialties SaaS security audit, cloud security (AWS/Azure/GCP), fintech, healthcare, legal, e-commerce, enterprise sales enablement Best fit Fast-moving SaaS companies needing founder-led security audits and compliance readiness delivered in weeks, not months. Published price SaaS Security Audit from $5,000, pay after delivery, fixed pricing (published) Provider type Independent SOC 2 penetration testing firm Location Leeds, UK, UK Engagement model Hands-on + advisory Frameworks SOC 2, ISO 27001, ISO 42001, GDPR, CMMC, Cyber Essentials, NIS2, DORA, FedRAMP Specialties Vanta implementation (self-claimed #1 Global Service Partner), ISO 42001 (AI governance), CREST-accredited penetration testing, startup to enterprise, EU AI Act, DORA, NIS2 Best fit UK-based companies seeking combined CREST-accredited penetration testing and compliance readiness, especially those on Vanta or pursuing ISO 27001 or SOC 2. Published price Not published Provider type Independent SOC 2 penetration testing firm Location Washington, DC, USA Engagement model Hands-on + advisory Frameworks SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, GDPR, PCI-DSS, NIST, HITRUST, CMMC Specialties Cloud security (AWS/Azure/GCP), AI/ML companies, healthcare, FinTech, EdTech, SOC 2 readiness, partner ecosystem (Vanta/Drata/Prescient) Best fit Startups and SMBs across healthcare, AI/ML, and FinTech needing combined SOC 2 readiness and penetration testing with access to discounted GRC platform partnerships. Published price Not published Provider type Independent SOC 2 penetration testing firm Location North Providence, RI, USA Engagement model Hands-on implementation Frameworks SOC 1, SOC 2, SOC 3, PCI DSS, HIPAA, NIST, CMMC, HECVAT, GLBA, CJIS, ISO 27002, GDPR, CIS Controls, MA 201 CMR 17 Specialties SOC 2 readiness and gap assessments, penetration testing (network, web app, wireless, social engineering), virtual CISO, PCI DSS QSA assessments, CMMC consulting (CMMC RPO), HIPAA, NIST, GLBA, CJIS, GDPR, HECVAT compliance, financial services, healthcare, higher education, manufacturing, government Best fit Mid-market organizations across diverse industries seeking a single partner for SOC 2 readiness, penetration testing, vCISO, and multi-framework compliance consulting, with the attest work handled by affiliated CPA firm Compass Assurance Team. Published price Not published Provider type Independent SOC 2 penetration testing firm Location Navi Mumbai, India, India Engagement model Hands-on + advisory Frameworks SOC 2, ISO 27001, ISO 27701, ISO 42001, ISO 22301, PCI DSS, HIPAA, GDPR, CMMC, NIST, CCPA, DPDP Specialties Multi-framework global consulting, Philippines Privacy Mark, AI-powered GRC platform, ISO 27001/27701/42001, PCI DSS, 1,000+ organizations across 50+ countries Best fit Organizations across Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and global markets needing multi-framework compliance consulting (SOC 2, PCI DSS, ISO 27001, HIPAA, GDPR) with a technology-assisted approach. Published price Not published Provider type Independent SOC 2 penetration testing firm Location United States, USA Engagement model Hands-on + advisory Frameworks SOC 2, CMMC, NIST, HIPAA Specialties vCISO, Security Team as a Service (STaaS), offensive security, penetration testing, GRC advisory, financial services, healthcare, higher education, manufacturing, defense industrial base Best fit Mid-market organizations across regulated industries seeking an integrated vCISO-led security team that combines GRC advisory, penetration testing, and managed security services. Published price Not published Provider type Independent SOC 2 penetration testing firm Location Austin, TX, USA Engagement model Hands-on implementation Frameworks SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, GDPR, HITRUST, CMMC, FedRAMP, ISO 42001 Specialties SaaS, startups to IPO, Drata, Vanta, AWS, Big 4 alumni, GDPR, FedRAMP, HITRUST, CMMC Best fit High-growth SaaS companies wanting a hands-on compliance team with prior Big 4 experience to get audit-ready 3x faster on GRC platforms. Published price Compliance Sprint begins at $5K/mo (published) Provider type Independent SOC 2 penetration testing firm Location Calicut, Kerala, India, India Engagement model Hands-on + advisory Frameworks SOC 2, ISO 27001, PCI DSS, HIPAA, GDPR, PDPA, CDR, NIST, DPDP Specialties penetration testing, VAPT, SOC 2 assessment/readiness, ISO 27001 consulting, vCISO, red team testing, mobile/web/network security Best fit Indian and Middle East-based technology companies seeking VAPT, SOC 2 readiness, and ISO 27001 consulting from a cybersecurity specialist. Published price Not published Provider type Independent SOC 2 penetration testing firm Location United States, USA Engagement model Hands-on + advisory Frameworks SOC 2, ISO 27001, ISO 42001, Cyber Essentials, PCI DSS, GDPR, ISO 22301 Specialties SOC 2 readiness, ISO 27001, GDPR, PCI DSS, AI governance, NIS2, DORA, Cyber Essentials, CREST/CHECK accredited pentest Best fit Organizations needing a broad range of GRC consulting, penetration testing, and training across SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, and regulatory frameworks in the US, UK, and EU. Published price Not published Provider type Independent SOC 2 penetration testing firm Location Noida, India, India Engagement model Hands-on + advisory Frameworks SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, PCI DSS, HIPAA Specialties VAPT, compliance audits, vCISO, AI-powered pentest platform (AutoSecT), SOC 2 compliance audit, ISO 27001 audit, red team, OT/ICS security Best fit Enterprises and SMEs in Fintech, Telecom, Healthcare, and E-commerce seeking CERT-In empanelled VAPT services, compliance audits, and an AI-driven vulnerability management platform. Published price Not published Provider type Independent SOC 2 penetration testing firm Location New York, NY, USA Engagement model Hands-on + advisory Frameworks SOC 2, PCI DSS, ISO 27001, NIST, HIPAA, FedRAMP Specialties incident response, penetration testing, cyber transformation, managed detection and response, digital forensics, SOC 2 GRC, financial advisory Best fit Large enterprises needing a globally recognized firm for incident response, penetration testing, and comprehensive cyber risk advisory across the full security lifecycle. Published price Not published Provider type Independent SOC 2 penetration testing firm Location Massachusetts, US, USA Engagement model Hands-on implementation Frameworks SOC 2, PCI DSS, FINRA Specialties penetration testing, exploit development, vulnerability research, cloud penetration testing, AWS, Azure, GCP, compliance-oriented pen testing Best fit Organizations needing rigorous, research-driven penetration testing backed by 20+ years of exploit development expertise, with deliverables suitable for SOC 2 and PCI compliance evidence. Published price Not published Provider type Independent SOC 2 penetration testing firm Location Birmingham, UK, UK Engagement model Hands-on + advisory Frameworks SOC 2, ISO 27001, PCI DSS, NIST CSF, CMMC, DORA, Cyber Essentials Specialties CREST-accredited penetration testing, managed detection and response, incident response, SOC 2 readiness, ISO 27001, financial services, banking, TIBER-EU framework testing Best fit Enterprises needing a full-spectrum, CREST-accredited cybersecurity partner covering testing, vCISO, managed SOC, and compliance readiness across EMEA and globally. Published price Not published Provider type Independent SOC 2 penetration testing firm Location Leawood, KS, USA Engagement model Hands-on + advisory Frameworks SOC 2, PCI DSS, HIPAA, HITRUST, ISO 27001, NIST CSF, CMMC Specialties enterprise security consulting, PCI DSS QSA, HIPAA, HITRUST, CMMC, ISO 27001, risk management, Fortune 500, financial services, healthcare Best fit Large enterprises seeking a full-service cybersecurity advisory firm with deep compliance expertise (PCI QSA), managed services, and penetration testing across virtually every regulatory framework. Published price Not published Provider type Independent SOC 2 penetration testing firm Location Anjou, QC, Canada Engagement model Hands-on + advisory Frameworks SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, GDPR, NIST, PCI DSS Specialties Canadian SMBs, bilingual French/English, Quebec, managed cybersecurity, vCISO, SOC-as-a-Service, penetration testing, Bill 25 compliance, cyber insurance support Best fit Canadian SMBs (5-1,000 employees) - especially Quebec-based - seeking bilingual French/English cybersecurity services including vCISO, SOC-as-a-Service, penetration testing, and compliance support. Published price Not published Provider type Independent SOC 2 penetration testing firm Location Porto, Portugal, Portugal Engagement model Hands-on implementation Frameworks SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, GDPR, DORA Specialties SOC 2, ISO 27001, startups, Seed to Series B, SaaS, Drata, Vanta, Secureframe, penetration testing, audit facilitation Best fit Seed-to-Series B startups needing SOC 2 or ISO 27001 compliance consulting, penetration testing, and virtual CISO support with transparent published pricing. Published price SOC 2 consulting from $8,000 to $12,000 USD for a full program; penetration testing from $4,000 USD per assessment; virtual CISO retainers from $2,000 USD per month (published) Provider type Independent SOC 2 penetration testing firm Location Farmington, UT, USA Engagement model Hands-on + advisory Frameworks SOC 2, HIPAA, PCI DSS, NIST, ISO 27001 Specialties SMB and mid-market, healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, agriculture, Cyber7 methodology, MDR, board-level advisory Best fit Small to large businesses seeking enterprise-grade cybersecurity through Secuvant's proprietary Cyber7 methodology, covering risk assessments, penetration testing, vCISO, and compliance alignment. Published price Not published Provider type Independent SOC 2 penetration testing firm Location Bethesda, MD, USA Engagement model Hands-on + advisory Frameworks SOC 2, HIPAA, HITRUST, FedRAMP, ISO 27001, CMMC Specialties AI-native security consulting, AI security and LLM red teaming, offensive security and penetration testing, SOC 2 compliance readiness, security program transformation, CISO-level advisory Best fit Companies wanting AI-native security consulting with rapid risk identification, root-cause analysis, and embedded implementation - not just a static report. Published price Not published Provider type Independent SOC 2 penetration testing firm Location New York, NY, USA Engagement model Hands-on + advisory Frameworks SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA Specialties MDR/SOC-as-a-Service (24/7), penetration testing, SOC 2 compliance automation, vCISO support, incident response, SIEM management, AI-augmented SOC (MAXI platform) Best fit Mid-market organizations seeking a combined MDR + compliance automation platform, with hands-on vCISO support for SOC 2 and ISO 27001 readiness delivered through the proprietary MAXI AI platform. Published price Not published Provider type Independent SOC 2 penetration testing firm Location New York, NY, USA Engagement model Hands-on implementation Frameworks SOC 2, HIPAA, PCI DSS Specialties web application penetration testing, network penetration testing, API and mobile app testing, healthcare/HealthIT pentesting (HIPAA), financial application pentesting, AI-enabled application pentesting, red team assessments Best fit SaaS and technology companies needing depth-focused application, API, or AWS penetration testing from a senior-only team. Published price Not published [List or upgrade your firm on this page →](https://soc2auditors.org/for-service-firms/) Method and source scope ## Two provider populations, one shortlist The count combines partner options with independent firms that publish SOC 2 support. The shortlist uses only the independent set. “Verified” means we checked the firm and listed fields; it does not guarantee quality or audit results. Independent firms appear verified-first, then alpha. Framework breadth, reach, and tenure inform the shortlist; payment, price, and turnaround do not. Missing fields say “Not published.” Sponsored relationships are labeled. Reviewed 5 August 2026. [Read the full methodology and commercial firewall.](https://soc2auditors.org/methodology/) Audit evidence quality ## What should a SOC 2 pentest report show? A useful SOC 2 pentest report should show scope that matches the system boundary, human-led testing, findings with business impact, and closure evidence before fieldwork. Factor Report for audit review Weak evidence Scope Matches SOC 2 system boundary Generic external IP list Method Manual testing plus targeted scans Automated scan only Findings Risk, impact, owner, remediation path CVE list with no business context Retest Retest letter or addendum included No closure evidence provided TSC mapping Findings tied to Trust Services Criteria No framework mapping Buying sequence ## How to buy a SOC 2 pentest for your audit A practical order is scope first, test second, remediate third, then give the auditor the final report and retest evidence. Confirm the sequence with your auditor before booking the test. ### 01Lock the SOC 2 system boundary before scoping the test The pentest scope should map to the applications, APIs, cloud assets, and network surfaces covered by the SOC 2 report. A test that misses in-scope systems can leave an evidence gap. ### 02Leave time to remediate before fieldwork opens A test that ends just before fieldwork leaves little time to fix material findings and produce retest evidence. Set the report deadline early enough for your team and auditor to review the results. ### 03Agree on the final evidence package at the outset Confirm that the deliverable will include the original report, remediation status for material findings, and retest confirmation where needed. Ask whether Trust Services Criteria mapping is included or optional. FAQ ## Penetration testing for SOC 2: common questions Answers focused on evidence questions buyers and auditors often raise. ### Is penetration testing required for SOC 2? ⌄ SOC 2 criteria do not specifically require a penetration test. An auditor may still ask for a recent independent test as supporting evidence for vulnerability management and security monitoring, depending on the system and control environment. ### Is a vulnerability scan enough for SOC 2? ⌄ Usually not by itself. A vulnerability scan finds known issues automatically. A penetration test adds human validation, exploit attempts, business impact, and remediation evidence. Auditors and enterprise buyers may treat the two as different artifacts. ### How much does penetration testing for SOC 2 cost? ⌄ A standard SOC 2 scoped penetration test typically runs $8K to $25K for a SaaS or cloud-native application. Budget options exist from specialist firms; more complex environments, API coverage, or retesting add cost. ### When should the pentest happen? ⌄ Run the test before or early in the Type 2 observation window, then remediate and retest material findings before fieldwork. Confirm the timing and evidence package with your auditor, because expectations vary by engagement. ### What should a SOC 2 pentest report include? ⌄ The report should show scope, dates, methodology, systems tested, findings with severity, proof of remediation, and retest results for material issues. It should map cleanly to the systems inside your SOC 2 boundary. ### Who provides SOC 2 penetration testing services? ⌄ Dedicated offensive-security firms provide SOC 2 penetration testing services. They test your systems and write the report, but they do not issue the SOC 2 attestation. Using a separate testing firm is the clearest way to avoid questions about the auditor evaluating its own work. ### Can my SOC 2 auditor also run the penetration test? ⌄ It depends on what the CPA firm and its related service lines did, plus the independence rules that apply to the engagement. Ask the CPA firm before work begins whether testing the same systems could create a self-review or other independence issue. Separate testing and attestation firms are the clearest path. ### How do I choose a SOC 2 penetration testing firm? ⌄ Choose a firm that scopes to your SOC 2 system boundary, includes human-led testing rather than only a scan, and documents remediation and retest terms. Ask whether Trust Services Criteria mapping is included and confirm the report format with your auditor before you sign. Next comparison ## Related tools and directories Tell us your scope ## Need the audit and pentest sequenced correctly? Send your audit scope, current test status, and report deadline. We’ll help you line up testing, remediation, and evidence so the final package matches your audit timeline. Free and anonymous. We’ll follow up by email.