How Much Does a Penetration Test Cost in Australia?

Penetration testing pricing in Australia covers a wide range. A basic web application test might cost $3,000. A comprehensive red team engagement for a large organisation can exceed $100,000. Understanding what drives the difference helps you evaluate quotes and avoid overpaying - or underpaying for something that won't tell you much.

Typical pricing by test type

Web application penetration test

The most common engagement for small and mid-size businesses. A single web application test typically costs $3,000 to $8,000 for a straightforward application. Complex applications with many functions, authenticated areas and integrations sit at the higher end or above.

External network penetration test

Tests your internet-facing infrastructure - firewalls, VPNs, mail servers, exposed services. Typical cost is $3,000 to $8,000 depending on the number of IP addresses and services in scope.

Internal network penetration test

Simulates an attacker who has already gained access to your internal network - a compromised workstation, a malicious insider, or a foothold from an external breach. Costs typically range from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on network size and complexity.

Mobile application penetration test

Assesses iOS or Android applications for security vulnerabilities. Typically $4,000 to $10,000 per platform depending on application complexity.

Full scope or red team engagement

A red team engagement simulates a realistic attacker targeting your organisation across multiple vectors - external, social engineering, physical. These are extended engagements typically lasting two to four weeks and cost $20,000 to $80,000 or more. They are most appropriate for mature organisations with existing security controls.

What drives the price difference

Manual versus automated testing

A quote at the low end of the market often reflects heavy reliance on automated scanning with minimal manual analysis. Automated tools identify known vulnerabilities - they do not chain weaknesses together, test business logic, or simulate realistic attack scenarios. Manual testing takes more time and costs more, but produces findings that matter.

Tester experience and certifications

Senior testers with OSCP, CREST or equivalent certifications cost more to hire and command higher day rates. The difference between a junior tester running a scan and an experienced consultant attempting manual exploitation is significant and will show in the findings.

Scope size and complexity

More IP addresses, more application functions, more environments in scope means more time - and higher cost. A vague scope leads to a vague quote. Precise scoping produces more accurate pricing and a more useful test.

Report quality and post-delivery support

A detailed report with business-context findings, specific remediation guidance and an executive summary takes longer to produce than a raw export from a scanning tool. Providers who invest in reporting quality and offer post-delivery debriefs charge accordingly.

What to watch for in cheap quotes

A penetration test quoted well below market rates is almost always one of two things: heavily automated with minimal manual analysis, or scoped far more narrowly than you expect. Ask any provider offering a suspiciously low price exactly what is included, what testing will be manual, and what the report will contain.

Getting comparable quotes

To compare quotes properly, ensure every provider is quoting the same scope. Provide a defined list of in-scope assets, specify that you want manual exploitation, ask for a sample report, and ask who will conduct the test. Price comparisons are only meaningful when the underlying product is equivalent.

Find and compare Australian penetration testing providers

CyberAtlas lists verified Australian penetration testing companies. Use the directory to build a shortlist of providers, request comparable quotes, and evaluate them against the criteria that matter.