Penetration testing is one of the most effective ways to identify security vulnerabilities before attackers do. But for many Belgian organizations, the first question is practical: how much does it cost? This guide breaks down the typical pricing, what factors influence the cost, and how to get the most value from your investment.
Typical Penetration Testing Prices in Belgium
Penetration testing costs in Belgium vary widely depending on the scope and complexity of the engagement. Here are typical price ranges:
- Web application pentest: €3,000 – €15,000 for a standard application. Complex platforms with multiple user roles, APIs, and integrations can cost more.
- Network/infrastructure pentest: €4,000 – €20,000 depending on the number of IP addresses, network segments, and whether internal or external testing is included.
- Mobile application pentest: €5,000 – €15,000 per platform (iOS or Android), including API backend testing.
- Cloud environment pentest: €5,000 – €25,000 depending on the cloud provider, number of services, and configuration complexity.
- Red team engagement: €15,000 – €50,000+ for comprehensive adversary simulation across multiple attack vectors over several weeks.
What Affects the Cost?
Several factors determine the final price of a penetration test:
Scope and Complexity
The number of applications, IP addresses, APIs, and user roles directly impacts the time needed. A simple brochure website requires far less testing than a multi-tenant SaaS platform with complex authorization logic.
Type of Testing
Black-box testing (no prior knowledge) typically takes longer than white-box testing (full access to source code and documentation), which affects pricing. Gray-box testing falls somewhere in between.
Compliance Requirements
If you need testing for compliance purposes (NIS2, PCI DSS, ISO 27001), the pentest may need to follow specific methodologies and produce detailed compliance-mapped reports, which adds to the cost.
Retesting
Many providers include one round of retesting after you have remediated the findings. Additional retesting rounds are typically charged separately.
Reporting Detail
A basic technical report costs less than an engagement that includes executive summaries, risk-rated findings, remediation guidance, and a presentation to stakeholders.
How to Choose the Right Pentest Provider
Price should not be the only factor. Consider these criteria when selecting a provider in Belgium:
- Certifications — look for testers with OSCP, OSCE, or equivalent certifications that demonstrate hands-on expertise.
- Methodology — reputable providers follow established frameworks like OWASP, PTES, or NIST.
- Report quality — ask for sample reports to evaluate the depth and clarity of their findings and recommendations.
- Remediation support — the best providers help you understand and fix vulnerabilities, not just list them.
- Local presence — a Belgium-based provider understands the local regulatory landscape (NIS2, GDPR) and can provide on-site testing when needed.
Getting the Most Value from Your Pentest
To maximize the return on your penetration testing investment:
- Define clear scope — a well-defined scope prevents scope creep and ensures testing focuses on your highest-risk areas.
- Test regularly — annual pentests are the minimum. Consider testing after major releases or infrastructure changes.
- Act on findings — a pentest report is only valuable if you remediate the vulnerabilities it uncovers.
- Combine with continuous monitoring — pentests provide a point-in-time assessment. Pair them with ongoing vulnerability scanning and security monitoring for comprehensive coverage.
How ICTLAB Can Help
ICTLAB provides penetration testing services from Brussels, tailored to organizations of all sizes across Belgium. Our certified security professionals conduct thorough assessments of web applications, networks, cloud environments, and more. We deliver detailed, actionable reports and work with your team to remediate findings effectively.
Contact us for a free scoping consultation to determine the right type and scope of penetration test for your organization and budget.