Security Audit Cost in Belgium: 2026 Pricing Guide

Understanding the cost of a security audit helps Belgian organizations budget appropriately and avoid surprises. Prices vary significantly depending on the type of assessment, scope, and complexity of your environment. This guide breaks down the main factors that influence pricing and provides realistic ranges for the Belgian market.

Security Audit Pricing Table (Belgium 2026)

The table below summarises indicative prices for the most common security audit services on the Belgian market. Figures are ex. VAT and reflect typical 2026 quotes for SMEs and mid-market organisations.

Types of Security Audits and Their Cost Ranges

Security audits come in many forms, each with different price points on the Belgian market:

Vulnerability Assessment

An automated scan combined with expert analysis of your infrastructure or applications. Typically the most affordable option, suitable as a regular hygiene check. For a Belgian SME with a modest infrastructure, expect to invest between 2,000 and 5,000 euros. Larger environments with multiple networks and cloud services range from 5,000 to 15,000 euros. See our comparison of vulnerability scanning vs penetration testing for more detail.

Penetration Testing

A manual, expert-driven assessment that goes deeper than automated scanning. Costs depend heavily on scope:

• Web application pentest — 4,000 to 15,000 euros for a single application, depending on complexity and number of user roles.
• Network/infrastructure pentest — 5,000 to 20,000 euros depending on the number of IP addresses, network segments, and whether internal testing is included.
• Mobile application pentest — 5,000 to 12,000 euros per platform (iOS/Android).
• API pentest — 3,000 to 10,000 euros depending on the number of endpoints and complexity.

Review our preparation checklist to ensure you get maximum value from your pentest investment.

Red Team Assessment

A comprehensive adversary simulation that tests technology, people, and processes. These are the most involved engagements, typically ranging from 20,000 to 60,000 euros or more for Belgian organizations. The cost reflects the extended duration (four to eight weeks) and the breadth of techniques used, including social engineering and physical security testing. See our comparison of red teaming and pentesting.

Compliance Audit (ISO 27001, NIS2, DORA)

Compliance-focused assessments evaluate your organization against specific regulatory or standard requirements:

• ISO 27001 gap analysis — 5,000 to 15,000 euros depending on organization size and scope.
• NIS2 readiness assessment — 5,000 to 20,000 euros depending on sector complexity and current maturity.
• DORA compliance assessment — 10,000 to 30,000 euros for financial institutions, reflecting the regulation's detailed requirements.

Factors That Influence Cost

Several factors determine where your organization falls within these ranges:

• Scope and complexity — more systems, applications, and network segments increase the effort required.
• Test type — black-box testing (no prior knowledge) typically requires more time than grey-box or white-box approaches.
• Environment — cloud environments, hybrid architectures, and multi-site organizations add complexity.
• Compliance requirements — audits targeting specific regulations require auditors with specialized knowledge.
• Reporting depth — executive summaries are standard, but detailed technical reports with proof-of-concept demonstrations and remediation guidance take more effort.
• Retesting — many providers include a retest within the initial quote, while others charge separately. Always clarify this upfront.
• Provider location — Belgian-based providers understand local regulations — such as those guided by the Centre for Cybersecurity Belgium (CCB) — and business context but may charge more than offshore alternatives. The added value of local expertise typically outweighs the cost difference.

How to Budget for Security Audits

Belgian organizations should consider security audits as a recurring investment, not a one-time expense:

1. Annual penetration testing — budget for at least one comprehensive pentest per year, plus additional tests after major changes.
2. Quarterly vulnerability scanning — either through an in-house tool or a managed service.
3. Compliance assessments as needed — factor in gap analyses when pursuing certification or when new regulations take effect.
4. Incident-driven testing — maintain a reserve budget for testing after security incidents or when new threats emerge relevant to your sector.

As a general guideline, Belgian SMEs should allocate 5 to 15 percent of their IT security budget to regular security testing and auditing.

Getting the Best Value

To maximize return on your security audit investment:

• Define clear objectives — know what you want to achieve before requesting quotes. Compliance-driven and risk-driven audits have different scopes and costs.
• Compare providers carefully — the cheapest option often delivers superficial results. Look for providers with relevant certifications (OSCE, CREST, CEH) and experience in your sector.
• Ask about methodology — reputable providers follow established frameworks (OWASP, PTES, NIST) and can explain their approach clearly.
• Negotiate multi-engagement pricing — committing to annual testing or bundling multiple assessments often reduces per-engagement costs.
• Act on findings — the most expensive audit is one whose findings are ignored. Ensure you have budget and resources allocated for remediation.

How ICTLAB Can Help

ICTLAB provides transparent, competitively priced security audit services for Belgian organizations. We offer vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, red team exercises, and compliance audits tailored to your specific needs and budget. Our Brussels-based team provides clear scoping and pricing upfront, with no hidden costs, and delivers actionable reports that help you improve your security posture efficiently.

Contact us for a no-obligation discussion of your security audit needs. We will help you determine the right type and scope of assessment and provide a clear quote based on your specific environment and objectives.

Sources

• ISO/IEC 27001 — Information Security Management Systems
• NIST Cybersecurity Framework
• Centre for Cybersecurity Belgium (CCB)
• EU NIS2 Directive (Directive 2022/2555)

Frequently asked questions about security audit cost