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A Guide to Web Application Security Testing Pricing

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Most web applications contain defects that malicious agents can exploit. By integrating security testing into the SDLC, organizations can catch exploitable vulnerabilities early and ensure application security after release.

As an extension of our previous web application security article, today's blog is about web application security testing pricing – an important consideration for organizations looking to outsource this vital function to experts like Packetlabs.

(If you’re looking for the answer to another question, how much does penetration testing cost, you will find this article very useful!)

Web Application Security Testing: A Quick Recap

Application security testing aims to find security weaknesses in an application and its configurations. Testers deliberately make the application behave in unexpected ways, so steps can be taken to ensure that all its functions are secure.

Packetlabs’ approach to application security testing is based on the OWASP testing methodology, incorporating everything source code, input validation, configuration management, business logic, error handling, and more. We also provide a detailed security report, attack documentation, and tactical and strategic recommendations – in short, everything a dev team might need to enhance their application’s security.

Web Application Security Testing Pricing

Like penetration testing, application security testing pricing also depends on a few variables. For web application security testing, there are two main factors to consider.

1. Dynamic page counts

Adobe defines a web application as “a website that contains pages with partly or entirely undetermined content.” The final content of a page is only determined when a visitor requests a page from the webserver. In other words, this content varies based on the visitor’s actions. In contrast, a static page does not change when a site visitor requests it and is displayed on the web browser without any modifications.

Both kinds of pages are processed differently by the webserver since their complexity varies. Since dynamic pages are more complex, application security testing pricing depends on the number and type of these pages in the application.

In short, more dynamic pages mean more manual effort for testers.

2. Application user roles and capabilities

In each application, a role defines a set of permissions for a user to perform a task (or tasks) known as capabilities. Roles are application-specific, and some roles and capabilities are predefined. However, capabilities can be updated, added or removed from each role by the Super Admin or Administrator. The price of web application security testing depends on the number of unique user roles defined within the application.

Putting it all together

Most people who ask questions like how much does penetration testing cost or how much does web application security testing cost expect a straight (and simple!) answer. This is understandable.

However, there is no simple answer because the pricing for web application security testing depends on the application’s size and scope and the two factors we have discussed here. That’s why it needs to be custom-tailored to each engagement. To get a customized quote specific to your company’s applications, get in touch with us today.