If you are an MSP, vCISO, or compliance expert, you know the challenge. Your client needs a penetration test for SOC 2, HIPAA, PCI DSS, or ISO 27001, and you're caught in the middle. The market is full of firms charging inflated prices for basic scans, taking weeks to deliver a report, and sometimes trying to steal your clients. This creates a huge headache, making it hard to protect your client relationships and your margins.
You need a partner, not a vendor. You're looking for a team that offers affordable, manual pentesting with fast turnarounds. A firm that provides white label pentesting reports you can brand as your own, making you the hero. The goal is to find a reliable resource that understands the channel and will never compete with you. This guide highlights the best penetration testing companies and platforms that serve the needs of resellers like you.
We've done the research to help you find a reliable partner for your risk assessment and compliance needs. This article, however, focuses on penetration testing solutions tailored for the channel. Each option below includes a detailed overview, screenshots, and direct links to help you make an informed decision quickly.
Find the Best Channel-Only Pentesting Partner
MSP Pentesting stands out as a premier choice among the best penetration testing companies because of its commitment to the channel. Built for Managed Service Providers (MSPs), Virtual CISOs (vCISOs), and GRC firms, their entire model revolves around empowering partners, not competing with them. This channel-only approach ensures every service and report is designed to make reselling high-quality, manual penetration testing seamless and profitable for you.
For partners managing the complex demands of SOC 2, HIPAA, or PCI DSS compliance for their clients, MSP Pentesting delivers a huge advantage. They provide fully attested, third-party reports that are ready for auditors. These reports can be completely white-labeled, allowing you to present them under your own brand and strengthen your position as a trusted security advisor. This removes the need to build an in-house testing team, saving you significant costs while expanding your service offerings.
Review Core Services and Technical Capabilities
What sets MSP Pentesting apart is its blend of comprehensive service coverage and deep technical expertise. Unlike providers who rely on automated scanners that produce noisy, low-value findings, their core methodology is rooted in manual pentesting. Their team is made up of highly certified professionals holding industry-respected credentials like OSCP, CEH, and CREST. This ensures they uncover realistic, exploitable vulnerabilities that automated tools often miss.
Their service catalog is extensive, providing a single-source solution for almost any client engagement. This broad scope allows partners like you to address diverse client needs without juggling multiple vendors, streamlining project management.
Understand the Partner Experience and Profitability
MSP Pentesting has engineered its operations for the speed and efficiency that channel partners require. Engagements are typically scheduled within days, and detailed reports are often delivered in about a week. This rapid turnaround is a game-changer for partners working on tight compliance deadlines.
Pricing is another key differentiator. By offering exclusive reseller pricing, they ensure you can maintain healthy margins while offering competitive rates to your clients. The model is explicitly designed to support a profitable reseller relationship. Their partner program includes valuable resources like sample reports and go-to-market materials, making it easy for you to get started.
FeatureMSP Pentesting AdvantageBusiness Model100% Channel-Only (Never competes with partners)ReportingFully White-Labeled & Attested for Compliance (SOC 2, ISO 27001)Testing TeamCertified Manual Testers (OSCP, CEH, CREST)Turnaround TimeEngagements scheduled in days; Reports delivered in ~1 weekPricingDesigned for Reseller Margins and Affordability
Pros:
- Channel-Optimized: White-labeled reports and a reseller model make it easy for MSPs to add pentesting to their portfolio.
- Skilled Manual Testers: Certified professionals find high-impact, realistic vulnerabilities that scanners miss.
- Broad Service Coverage: A one-stop shop for web, mobile, network, cloud, and social engineering tests.
- Fast Turnaround & Reseller Pricing: Built for the speed and profitability the channel demands.
Cons:
- No Public Pricing: Partners must request a quote to evaluate margins and pricing structures.
- Focus on Channel: May not be the primary choice for very large enterprises seeking direct, highly bespoke engagements.
Learn more at msppentesting.com
Explore Vetted Marketplaces for Pentesting Partners
Clutch is not a penetration testing company itself, but a B2B marketplace where you can find and compare thousands of them. For MSPs, vCISOs, and GRC companies, it serves as an invaluable resource for shortlisting potential partners. It offers deep filtering capabilities and, most importantly, verified client reviews. It transforms the process of finding a reliable pentesting provider into a data-driven, transparent search.
Instead of relying on a vendor's own marketing, Clutch provides a platform for authentic, third-party feedback. You can see detailed project summaries and client testimonials that give you a clearer picture of a company's performance. This is crucial for ensuring you partner with a firm that understands the specific needs of compliance frameworks like SOC 2, HIPAA, or PCI DSS.
The primary advantage for MSPs and vCISOs is risk reduction. By leveraging verified reviews, you can confidently recommend a partner to your clients. The Leader Matrix provides a quick visual guide to top performers in specific niches. For more details on using platforms like Clutch to evaluate vendors, you can find a comprehensive guide on selecting the right partner. Learn more about how to find the best penetration testing firms on msppentesting.com.
Use Crowdsourced Reviews for Pentesting Services
G2 operates as a massive, review-driven software and services marketplace. Its dedicated "Penetration Testing Services" category leverages crowdsourced user ratings to help MSPs and vCISOs compare vendors. It excels at providing a quick overview of user satisfaction and a company’s market presence, making it a strong starting point for shortlisting potential partners.
The platform’s value comes from its structured, side-by-side comparison format. You can quickly see how different firms are rated by actual users on factors like "Ease of Doing Business With" and "Quality of Support." This peer-driven insight is invaluable when evaluating how a provider will perform, especially when the quality of a pentesting report can directly impact a client's SOC 2 or ISO 27001 audit. Learn more about the providers at G2 Penetration Testing Services.
Hire Freelance Penetration Testers on Upwork
Upwork is a large talent marketplace, not a traditional penetration testing firm. It provides a platform to directly hire vetted freelance penetration testers for short-term projects. For MSPs and vCISOs, it’s an excellent resource for rapidly sourcing specific skills or meeting tight client deadlines without the lengthy procurement process of a full-service company.
This direct-to-talent model allows you to find specialists in areas like mobile app security or cloud configurations. Upwork's platform facilitates the entire hiring process, from posting a job to managing contracts and payments. It offers a flexible alternative for narrowly scoped or urgent penetration testing needs.
The primary advantage of Upwork for MSPs is speed and flexibility. When a client needs a quick, specific test, Upwork provides immediate access to a global talent pool. This is ideal for one-off projects that don't justify a long-term contract. The transparent pricing also helps in managing client budgets; you can learn more by reviewing this guide on penetration testing costs on msppentesting.com.
Discover Pentesting Services on AWS Marketplace
For organizations using Amazon Web Services, the AWS Marketplace offers a streamlined solution for procuring security services. It is a curated catalog of third-party vendors whose services can be purchased directly through your existing AWS account. This model simplifies procurement and centralizes billing, making it a highly efficient option for companies on AWS.
The marketplace consolidates vendor discovery and purchasing into a familiar interface. MSPs and vCISOs can find, negotiate, and pay for penetration testing services as part of their consolidated cloud spend. This is valuable when a test is focused on an AWS environment, ensuring the selected partner has verified expertise in cloud-native architectures.
The primary benefit for MSPs is procurement efficiency. By routing pentesting purchases through AWS, you reduce administrative overhead and can often use existing cloud budget commitments. This creates a frictionless process for clients already invested in the AWS ecosystem. However, it's still critical to perform due diligence on each partner's methodology and certifications. You can learn more about the different types of penetration testing at msppentesting.com.
Find Pentesting Consultants on Azure Marketplace
For MSPs and vCISOs in the Microsoft ecosystem, the Azure Marketplace is a procurement hub for specialized penetration tests. It’s a curated catalog of Microsoft-vetted partners offering consulting services for Azure, Microsoft 365, and hybrid cloud environments. This simplifies vendor selection for teams needing to secure their cloud configurations and meet compliance.
The main benefit is aligning security testing with existing procurement workflows. You can engage with a vendor directly through your organization's Azure tenant. This is valuable for SOC 2 or ISO 27001 audits, as the services map directly to Microsoft technologies. It offers a direct path to finding pentesters who are experts in the specific Microsoft services your clients use.
The key advantage for MSPs is the built-in trust and simplified governance. Recommending a partner from the official Azure Marketplace reduces perceived risk for clients on Microsoft platforms. It shows you are sourcing experts who understand the nuances of securing a Microsoft-centric environment. You can learn more about finding providers at the Microsoft Azure Marketplace.
Use DesignRush to Find Pentesting Agencies
DesignRush is another B2B marketplace that connects businesses with professional agencies, including a section for cybersecurity and penetration testing. It serves as a useful discovery tool, especially for MSPs and vCISOs looking to build a list of potential partners. Its strength lies in its broad, global directory that can be narrowed down to specific regions like the US.
This platform allows you to quickly scan for firms that specialize in niche industries or have expertise relevant to your clients' compliance needs, such as HIPAA or PCI DSS. The layout makes it easy to get a high-level overview of a company's focus, client reviews, and project portfolio before diving deeper.
For MSPs and compliance firms, DesignRush is an excellent starting point for market research. Its wide coverage is ideal for creating an initial list of potential partners you might not find on more curated platforms. The US-specific filter is a significant advantage for resellers who need to source domestic talent for clients with strict data residency or compliance requirements. You can learn more about finding the right partner at DesignRush.
Choose a Pentesting Firm That Works for You
Finding the right penetration testing partner is more than just checking a box for compliance. It's a strategic decision that impacts your reputation and your clients' security. We've explored several platforms and directories, but for MSPs, vCISOs, and GRC firms, the selection process requires a sharper focus.
The real challenge is finding a partner who understands the reseller model and is built to support your business, not compete with it. Many of the best penetration testing companies are great for direct enterprise clients, but they aren't structured to offer the flexibility, speed, and white label pentesting capabilities a channel business needs. Your goal is to find a firm that acts as an extension of your own team.
Make Your Final Choice with This Checklist
As you move from evaluation to decision, use this final checklist to narrow down your options. This isn't just about finding a vendor; it's about building a partnership that enables you to scale your security offerings confidently.
- Channel-Only Commitment: Does the company sell directly to end-users? A true channel-only partner ensures there is never a conflict of interest. This is the most critical factor for an MSP or reseller.
- Manual Pentesting Methodology: Automated scans have a place, but they can't replace a certified human tester. Confirm that their methodology is centered around manual pentesting. Ask for a sample report to see how they document vulnerabilities found through hands-on techniques.
- Relevant Certifications: Look for a team whose expertise is backed by respected industry certifications. Key credentials like OSCP, CEH, and CREST are strong indicators that the pentesters have proven, practical skills. This expertise is what you're selling to your clients.
- Speed and Affordability: The traditional pentesting model of long lead times and inflated pricing doesn't work for the fast-paced MSP world. You need a partner who can deliver high-quality reports quickly and at a price point that allows you to build in a healthy margin.
- Compliance Expertise: Your clients often need a penetration test to satisfy requirements for SOC 2, PCI DSS, HIPAA, or ISO 27001. Ensure the firm has deep experience with these frameworks and produces reports that auditors will accept without question.
Choosing from the best penetration testing companies ultimately comes down to finding the one that is best for you. For resellers, that means a partner who is affordable, fast, manually-driven, and 100% committed to the channel. By prioritizing these factors, you can build a reliable and profitable security practice that delivers real value to your clients.
For MSPs and vCISOs tired of navigating the crowded market, MSP Pentesting offers a clear solution. We are a 100% channel-only firm providing fast, affordable, and manual white label penetration testing designed specifically for resellers. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you grow your business.
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