A SOC 2 pentest is like hiring a professional to ethically try and break into your client’s digital house. The goal is simple: find any unlocked doors or windows before a real burglar does. For companies managing customer data, this test is a must-have to prove their security works, helping them pass their SOC 2 audit with flying colors.
For MSPs and vCISOs, a pentest provides the proof auditors need to see. It shows that security isn't just a policy on paper, but a real, working system.
What Is a SOC 2 Pentest and Why Do You Need One?
Think of a SOC 2 audit as the final exam for your client's security. While their policies are the textbook, the penetration test is the hands-on lab. Certified ethical hackers try to breach their systems using the same tricks as real attackers to see if the defenses hold up. This isn't just an automated scan; it's a deep dive.
This is a full manual pentesting effort led by experts with top certifications like OSCP, CEH, and CREST. These professionals use their creativity and experience to find complex weaknesses that automated tools often miss. This in-depth risk assessment is exactly what auditors are looking for.
Why MSPs and vCISOs Need a Pentesting Partner
If you're an MSP, vCISO, or GRC company, offering a SOC 2 pentest is now a core part of your job. Your clients depend on you to guide them through complex compliance frameworks like SOC 2, HIPAA, PCI DSS, and ISO 27001. The problem is that traditional pentesting services are often slow, expensive, and offered by firms that might compete with you.
We solve this problem. As a channel-only partner, we offer affordable, fast, and manual white label pentesting that you can resell under your own brand. We work as a silent extension of your team, providing expert services without ever contacting your clients directly. We never compete with our MSP or vCISO clients.
What Auditors Expect From Your SOC 2 Pentest Report
A SOC 2 auditor will examine your pentest report very carefully. They need to see a documented methodology that explains how the test was performed. They also want a complete list of all findings, ranked by risk level, and a clear explanation of their potential business impact.
Most importantly, auditors need proof that vulnerabilities were fixed. A report full of unpatched security holes is a major red flag. Your report must include clear steps for remediation and confirmation that those fixes were retested and proven effective. This shows the auditor that the security loop has been closed.
How to Properly Scope Your SOC 2 Penetration Test
Scoping a SOC 2 pentest is about creating a clear map for the test. For any MSP or vCISO, getting the scope right ensures the penetration testing is focused, efficient, and stays within budget. You’ll work with your client to define which systems, applications, and data are part of the audit.
You'll need to decide on the testing approach: black-box (no info), grey-box (some info, like user credentials), or white-box (full access). Grey-box is the most common for a SOC 2 pentest, as it simulates an attack from someone with basic internal access. A well-defined scope is the key to an affordable and effective test.
Understanding the Timeline and Cost of a SOC 2 Pentest
The first two questions everyone asks are "How long will this take?" and "How much will it cost?" A proper manual pentest isn't an overnight job. A typical SOC 2 pentest takes between 2 to 6 weeks from start to finish, depending on the complexity of the scope.
The pentesting industry has a problem with inflated prices and long lead times. We are the solution. As a channel-only partner, we don't have a large sales team or marketing budget targeting your clients. This allows us to offer affordable manual pentesting at a price that protects your margins, helping you deliver value for frameworks like SOC 2, HIPAA, and PCI DSS.
Why You Should Offer White Label Pentesting Services
As an MSP or vCISO, your clients trust you to handle their compliance needs. Traditional pentesting firms are slow, expensive, and might even try to steal your clients. A true channel-only partnership is the answer. With white label pentesting, you can offer top-tier, auditor-approved penetration testing under your own brand.
We act as your silent security team, working behind the scenes so you can be the hero. We are a channel-only partner, meaning we never compete with you. This model allows you to add a high-demand service, increase your revenue, and solidify your role as a trusted advisor for all things compliance.
How to Prepare Your Client For a Smooth Pentest
A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a smooth penetration testing engagement. To make the process fast and effective, work with your client to line up a few key things before the test begins. This makes the entire process more efficient for everyone.
First, identify a primary technical contact at the client's company to answer any questions. Next, provide our team with user-level credentials for grey-box testing. Finally, it’s best to conduct the test in a dedicated staging environment that mirrors production to avoid disrupting their live operations.
Frequently Asked Questions About SOC 2 Pentesting
We get a lot of questions from our MSP and vCISO partners about SOC 2 pentesting. Here are answers to the most common ones.
How often does a client need a SOC 2 pentest?
For SOC 2 compliance, a pentest is required at least annually. It's also a smart move to perform a test after any major changes to their applications or infrastructure to ensure no new vulnerabilities have been introduced.
Is manual pentesting better than an automated scan?
Absolutely. Automated scanners are good for finding common, surface-level issues. A manual pentest performed by a certified expert mimics a real attacker, uncovering complex business logic flaws and vulnerabilities that scanners always miss. This deep risk assessment is what auditors require.
What certifications do your pentesters hold?
Our pentesters are experts with top industry certifications that auditors respect. These include Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and CREST Certifications. These credentials guarantee your client's SOC 2 pentest is conducted by qualified professionals.
Ready to provide your clients with the fast, affordable, and expert-led penetration testing they need for compliance? We are a channel-only partner dedicated to helping you succeed.
Contact us today to learn more.
.avif){kind=logo}
.png){kind=spacer}