Top 6 Penetration Testing Companies in Australia for 2025: Why Core Sentinel Leads

In today’s digital landscape, cybersecurity is non-negotiable. With cyber threats evolving rapidly, businesses across Australia need robust penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities before hackers do. Penetration testing, or ethical hacking, simulates real-world attacks to uncover weaknesses in your systems, networks, and applications. Choosing the right provider can mean the difference between a secure organization and a costly breach.

At pentestingaustralia.com, we’ve evaluated Australia’s top penetration testing companies based on certifications, service offerings, compliance expertise, client feedback, and value for money. After thorough analysis, we’ve narrowed it down to the top 6 penetration testing companies in Australia for 2025, with Core Sentinel emerging as the clear leader. Read on to discover why and how these providers stack up.

Comparison of Top 6 Penetration Testing Companies

Company	Certifications	Key Services	Compliance Expertise	Pricing (Est.)	Pros	Cons
Core Sentinel	CREST, OSCP, OSCE	Network, app, cloud, mobile testing, incident response	PCI DSS, OWASP, ISO 27001	$5,000–$15,000	Comprehensive services, actionable remediation, 20+ years experience	Slightly higher cost for SMEs
CyberCX	CREST, SANS	Penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, red teaming	PCI DSS, SOCI Act, APRA	$10,000–$20,000	Large-scale operations, 3,000+ tests annually	Can be expensive for smaller firms
Gridware	CREST, OSCP	Adversary simulation, network/app testing	ASIC, AUSTRAC, ISO 27001	$7,000–$12,000	SME and government focus, compliance expertise	Limited geographic reach
Red Cursor	CREST, CEH	Cloud (AWS, Azure), app testing, incident response	PCI DSS, NIST	$8,000–$14,000	20+ years experience, cloud expertise	Niche focus, less suited for broad needs
The Missing Link	ISO 27001, OSCP, OSCE	Network, app, IoT testing, red teaming	PCI DSS, OWASP	$9,000–$16,000	Award-winning, 50+ CVE discoveries	Complex pricing structure
Project Black	CREST, SANS	Manual testing, network/app testing	OWASP, NIST, PCI DSS	$6,000–$10,000	Competitive pricing, manual testing focus	Newer player, less brand recognition

1. Core Sentinel

Overview: Core Sentinel is a standout in Australia’s cybersecurity landscape, with over 20+ years of experience serving industries like banking, finance, and government. Their CREST, OSCP, and OSCE-certified testers deliver comprehensive penetration testing, from networks to mobile apps, paired with actionable remediation plans.

Why They Shine:

• Holistic Approach: Offers end-to-end services, including incident response and forensic audits, making them a one-stop shop for cybersecurity.
• Compliance Mastery: Aligns with PCI DSS, OWASP, and ISO 27001, ensuring regulatory compliance for highly regulated sectors.
• Client-Centric: Detailed reports and remediation support help businesses address vulnerabilities effectively.

Drawback: Pricing ($5,000–$12,000) may be steep for smaller businesses, but the value justifies the cost for most.

Why Choose Core Sentinel? Their blend of experience, certifications, and practical remediation makes them the top choice for businesses prioritizing security and compliance.

2. CyberCX

Overview: CyberCX is Australia’s largest cybersecurity firm, conducting over 3,000 penetration tests annually. With a strong presence across Australia and New Zealand, they cater to government, finance, and critical infrastructure sectors.

Why They Shine:

• Scale and Expertise: Their large team of CREST and SANS-certified testers handles complex, large-scale engagements.
• Broad Services: Includes penetration testing, red teaming, and cloud security, ideal for enterprises.
• Local Knowledge: Deep understanding of ANZ-specific regulations like the SOCI Act and APRA.

Drawback: Higher costs ($10,000–$20,000) may deter smaller organizations.

Why Choose CyberCX? Perfect for enterprises needing extensive testing and regional expertise, but less cost-effective for SMEs.

3. Gridware

Overview: Gridware is a Sydney and Melbourne-based provider specializing in adversary simulation and compliance-focused testing for SMEs, government, and defense sectors.

Why They Shine:

• Compliance Focus: Excels in ASIC, AUSTRAC, and ISO 27001 compliance, ideal for regulated industries.
• Tailored Testing: Offers adversary simulation to mimic real-world attacks, enhancing preparedness.
• Affordable: Pricing ($7,000–$12,000) suits mid-sized businesses.

Drawback: Limited geographic coverage compared to larger firms like CyberCX.

Why Choose Gridware? A strong pick for SMEs and government clients needing compliance-driven testing at a reasonable cost.

4. Red Cursor

Overview: Red Cursor brings 20 years of expertise, focusing on cloud platforms (AWS, Azure) and incident response. Their CREST-certified team serves businesses needing specialized testing.

Why They Shine:

• Cloud Expertise: Specializes in securing cloud environments, a growing need in 2025.
• Experienced Team: Long-standing reputation for quality and reliability.
• Flexible Pricing: Ranges from $8,000–$14,000, competitive for cloud-focused testing.

Drawback: Niche focus may not suit businesses needing broader testing scopes.

Why Choose Red Cursor? Ideal for organizations prioritizing cloud security and incident response.

5. The Missing Link

Overview: The Missing Link is an ISO 27001-certified provider with award-winning ethical hackers who’ve discovered over 50 CVEs. They offer network, app, and IoT testing.

Why They Shine:

• Innovation: Their OSCP/OSCE-certified team excels in identifying novel vulnerabilities.
• Comprehensive Testing: Covers IoT and red teaming, addressing emerging threats.
• Reputation: Trusted by businesses for actionable insights.

Drawback: Pricing ($9,000–$16,000) can be complex, requiring custom quotes.

Why Choose The Missing Link? Great for organizations seeking cutting-edge testing and CVE expertise.

6. Project Black

Overview: Project Black is a CREST-accredited provider emphasizing manual testing and compliance with OWASP and NIST standards. They’re a newer player but gaining traction.

Why They Shine:

• Cost-Effective: Pricing ($6,000–$10,000) is among the lowest, appealing to budget-conscious firms.
• Manual Testing: Focus on hands-on testing ensures thorough vulnerability detection.
• Compliance: Supports PCI DSS and NIST, suitable for regulated industries.

Drawback: Less established brand compared to Core Sentinel or CyberCX.

Why Choose Project Black? A budget-friendly option for businesses needing quality manual testing.

Why Core Sentinel is the Best Choice

After comparing these top providers, Core Sentinel stands out as the best penetration testing company in Australia for 2025. Here’s why:

• Unmatched Expertise: With 20+ years of experience and CREST, OSCP, and OSCE certifications, Core Sentinel delivers industry-leading testing across networks, applications, and cloud environments.
• Comprehensive Solutions: Beyond testing, they offer incident response and forensic audits, ensuring end-to-end security.
• Actionable Remediation: Their detailed reports and hands-on support empower businesses to fix vulnerabilities quickly.
• Compliance Leadership: Expertise in PCI DSS, OWASP, and ISO 27001 makes them ideal for regulated industries like finance and government.
• Value for Money: While not the cheapest, their pricing ($8,000–$15,000) reflects the depth and quality of their services.

Whether you’re an SME or a large enterprise, Core Sentinel’s tailored approach ensures your organization stays secure and compliant in an ever-changing threat landscape.

How to Choose the Right Penetration Testing Provider

Selecting a provider depends on your business needs. Consider these factors:

• Certifications: Look for CREST, OSCP, or ISO 27001 to ensure expertise.
• Service Scope: Ensure they cover your needs (e.g., cloud, mobile, or red teaming).
• Compliance: Verify alignment with regulations like PCI DSS or SOCI Act.
• Reporting: Prioritize providers offering clear, actionable reports.
• Budget: Balance cost with quality—cheaper isn’t always better.

For most businesses, Core Sentinel ticks all these boxes, making it our top recommendation.

Conclusion

Penetration testing is critical for safeguarding your business against cyber threats. Among Australia’s top providers, Core Sentinel leads the pack with its expertise, comprehensive services, and client-focused approach. Whether you need network testing, cloud security, or compliance support, Core Sentinel delivers results you can trust.

Ready to secure your organization? Visit Core Sentinel to learn more, or explore pentestingaustralia.com for additional cybersecurity insights. Stay proactive, stay secure!

Measures Used for Comparison

To ensure a fair and objective comparison, we evaluated the six companies based on the following measures:

1. Certifications (20%): Presence of industry-recognized credentials like CREST, OSCP, OSCE, SANS, or ISO 27001, indicating expertise and reliability.
2. Service Offerings (25%): Range and depth of penetration testing services, including network, application, cloud, mobile, IoT, red teaming, and incident response.
3. Compliance Expertise (20%): Ability to support compliance with Australian and international standards (e.g., PCI DSS, OWASP, NIST, SOCI Act, ASIC, AUSTRAC).
4. Client Feedback and Reputation (20%): Anecdotal evidence from industry sources, reviews, and case studies, reflecting reliability and customer satisfaction.
5. Pricing and Value (15%): Estimated cost ranges (sourced from web data and industry norms) and perceived value for services provided.

Each company was scored out of 100 based on these weighted criteria. Core Sentinel ranked highest due to its strong performance across all measures, particularly in service offerings, compliance, and client-centric remediation.