Re: What to spend on a pentest

[Intel96 <intel96 () bellsouth net>]

Michael,

I think your formula is not 100% perfect as you are probably already aware.

I have tried for years to based pentest quotes on IPs and services
available, but this does not work.  The reason is because some clients
rarely know the services that are running on the systems or what IPs are
alive in their network.

pen testing 200 systems or 1000 systems using your formula.

200 systems * 5 services * .25 * 175 per hour = $43,750.00

1000 systems * 5 services * .25 * 175 per hour = $218,750.00

You also need to determine how much manual testing may have to be
performed on the systems.  Such as cracking logins, cracking cookies,
etc, or searching the systems for embedded passwords in script or
configurations files and looking at the database schemes.

Your formula  also does not  take into account writing the document to
include customer requested changes to language (BIG  ISSUE when the
document has to be read by others to include auditors.)

What about project delays due to scans knocking out critical services or
an on site executive briefing to deliver the project findings......

In pricing these project I try to get all the details from the client
before we agree on the project price.  It also helps to give the
customer a fixed-price for budget reasons.

Intel96

Michael Weber wrote:
> I would use a formula like this:
>
> (# of targets in network) * (# of services per target to be tested) * (testing time average of 15 min per service per 
> target) * (hourly rate of tester) + (cost of documenting the results) = cost of a pen test
>
> So, a 10 target network with an average of 5 services per host to be tested by a competent pen tester would run 
> (10 * 5 * .25 * 175) + 1000 = $3187.50
>
> This is pretty rough and includes a LOT of assumptions, but it should get you in the ball park.  If you want a real 
> number, your best bet would be to run nmap to enumerate your network and take the results to a pen tester for a bid.
>
> -Michael
>
>   
> > > > "Jacob Weeks" <jaweeks () gmail com> 8/2/2006 9:19:51 AM >>>
> > > >         
> I would say it depends more on the types of servers and number of
> services offered on the network rather than purely the number of
> systems on the network.  As that would give an indication as to how
> long it might take, and what kind of resources the tester would need
> to bring.
>
>
>
> On 1 Aug 2006 15:32:51 -0000, mttdavis () hotmail com <mttdavis () hotmail com> wrote:
>   
> > Can someone tell me what is a fair amount to spend on a decent pen-test with a simple class C network?
> >
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This List Sponsored by: Cenzic

Concerned about Web Application Security? 
Why not go with the #1 solution - Cenzic, the only one to win the Analyst's 
Choice Award from eWeek. As attacks through web applications continue to rise, 
you need to proactively protect your applications from hackers. Cenzic has the 
most comprehensive solutions to meet your application security penetration 
testing and vulnerability management needs. You have an option to go with a 
managed service (Cenzic ClickToSecure) or an enterprise software 
(Cenzic Hailstorm). Download FREE whitepaper on how a managed service can 
help you: http://www.cenzic.com/news_events/wpappsec.php 
And, now for a limited time we can do a FREE audit for you to confirm your 
results from other product. Contact us at request () cenzic com for details.
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