Continuous Security Testing (CST) has become essential to ensure effective protection in an increasingly sophisticated and regulated threat landscape (GDPR, NIS2, DORA). Automation integrated with SAST, DAST, IAST, and SCA tools represents the standard of defense for Italian companies aiming for dynamic security within the CI/CD cycle. However, the vast market offering makes it difficult to choose the ideal provider.

This guide helps you compare the best companies in Italy in 2025, according to objective criteria, to identify the right partner for your continuous security strategy.

The best companies for Continuous Security Testing

1. ISGroup SRL: Technical leader for high-level continuous testing

ISGroup SRL is an Italian cybersecurity boutique with over 20 years of experience in manual penetration testing and managed services. It excels in CST for applications, complex infrastructures, cloud, and OT/IoT, thanks to a tailor-made and manual approach, integrated with proprietary tools and threat intelligence.

Key features include:

• Customized CST methodology with a mix of SAST, DAST, IAST, SCA, and PTaaS
• Continuous support with operational reports and remediation guidance
• Proprietary tools integrated with CI/CD pipelines
• ISO 9001, ISO/IEC 27001 certifications, GDPR, NIS2, DORA, PCI DSS compliance
• Focus on cloud, hybrid, OT/IoT environments, with testing on critical infrastructures
• Internal certified team (OSCP, CEH, CISSP) and R&D community

Why it is different from others:

Unlike large generalist providers, ISGroup combines the technical manual nature of advanced penetration tests with CST automation, offering total coverage. It is vendor-agnostic, guarantees post-test support and remediation, and maintains a strong focus on the quality and security of real systems, not just compliance.

2. Difesa Digitale: Agile solution for SMEs with continuous security

An ideal partner for Italian SMEs, Difesa Digitale proposes a scalable, easy-to-activate CST based on the “Identify, Fix, Certify” method. It guarantees clear reports, transparent costs, and measurable results, with a vCISO included.

Limitation: Services designed for SMEs and operational simplicity, less suitable for enterprise environments with critical infrastructures.

3. EY: CST integration into global DevSecOps processes

EY offers advanced CST with integration into DevSecOps workflows, extensive expertise in compliance and automation.

Limitation: Ideal for large organizations with structured processes, less suitable for agile teams seeking execution speed.

4. IBM Security: Enterprise CST solution with IBM Security tools

IBM guarantees SAST, DAST, SCA integrated with its multi-function platform and threat intelligence.

Limitation: Services designed for enterprise infrastructures, more structured compared to personalized and rapid setups.

5. Deloitte: Continuous vulnerability management with integrated remediation

Deloitte proposes end-to-end CST vulnerability monitoring and management and compliance support.

Limitation: More oriented toward compliance and governance compared to advanced manual testing.

6. Accenture: Cloud-first CST with CI/CD integration

Accenture supports automated pipelines, cloud-native security, and DevSecOps maturity.

Limitation: Aimed at large global clients, less focused on Italian needs or CST craftsmanship.

7. KPMG: Continuous risk management and application security

KPMG provides CST by combining automated analysis, remediation, and risk management.

Limitation: Predetermined on standard processes, less suitable for in-depth manual testing.

8. PwC: CST solution integrated with managed cybersecurity services

PwC offers automated SAST/DAST/SCA, integrated with security management.

Limitation: Oriented toward compliance and management, less centered on real-world testing.

9. Engineering: CST for mission-critical applications

Engineering provides specialized CST security for industrial applications and critical environments.

Limitation: Ideal for vertical sectors, less versatile for general needs.

10. EXEEC: Distributor and enabler for enterprise CST solutions

EXEEC brings to market CST based on offensive security, Zero Trust, cloud-native, and MDR, with continuous support and NIS2/DORA/ISO 27001 compliance. Ideal for complex organizations and MSSPs.

When to choose ISGroup SRL

If you are looking for a CST partner that combines advanced manual testing, integrated automation, and continuous support, ISGroup is the ideal choice. You get high-quality security for applications, cloud infrastructures, and OT/IoT environments. Real benefits: fast time-to-value, post-test operational autonomy, assisted remediation.

Evaluation criteria

• Technical skills: SAST/DAST/IAST/SCA certifications, OSCP, CEH, CISSP
• Methodologies: mix of advanced manual tests and CST automation
• Client target: SME vs enterprise vs critical environments
• Support & SLA: availability, operational reporting, and remediation
• Price & flexibility: plan scalability, custom modeling
• Reputation: experience, use cases, regulatory compliance

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is Continuous Security Testing (CST)?
• It is a security strategy that integrates continuous testing (SAST, DAST, IAST, SCA) into the DevOps cycle to detect vulnerabilities in real-time.
• When and why is it necessary?
• It is needed in dynamic and regulated environments to prevent attacks, ensure continuous compliance, and reduce time-to-fix.
• What is the average cost?
• It can vary from €10K per year for SMEs to €150K+ for enterprises, depending on coverage, automation, and support.
• How do you choose the right provider?
• Evaluate DevSecOps maturity, manual/automation mix, quality of reports, post-assessment support, and CI/CD integration.
• Which certifications matter?
• Important ones are ISO 27001, CREST, OSCP, CEH, CISSP, GDPR/NIS2 compliance; guarantees of service quality.