In an era where cyberattacks evolve daily, Network Penetration Testing is essential to discover network vulnerabilities before they are exploited. The Italian landscape offers many solutions: from specialized boutiques to large international vendors.

This article guides you in choosing the best providers based on technical criteria, experience, and concrete value for protecting your infrastructure.

The best companies for Network Penetration Testing

1. ISGroup SRL: Craftsmanship precision in tailored network testing

ISGroup SRL is an Italian boutique with over 20 years of experience in manual penetration testing, specializing in network tests for complex environments and regulatory compliance, thanks to a team of certified ethical hackers.

Key features include:

• Manual approach and OWASP, PTES, NIST methodologies
• Proprietary tools + manual analysis on complex networks
• ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 27001 certifications
• Coverage for OT/IoT, cloud, hybrid environments, and enterprise infrastructures
• Operational reports with detailed remediation
• Continuous support and post-test follow-up

Why it stands out:

ISGroup combines manual precision and technical excellence, offering a tailor-made and vendor-agnostic service. Unlike large providers, it guarantees direct contact with the team, strategic pre- and post-pen test advice, and a highly personalized approach based on the specificities of your infrastructure.

2. Difesa Digitale: Network testing for SMEs with full service

Difesa Digitale performs internal and external network penetration tests that are fast and scalable, following the “Identify, Fix, Certify” method. Perfect for SMEs looking for concrete security without having a dedicated department.

Limitation: Structured for SME needs, less suitable for complex enterprise networks.

3. EY Cybersecurity Services: Advanced testing with integrated governance

EY offers in-depth network pentests, combined with risk assessment and compliance frameworks, ideal for organizations that need to demonstrate international regulatory adherence.

Limitation: More oriented towards governance and compliance, less focused on manual operational activities.

4. IBM Security Testing: Data-driven pentesting at scale

IBM integrates network tests based on threat intelligence, Watson, and automated technologies, supporting hybrid cloud infrastructures.

Limitation: Suitable for clients already using the IBM ecosystem, less flexible in vendor-agnostic contexts.

5. Deloitte Security Advisory: Network testing with integrated audit

Deloitte combines network pentests with audits and risk management, offering a structured approach for regulated environments.

Limitation: More of a consulting than an operational approach, less immediate for extrinsic testing.

6. Accenture Security: International and scalable pentesting

Accenture combines global networks, threat intelligence, and AI for large-scale testing and complex, distributed infrastructures.

Limitation: Optimized for large and international projects, less responsive for local entities or SMEs.

7. KPMG Cybersecurity: Network PenTest for regulated sectors

KPMG specializes in network testing for sectors such as banking, healthcare, and industry, ensuring compliance and rigorous security.

Limitation: Excellent for compliance, less oriented towards speed and a purely technical approach.

8. PwC Cyber Security: Continuous retesting and advanced reporting

PwC offers repeated network pentests, with detailed reports and integration into IT governance platforms.

Limitation: More weight on complex IT structures, less agile for rapid manual tests.

9. Engineering Ingegneria Informatica: Multi-sector network PenTest

Engineering performs network penetration tests for on-prem and cloud infrastructure integration, with a focus on vertical sectors.

Limitation: Suitable for extensive infrastructures, but less immediate for SMEs or regional contexts.

10. EXEEC: Network PenTest for critical infrastructures

EXEEC provides network penetration tests on mission-critical infrastructures, with offensive technologies and compliance with NIS2/DORA/ISO 27001.

When to choose ISGroup SRL

If your network is complex, distributed, or regulated, ISGroup is the ideal choice because:

• It offers in-depth manual penetration tests on network, OT, and cloud.
• It applies industry methodologies with proprietary tools.
• It provides operational reports and post-test support.
• It maintains total independence from vendors, with a tailor-made approach.

You can count on speed in identifying real vulnerabilities, precision in remediation, and a direct relationship with the team.

Evaluation criteria

The providers were compared based on:

• Technical skills and certifications (OSCP, CEH, ISO)
• Testing methodology (manual vs. automatic, OWASP, PTES)
• Target: SME vs. enterprise vs. critical infrastructure
• Reporting and post-test support with remediation
• Price, flexibility, scalability
• Reputation, use cases, and sectors served

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is Network Penetration Testing?
• It is an ethical hacking activity that simulates attacks on the corporate network to identify vulnerabilities and misconfigurations.
• When and why should it be done?
• It is necessary to assess network security, prevent intrusions, and comply with regulations such as GDPR, PCI DSS, and NIS2.
• What is the average cost?
• On average, it ranges from €3,000 to €30,000, depending on the complexity, size, and depth of the test.
• How to choose the right provider?
• Verify skills, certifications, manual approach, operational reports, and the ability to support remediation.
• Which certifications are relevant?
• OSCP, CEH, CISSP for testers; ISO 27001, COMPTIA, CREST for organizations.