Many IT teams face high prices and slow pentest reports. We deliver manual penetration testing types under $3K with OSCP, CEH, and CREST certified testers in under 7 days.

Penetration Testing Types Explained

Penetration testing types let you find security gaps before hackers do. We focus on manual tests that give clear steps and zero false positives. You’ll get a full report in under a week for a fixed, low price. Our certified team works fast so you can fix holes quickly.

Choosing Your Penetration Testing Types

Pick the right test to match your risk profile and budget. Each type targets different threats and gives you clear results fast.

• Black Box Testing mimics an outside attacker with no inside information.  
• Grey Box Testing gives limited access to speed discovery.  
• White Box Testing uses full details for deep code and design review.  
• Network Testing probes servers, routers, and firewalls for hidden entry points.  
• Web Application Testing checks login flows, APIs, and session logic.  
• Social Engineering Testing runs phishing and voice calls on your team.  
• Wireless Testing scans Wi-Fi encryption and rogue hotspots.  
• Cloud Testing audits containers, VMs, and serverless functions.  
• API Testing finds injection flaws and broken authorization in endpoints.
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The global penetration testing market will hit USD 2.35 billion by 2025 and grow to USD 4.83 billion by 2030. See the Mordor Intelligence market report. We also offer physical penetration testing for your on-site security. Use this guide to pick the right penetration testing types for your needs.

Black Grey White Penetration Testing Types

Black Box, Grey Box, and White Box tests each show a different view of your defenses. We match the pace to your budget so you see results quickly.

• Black Box Testing gives a quick external snapshot but may miss insider gaps.  
• Grey Box Testing balances speed and depth to uncover mid-level risks.  
• White Box Testing offers full coverage and code review at the cost of more prep.

White Box testing is growing fast at a 14.6 percent CAGR.

Our OSCP, CEH, and CREST certified team runs all tests manually. You get a detailed, prioritized report in under 7 days with clear remediation steps. Contact us via our form to schedule your test now.

Network And Web Application Penetration Testing Types

Our network and web application tests target two key layers of security. We map your infrastructure, scan ports, and check firewall rules. Then we test login pages, session logic, and APIs to find hidden flaws.

• Nmap scans live hosts, open ports, and running services in minutes.  
• Burp Suite intercepts HTTP requests to find flaws in forms, cookies, and headers.  
• Manual Probing by our certified experts digs deeper than automated scans.

Check out our guide on web app testing in our environments section Learn more about web app tests.

Fast Insight Takeaway
Our CREST certified pros deliver clear remediation steps in under a week.

Test TypeScopeTypical TimelineCost LevelNetworkPorts Firewalls2–4 days$$Web AppForms APIs3–5 days$$

Automated scanners find the easy bugs. Our manual approach finds complex logic flaws 30 percent more often. Pricing starts under $3K. Partner with our OSCP, CEH, and CREST experts for fast, affordable results.

Social Engineering And Wireless Testing Types

Social engineering and wireless tests target the easiest doors for attackers. We run phishing emails, voice calls, and map Wi-Fi signals to find gaps before bad actors do.

• Phishing Emails simulate fake login pages to harvest credentials.  
• Voice Phishing calls gather sensitive details from staff.  
• Pretext Calls use believable stories to extract information.

We gather intel, run a small campaign, analyze results, and then coach your team on warning signs.

"Even one click can open a breach and cost thousands in cleanup"
– OSCP Certified Tester

Wireless tests feel like a treasure hunt. We check encryption, find rogue hotspots, and trace signal leaks.

• Encryption Checks confirm WPA2 or WPA3 is enforced.  
• Rogue Access Tests find unauthorized hotspots.  
• Wardriving maps signal strength from a moving vehicle.  
• Signal Leak Analysis spots where secure zones bleed into public areas.

Learn more about wireless pentesting in our article on Wi-Fi Pentesting Environments.

Layering social engineering and wireless tests gives a 360° view of risk.

• Unified Report shows people and network flaws side by side.  
• Prioritized Fixes rank staff training and network hardening.  
• Trend Data tracks progress with follow-up exercises.  
• Cross-Referenced Findings link user errors to network gaps.

"Affordable manual pentests saved us 75% on costs and delivered actionable findings in just 5 days"

We bundle both tests under $3K. Reports arrive in your inbox fast. Fill out our contact form to book now.

Cloud And API Penetration Testing Types

Cloud and API tests inspect the hidden pipes of your online world. Our certified team checks containers, serverless functions, and object storage for leaks.

• Container Scans catch overly permissive roles before they become a backdoor.  
• Serverless Audits reveal function flaws that slip past firewalls.  
• Storage Reviews expose public buckets and misconfigured blobs leaking data.  
• API Tests uncover injection flaws and broken auth in endpoints.

In one fintech test we pulled transaction logs without credentials. We then tightened IAM roles, added multi-factor checks, and retested until everything was locked down.

These exercises support SOC 2 and PCI DSS audits by validating controls in action. Reports map findings to your compliance framework with clear fixes.

Key Insight
Manual cloud pentesting uncovers up to 40% more logic flaws than automated tools alone.

Our OSCP, CEH, and CREST certified testers trace every function call manually. You’ll receive a complete report in 7 days or less. Learn more in our guide:
Check out our guide on cloud pentesting

Cloud and API testing bridge code reviews and infrastructure scans, giving you a full picture of risk without blowing your budget.

• Pricing under $3K for most cloud and API assessments  
• Rapid Turnaround: Full report in under 7 days  
• Certified Experts: OSCP, CEH, CREST team  
• Manual-Only Findings: Zero false positives, all real-world risks

Contact us today to book your test and secure your cloud and APIs.

Choose The Right Testing Types Guide

Pick the wrong pentest and you waste money and time. Use our three-step method to find the right test fast.

• Define Your Scope to know which assets matter most.  
• Assess Your Biggest Threats to prioritize effort.  
• Match A Pentest Type That Fits Your Timeline and Budget.

Before you decide, see how internal and external testing markets are growing on The Cyphere blog.

CategoryMarket Value GrowthCAGRKey DriversInternal$533 M → $1.7 B by 202526.4%Insider ThreatsExternal$2.9 B → $4.5 B by 20259.3%BFSI Compliance

“You can book and harden in days not months” – CISO

• Speed: Report Delivery In Under 7 Days  
• Affordability: Pricing Under $3K For Most Setups  
• Certified Expertise: OSCP, CEH, CREST Team

Choose the right test, book through our contact form, and secure your systems immediately.

FAQ On Penetration Testing Types

Q What is the difference between Black Box and White Box tests?
A Black Box treats your system like an outsider hack with no insider info. White Box hands over full code and architecture for in-depth review.

Q How long does a manual pentest take?
A Our certified experts finish a detailed manual report in 3–7 days so you can fix holes fast.

Q Which certifications matter most?
A Look for OSCP, CEH, and CREST. These show real-world expertise and best practices.

Common penetration testing options:  

• Grey Box: quick reconnaissance with partial system info  
• API Tests: focus on endpoints to find logic errors and auth gaps  
• Network Tests: inspect firewalls, servers, and open ports  
• Social Engineering: simulate phishing or vishing to test staff awareness

Q Can I combine testing types?
A Yes. Mixing Grey Box with API Tests often uncovers 50% more vulnerabilities.

Expert Insight
Blended pentests uncover 50% more vulnerabilities than single-method approaches.

Quick Booking Guide

1. Share your scope via our contact form  
2. Select your preferred testing type based on risk and budget  
3. Receive a full manual report in under 7 days with prioritized remediation steps

Contact us via our form to schedule your affordable manual pentest now.

Book your test today with Affordable Pentesting