The real cost of skipping a pentest
A missed flaw can stop a launch, delay a customer deal, expose private data, or force urgent repair work. Buy a test around the product decision you need to make. A narrow, clear scope costs less than a vague review of every system.
Basic Web App
$4,000 – $9,000
Single application, limited user roles, 1 retest included. Ideal for early-stage fintechs.
Network Pentest
$4,000 – $10,000
External/Internal infrastructure review, host identification, and vulnerability validation.
Full-Scope
$10,000 – $80,000+
Multi-asset engagements (Web, API, Network) with executive reporting and compliance audit support.
What drives your penetration testing quote
Understanding the variables behind the pricing helps you optimize your budget without compromising on security depth.
- Asset Volume and Complexity: The number of IP ranges, API endpoints, user roles, and mobile applications directly impacts testing time.
- Manual effort: The quote should state the tester days, assets, roles, test depth, report work, and retest work.
- Regulatory Requirements: Engagements specifically scoped for CBN 2024 Framework or PCI DSS compliance require specialized reporting.
- Remediation retesting: Confirm the retest price, covered findings, time window, and final status record before you sign.
Regulatory pressure: why 2024 is different
The CBN's updated Risk-Based Cybersecurity Framework (effective July 2024) and the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) have changed the stakes. Regulators now treat a documented penetration test as evidence of due diligence. Operating without this documentation leaves founders and boards personally exposed to regulatory action.
"Cheap" vs. "Affordable"
A low quote can cover a narrow manual test or an automated scan. Read the scope. A useful engagement names the manual work, assets, roles, exclusions, evidence, report, and retest terms.
How to shortlist Nigerian vendors
Don't buy on price alone. Filter your vendors based on these three criteria:
Review the assigned tester's work
Ask for a redacted report and a walkthrough with the person assigned to your test. Check the evidence, business logic depth, fix detail, and retest result.
Review sample reports
A reputable firm will provide a redacted sample. Look for proof-of-concept evidence: screenshots or data showing an exploit actually worked. If the report looks like a generic tool output, move on.
Check sector-specific experience
Fintech requires a different testing methodology than e-commerce. Ensure the firm understands payment flows, KYC integrations, and Nigerian regulatory nuances.
Compare quotes on the same scope
Give each provider the same asset list, roles, environment, integrations, deadline, and report needs. Ask each one to state exclusions. A lower quote means little when it leaves out the admin panel, mobile API, retest, or engineering walkthrough.
- Confirm who performs the work and who reviews the findings.
- Ask for a redacted report that shows evidence and fix guidance.
- Confirm whether testing is manual, automated, or both.
- Confirm the retest window and what the final status report contains.
- Reject a quote that does not list scope, exclusions, access needs, and delivery terms.
Cut cost without losing useful evidence
Test the release path that carries the most risk. Prepare working accounts and clean documentation before the start date. Keep a technical owner available for access issues. Fix known defects before testing. These steps protect testing time and keep the report focused on findings that matter.
Need a transparent, scoped proposal for your fintech app?
Get a Scoped QuoteRelated resources
Compare vulnerability assessments and penetration testing, learn about detailed penetration testing costs, or review our security engineering checklist for Nigerian startups.
Buying FAQ
How long does an SME pentest engagement take?
Typically 1–3 weeks from kickoff to final report. This includes a week of focused testing and additional time for reporting and walkthroughs.
Can we test a remote staging environment?
Yes. Remote testing is the industry standard for web applications and APIs. It keeps costs lower and logistics simpler for both parties.
What is the most affordable way to get started?
Start with a scoped web application assessment focused on your most critical user roles. Narrowing the scope allows for deep manual testing of high-risk flows at a lower price point than testing your entire infrastructure.