Security Testing Guide: Setup Plan with Time and Costs

Cyber threats are escalating in sophistication and frequency. A single security breach can cost millions in remediation, regulatory fines, and reputational damage. Security testing is not optional — it is a critical component of every software development lifecycle. This guide provides a practical framework for planning your security testing program, including timelines, costs, and sourcing models.

Types of Security Testing

Effective security testing encompasses multiple techniques: Vulnerability Assessment — automated scanning to identify known vulnerabilities in your systems, networks, and applications. Penetration Testing (Pen Testing) — simulated cyberattacks by ethical hackers to find exploitable weaknesses before real attackers do. Static Application Security Testing (SAST) — analyze source code for security flaws without executing the application. Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) — test a running application by simulating external attacks. Security Code Review — manual inspection of code for security anti-patterns and logic flaws. Compliance Testing — verify adherence to standards like ISO 27001, PCI-DSS, HIPAA, or GDPR.

Setting Up Your Security Testing Plan

A structured security testing plan includes: (1) Scope Definition — identify which assets, systems, and attack surfaces are in scope. (2) Risk Assessment — prioritize testing based on business impact and likelihood of attack. (3) Test Environment Setup — establish isolated testing environments that mirror production. (4) Testing Schedule — integrate security testing into your CI/CD pipeline with automated tools for continuous scanning, and schedule quarterly manual penetration tests. (5) Remediation Workflow — define how discovered vulnerabilities are tracked, prioritized, and resolved. (6) Reporting & Compliance — generate detailed reports for internal teams and regulatory bodies.

Timeline & Effort Estimates

Security testing timelines vary by scope: Automated vulnerability scan — 1 to 3 days. Web application penetration test (standard scope) — 5 to 15 business days. Network infrastructure penetration test — 3 to 10 business days. Full-scope red team exercise — 4 to 8 weeks. Compliance audit (e.g., ISO 27001) — 2 to 6 months including remediation. Annual security program (ongoing) — continuous automated testing plus quarterly manual assessments.

Cost Breakdown

Security testing investment depends on scope and sourcing model: Automated scanning tools — $500 to $5,000 per year for SaaS tools. Single web application penetration test — $2,000 to $20,000 depending on complexity. Comprehensive red team exercise — $15,000 to $100,000+. ISO 27001 certification — $10,000 to $50,000 including consultancy and audit fees. Outsourced security testing program — typically 60 to 70% cheaper than building an in-house security team while providing access to specialized expertise.

DevArion's Security Testing Services

Our cybersecurity team delivers comprehensive security assessments including penetration testing, vulnerability management, security code reviews, and compliance audits. We work with your development team to integrate security into the SDLC — shifting security left so vulnerabilities are caught at the code level, not in production. Our reports provide clear, actionable remediation guidance prioritized by business risk.