Why Cutting Corners on Penetration Testing Costs Your Business More

From Adam Myers at TeleSource Communications, Inc.


Cybersecurity can feel like a complex and overwhelming topic, especially for executives whose primary focus is on running and growing their businesses. But when it comes to penetration testing (pen testing), the decisions you make today will directly impact your organization’s security, reputation, and bottom line tomorrow.

Let me break it down for you: not all pen tests are created equal, and opting for the cheapest option might save money upfront, but it often comes at a much higher cost in the long run. Here’s why.


The Hidden Costs of Cheap Penetration Testing

  1. Blind Spots Leave You Exposed
    Cheap tests often rely heavily on automated tools, skipping the deep, manual analysis needed to uncover complex vulnerabilities. This leaves critical gaps—like privilege escalation paths or internal network weaknesses—undetected, opening the door for attackers.
  2. Inexperienced Testers Lead to Inaccurate Results
    Bargain providers frequently cut costs by hiring junior or untrained testers. These individuals lack the expertise to identify nuanced threats, leading to false positives (wasting resources) or worse, missed threats entirely.
  3. Boilerplate Reports Lack Value
    A proper pen test provides a tailored, actionable roadmap to address vulnerabilities. Budget providers often deliver generic, cookie-cutter reports that fail to contextualize risks for your specific business, leaving you ill-equipped to act.
  4. Compliance Risks and Regulatory Penalties
    If you’re required to meet standards like PCI DSS, HIPAA, or SOC 2, a cheap pen test might not even meet compliance thresholds. Non-compliance can result in fines upwards of $50,000 per violation or expose you to liability in the event of a breach.
  5. Limited Scope Leaves Key Assets Vulnerable
    Attackers don’t limit their focus, and neither should your pen tests. Cheap providers may skip critical areas, such as APIs, third-party integrations, or internal systems, leaving significant portions of your infrastructure untested and at risk.
  6. Breach Costs Far Outweigh Savings
    According to IBM’s 2024 Cost of a Data Breach Report, the average global breach cost is $4.88 million—nearly double in the U.S. Cutting corners on pen testing can expose you to financial losses, reputational damage, and operational downtime that far outweigh any initial savings.

Investing in Quality: What to Look For

When choosing a penetration testing provider, here’s what matters most:

  • Expertise: Certified professionals (e.g., OSCP, CISSP) who bring years of experience.
  • Comprehensive Scope: Tailored tests that evaluate all assets—internal and external.
  • Actionable Insights: Clear, detailed reports with prioritized remediation steps.
  • Reputation: Positive client reviews and proven results.
  • Collaboration: Providers who take the time to understand your business and its risks.

Your Security Partner

At TeleSource Communications, we work with industry-leading providers to deliver penetration testing solutions that are thorough, actionable, and customized for your business needs. Whether it’s internal testing, external testing, or compliance-driven engagements, we help you minimize risks and protect your organization.


Don’t leave your cybersecurity to chance. Contact Adam Myers at TeleSource Communications, Inc.
📧 Adam.Myers@TeleSourceInc.com

Your security isn’t an expense—it’s an investment in your future. Let’s secure it together.