10 Best Automated Penetration Testing Tools

In December 2023, a significant security breach at 23andMe exposed the personal information of 6.9 million people. This incident, sparked by a password-stuffing attack, highlighted the vulnerabilities that even major companies face.

So, what does this mean for you and your business?

It’s a reminder that cyberattacks are not only becoming more frequent but also more complex. To stay ahead of cybercriminals, it’s essential to continuously improve your security measures.

One effective way to do this is through automated penetration testing.

This method uses specialized software to simulate hacker attacks and identify vulnerabilities without requiring constant human oversight. In contrast, manual penetration testing involves cybersecurity experts actively looking for weaknesses in your systems.

Automated tools can scan your systems continuously and comprehensively, using scripts and algorithms to mimic hacker behavior. This proactive approach helps you find and fix security gaps before they can be exploited.

By automating penetration testing, you can perform frequent assessments, ensuring your systems are always monitored and protected against new threats. In today’s world, where cyberattacks are getting smarter and more common, this proactive strategy is vital.

In this post, I’ll guide you through the best automated tools for security testing. These tools will help you strengthen your security measures and protect your valuable data and operations from potential breaches.

1. Astra Pentest

Astra Pentest is a powerful automatic tool for penetration testing that helps businesses find and fix security holes.

Automation, artificial intelligence, and human testing are all combined on this platform to run over 9,300 security tests and give you a full picture of your security.

Astra’s tools check for compliance with rules like ISO 27001, HIPAA, SOC2, and GDPR, as well as a lot of different security standards, such as OWASP Top 10 and SANS 25.

The tool also works well with CI/CD processes, which makes the switch from DevOps to DevSecOps easy.

Astra Pentest also has a joint panel that lets users talk to security experts in real-time and makes results that can be changed to fit different needs.

Advantages

• Full Testing: Does more than 9,300 security checks that look for a wide range of holes.
• Compliance Ready: Makes sure that important rules and standards are followed, like GDPR, HIPAA, ISO 27001, and SOC2.
• Integration that is seamless: It works well with Jira, GitHub, GitLab, Slack, and Jenkins.
• Real-Time Expert Support: It lets you work with and get help from certified security experts in real time.
• Publicly Verifiable Certificates: This type of certificate gives you a security seal that makes customers trust your brand and improves its image.
• User-Friendly panel: It has an easy-to-use panel that is designed to make managing and reporting vulnerabilities simple for CXOs.

Disadvantages

• False Positives: Sometimes gives false positives, which can cause troubleshooting efforts that aren’t needed.
• Support Response Time: Customers have said that customer service takes a long time to get back to them.
• Cost: The platform has a lot of features, but it might be too expensive for smaller businesses or companies.

Pricing

The pricing of the platform starts from $199/month for the web app. 

2. Intruder

Intruder is a sophisticated automated penetration testing platform that is specifically engineered to assist organizations in the identification and resolution of security vulnerabilities within their digital infrastructure.

Intruder simplifies the process of breach testing so that it can be done continuously and without interruption.

Over 140,000 known vulnerabilities are checked for. These include web-layer security problems like SQL attacks and cross-site scripting, as well as infrastructure flaws and incorrect settings.

As Intruder is both easy to use and very good at screening, it can be used by businesses of all kinds.

It also has features like environmental risk assessments and scans for new threats, so your systems are always safe from the newest threats without you having to keep an eye on them all the time.

Advantages

• Continuous Monitoring: An intruder constantly checks your network for holes, which shortens the window of time when they could be used.
• Automated Threat Detection: It finds dangers automatically and ranks them by their context and possible effect, so you can focus on the most important problems first.
• Usefulness: The platform is easy to use, so you don’t need to know much about technology to set it up and start capturing.
• Coverage: Intruder’s large vulnerability database includes a lot of different threats, which makes sure that security reviews are complete.
• Integration: It works well with well-known development and project management tools like GitHub, Slack, and Jira, making security processes run more smoothly.
• Cost-effective: As Intruder automates the security testing process, expensive human tests don’t have to be done as often.

Disadvantages

• False Positives: Automated tools like Intruder can sometimes raise fake alarms, which means that the real risk has to be checked by hand.
• Not Enough Contextual Analysis: Intruder does offer contextual risk ratings, but they might not be as thorough as what a skilled human tester can do.
• Initial Setup: The software is meant to be easy for anyone to use, but you may still need to know some basic computer skills to do the initial setup and setting.
• Limited Features for Human Testing: For full security, some situations still need human testing, which Intruder can’t do by itself.

Pricing

The pricing of the platform starts from $172/month for 1 application and 1 infrastructure target. 

3. Invicti

Invicti is a sophisticated automatic penetration testing tool that helps companies find and fix security holes in their websites, web apps, and APIs.

Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) and Interactive Application Security Testing (IAST) are both used by Invicti to give full coverage and thorough information about possible security risks.

As well as new frameworks like AngularJS and React, it works with a lot of older web tools as well. Invicti’s Proof-Based Scanning technology instantly checks for vulnerabilities.

This cuts down on false positives by a large amount and shows proof of attack, which saves time compared to checking each vulnerability by hand.

The platform works with development tools and CI/CD processes without any problems, which makes it an important part of the Secure Development Lifecycle (SDLC).

The platform effortlessly combines with development tools and CI/CD pipelines, becoming an essential component of the Secure Development Lifecycle (SDLC).

It is an important part of the Secure Development Lifecycle (SDLC) because the platform works well with development tools and CI/CD processes.

Advantages

• Automation: Proof-based scanning technology checks for weaknesses, which cuts down on the time needed for human checking and the number of false reports.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Wide Range of Supported Web Technologies and Frameworks: It works with many web technologies and frameworks, so it can do full security checks in many locations.
• Integration Ease: It works well with well-known CI/CD and development tools like Jira, GitHub, and TeamCity, making it easy to handle vulnerabilities within working environments.
• Constantly checking for security holes: This feature keeps security standards high by checking for new holes all the time.
• It’s easy for people with different levels of technical knowledge to use because the interface is user-friendly.
• Complete Reporting: Makes detailed reports for various groups, ranging from developers who need technical details to management who only needs high-level overviews.

Disadvantages

• Complexity of the Initial Setup: The system is meant to be easy for anyone to use, but you may need to know some technical details to get the best settings the first time you connect it.
• Potential for False Positives: Some fake reports may still happen, even with improved proof, so there may need to be some human review from time to time.
• Limited Manual Testing Features: A skilled human tester may be able to find situations that automated tools don’t cover, which shows how important it is to do some hand security testing every once in a while.

Pricing

Pricing is not listed on the website please get a quote for the pricing.

4. Acunetix

Acunetix is a powerful automatic web application security testing tool made to find holes in web apps, websites, and APIs and fix them.

Check for many types of security holes, including SQL Injection, Cross-site Scripting (XSS), and others that could be used against you. Acunetix uses a complex search engine to test web applications very carefully.

This includes newer frameworks like JavaScript and AJAX.

Combining Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) and Interactive Application Security Testing (IAST) on the platform’s own AcuSensor technology makes it more accurate by giving more information about how the app works and any possible security holes.

Using these advanced scanning methods together gives full security coverage and lowers the number of false hits, so security teams can focus on crucial issues.

Advantages

• Thorough Scanning: Acunetix checks a lot of web apps and APIs, finding many types of vulnerabilities, such as SQL Injection and XSS.
• AcuSensor Technology: It fixes scans more accurately by giving specific information like source code line numbers and stack dumps, which greatly lowers the number of fake results.
• Integration with Development Tools: It works well with well-known tools like Jira, GitHub, and Jenkins, making it easier to use a DevSecOps method and taking security into account throughout the whole development process.
• Automatic WAF Configuration: Establishes rules for Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) automatically to safeguard against known weaknesses until they can be fixed.
• User-Friendly Interface: Supports an easy-to-use interface and a wide range of reporting options for various groups, such as expert reports for coders and executive notes for management.
• Continuous Security: Assists with gradual scans and ongoing tracking, Continuous Security helps businesses stay safe over time.

Disadvantages

• Initial Setup Difficulty: Setting up Acunetix may need some technical know-how to do it right and get the best functions from its choices.
• Dependence on Correct Configuration: The scans’ efficiency and the correctness of the results rely a lot on correctly configuring the scanning engine and keeping it up to date.

Pricing

Pricing is not listed on the website please get a quote for the pricing.

5. Metasploit

Metasploit is a comprehensive open-source penetration testing framework that was created by Rapid7. It is used by a large number of security experts, ethical hackers, and penetration testers.

It comes with a huge number of tools and plugins that can be used to find, attack, and fix security holes in different systems and programs.

Metasploit has over 4800 modules, such as exploits, payloads, support functions, and post-exploitation tools, that can be used to simulate attacks and test security measures.

It can be used for both automatic and human breach testing, so it can be used for a lot of different security tests.

Metasploit also has features for collecting credentials, checking user knowledge, and integrating with different security tools, all of which make it more useful and effective at protecting networks.

Advantages

• Large Module Library: It has more than 4800 modules, which include a lot of different bugs and packages for various systems and programs.
• Capabilities for automation: Many parts of breach testing are automated, which saves security pros time and work.
• Flexibility and Customization: It lets you make your own bugs and payloads, so you can make tests fit your needs.
• Getting Other Tools to Work Together: It can work better in settings with a lot of security tools and systems if it can connect to them.
• Interface that is easy to use: It has a simple interface and clear instructions, so both new and experienced users can use it.
• Comprehensive Reporting: This feature makes thorough reports that help you understand weaknesses and fix them effectively.

Disadvantages

• Needs Human involvement: Some exploits may need human involvement to work right, which can take a lot of time.
• Steep Learning Curve: Metasploit is very powerful, but it can be hard to learn all of its features and functions, especially for first-time users.
• Potential for Misuse: Its strong features can be abused if they are not used properly, so they need to be used carefully and fully understood.

Pricing

It is free to use for everyone. 

6. Core Impact

Core Security made Core Impact, an all-in-one automatic penetration testing tool that lets security teams do advanced, multi-vector security tests.

Commercial-grade attacks can be used for testing in a variety of settings, such as network, client-side, and web apps. Core Impact lets people pretend to be attackers in the real world to find, exploit, and confirm security holes.

The platform works better when combined with other security tools like Metasploit, and Cobalt Strike, and vulnerability testers like Nessus and OpenVAS.

It has tools for automatic retesting and repair validation, which makes it a strong way to keep security up all the time.

Advantages

• Complete Multiple-Vector Testing: Allows penetration testing across networks, client-side apps, and web apps, giving a complete picture of security holes.
• Integration: Works well with other security tools and vulnerability checkers, making the setting for security tests more centralized.
• Automation of Retesting: This feature makes it easy to test and confirm that fixes have been applied correctly, ensuring that security holes are fixed.
• Friendly design: It has an easy-to-use design and a live attack map, so people of all skill levels can use it.
• Commercial Grade attacks: Uses a large library of tested attacks to make sure testing is safe and efficient.
• Regular Updates: Gets new attacks and testing modules automatically as updates, so it stays up to date with new threats.

Disadvantages

• Cost: It might be too expensive for small businesses or groups with tight budgets (cost).
• Learning Curve: Even though the tool’s design is easy to use, it may take some time to get good at all of its features, especially for people who are new to security testing.
• Possible Misuse: Core Impact’s powerful features could be used wrongly if they are not handled carefully and by people who know what they are doing.

Pricing

The pricing of the platform starts from $9450 per user/year.

7. VPenTest

Vonahi Security made vPenTest, an advanced automatic penetration testing tool that makes it easier to check the security of a network.

As a Software as a Service (SaaS) option, vPenTest takes the knowledge and methods of experienced penetration testers and puts them into a system that is easy to set up.

It does full internal and external network tests, including models of what would happen before and after a breach, to find holes and possible exploits in real time.

The platform simplifies tasks like finding hosts, listing services, analyzing vulnerabilities, exploiting them, and granting more privileges.

This makes sure that an organization’s security is always and thoroughly evaluated. This makes it a great tool for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and internal IT teams that want to take effective and cost-effective security measures.

Advantages

• Automated and Efficient: Penetration tests are done quickly and easily, and full results are provided within 48 hours.
• Cost-effective: It is much cheaper than standard human security testing, and you can save as much as 87% on costs.
• Flexible and Scalable: It lets testing happen all the time or whenever it’s needed, and there is no limit to the number of tests that can be done.
• Easy to use: It is simple to set up and use, and there is no learning curve. The site is run by a single person.
• Customizable: A white-label option that can be marked with the name and colors of the user’s business.
• Comprehensive Reporting: Gives clear, usable data that is simple to understand and use, so even people who aren’t very good at hacking can use it.
• Support for Multiple Tenants: This feature is great for MSPs because it lets them handle multiple customers from a single platform.

Disadvantages

• Limited Human Insight: Even though it is highly automated, it might not understand things as well or be as flexible as a skilled human security tester.
• Possible Overreliance: Businesses could rely too much on automatic tools and forget how important it is to do human-led security tests every once in a while.
• Scope of Attacks: Automated testing might not fully cover some complex attacks that need creative and flexible strategies.
• Getting a false sense of security: automated tools may miss some context-specific flaws, giving you a false sense that you are completely safe.
• Integration Problems: It might take a lot of work to connect to current security systems and procedures, especially in bigger businesses.

Pricing

Pricing is not listed on the website please request a demo and contact the team.

8. Breachlook

BreachLock is a state-of-the-art automated penetration testing platform that employs both human and machine intelligence to identify and validate vulnerabilities in an organization’s digital assets.

The platform guarantees that businesses remain vigilant against potential security threats by offering continuous red teaming and penetration testing services.

BreachLock provides a comprehensive solution for both network and application security, with capabilities that extend from real-time threat detection to attack surface management.

Its user-friendly SaaS model enables simple deployment and integration into existing security frameworks, while its AI-powered rule engine and CREST-certified methodologies assure precise and high-quality security assessments.

Advantages

• Continuous Testing: Facilitates continuous, real-time penetration testing, thereby guaranteeing the detection and mitigation of current threats.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Provides a comprehensive security assessment by conducting extensive testing across networks, applications, mobile apps, and APIs.
• Ease of Use: The platform is simple to deploy and administer, with a single pane view for all security testing data and minimal configuration required.
• AI-Powered: Employs AI and machine learning to improve detection capabilities and simplify the identification of intricate vulnerabilities.
• Cost-Effective: Provides substantial cost reductions in comparison to conventional manual penetration testing, while simultaneously ensuring high accuracy and dependability.
• Scalable and adaptable: Suitable for organizations of all sizes, with the capacity to scale testing efforts in accordance with specific needs and regulatory requirements.
• Speedy Response: Delivers comprehensive reports in a brief period, enabling the rapid remediation of vulnerabilities that have been identified.

Disadvantages

• Limited Human Insight: Although the platform automates numerous processes, it may not convey the adaptability and nuanced comprehension of human penetration testers.
• Complex Attack Scenarios: May encounter difficulty in simulating sophisticated, multi-stage attacks that necessitate adaptive strategies beyond predefined automation.
• Negatives/False Positives: Human validation may be required as a result of automated tools’ potential to generate false positives or overlook context-specific vulnerabilities.
• Operational Disruption: The execution of automated tests in live environments has the potential to disrupt normal operations, necessitating meticulous scheduling and management.

Pricing

The pricing of the platform starts from $2500 for 1-time security validation.

9. GuidePoint Security

GuidePoint Security is a complete security tool that is known for its ability to do automatic penetration tests. The goal of their penetration testing services is to find real-world holes in an organization’s infrastructure.

To do this, they use both automatic and human testing to give full security reviews.

GuidePoint Security provides many other services besides penetration testing, such as vulnerability management, cloud security reviews, and incident response.

Their platform is made to realistically mimic complex cyberattacks so that businesses can find and stop possible threats before they can be used by bad people.

This all-around method helps companies protect their digital assets, stay in line with the rules, and improve their general safety.

Advantages

• Automated and Personal Testing: This method finds a lot of security holes by combining the speed of automated tools with the depth of personal testing.
• Full Services: This includes cloud security, incident response, and risk management, making it a one-stop shop for all your security needs.
• Real-World Simulation: Provides extremely realistic attack models to assist organizations in comprehending and effectively handling possible risks.
• Regulated Compliance: Helps meet the requirements for following rules like PCI DSS, HIPAA, and GDPR.
• Expertise: Works with a group of highly qualified and licensed cybersecurity experts who have a lot of experience in both attacking and defensive security jobs.
• Customizable Solutions: These are security solutions that can be changed to fit the wants and settings of different businesses.
• Continuous Improvement: Offers regular checks to stay on top of new risks and changing security environments.

Disadvantages

• Complexity: Setting up and handling the whole set of services could take a lot of work and knowledge, which could be too much for smaller IT teams.
• Dependence on Outside Help: Relying too much on outside security experts could make it take longer to respond to important events if internal skills aren’t developed.
• Problems with Scalability: It might be hard for very large companies to make the security testing services big enough to cover all of their systems.

Pricing

Pricing is not listed on the website please get a quote for the pricing.

10. Pentera

Pentera is a powerful cybersecurity technology that focuses on automated penetration testing. Modeling real-world hacks on systems, networks, and apps, constantly checks how secure an organization is.

To give full security reviews, this tool uses both automatic and human testing methods.

Along with penetration testing, Pentera can also handle vulnerabilities, do cloud security reviews, and make sure that security is always being checked.

Although the platform doesn’t use agents, it can easily connect to on-premises, cloud, and mixed systems. This makes sure that any possible security holes are found and fixed quickly.

Advantages

• Continuous Testing: When you use continuous testing, your security is constantly checked, so you can find and fix weaknesses as they happen.
• Full Protection: It protects against mixed, internal, and external settings without the need to run an agent.
• Flexibility: The tests can go from being done once in a while to being done often, even every day.
• Detailed Reports: Sends outright, comprehensive reports that show attack paths and list the most important steps for fixing problems.
• Integration with MITRE ATT&CK: It works with the MITRE ATT&CK system to make sure that attack models are complete and consistent.
• Simple to Use: It has an easy-to-understand interface that makes running and managing security checks simpler.

Disadvantages

• Complexity: The platform has a lot of features, so it may take some time for new users to get used to them.
• Need for Dependence on Help: If quick internal answers are needed, relying too much on provider help can be a problem.
• Overhead: The network being tested may have to deal with speed issues because of all the programming and testing that is necessary.

Pricing

Pricing is not listed on the website please request a demo and contact the team.

Conclusion

Automated penetration testing is a vital technique for improving cybersecurity since it uses specialized software to discover weaknesses in systems, applications, and networks.

Integrating this kind of testing into security systems for continuous monitoring and allowing for quick and efficient vulnerability discovery makes it a very important sort of testing.

Through running multiple tests at once, automated tools improve efficiency. This saves time and resources while making sure that all tests are covered and results are consistent.

Automation in security testing has its benefits, but it shouldn’t be the only way to keep systems safe.

Even though it’s great at quickly finding known security holes, it might not be as thorough as human penetration testing, which is done by experts who can look at complex security issues in great detail and find and fix problems that automatic tools might miss.

As a way to cover a wide range of possible security holes, the best security plans often use both automatic and human testing.

Automation of penetration testing is an important part of a complete cybersecurity plan because it helps with meeting industry standards and quick reviews.

Integration of human testing methods is still necessary, though, to fully protect against a wide range of complex computer dangers. Not only does this mix improve security, but it also makes sure that businesses can quickly adapt to new digital dangers.