Qualysec

vapt testing companies

VAPT testing companies in San Francisco
vapt service

Top 10 VAPT Testing Companies in San Francisco, 2025

Keeping track of the growing cyber threats is an important focus for companies toward securing their system, data, and applications in the aftermath of Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT). Cybercriminals do not throw away time; they exploit it. Such exploitations lead to financial loss and data breaches, followed by non-compliance with the norms. Thus, organizations need professional VAPT testing companies in San Francisco to identify vulnerabilities, simulate realistic cyberattacks, and provide remedial measures.   San Francisco is the world’s greatest tech hub which has some of the most innovative companies dealing with penetration testing, vulnerability management, and security compliance solutions. Most of them deal with the finance, health care, SaaS, and government sectors as they keep up to date about the latest threats. This is the top 10 list of VAPT testing companies in San Francisco ranked on their expertise, innovation, and dedication towards cyber resilience. Top 10 VAPT Testing Companies in San Francisco 1. Qualysec Formation: 1999 | HQ: Foster City, CA Qualysec is one of the largest VAPT assessment and compliance companies, providing the most complete and comprehensive solutions to the security of an organization’s IT environment, which aims to make their environments more secure. Its flagship solution gives automatic assessment of vulnerabilities and penetration testing plus real-time security monitoring. Key Features Characteristics that support SIEM and DevOps workflows to support remediation of vulnerabilities. Why choose Qualysec? Talk to our Cybersecurity Expert to discuss your specific needs and how we can help your business. Schedule a Call 2. Skybox Security Established: 2002 | Headquarter: San Francisco, CA Skybox Security is the top organization that provides the solution for finding vulnerabilities and giving priority to risk security. This provides the IT environment with complete forms of protection through robust risk-based vulnerability management. Key Features Detection of vulnerabilities across all networked, application, and cloud environments; risk prioritization, which involves monitoring automated compliance. The Skybox Vulnerability Control platform helps organizations actively mitigate cyber risk. Real-time visibility into the network, its configuration, as well as vulnerabilities and the attack surface. Why Skybox Security? Proactive Risk Management: This would mean identifying prospective vulnerabilities before their being exploited. Visibility and control: Most businesses have intricate infrastructures. For businesses like this, Skybox gives network, cloud, and on-premises visibility, making it important. Trusted by finance, healthcare, and manufacturing, Skybox makes sure that organizations reduce their risk exposure. 3. Cobalt Founded in: 2013 | Headquartered in: San Francisco, CA Cobalt is the newest provider of vulnerability scanning software available on-demand to continue network security expert services. Cobalt was designed to deliver continuous security testing with actionable insight in real-time toward threats. Core features PTaaS through ethical hackers using a global network Continuous penetration testing is done based on web applications, APIs, and cloud environment Attacks are scheduled in the physical world. Distinctive pricing remedy from start-up to enterprise-level. Why choose Cobalt?  On-demand Penetration Testing: Customers buy tests upon their own due time through customer-friendly dashboard. A global community of penetration testers Access to the world’s most advanced white hackers that are willing to engage in the battleground of live testing. Solutions responsive to start-ups and enterprises Cobalt delivers this quick but fluid security testing in the shortest period. 4. TruAdvantage Founded: 2010 | Headquartered in: San Francisco, CA TruAdvantage Cybersecurity is a firm that provides detailed solutions in vapt scan, network security, and compliance. The company specializes in niche areas like health care and finance. It has fully assessed the risks involving all of its sensitive data and systems. Key features  All-round security solution for your cyber security needs Network Security and Penetration Testing Focused areas HIPAA and PCI-DSS HIPAA and PCI-DSS healthcare and financial service security compliance expert Risk assessment and remediations customized to any client’s requirement Security Audit and Remediation: Identify the weaknesses and remediate weak security systems in place. Why Choose TruAdvantage Focused health care and financial service specializations that ensure a customized approach toward achieving or surpassing regulation compliance. We offer vulnerability scanning to compliance consulting end-to-end, best fit for business trading in a very regulated space. Partner with experts known to put customers first through customizable solutions, ensuring a balance between security and compliance  5. Parachute Technology Year of Founding: 2003| Headquarters San Francisco, CA Parachute Technology is a provider to businesses in finance and health care, among others, with excellent security assessments as well as remediation services regarding operating in network security and VAPT testing. Key Services Network Penetration Testing: This identifies the presence of vulnerabilities on both wired and wireless networks. Cloud Security Assessment: It is specifically done for the multi-cloud environment of organizations. Cybersecurity services, which range from threat hunting, vulnerability management, and incident response, provide end-to-end protection. Custom security consulting is uniquely tailored for small to medium-sized businesses. Why Choose Parachute Technology? A full-service company: Provide the entire gamut of cybersecurity services, from penetration testing to cloud security and incident response. Trusted by finance, SaaS, and government companies due to its custom solutions that have quick turnaround times. Known worldwide for exceptional customer service and being cognizant of the needs of small and medium-sized businesses. 6. Varsity Technologies Founded: 1997 | Based: San Francisco, CA Varsity Technologies is a managed IT services company offering managed cybersecurity. Some of the services they provide to education and nonprofit clients include penetration testing, security audits, and cloud security assessments. Key Points Penetration testing and network security assessment to education, health care, and non-profit organizations. IT Management for ensuring that the cybersecurity is well aligned with business-wide general strategy on IT. Risk and Vulnerability remediation with emphasis on compliance Cloud Security in business migrations to hybrid cloud environments.  Why Choose Varsity Technologies? Domain-based knowledge: This service is specifically for education and non-profit industries, which will have unique compliance regulations. Managed IT services: It brings an all-rounded approach towards cyber security through IT infrastructure. Varsity Technologies is renowned for highly customized, flexible solutions to meet every business need.  7. Snap Tech IT Founded: 2007 | Headquartered in: San Francisco, CA Snap

What is VAPT Testing, Its Methodology & Importance for Business?
VAPT Testing

What is VAPT Testing, Its Methodology & Importance for Business?

Data breaches are becoming more frequent, affecting industries like fintech, IT, healthcare, and banking. No organization is completely safe. According to the latest reports, the average cost of a data breach increased to $4.45 million in 2023, a 2.3% rise from 2022. Meanwhile, critical infrastructure businesses faced even higher costs, reaching $4.82 million on average per breach. To counter these cyber threats, companies rely on Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT Testing)—a comprehensive security testing approach that identifies and mitigates vulnerabilities before attackers exploit them. In this blog, we will explore VAPT in detail: its methodology, importance, and how businesses can benefit from it. What is VAPT?   Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT) is a structured cybersecurity process designed to detect, analyze, and address vulnerabilities in systems, networks, and applications. It combines two key approaches: Vulnerability Assessment (VA): Focuses on identifying security weaknesses in a system. Penetration Testing (PT): Simulates real-world attacks to determine how exploitable those weaknesses are. Method & Goal of VAPT VAPT helps organizations stay ahead of cyber threats by proactively identifying and fixing security gaps before they can be exploited. The process involves: Vulnerability Assessment: Scanning tools and manual techniques are used to detect vulnerabilities. Penetration Testing: Ethical hackers simulate real-world attacks to assess how these vulnerabilities can be exploited. With the rise of AI-driven cyberattacks and automated hacking tools in 2025, VAPT has become even more critical. Businesses need to test their defenses regularly to ensure resilience against evolving threats. Why Do You Need Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT)? VAPT helps businesses: Prevent data breaches: By fixing vulnerabilities before hackers can exploit them. Meet compliance requirements: Regulations like GDPR, PCI-DSS, HIPAA, and ISO 27001 mandate security testing. Protect brand reputation: A data breach can lead to financial and reputational damage. Avoid financial losses: Cyberattacks can cost millions in damages and fines. With increasing regulatory scrutiny in 2025, noncompliance with security standards can result in severe penalties, making VAPT a necessity for businesses of all sizes. Difference Between Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT) Vulnerability Assessment Penetration Testing Identifies and categorizes security vulnerabilities. Actively exploits vulnerabilities to assess security risks. Uses automated tools to scan for weaknesses. Uses ethical hacking techniques to mimic real cyberattacks. Provides a prioritized list of vulnerabilities. Identifies the attack path a hacker might take. Suitable for regular security assessments. Best for in-depth security evaluations after a vulnerability assessment. By integrating both approaches, businesses can ensure a robust cybersecurity posture that keeps their systems and data protected.   Talk to our Cybersecurity Expert to discuss your specific needs and how we can help your business. Schedule a Call What Are the 8 Significant Types of VAPT Services? Web Application Penetration Testing Mobile Application Penetration Testing Cloud Application Penetration Testing IoT Penetration Testing API Penetration Testing Desktop Application Penetration Testing AI/ML Penetration Testing Network Penetration Testing What is the VAPT Methodology? There are 3 different methods or strategies used to conduct VAPT, namely; Black box testing, white box testing, and gray box testing. Here’s what you need to know about them: 1. Black Box Testing A black box penetration test provides the tester with no knowledge about what is being tested. In this scenario, the pen tester executes an attacker’s plan with no special rights, from initial access and execution until exploitation. 2. White Box Testing White box testing is a type of testing in which the tester has complete access to the system’s internal code. He has the appearance of an insider. The tester understands what the code expects to perform in this type of testing. Furthermore, it is a method of testing a system’s security by examining how effectively it handles various types of real-time assaults. 3. Gray Box Testing The tester is only provided a limited amount of information during a grey box penetration test, also known as a transparent box test. Typically, this is done with login information. Grey box testing can assist you in determining how much access a privileged person has and how much harm they can cause. What Does the VAPT Testing Process Look Like?   Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT) follows a structured approach to identify and fix security flaws. Below is a step-by-step breakdown of the process: 1. Pre-Assessment Before starting, the security team defines the scope, objectives, and rules of the test. This involves: Understanding the system’s architecture, purpose, and potential risks. Setting up the testing environment. Getting required approvals and access credentials. 2. Information Gathering The security team collects technical and non-technical details about the system. This includes: Scanning for public and internal information related to the system. Understanding the technology stack, APIs, and third-party integrations. Conducting reconnaissance to map out possible attack points. 3. Penetration Testing Testers simulate real-world cyberattacks to find security weaknesses. The key areas tested include: Authentication & Access Control – Checking login mechanisms, session management, and user roles. Data Storage & Transmission – Evaluating encryption and data protection measures. Business Logic Flaws – Testing for logic errors that hackers can exploit. API & Third-Party Integrations – Assessing risks from connected services. Automated & Manual Testing – Using security tools alongside expert-driven testing for deeper insights. 4. Analysis Each vulnerability is assessed based on three key factors: Likelihood of Exploitation – How easy it is for an attacker to exploit the flaw. Impact on Business & Users – Confidentiality, integrity, and availability risks. Severity Rating – Categorized using OWASP, CVSS, and real-world attack impact. 5. Reporting The penetration testing team provides a detailed VAPT report that includes: A summary of vulnerabilities and their severity levels. Technical details on how each issue was discovered. Recommended fixes with step-by-step remediation guidance. Compliance alignment (e.g., ISO 27001, SOC 2, GDPR, PCI-DSS, FDA). 6. Remediation & Retesting Developers fix the vulnerabilities based on the recommendations. Security testers retest to confirm that: Fixes are properly implemented. No new security risks have emerged. The system is now more secure. 7. Consulting & Support Post-testing consultation helps teams understand: How to strengthen security

Difference Between Vulnerability Assessment & Penetration Testing
Cyber Crime, VAPT

Difference Between Vulnerability Assessment (VA) & Penetration Testing (PT)

Keeping the user’s data safe from cyber attackers is important. There are two ways to check for vulnerabilities. These assessments are known as vulnerability assessment and penetration testing. The difference between VA and PT (vulnerability assessment and penetration testing ) is that vulnerability assessment only identifies potential vulnerabilities. In contrast, penetration testing identifies vulnerabilities and provides insight into how these vulnerabilities might affect the network. Conducting these assessments is necessary, as these provide insight into threats and vulnerabilities. Vulnerability assessments help the company to find areas that need to be fixed or strengthened. Penetration testing shows the firm how serious those vulnerabilities are and what could happen if they are not addressed. This blog provides a comprehensive guide on the differences between vulnerability assessment and penetration testing. What is Vulnerability Assessment? Vulnerability assessment involves cybersecurity experts using automated tools to find potential vulnerabilities. Thereby providing an analysis of the current security strengths and suggesting methods to improve them. Vulnerability scanners like Burp Suite and Nmap have a fixed script, which is used to find known vulnerabilities. Despite being a quick method to find security vulnerabilities, this assessment doesn’t go deep into the application and may generate false positives. What is Penetration Testing? Penetration testing is a comprehensive testing process that involves ethical hackers, who manually try to find vulnerabilities that can be a potential threat to the application or network. Cybersecurity experts or ethical hackers use their hacking skills to test the system for each vulnerability. They also check how its security responds. if the experts successfully penetrate, then it’s a security flaw. These security issues are then documented and given to the company to rectify. Penetration testing is important for businesses, as they are prone to cyber-attacks if their security system is weak or not strong enough. With a cyberattack, the entire operation of the business can be affected. This can also affect the sensitive information stored on the business computer systems. Do you want to see a penetration testing report? Click the link below and check how the details of a pentest report can help with your business’s success! Latest Penetration Testing Report Download Vulnerability Assessment Vs Penetration Testing (VA/PT) Aspect Vulnerability Assessment (VA) Penetration Testing (PT) Purpose Identifies potential weaknesses and vulnerabilities in systems and networks Actively attempts to find and exploit vulnerabilities in the given system Approach Uses automated scanning tools to detect vulnerabilities Employs ethical hackers to simulate real-world attacks to find vulnerabilities Main Goal Find vulnerabilities for remediation Find vulnerabilities, assess their impact level, and provide remediation methods Frequency Typically done more frequently More comprehensive but resource-intensive. Done less frequently Result Provides a list of vulnerabilities to be addressed Provides a realistic assessment of the security posture and potential security issues of the given system Different Types of Penetration Testing   Different Modes of Penetration Testing Mode Description Knowledge Level Blackbox The tester has no prior knowledge of the target system’s internal workings, design, or infrastructure. They approach it as an external attacker would, with no information. Zero knowledge of the system Whitebox The tester has complete knowledge and access to the target system’s source code, architecture, and internal details. They approach it from an insider’s perspective. Full knowledge and access to the system Grey box The tester has partial knowledge and access to the target system’s internal details, such as network diagrams, software versions, or specific documentation. They combine elements of both black-box and white-box testing. Partial or limited knowledge of the system VA/PT Compliance Regulations Regulation/Standard Industry/Purpose Role of VAPT PCI DSS Payment Card Industry, handling payment card data Identify and resolve vulnerabilities to comply with PCI DSS rules. Thus, ensuring secure transactions and protecting data. HIPAA Healthcare sector, protecting patient information Identify and address vulnerabilities that could affect patient information, ensuring confidentiality. GDPR Processing personal data of EU citizens Identify and mitigate security risks, and also ensure compliance with GDPR’s data protection and privacy requirements. ISO 27001 Information Security Management Systems Identify vulnerabilities and implement security controls to achieve and maintain ISO 27001 certification for information security best practices. Why should someone conduct VA/PT services? VAPT Services Description Identify Security Weaknesses VA and PT help identify vulnerabilities in systems, networks, apps, and infrastructure that could be exploited by attackers, allowing organizations to address these weaknesses proactively. Evaluate Security Defenses PT simulates real-world attacks to evaluate the effectiveness of an organization’s security defenses and how well they can withstand and respond to cyber threats. Compliance and Regulatory Requirements Many industries and regulations like PCI DSS, HIPAA, and GDPR mandate regular VA and PT as part of their security and compliance requirements. Risk Management VA and PT services help organizations understand their actual risk level and the potential impact of successful cyber attacks. It is crucial for effective risk management and prioritizing security investments. Secure New Systems and Applications When implementing new systems, apps, or infrastructure, VA and PT can identify vulnerabilities and security gaps before production deployment, ensuring a secure implementation. Stay Ahead of Emerging Threats VA and PT services help organizations stay ahead of new attack vectors and vulnerabilities, ensuring their security measures remain effective against evolving cyber threats. Improve Security Posture Regular VA and PT help organizations continuously improve their overall security posture, reducing the risk of data breaches, system compromises, and other cyber incidents. Conclusion In today’s cyber threat landscape, the question isn’t whether to do vulnerability assessments and penetration testing (VAPT). It is about which VAPT option best suits your needs. A comprehensive VAPT program with continuous scanning not only fortifies security but also fosters a security-first mindset. Also, it maintains compliance and builds customer trust. When choosing a VAPT provider, look beyond the basics. Evaluate their scanning capabilities, industry-specific experience, methodologies, and team expertise. While VAPT requires investment, the return on investment in protecting against cyber attacks and breaches makes it worthwhile. Qualysec has a good history of helping clients and giving cybersecurity services in many industries like IT. Their skills have helped clients find and fix

Scroll to Top
Pabitra Kumar Sahoo

Pabitra Kumar Sahoo

COO & Cybersecurity Expert

“By filling out this form, you can take the first step towards securing your business, During the call, we will discuss your specific security needs and whether our services are a good fit for your business”

Get a quote

For Free Consultation

Pabitra Kumar Sahoo

Pabitra Kumar Sahoo

COO & Cybersecurity Expert