The verdict in three sentences
An OWASP penetration test is objective proof that your business web app withstands a realistic attack, required before any sensitive go-live or enterprise audit. In 2026, a grey-box test costs CAD 6,500 to 17,000, up to CAD 21,000 with a CVSS report and retest. Also budget for developer remediation (CAD 750–1,050/day), often forgotten yet decisive for the test's value.
Black, grey or white box: which level?
The level of knowledge given to the tester radically changes depth and price.
| Test type | Tester knowledge | Duration | 2026 price (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black box | None (external attacker) | 3–5 d | 5,000–10,000 |
| Grey box | User accounts provided | 4–8 d | 6,500–17,000 |
| White box | Source code + architecture | 6–12 d | 11,000–25,000 |
| Remediation retest | Fix verification | 1–2 d | 1,400–3,500 |
| Bug bounty (annual) | Continuous, crowd | 12 months | 8,500–42,000 |
For a business app before an enterprise audit, grey box offers the best coverage/price ratio: the tester acts as an authenticated malicious user, the most common real-world case.
Scope vs price: what drives the quote
A qualified tester's day rate runs CAD 950–1,500 in 2026. The final price depends mostly on the scope covered.
| Scope tested | Typical effort | Price impact |
|---|---|---|
| Authentication / sessions | 1–2 d | base included |
| REST / GraphQL API | 2–4 d | +2,800–7,000 |
| Access control (RBAC) | 1–2 d | +2,100–4,200 |
| Privacy compliance (PII) | 1 d | +1,100–2,100 |
| File upload / storage | 1 d | +1,100–2,100 |
| Infrastructure / configuration | 1–2 d | +2,100–4,200 |
The key deliverable is a CVSS report ranking each vulnerability (critical, high, medium, low) with proof of exploitation and a fix recommendation. Without a retest, you have no guarantee the fixes actually work.
Mini case study
Julien, CTO of a Toronto SaaS vendor, must pass an enterprise manufacturer's security audit before signing. He orders a grey-box test: CAD 12,000 over 6 days, API + RBAC + privacy included. The report reveals 2 critical and 5 medium vulnerabilities. Remediation by his team: 4 days at CAD 900/day = CAD 3,600. Retest: CAD 2,500. Total budget: CAD 18,100. The enterprise contract was worth CAD 190,000/year: the pentest unlocked a signature that, without security proof, would have slipped by months.
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FAQ
How often should a business app be pentested?
The recommended cadence is annual, plus after every major change (new API, auth redesign). Enterprise buyers often require a report less than 12 months old.
One-off pentest or bug bounty?
A pentest gives a point-in-time snapshot with a structured deliverable (ideal for an audit). A bug bounty gives continuous coverage but variable cost (CAD 8,500–42,000/year). They are complementary; start with the pentest.
Is the retest really necessary?
Yes: without a retest you cannot prove the vulnerabilities are fixed. It costs CAD 1,400–3,500 and turns the report into usable proof for a client.
Who fixes the vulnerabilities found?
Your development team, priced at CAD 750–1,050/day. Some fixes take hours, others require rework. The CVSS report prioritizes the effort.
Does a pentest guarantee no vulnerabilities?
No: it attests that none were found within the scope and time allotted. It is a measurable risk reduction, not an absolute guarantee.
Let's scope your project. Tell us the scope to test (API, authentication, privacy), the audit deadline and account count: we price the pentest, the CVSS report and the retest. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
