The verdict in three sentences
A serious security audit of a web application in Montreal is budgeted between EUR 4,500 and 25,000 in 2026 depending on the number of features and depth of intrusion. The real deliverable isn't an automated scan but a manual pentest paired with a prioritized, testable remediation plan. Facing GDPR risk (up to 4% of revenue in fines) and the average cost of a data breach, the audit is one of the most profitable investments on your technical roadmap.
How much a security audit costs in 2026
The price depends on the attack surface: number of roles, exposed APIs, payment integrations, volume of personal data. Here are the 2026 ranges for Montreal.
| Audit type | Scope | 2026 cost (EUR) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express audit (VA) | Scan + OWASP Top 10 review | 4,500 - 7,000 | 3-5 days |
| Application pentest | Manual intrusion test, 1 app | 8,000 - 14,000 | 8-12 days |
| Pentest + API + auth | App + API + role management | 14,000 - 20,000 | 12-18 days |
| Full audit + GDPR | Pentest + compliance + infra | 20,000 - 25,000 | 18-25 days |
Remediation (fixing the flaws) is often billed separately: expect EUR 3,000 to 12,000 depending on the number of critical vulnerabilities to fix, or include it in a maintenance contract.
What a real OWASP audit covers
A credible audit systematically tests the OWASP Top 10 2021 categories. Here are the most common flaws we find on B2B applications and their typical criticality.
| OWASP category | Concrete example | Criticality | Observed frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broken Access Control | Access to another client's data | Critical | 6 audits out of 10 |
| Injection (SQL/XSS) | Unescaped form | High | 4 out of 10 |
| Cryptographic Failures | Poorly hashed passwords | High | 5 out of 10 |
| Security Misconfiguration | Missing HTTP headers | Medium | 8 out of 10 |
| Vulnerable Components | Outdated dependency | Medium to high | 7 out of 10 |
| Authentication Failures | No rate limiting | High | 5 out of 10 |
Eight applications out of ten show at least one exploitable misconfiguration. It's not a question of "if" but "when" an attacker finds it.
Timelines and process
An audit follows four phases. Total duration ranges from 1 to 4 weeks depending on scope, remediation excluded.
| Phase | Content | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Scoping | Perimeter, test accounts, authorizations | 1-2 days |
| Testing | Reconnaissance, exploitation, proof of concept | 3-18 days |
| Report | CVSS-prioritized flaws + recommendations | 2-4 days |
| Debrief | Meeting, action plan, optional retest | 1 day |
Mini case study
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Sophie, CIO of a 40-person fintech in Montreal, needs to reassure an investor before a funding round. She orders an application + API pentest at EUR 16,000, over 15 business days. The audit reveals 2 critical flaws (Broken Access Control) and 5 medium ones.
Remediation costs EUR 7,500 and takes 9 days. Total: EUR 23,500. In contrast, a breach exposing the data of her 12,000 users would have triggered a regulator notification, a fine risk of up to 4% of revenue and a loss of trust measurable in the hundreds of thousands. The audit becomes the cheapest insurance in the file, and the attestation secures the fundraising.
FAQ
What is the price of an application pentest in 2026?
Between EUR 8,000 and 14,000 for a single application, and up to EUR 20,000 including APIs and role management. A mere automated scan (EUR 4,500-7,000) does not replace a manual test.
Is remediation included?
Rarely in the audit price. Expect an additional EUR 3,000 to 12,000 depending on the number of critical flaws, or fold it into a monthly maintenance contract to spread the cost.
Does an audit cover GDPR compliance?
Only full audits. The GDPR component (register, minimization, encryption, notification) adds EUR 4,000 to 6,000 and protects you against a fine risk of up to 4% of global revenue.
How long does an audit take?
From 3 days for an express audit to 4 weeks for a full audit with API and GDPR. Then plan for remediation time, often 1 to 2 weeks.
How often should we audit?
At minimum once a year and systematically after a major change. A targeted retest after remediation (1 to 2 days) confirms the flaws are properly closed.
Let's scope your project. Tell us the application type, number of users and regulatory constraints: we'll scope the audit and remediation. 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.
