The verdict in three sentences
A security audit (pentest) of a B2B web application costs 4,000 to 15,000 EUR in 2026, depending on the number of features and roles tested. The typical timeline is 2 to 3 weeks from kick-off to report, plus a remediation phase and a re-test. It is often the prerequisite that large accounts and CIOs demand before trusting you with their data — an investment that unlocks contracts.
What does a pentest cost in 2026?
Price depends on scope (number of endpoints, roles, business complexity) and test depth. Here are 2026 orders of magnitude.
| Audit type | Scope | Timeline | 2026 cost (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express pentest | Simple app, 1 role | 3-5 days | 4,000 - 6,000 |
| Standard pentest | Business app, 2-3 roles | 8-10 days | 7,000 - 10,000 |
| Deep pentest | Complex app, API, multi-role | 12-15 days | 11,000 - 15,000 |
| Continuous audit (subscription) | Scan + quarterly pentest | annual | 18,000 - 35,000/yr |
| Managed bug bounty | Program + triage | annual | 15,000 - 40,000/yr |
The post-remediation re-test usually represents 20 to 30% of the initial cost and confirms the flaws are fixed.
What a serious audit covers: OWASP Top 10
A good pentest follows a recognized framework. Here are the main categories tested and their frequent B2B criticality.
| OWASP category | What is tested | Typical criticality |
|---|---|---|
| Access control | Privilege escalation, IDOR | High |
| Injection | SQL, NoSQL, commands | High |
| Authentication | Brute force, sessions, MFA | High |
| Misconfiguration | Headers, CORS, exposed secrets | Medium |
| Vulnerable components | Outdated dependencies | Medium |
| Sensitive data | Encryption, logs, GDPR | High |
| Business logic | Workflow bypass | Variable |
Mini case study
Sophie, CISO of a 60-person B2B SaaS vendor, had to complete a security questionnaire before signing a large account worth 240,000 EUR/year. Without audit proof, the deal was stuck. She ordered a standard pentest at 9,000 EUR, followed by internal remediation (5 dev days) and a re-test at 2,500 EUR. Total: 11,500 EUR to secure a 240,000 EUR contract — less than 5% of first-year revenue. The report also served as a sales reference for three other demanding prospects.
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FAQ
Black-box, grey-box or white-box pentest?
Grey-box (with test accounts) offers the best coverage-to-price ratio and mirrors a realistic attacker. White-box (with source code) costs 20 to 30% more but finds more logic flaws; reserve it for critical applications.
How often should I audit?
At least once a year and after every major change. Applications handling payments or sensitive personal data benefit from moving to a continuous audit or bug bounty.
Is the report enough to reassure a client?
A recent pentest report (under 12 months) with proof of remediation and re-test answers almost every large-account security questionnaire. It is a concrete sales argument.
How much does remediation cost?
It depends on the flaws found. Budget 3 to 10 dev days on top of the re-test. A good report prioritizes fixes by risk to focus effort where it counts.
Let's scope your project. Tell us the application type, the number of roles and your client deadlines, and we'll frame the pentest scope and budget. 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.
