Security gaps just keep getting missed, right?
If you’re evaluating cybersecurity solutions, you’re likely frustrated by slow, point-in-time testing that leaves your actual risks uncovered between scans.
The hardest part is that vulnerabilities just pile up faster than fixes—so you feel stuck always playing catch-up and hoping nothing critical sneaks by.
That’s why NetSPI’s Continuous Threat Exposure Management platform really stands out. It blends always-on penetration testing, attack surface management, and proactive breach simulation—giving you real-time visibility and practical steps to fix what matters most, not just what’s easy to find.
In this review, I’ll show you how NetSPI helps reduce your team’s risk exposure with more precise, actionable vulnerability management.
You’ll see a complete NetSPI review of their platform experience, core features, pricing, service depth, and how they measure up against rivals—everything you’d want to know before booking a demo.
Read on to get the features you need to finally solve your daily security headaches and move forward with clarity.
Let’s dive into the analysis.
Quick Summary
- NetSPI is a proactive security provider combining expert-led penetration testing with continuous attack surface and vulnerability management.
- Best for mid-market to enterprise organizations needing continuous, high-quality offensive security expertise.
- You’ll appreciate its integrated platform that streamlines live vulnerability reporting, prioritization, and remediation guidance.
- NetSPI offers custom pricing tailored to enterprise needs with demos available but no publicly disclosed free trial.
NetSPI Overview
NetSPI’s entire focus is proactive cybersecurity. Based in Minneapolis, they’ve been around since 2001, helping enterprises move from reactive defense to continuous, technology-enabled offensive security programs.
I’ve seen they primarily target enterprise organizations in demanding sectors like finance, healthcare, and cloud technology. What truly sets them apart is their shift from point-in-time testing to a continuous, integrated security program for your modern assets.
Their recent $410M funding round and the nVisium acquisition signal an aggressive growth trajectory. Through this NetSPI review, you can see they are investing heavily in their offensive security suite.
- 🎯 Bonus Resource: Speaking of optimizing for better results, my guide on best A/B testing tools can help scale your ROI faster.
Unlike competitors that rely solely on automation, NetSPI’s real strength is its blend of expert-led manual testing with a scalable technology platform. This combination feels designed to find the complex, chained exploits that scanners often miss.
They work with some of the most security-conscious organizations, including nine of the top ten U.S. banks and many Fortune 500 companies, which speaks volumes about their credibility in high-stakes environments.
You’ll notice their current strategy centers on unifying services into a Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM) program. This directly addresses your team’s need for better visibility and more efficient vulnerability remediation across your attack surface.
Now let’s examine their capabilities.
NetSPI Features
Drowning in cybersecurity alerts and manual tests?
The NetSPI Platform is a unified interface designed to help you manage your Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM) programs. Here are the five main NetSPI features that provide comprehensive security visibility.
- 🎯 Bonus Resource: While discussing cybersecurity initiatives, you might find my guide on Medical Lab Software helpful for streamlining testing operations.
1. Penetration Testing as a Service (PTaaS)
Traditional pen testing is too slow for modern development?
Relying on traditional point-in-time tests leaves you vulnerable between assessments. This can’t keep up with rapid software deployment schedules.
NetSPI’s PTaaS offers on-demand, scalable, and continuous penetration testing. What I found particularly useful is their real-time risk detection and faster remediation cycles, which makes this feature shine. It integrates manual expert testing with automation across various domains, including cloud and application security.
This means you can integrate security testing directly into your development lifecycle, significantly reducing your time to remediation.
2. Attack Surface Management (ASM)
Can’t get a full picture of your digital assets?
Managing an expanding attack surface across cloud, on-prem, and SaaS solutions is tough. You might have partial insights from disparate security tools.
NetSPI’s ASM gives you an all-encompassing view of your digital assets. This feature provides continuous monitoring and proactive vulnerability management by scanning both external and internal assets, including shadow IT. It also pulls in ephemeral cloud assets.
This offers increased asset visibility, helping you uncover hidden risks and prioritize vulnerabilities based on real-time impact.
3. Breach and Attack Simulation (BAS) as a Service
Unsure if your security controls actually work?
Security teams need to constantly validate defenses against evolving threats without risking a real breach. It’s hard to tell what’s truly effective.
NetSPI’s BAS experts partner with your Security Operations Center (SOC) to simulate real-world attack scenarios safely. From my testing, this confirms how potential attack techniques would exploit your organization and bypass controls. This feature is invaluable for testing your defenses proactively.
This improves your cyber defense readiness and helps validate your security ROI with actionable insights for enhancing SIEM detection.
4. Vulnerability Management and Orchestration (Resolve Platform)
Overwhelmed by millions of vulnerability alerts?
Security teams are often swamped by the sheer volume of vulnerability data, leading to remediation bottlenecks. This results in alert fatigue and missed critical issues.
Resolve aggregates vulnerability data from various scanners and manual tests. This feature then performs a risk-based assessment to prioritize the most critical vulnerabilities, integrating with your existing tools like Jira. Here’s what I found: it truly streamlines the remediation process.
This saves you time with automated data flows, reduces false positives, and provides quantifiable metrics for risk reduction over time.
5. SaaS Security Assessments
Worried about misconfigurations in your SaaS apps?
SaaS platforms come with shared security responsibilities, often leading to misconfigurations and vulnerabilities you might overlook. Protecting sensitive data is key.
NetSPI’s specialized assessments for SaaS applications like Salesforce and Microsoft 365 combine automated scanning with manual testing. This feature focuses on areas like Identity & Access Management and Data Management to identify critical vulnerabilities. It covers all the core aspects.
This ensures your sensitive data is protected, only authorized users have access, and best practices are followed across integrated SaaS environments.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Expert team provides industry-leading penetration testing and strategic insights.
- ✅ Unified platform streamlines vulnerability management and reporting processes.
- ✅ Proactive, continuous testing reduces false positives and accelerates remediation.
- ⚠️ Export options for data from the platform could be more robust.
- ⚠️ Advanced platform configuration may present initial complexity for some users.
- ⚠️ Comprehensive services may come with a higher cost for smaller budgets.
You’ll find that these NetSPI features work together seamlessly to create a complete, proactive cybersecurity ecosystem, giving you peace of mind.
NetSPI Pricing
Wondering about NetSPI’s pricing structure?
NetSPI pricing is based on a custom quote model, reflecting their focus on enterprise-level cybersecurity solutions and tailored service delivery for complex organizational needs.
Cost Breakdown
- Base Platform: Custom quote
- User Licenses: Varies by scope and engagement
- Implementation: Included in custom quote
- Integrations: Varies by complexity (e.g., Jira, ServiceNow)
- Key Factors: Scope of engagement, assets tested, frequency of testing, expert involvement
1. Pricing Model & Cost Factors
Understanding NetSPI’s cost.
NetSPI’s pricing operates on a custom quote model, meaning you won’t find public tiers. What I found regarding pricing is that costs are driven by engagement scope, number and type of assets tested, and desired testing frequency. This bespoke approach ensures your budget aligns precisely with your specific security needs.
From my cost analysis, this means your investment directly reflects the complexity and scale of your threat exposure management program.
- 🎯 Bonus Resource: While we’re discussing cybersecurity, understanding medical image access and security is equally important.
2. Value Assessment & ROI
Is this an investment or an expense?
NetSPI positions itself as a premium provider for complex enterprise security, which justifies its custom pricing by offering deep expert involvement and continuous testing. What you pay for is proactive defense that reduces breach risk, potentially saving your business significant costs from security incidents compared to relying on basic tools.
This helps your finance team understand the ROI of robust cybersecurity, connecting cost to tangible risk reduction.
3. Budget Planning & Implementation
Consider total cost of ownership.
When budgeting for NetSPI, consider that pricing will encompass the comprehensive PTaaS and ASM solutions, along with expert consultation. From my cost analysis, the total cost of ownership includes ongoing services and tailored support rather than just a one-time license fee.
So for your business, prepare for a strategic, long-term security investment that scales with your evolving cyber landscape.
My Take: NetSPI’s custom pricing emphasizes a high-value, bespoke security partnership, ideal for large enterprises requiring comprehensive, continuous, and expert-driven cybersecurity solutions.
The overall NetSPI pricing reflects a strategic investment in advanced enterprise security.
NetSPI Reviews
What do customers actually think?
To truly understand NetSPI, I’ve dived deep into real NetSPI reviews, analyzing feedback across various platforms to give you a balanced view of user experiences.
1. Overall User Satisfaction
Users seem consistently impressed.
From my review analysis, NetSPI maintains an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 on Gartner Peer Insights, reflecting high user satisfaction. What I found in user feedback is how customers often feel like NetSPI is an extension of their team, praising the professionalism and expertise.
This indicates you can expect a highly collaborative and supportive vendor experience.
- 🎯 Bonus Resource: While we’re discussing top security solutions, understanding DApp browsers and Web3 security is equally important for expanding your digital defenses.
2. Common Praise Points
Their expertise consistently stands out.
Users frequently praise the NetSPI team’s “top-notch” expertise and the intuitive NetSPI Platform (Resolve) for streamlining security testing. From the reviews I analyzed, the real-time, interactive vulnerability reports are a game-changer, providing clear, actionable management of your security findings.
This means you’ll get clear insights and efficient management of your security findings.
3. Frequent Complaints
Some minor limitations exist.
While overwhelmingly positive, a few NetSPI reviews point to a lack of some export options within the platform and configuration confusion for advanced setups. What stood out in customer feedback is how cost might be a barrier for smaller teams, aligning with NetSPI’s enterprise focus.
These seem to be minor issues or budget considerations rather than deal-breakers.
What Customers Say
- Positive: “Working with NetSPI has been the best vendor experience I’ve had in 8 years of cyber.” (Gartner Peer Insights)
- Constructive: “While the platform is easy to navigate, its configuration can be confusing.” (Industry Review)
- Bottom Line: “The team over at NetSPI is top notch and does an amazing job in all aspects.” (Gartner Peer Insights)
The overall NetSPI reviews reflect strong satisfaction and high praise for their expertise and platform effectiveness.
Best NetSPI Alternatives
Struggling to navigate the offensive security market?
The best NetSPI alternatives include several strong options, each better suited for different business situations and priorities regarding offensive security.
1. Rapid7
Need a broader, integrated security operations platform?
Rapid7 excels if you require a wider suite of security tools beyond just offensive testing, including SIEM and comprehensive vulnerability management. From my competitive analysis, Rapid7 offers a more extensive integrated platform emphasizing automation, making it a strong alternative for broader security needs.
Choose Rapid7 when you need a comprehensive security suite more than NetSPI’s deep manual penetration testing.
- 🎯 Bonus Resource: Speaking of managing diverse operations, my guide on best field service management software can help streamline various aspects of your business.
2. Bishop Fox
Looking for top-tier, pure-play offensive security expertise?
Bishop Fox is a strong alternative if your primary need is solely expert-driven offensive security with an established reputation in the field. What I found comparing options is that Bishop Fox provides highly regarded expert-led offensive services, similar to NetSPI, but with a slightly different platform emphasis.
Consider this alternative when deep, expert-driven penetration testing is your absolute top priority.
3. Cymulate
Prioritizing automated, continuous security posture validation?
Cymulate is your go-to if you mainly need automated breach and attack simulation to continuously validate existing security controls. Alternative-wise, Cymulate provides continuous, automated security validation without the extensive manual penetration testing component NetSPI specializes in.
Choose Cymulate when frequent, automated security posture validation is more critical than deep human-led exploitation.
4. Cobalt.io
Seeking agile, on-demand penetration testing integrated with DevOps?
Cobalt offers a PTaaS model focused on rapid, on-demand testing by connecting you with a global community of testers. From my competitive analysis, Cobalt provides agile, platform-centric penetration testing, ideal for integrating security directly into CI/CD pipelines and developer workflows.
Choose Cobalt when your priority is fast, integrated, and on-demand pen testing within your agile development processes.
Quick Decision Guide
- Choose NetSPI: Deep, human-delivered manual penetration testing and comprehensive platform
- Choose Rapid7: Broad, integrated security operations platform with automation
- Choose Bishop Fox: Elite, pure-play expert offensive security services
- Choose Cymulate: Automated, continuous security posture validation and BAS
- Choose Cobalt.io: Agile, on-demand PTaaS integrated with CI/CD pipelines
The best NetSPI alternatives depend on your specific security priorities and budget considerations rather than features alone.
NetSPI Setup
Worried about the cybersecurity software setup process?
The NetSPI review highlights a deployment approach designed for “Super easy onboarding with quick time to value.” This section analyzes what that means for your business.
1. Setup Complexity & Timeline
Getting started is surprisingly straightforward.
NetSPI’s platform setup is noted as intuitive, especially for their PTaaS and ASM solutions. From my implementation analysis, most businesses experience quick time to value, focusing on API integrations for asset discovery rather than complex infrastructure changes.
You can expect a relatively fast deployment, but still plan for credential management and access provisioning upfront.
2. Technical Requirements & Integration
Minimal infrastructure, focused on key integrations.
The NetSPI Platform is cloud-based, requiring only read-only API access to cloud accounts (AWS, Azure) for asset discovery. What I found about deployment is that its strength lies in integrating with existing tools like ticketing systems (Jira, ServiceNow) and application scanners (AppScan).
Your IT team will need to manage API credentials and configure integrations, but not extensive hardware or software deployments.
3. Training & Change Management
User adoption is a breeze with an intuitive interface.
The platform’s intuitive UI makes navigation effortless, meaning extensive training isn’t typically required for basic use. From my analysis, the built-in chat simplifies user support and direct communication with testers, greatly easing the learning curve and preventing adoption friction.
Expect your team to quickly grasp the platform, with additional secure coding training available for development teams if needed.
- 🎯 Bonus Resource: Speaking of efficient operations, my analysis of University Management Systems might be a valuable read.
4. Support & Success Factors
Expect abundant support throughout your journey.
Customer support is consistently praised for being “top-notch” with “abundant amount of direction.” From my implementation analysis, NetSPI’s proactive support is a major success factor, making their team feel like an extension of your own.
You should leverage their responsive sales and engagement teams, along with in-platform chat, for continuous guidance and problem-solving.
Implementation Checklist
- Timeline: Weeks to months for full integration, fast initial value
- Team Size: Security team plus IT for API credential management
- Budget: Primarily software licensing; minimal setup service costs
- Technical: Cloud API read-only access for asset discovery
- Success Factor: Leveraging NetSPI’s highly responsive support team
Overall, the NetSPI setup emphasizes efficient onboarding and strong vendor support, enabling quick time to value rather than prolonged deployments.
Bottom Line
Should NetSPI be your next security partner?
This NetSPI review demonstrates a premier proactive security solution, combining expert insights with advanced automation for complex organizations, but consider your budget and specific needs carefully.
1. Who This Works Best For
Enterprises serious about continuous, expert-led security.
NetSPI is ideal for mid-market to enterprise organizations that need robust, continuous security testing and proactive risk mitigation for complex cyber threats. From my user analysis, highly regulated industries and those handling sensitive data will find NetSPI’s expertise and comprehensive approach invaluable for meeting stringent compliance requirements.
Your organization will see significant value if you struggle with managing expanding attack surfaces and prioritizing a high volume of vulnerabilities.
2. Overall Strengths
Expert-led penetration testing combined with platform efficiency.
The software succeeds by merging expert manual penetration testing with the efficiency of The NetSPI Platform, identifying sophisticated vulnerabilities automated tools miss. From my comprehensive analysis, their “technology-powered, human-delivered” approach excels at reducing false positives while providing actionable, expert-validated findings for your team.
These strengths will translate into significantly enhanced security posture, reduced remediation time, and greater confidence in your defense readiness.
3. Key Limitations
Enterprise-grade solution implies a significant investment.
While incredibly powerful, NetSPI’s comprehensive services and expert human involvement position it as a premium solution, likely outside the budget for smaller businesses. Based on this review, the cost might be prohibitive for very limited budgets or for companies primarily needing basic, automated vulnerability scanning solutions.
I’d say these limitations are less about functionality and more about ensuring your budget aligns with the high-value, comprehensive security partnership.
4. Final Recommendation
NetSPI earns a strong recommendation for the right fit.
You should choose NetSPI if your enterprise requires deep, manual penetration testing by highly skilled experts to uncover exploitable vulnerabilities and validate controls. From my analysis, this solution works best as a strategic security partnership rather than a standalone, automated tool for your team.
My confidence level is high for mid-market to enterprise-level organizations, but lower for small businesses with basic security needs.
Bottom Line
- Verdict: Recommended for mid-market to enterprise security
- Best For: Organizations needing continuous, expert-led offensive security
- Business Size: Mid-market to enterprise, highly regulated industries
- Biggest Strength: Technology-powered, human-delivered comprehensive penetration testing
- Main Concern: Premium pricing may not fit smaller budgets
- Next Step: Contact sales for a demo to assess enterprise-level fit
This NetSPI review shows exceptional value for organizations prioritizing comprehensive, expert-driven security, while highlighting the significant investment required for this partnership.