Cobalt
Cobalt is a Pentest as a Service platform that combines SaaS efficiency with a global community of security experts to identify and remediate vulnerabilities in your applications.
NordVPN
NordVPN is a security software providing encrypted internet access and advanced threat protection to keep your online activities, personal data, and devices safe from hackers and trackers.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Cobalt | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Website | cobalt.io | nordvpn.com |
| Pricing Model | Custom | Subscription |
| Starting Price | Custom Pricing | $12.99/month |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✘ No free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✘ No product demo |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2013 | 2012 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, USA | Panama City, Panama |
Overview
Cobalt
Cobalt transforms traditional penetration testing into a dynamic, tech-enabled experience through its Pentest as a Service (PtaaS) platform. You can move away from slow, static PDF reports and instead launch comprehensive security assessments in days rather than weeks. The platform connects you directly with a vetted community of on-demand security researchers who test your web applications, APIs, and cloud infrastructure in real-time.
You can manage the entire testing lifecycle from a single dashboard, allowing your developers to communicate directly with testers for faster vulnerability remediation. It integrates with your existing development workflows to ensure security keeps pace with your release cycles. Whether you need to meet compliance requirements like SOC2 or harden your external attack surface, you get actionable data and on-demand retesting to stay secure.
NordVPN
NordVPN helps you reclaim your online privacy by masking your IP address and encrypting your internet traffic. You can browse the web securely on public Wi-Fi, bypass geo-restrictions to access your favorite content, and prevent your ISP from tracking your browsing history. It uses the high-speed NordLynx protocol to ensure your connection remains fast while staying protected.
Beyond a standard VPN, you get built-in Threat Protection to block malicious websites, trackers, and intrusive ads before they reach your device. It supports up to 10 simultaneous connections across all your devices, including smartphones, laptops, and smart TVs. You can choose from over 6,000 servers worldwide to find the best performance for your specific needs.
Overview
Cobalt Features
- On-Demand Pentesting Launch a manual pentest in as little as 24 hours to meet tight production deadlines or compliance windows.
- Real-Time Reporting View vulnerabilities as testers find them so your team can start fixing critical bugs before the test even finishes.
- Direct Researcher Access Chat directly with your assigned security experts to clarify findings and get specific guidance on complex remediation steps.
- SDLC Integrations Push findings automatically to Jira, GitHub, or Slack so your developers can manage security fixes in their existing tools.
- Complimentary Retesting Request a free retest once you've applied a fix to ensure the vulnerability is fully resolved and verified.
- Compliance Reporting Generate audit-ready reports for SOC2, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS with a single click to satisfy your stakeholders and auditors.
NordVPN Features
- Next-Generation Encryption. Secure your internet traffic with AES 256-bit encryption so hackers and ISPs cannot see your online activities.
- Threat Protection Pro. Block malicious websites, stop intrusive web trackers, and scan downloaded files for malware automatically in real-time.
- Double VPN. Route your traffic through two different VPN servers for an extra layer of encryption and maximum privacy.
- Dark Web Monitor. Get instant alerts if your email address or credentials appear in leaked databases so you can take action.
- Meshnet. Create your own private network to share files securely or access your home devices while traveling abroad.
- Kill Switch. Prevent data leaks by automatically blocking your internet access if your VPN connection drops unexpectedly.
Pricing Comparison
Cobalt Pricing
NordVPN Pricing
- Secure high-speed VPN
- 10 devices protected
- 6,000+ servers worldwide
- NordLynx protocol
- 24/7 customer support
- Everything in Basic, plus:
- Threat Protection Pro
- Ad and tracker blocker
- Cross-platform password manager
- Data Breach Scanner
Pros & Cons
Cobalt
Pros
- Significantly faster setup time than traditional consulting firms
- Direct communication with testers speeds up remediation
- Clean dashboard replaces messy PDF report management
- High-quality, vetted researchers provide deep manual insights
Cons
- Credit-based pricing can be complex to forecast
- Platform focus is primarily on manual testing over automation
- Premium pricing reflects the high-touch expert service
NordVPN
Pros
- Consistently fast connection speeds across global servers
- Intuitive interface is easy for beginners to navigate
- Strong track record of verified no-logs privacy policy
- Works reliably for unblocking major streaming platforms
Cons
- Monthly subscription is expensive without long-term commitment
- Map-based interface can feel cluttered on mobile screens
- Renewal prices are higher than initial promotional rates