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.
Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access is a privacy-focused VPN service providing encrypted internet tunnels, a strict no-logs policy, and high-speed global servers to keep your personal data and online activities secure.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Cobalt | Private Internet Access |
|---|---|---|
| Website | cobalt.io | privateinternetaccess.com |
| Pricing Model | Custom | Subscription |
| Starting Price | Custom Pricing | $11.95/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 | 2010 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, USA | Denver, USA |
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.
Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a robust virtual private network that helps you reclaim your online privacy and security. By routing your traffic through encrypted tunnels, it prevents ISPs, hackers, and advertisers from monitoring your browsing habits. You can hide your IP address and change your virtual location with access to a massive network of servers across 91 countries, ensuring you can browse the web without restrictions.
The platform is built on a proven 100% transparent, open-source foundation, meaning anyone can inspect the code for security flaws. You can protect up to unlimited devices simultaneously under a single subscription, making it a practical choice for households or power users with multiple gadgets. Whether you are using public Wi-Fi or just want to stop data tracking at home, PIA provides the tools to stay anonymous.
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.
Private Internet Access Features
- Unlimited Device Connections. Protect every gadget you own at the same time with a single account—no more choosing which device to secure.
- Strict No-Logs Policy. Rest easy knowing your browsing history and personal data are never recorded, stored, or shared with anyone.
- MACE Ad Blocker. Block ads, trackers, and malicious websites at the DNS level to speed up your browsing and improve privacy.
- Advanced Split Tunneling. Choose exactly which apps use the VPN and which access the internet directly for better speed and flexibility.
- Dedicated IP Address. Get a personal IP address that only you use to avoid captchas and maintain access to sensitive accounts.
- Kill Switch Protection. Prevent data leaks by automatically cutting your internet connection if the VPN drops for even a second.
Pricing Comparison
Cobalt Pricing
Private Internet Access Pricing
- Unlimited device connections
- Access to all 91 countries
- MACE ad & malware blocker
- 100% Open-source apps
- 24/7 Customer support
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Everything in Monthly, plus:
- Significant discount on monthly rate
- Free email breach monitor
- Advanced kill switch
- High-speed 10Gbps servers
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
Private Internet Access
Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous connections for all your devices
- Proven no-logs policy verified in court cases
- Highly customizable security settings for advanced users
- Fast connection speeds suitable for 4K streaming
- Excellent native apps for all major platforms
Cons
- Headquartered in the United States (5-Eyes jurisdiction)
- Server speeds can vary depending on location
- Interface may feel complex for VPN beginners