You've heard the term thrown around in vendor pitches and security conferences: PTaaS. But what exactly is Penetration Testing as a Service, and why is it rapidly replacing the traditional consulting model? This guide breaks down everything you need to know.
Whether you're evaluating security vendors, building a continuous testing program, or just trying to understand the landscape, this explainer covers the fundamentals of PTaaS—what it is, how it works, and when it makes sense for your organization.
What Is PTaaS (Penetration Testing as a Service)?
Penetration Testing as a Service (PTaaS) is a delivery model for security testing that provides on-demand or continuous penetration testing through a platform-based approach, rather than discrete consulting engagements.
Think of it like the difference between hiring a contractor for a one-time project versus subscribing to a service that's always available. With PTaaS, you get:
On-Demand Testing
Initiate penetration tests when you need them, not when a consultant has availability. No more 6-8 week scheduling delays.
Continuous Validation
Retest after fixes, validate new features, and maintain continuous security assurance throughout your development cycle.
Platform Access
View findings, track remediation, download reports, and manage your security program through a centralized dashboard.
Predictable Pricing
Subscription-based or usage-based pricing instead of expensive per-engagement consulting fees.
How Does PTaaS Work?
While specific implementations vary by provider, most PTaaS platforms follow a similar workflow:
Asset Onboarding
Define what you want tested—web applications, APIs,
Test Initiation
Request a penetration test through the platform. No scheduling calls, no SOWs to negotiate. Testing typically begins within hours or days, not weeks.
Testing Execution
Security professionals (or AI-augmented systems) perform comprehensive testing. Some providers offer real-time visibility into findings as they're discovered.
Results Delivery
Access findings through the platform immediately. No waiting weeks for a PDF. Download compliance reports when needed.
Remediation & Retesting
Fix vulnerabilities and request retests to validate fixes—typically included in your subscription at no additional cost.
PTaaS vs Traditional Penetration Testing
The traditional penetration testing model hasn't changed much in 20 years. Here's how PTaaS compares:
| Aspect | Traditional Pentesting | PTaaS |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduling | 6-8 weeks lead time | Hours to days |
| Duration | 2-4 weeks per engagement | 24-72 hours typical |
| Retesting | Extra cost, requires new SOW | Included, unlimited |
| Results Access | PDF report after engagement | Real-time platform access |
| Pricing | $15,000-$100,000+ per engagement | Subscription or per-test pricing |
| Frequency | Annual or quarterly | Continuous or on-demand |
| Integration | None (manual process) | CI/CD, ticketing, SIEM |
The Core Difference
Traditional pentesting treats security testing as an event. PTaaS treats it as an ongoing service. This shift enables security programs that match modern development velocity.
Types of PTaaS Providers
Not all PTaaS is created equal. The market has several distinct models:
Crowdsourced PTaaS
Platforms that coordinate freelance security researchers to test your assets. Examples include Bugcrowd and HackerOne's pentest offerings. Good for breadth, but quality varies by researcher.
Human-Only PTaaS
Traditional consulting firms offering a "platform wrapper" around their existing services. Faster scheduling, but still human-speed testing and human-scale costs.
Automated PTaaS
Pure automation tools marketed as pentesting. Fast and cheap, but miss business logic flaws and produce high false-positive rates. Essentially rebranded vulnerability scanning.
AI-Augmented PTaaS
Combines
Benefits of PTaaS
Organizations switch to PTaaS for several compelling reasons:
Speed to Results
Get findings in days, not months. Critical for organizations deploying frequently or responding to incidents.
Reduced Exposure Window
Faster testing means vulnerabilities are found and fixed before attackers can exploit them.
Unlimited Retesting
Validate fixes immediately. No negotiating new contracts or waiting for consultant availability.
DevSecOps Integration
Trigger tests from
Cost Efficiency
Test more frequently at a
Always Audit-Ready
Maintain continuous compliance evidence. Generate reports for
When Should You Choose PTaaS?
PTaaS isn't right for every situation. Here's when it makes the most sense:
PTaaS Is Ideal When:
- You deploy code frequently (weekly or faster)
- You need to test after every major release
- Compliance requires continuous security validation
- You're frustrated with long scheduling delays
- Your budget can't accommodate $50k+ per engagement
- You want retesting included without extra fees
- You need to integrate security into CI/CD
Consider Traditional When:
- You need highly specialized testing (ICS/SCADA, hardware)
- Testing requires physical presence (
) - You only need one test per year for compliance
- Your organization has never had a pentest (start with traditional to establish baseline)
- You need extremely customized reporting for specific auditors
How ManticoreAI Delivers PTaaS
ManticoreAI takes the PTaaS model further by combining AI-powered testing with
AI Assessment
ShieldProbe autonomously discovers vulnerabilities including business logic flaws that scanners miss.
Expert Validation
Audit-Ready Reports
Deliverables that auditors accept without question. Full evidence, executive summaries, remediation guidance.
The result: audit-grade penetration testing in 48 hours with unlimited retests for 12 months. You get the speed of automation with the credibility of human expert validation.
Getting Started with PTaaS
PTaaS represents a fundamental shift in how organizations approach security testing—from annual compliance checkboxes to continuous security validation. For teams deploying frequently and needing security feedback fast, it's increasingly the only practical option.
When evaluating PTaaS providers, consider:
- Do they offer human validation, or just automated scanning rebranded?
- What certifications do their testers hold (CREST, OSCP, etc.)?
- Are retests truly unlimited, or are there hidden limits?
- How fast do they actually deliver results?
- Can they integrate with your existing development workflow?
The goal isn't just faster pentests—it's security that keeps pace with how you actually build and deploy software.
See PTaaS in Action
ManticoreAI delivers audit-grade penetration testing in 48 hours. Book a demo to see how PTaaS can transform your security program.