AWS is the largest cloud provider, and many modern businesses run their core systems on it. In 2024, “AWS controlled roughly a third of the global cloud infrastructure market, which makes it a prime target for attackers”[1].
The main security risks in AWS include misconfigured storage and IAM settings, exposed APIs, insecure serverless functions, and weak identity controls. These problems are not rare: recent industry research found that “most organizations that suffered cloud incidents linked them directly to identity or configuration weaknesses”[2].
Traditional penetration tests often fail to detect these AWS-specific issues. Proper AWS testing requires cloud-native expertise, such as reviewing IAM policies, checking cross-account roles, testing managed services like S3 or Lambda, and validating IaC pipelines and CI/CD workflows. Providers with this knowledge can uncover real attack paths and give remediation advice that engineering teams can apply quickly.
This guide is written for CISOs, CTOs, and security and DevOps leaders at SaaS and cloud-first companies who need to choose an AWS penetration testing provider that delivers both technical depth and audit-ready reporting.
However, despite its popularity, many organizations still decide to look for Cobalt alternatives. Some search for a different pricing or engagement model, while others prioritize requirements specific to their industry or simply just prefer a more boutique style oversight or methodology.
This guide will offer an overview of the best Cobalt alternatives of 2025 and help you determine what is best for your security needs. We will first summarize what is provided by Cobalt, then summarize the top alternate provider options, and finally provide you factors to consider as you pursue your penetration testing provider.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an AWS Pen Test Provider
Selecting the right AWS penetration testing partner ensures your cloud investments are secure, compliant, and ready for enterprise scrutiny.
AWS expertise and certifications
Providers with AWS-specific certifications such as AWS Certified Security – Specialty or GIAC Cloud Security show validated knowledge of IAM, S3, and serverless services. This matters because over “90% of cloud security incidents are linked to customer misconfigurations, highlighting the need for deep AWS expertise”[3].
Compliance readiness
Audit-ready reports should map findings to SOC 2, HIPAA, PCI DSS, or GDPR. For example, SOC 2 auditors often expect penetration test results tied directly to CC-series controls like CC7.1, making compliance-aware providers more valuable. “In 2024, more than 80% of enterprises said regulatory demands were the primary driver of cloud security investment”[4].
Testing methodologies
Leading providers combine black-box, gray-box, and red-team approaches. This layered coverage identifies external attack paths while also simulating insider or compromised-credential risks.
Reporting and remediation support
High-quality reports should include severity ratings, exploit proof, and prioritized remediation steps. Providers offering structured retesting help teams close vulnerabilities before audits and demonstrate improved security posture.
Flexibility
Some organizations need a one-off test to meet an audit deadline, while others benefit from continuous validation through PTaaS. Flexible providers can scale from annual engagements to DevOps-integrated testing that runs alongside CI/CD pipelines.
Industry alignment
A provider with SaaS, fintech, or healthcare experience understands sector-specific risks such as HIPAA compliance for patient data or PCI DSS for payment systems. Their findings are not only technically accurate but also tailored to industry threat models, making them more actionable for leadership.
Top AWS Penetration Testing Companies
1. Cybri
Best for: Companies that need expert-led AWS penetration testing, delivered via a PTaaS platform, alongside remediation guidance and audit-ready reporting.
Cybri is a dedicated penetration testing provider with deep expertise in securing AWS-hosted environments. Unlike broad consultancies, Cybri focuses exclusively on offensive security, delivering assessments tailored to the unique risks of cloud-native architectures. Its team consists of US-based senior testers holding certifications such as OSCP and OSWE, ensuring every engagement is both hands-on and technically rigorous.
Core AWS penetration testing services
- Web application and API testing (REST, GraphQL, serverless APIs)
- AWS cloud configuration and IAM role assessments
- Kubernetes and containerized workloads on AWS EKS
- Continuous PTaaS delivery integrated with CI/CD pipelines
- Audit-ready reporting mapped to SOC 2, HIPAA, and PCI DSS
- Developer-friendly BlueBox PTaaS platform for real-time visibility
- Structured retests included to confirm remediation
- Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
- Proven focus on SaaS and regulated industries
- U.S.-based, certified penetration testers
2. Bluefire Redteam
Best for: Organizations seeking tailored AWS penetration testing supported by a PTaaS dashboard for real-time visibility.
Founded in 2020, Bluefire Redteam is a global cybersecurity provider recognized by Clutch and Silicon India for penetration testing excellence. The firm has developed strong expertise in AWS penetration testing, with certified testers who understand the nuances of cloud-native environments. Bluefire emphasizes a structured testing process covering scoping, vulnerability assessment, exploitation, reporting, and retesting.
Core AWS penetration testing services:
- External and internal AWS network penetration tests
- Cloud configuration and IAM security reviews
- Automated and manual vulnerability discovery
- Compliance alignment with PCI-DSS, HIPAA, ISO 27001
- PentestLive platform for real-time reporting and Jira integration
- Recognition as a top pentesting company by Clutch (2023, 2024)
- Phased methodology from scoping to retest
- Global delivery model with cost-effective pricing
3. Cyphere
Best for: Businesses needing CREST-accredited penetration testing with strong coverage of AWS misconfigurations and compliance gaps.
Cyphere is a UK-based cybersecurity provider specializing in penetration testing and red teaming, with CREST accreditation that underscores the rigor of its services. Its cloud penetration testing practice covers AWS, Azure, GCP, and Office 365, with a focus on misconfiguration risks, compliance readiness, and insider threat simulations. Cyphere highlights the shared responsibility model, helping customers secure what lies inside their AWS tenant while the provider secures the underlying infrastructure.
Core AWS penetration testing services
- Security reviews of AWS services (EC2, S3, IAM, Lambda)
- External and internal AWS penetration tests
- Assessment of data storage risks, API exposures, and credential weaknesses
- Compliance testing aligned with ISO 27001, GDPR, and PCI DSS
- Expertise across multiple cloud platforms, including AWS
- Focus on compliance-driven testing for regulated industries
- Strong emphasis on misconfigurations and identity-based risks
- CREST accreditation
4. Zeb
Best for: Enterprises seeking AWS managed security services that combine compliance alignment with proactive penetration testing.
Zeb is an AWS partner offering a broad suite of digital transformation and cloud security services. Their AWS security practice focuses on helping organizations secure critical assets through managed services, configuration audits, and penetration testing. Zeb has been recognized as an AWS Rising Star Partner of the Year, underscoring its capability in delivering tailored AWS solutions for regulated industries and global enterprises.
Core AWS penetration testing services:
- Identity and access management reviews
- Proactive vulnerability management and penetration testing
- Continuous threat detection and AI/ML-driven incident response
- Reports mapped to SOC 2, HIPAA, PCI DSS, ISO 27001, and CIS benchmarks
- Award-winning AWS partner status
- Proactive vulnerability and misconfiguration management
- AI/ML-enabled monitoring for faster detection and response
- Strong focus on compliance and regulatory standards
5. CyberSapiens
Best for: Organizations in APAC and beyond seeking AWS-focused penetration testing with strong compliance alignment.
CyberSapiens is an Australian cybersecurity company specializing in Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT). Its AWS penetration testing service is designed to simulate real-world attack scenarios in cloud environments, focusing on IAM policies, misconfigurations, and compliance-driven risks. The firm emphasizes a structured process that goes beyond scanning – covering discovery, exploitation, and remediation guidance.
Core AWS penetration testing services:
- Scope definition and AWS asset discovery
- Vulnerability analysis with manual and automated testing
- Exploitation and post-exploitation scenarios (privilege escalation, lateral movement)
- Compliance support for ISO 27001, PCI DSS, HIPAA, SOC 2
- Certified cloud security professionals with AWS expertise
- Manual + automated hybrid testing approach
- Tailored assessments aligned to each AWS architecture
- Strong client support with after-sales remediation assistance
6. Sunbytes
Best for: Companies looking for AWS cloud security testing with a balance of technical depth and business-focused reporting.
Sunbytes is a global technology and cybersecurity provider with a strong focus on cloud security. Its AWS penetration testing services are designed to uncover misconfigurations, excessive permissions, and insecure integrations in EC2, S3, IAM, and other AWS-managed services. Sunbytes emphasizes the AWS Shared Responsibility Model, helping clients validate that their configurations are secure while avoiding disruptions to production workloads.
Core AWS penetration testing services
- Configuration review of IAM, S3, EC2, and RDS
- Vulnerability scanning and manual exploitation
- White-box testing of user-managed AWS services
- Detailed reporting with remediation guidance
- Experience across AWS, Azure, and GCP environments
- Non-disruptive methodology aligned with AWS best practices
- Reporting tailored for compliance and executive visibility
- Ability to scale testing from startups to enterprise-grade deployments
7. Aardwolf Security
Best for: Organizations seeking CREST-accredited AWS penetration testing with a structured, step-by-step methodology.
Aardwolf Security is a UK-based provider specializing in penetration testing and secure configuration reviews for cloud platforms. Its AWS penetration testing service follows a comprehensive seven-step process, from information gathering and threat modeling to exploitation, post-exploitation, and reporting. The firm emphasizes alignment with AWS requirements, including obtaining approvals for testing and focusing on non-disruptive methods to protect client environments.
Core AWS penetration testing services:
- AWS configuration reviews (IAM, S3, CloudTrail, Security Groups)
- Vulnerability identification and controlled exploitation
- Lambda function and serverless security testing
- CREST-accredited penetration testers with decades of experience
- Comprehensive seven-phase methodology tailored to AWS
- Strong focus on configuration, IAM, and storage misconfigurations
- Compliance-focused testing with non-disruptive execution
- Detailed reports with risk analysis and remediation guidance
Which AWS Penetration Testing Company Is Right for You?
The best AWS penetration testing provider depends on your company size, risk profile, and compliance needs. Here’s how different providers align with typical use cases:
Startups / SMBs: For smaller organizations with tight budgets and compliance-focused priorities, CyberSapiens and Sunbytes deliver cost-effective AWS pentesting with clear compliance mapping to standards like SOC 2 and PCI DSS.
- Mid-size SaaS companies: For cloud-native teams needing DevOps integration, automation, and ongoing testing, Cybri is the strongest fit. Its BlueBox PTaaS platform integrates seamlessly with CI/CD pipelines, while reports map directly to SOC 2 and HIPAA, ensuring both operational speed and audit readiness. Bluefire Redteam is also a solid option for mid-market teams that value real-time dashboards and phased testing processes.
- Enterprises: For large organizations with complex cloud estates, Zeb and Aardwolf Security provide enterprise-grade methodologies, CREST-accredited testers, and advanced red team simulations. Cyphere is particularly well-suited for financial services and healthcare firms that require strict regulatory alignment and deeper testing against industry-specific attack scenarios.
This breakdown ensures you can match your cloud security needs with a provider equipped to deliver assurance at your scale.
Common Pitfalls When Choosing an AWS Pentesting Provider
Even security-conscious organizations can make missteps when selecting an AWS penetration testing partner. Avoiding the following pitfalls helps ensure you get real value from your investment.
Assuming all providers have AWS-specific expertise
Not every pentesting firm understands IAM, serverless, or multi-tenant SaaS architectures. Providers without AWS expertise may miss critical misconfigurations or produce reports that auditors find incomplete.
Ignoring compliance needs tied to industry
Different industries face different obligations – SOC 2 for SaaS, HIPAA for healthcare, PCI DSS for payments. Choosing a provider that cannot map findings to your framework adds work and weakens audit readiness.
Overlooking remediation support
A detailed report is only useful if your team can act on it. Providers that include retesting and remediation guidance help ensure vulnerabilities are closed before auditors review.
Focusing only on price vs. long-term value
Low-cost providers may cut corners on manual testing or reporting depth. A higher upfront investment in a specialized AWS pentest partner reduces long-term breach and compliance costs.
Final Thoughts & Next Steps
AWS is the backbone of modern SaaS and enterprise infrastructure, but its scale and complexity create unique security challenges. Penetration testing is essential for uncovering misconfigurations, validating defenses, and ensuring compliance with frameworks like SOC 2, HIPAA, and PCI DSS.
When selecting a provider, align your choice with both security maturity and compliance goals. Look for AWS expertise, strong reporting, and ongoing remediation support to ensure long-term resilience.
To move forward, download our AWS Penetration Testing Vendor Checklist, request a consultation with our experts, or get a tailored AWS pentesting quote from Cybri. Taking these steps today will position your organization for safer cloud operations and smoother compliance audits.
