Cybersecurity Service Comparisons
Understand the differences between similar services, vendors, and compliance frameworks to make the right choice for your organization.
Service Comparisons
Vulnerability scanning is automated and identifies known weaknesses ($2K-$10K). Penetration testing uses human expertise to exploit vulnerabilities ($5K-$150K).
A vCISO costs $31K-$192K/year. A full-time CISO costs $300K-$500K+/year. vCISO is ideal for SMB and mid-market.
SIEM is a technology platform requiring staff. MDR is a service including 24/7 analysts.
Penetration testing finds vulnerabilities in systems ($5K-$150K). Red team tests detection capabilities ($25K-$250K).
MDR focuses on detection and response. Managed SIEM provides log management and compliance.
SAST analyzes source code. DAST tests running applications. Both are essential for AppSec.
External tests perimeter defenses. Internal tests post-breach scenarios. Both are critical.
Pentests provide structured assessments. Bug bounties offer ongoing crowdsourced testing.
Web app testing covers UI and backend. API testing focuses on programmatic interfaces.
Black box simulates external attacker. White box uses full access for deeper testing.
Retainers provide guaranteed response and lower rates. On-demand has no commitment but higher costs.
Network pentest covers wired infrastructure. Wireless pentest targets WiFi specifically.
Cloud pentest actively exploits. Config review identifies misconfigurations without exploitation.
Audits assess policies and compliance. Pentests actively test technical controls.
Physical pentests test facility security. Social engineering tests human vulnerabilities.
IT pentests target traditional systems. OT pentests require specialized industrial expertise.
Annual provides point-in-time assessment. Continuous provides ongoing security validation.
BAS is automated and continuous. Penetration testing is human-led and point-in-time.
Vendor Comparisons
CrowdStrike is endpoint-focused with premium pricing. Arctic Wolf offers concierge security for mid-market.
Both offer PTaaS (Penetration Testing as a Service). Cobalt is more accessible, Synack uses vetted crowd.
Both are premium penetration testing providers. NetSPI has broader platform, Bishop Fox deeper expertise.
Both are leading vulnerability management platforms with different strengths.
Both are leaders in security awareness training with different approaches.
Both are leading EDR/XDR platforms with AI-powered threat detection.
Both target SMB/MSP market with different approaches to managed detection.
Both automate SOC 2, ISO 27001, and other compliance frameworks.
Both are leading vulnerability management solutions with different strengths.
Both are leading XDR platforms with different ecosystem approaches.
Compliance Framework Comparisons
SOC 2 is US-focused and common for SaaS. ISO 27001 is international and recognized globally.
HIPAA is the law. HITRUST is a certification that demonstrates HIPAA compliance plus more.
Type I is point-in-time (faster, cheaper). Type II covers 12 months (more valuable).
SAQ is self-assessment for smaller merchants. ROC is full audit for Level 1 merchants.
GDPR covers EU data subjects. CCPA covers California residents. Both require security measures.