Independent Third-Party VAPT
Independent third-party VAPT is a vulnerability assessment and penetration test carried out by an external security firm that did not build, host or run the systems being tested. Because the testers have no stake in the outcome, auditors, regulators and enterprise customers treat the report as objective evidence of your security posture.
Internal security teams and development partners are valuable, but they know the system too well and are rarely seen as neutral. An outside team tests with fresh eyes, follows a documented methodology and signs off a report that you can share with a customer, an ISO 27001 or SOC 2 auditor, or a regulator such as RBI or SEBI.
- Manual, expert-led testing
- CVSS-rated report with fixes
- Retest after you fix
- Written scope before work starts
Talk to our Security Experts
Tell us what needs testing, then pick a 30-minute slot.
Get a tailored scope, timeline and pricing on the call.
What makes a VAPT "independent"
- The testing firm is separate from the team that built, hosts or manages the system
- No commercial interest in hiding findings, such as also selling the fixes
- Written scope, rules of engagement and a named tester before work starts
- A documented, repeatable methodology (OWASP, PTES, NIST SP 800-115)
- A report on the testing firm's letterhead with dates, scope and tester details
- Retest evidence showing which findings were fixed and verified
When you need a third-party VAPT
Most companies first need an independent test because someone outside the business asks for it. Typical triggers in India and abroad include:
- An enterprise prospect's vendor security questionnaire
- ISO 27001, SOC 2 or PCI DSS audit evidence
- RBI, SEBI, IRDAI or CERT-In-related requirements from your regulator
- DPDP Act reasonable security safeguards for personal data
- App store, payment partner or marketplace reviews
- Before a major launch, funding round or acquisition due diligence
Third-party VAPT vs internal testing
Internal scans and code reviews should run all the time, and they catch a lot. They do not replace an independent test. An internal team shares the same assumptions as the developers, may not have offensive testing experience, and its findings are hard for an outsider to trust.
A third-party VAPT combines automated scanning with manual testing of business logic, access control and chained attacks, the issues scanners miss. The result is a report other people will accept.
How our independent VAPT works
1. Scoping call
We agree targets, environments, test accounts, timing and who will receive the report.
2. Vulnerability assessment
Automated and manual discovery across the agreed web apps, APIs, mobile apps, cloud or network.
3. Penetration testing
Testers try to exploit findings safely to prove real impact, including logic and authorisation flaws.
4. Report
Executive summary, CVSS-rated findings, proof of concept and clear fix guidance.
5. Retest
We verify your fixes and update the report so it shows the current state.
What the report includes
- Scope, dates and testing methodology
- Executive summary for management and customers
- Each finding with severity, CVSS score, evidence and affected asset
- Step-by-step remediation guidance
- Retest status for every finding
- Mapping to compliance controls where relevant
How to choose an independent VAPT provider
- Ask who will actually test and what certifications they hold
- Ask for a sample or redacted report before you sign
- Check that manual testing is included, not just a scan
- Confirm retesting terms and turnaround in writing
- If your regulator or tender requires a CERT-In empanelled auditor, confirm that requirement first
Requirements Indian businesses usually test for
In India, the trigger for a test is often regulatory. RBI expects regulated entities and their technology vendors to run periodic VAPT. SEBI's cybersecurity framework asks market intermediaries for regular testing. CERT-In directions require organisations to maintain security practices and report incidents. The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act 2023 requires reasonable security safeguards for personal data.
Enterprise customers also ask vendors for a recent third-party pentest report during security reviews. We write reports so the same document can be shared with a regulator, an auditor or a customer's security team.
How the engagement runs
1. Scoping call (30 minutes)
We agree targets, user roles, environments, testing windows and the compliance reason for the test.
2. Written scope and quote
You get a scope document and an INR or USD quote based on the real size of the work.
3. Discovery and manual testing
Automated tooling for coverage, then manual testing of authentication, access control and business logic.
4. Report
Executive summary, CVSS-rated findings with evidence, reproduction steps and remediation guidance.
5. Retest
Once your team ships fixes, we verify each finding and issue an updated report.
What the report contains
- Executive summary for leadership, customers and auditors
- Findings rated by CVSS severity with screenshots and request evidence
- Step-by-step reproduction for your developers
- Specific remediation guidance, not generic advice
- Compliance mapping (ISO 27001, SOC 2, PCI DSS, RBI, SEBI, CERT-In guidelines) where relevant
- Retest status showing which findings are open and closed
Certifications our testers hold
Every engagement is led by a certified senior tester.
Frequently asked questions
Is third-party VAPT mandatory?
It depends on your industry and customers. Many regulators, auditors and enterprise buyers expect an independent test at least once a year and after major changes.
Can our development agency do the VAPT?
They can test, but the report is not independent because they built the system. Auditors and customers usually want a separate firm.
How long does a third-party VAPT take?
Typically one to three weeks of testing depending on scope, plus time for your fixes and the retest.
How much does it cost?
Price depends on the number of targets, user roles and depth of manual testing. Use the VAPT cost estimator for an INR range, or book a call for a written quote.