Netlify

Netlify: Pentest vs Automated Scan

Pentests cost $5k-$50k+ and take weeks. For Netlify apps, automated scanning catches the same vulnerabilities instantly. Here's how to decide.

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$10k+
Avg Pentest Cost
2-4 wks
Pentest Timeline
Free
VAS Core Scan
5 min
Scan Time

Pentest vs Automated Scan

Category
Penetration Test
VAS Scan
Winner
Cost
$5,000 - $50,000+
Free (VAS Core) to $99/mo (Pro)
Scan
Time to Results
2-4 weeks
5 minutes
Scan
Common Vulnerabilities
Finds all standard issues
Finds all standard issues
Tie
Business Logic Flaws
Excellent (human analysis)
Limited
Pentest
Continuous Monitoring
Point-in-time only
Scan after every deploy
Scan
Compliance Reports
Detailed attestation
Basic compliance mapping
Pentest
Coverage Depth
Deep, manual exploration
Systematic, pattern-based
Pentest
False Positives
Very low (human verified)
Low (tuned for vibe-coded apps)
Pentest
Scalability
Expensive to repeat
Unlimited scans
Scan

When You Need a Pentest

  • You're handling highly sensitive data (healthcare, finance)
  • You have regulatory compliance requirements (SOC 2, PCI-DSS)
  • You have complex custom business logic
  • You're about to raise significant funding
  • You need a formal security attestation
  • Your app has been breached and you need forensics

When Automated Scanning Works

  • You're building an MVP or early-stage product
  • You want immediate security feedback
  • You need to scan after every deployment
  • Your budget is limited
  • You're using standard tech stacks (Supabase, Firebase)
  • You want to fix obvious issues before a pentest

Netlify Security Reality

Netlify deployment security depends on proper configuration of headers, environment variables, and serverless functions. These are deterministic checks—either configured correctly or not. Automated scanning verifies these instantly.

Common Netlify Vulnerabilities (Caught by Both)

  • Missing _headers security configuration
  • Build-time vs runtime env var confusion
  • Netlify Functions without auth
  • Form handling security gaps
  • Deploy preview access controls

A $15,000 pentest finds these. VAS finds them in 5 minutes for free.

The Verdict

For most Netlify applications, start with automated scanning. It's free, instant, and catches the vulnerabilities that actually cause breaches. If you have complex business logic, compliance requirements, or handle sensitive data, add a pentest after fixing automated findings.

Run a free VAS scan first. Fix those issues. Then decide if the remaining risk justifies a $10k+ pentest. For 90% of Netlify apps, automated scanning is sufficient.

Skip the $10k Quote

See what a pentest would find in your Netlify app. Free scan, instant results.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a pentest for a Netlify app cost?

Professional penetration testing typically costs $5,000-$50,000+ depending on scope. For a standard Netlify web application, expect $10,000-$20,000 for a thorough assessment. VAS provides automated scanning that catches the most common vulnerabilities for free.

Can automated scans replace pentests for Netlify apps?

For most Netlify applications, automated scanning catches 80%+ of real vulnerabilities at a fraction of the cost. Pentests add value for complex business logic, but the majority of vibe-coded apps have standard vulnerability patterns that automated tools detect perfectly.

What vulnerabilities would a pentest find that VAS wouldn't?

Pentests excel at: complex business logic flaws, chained attack scenarios, social engineering vectors, and novel/zero-day vulnerabilities. However, these represent a small percentage of actual breaches. Most Netlify app compromises come from basic misconfigurations that automated scans catch.

Should I get a pentest before launching my Netlify app?

Start with automated scanning (free, instant results). Fix those issues first. If you're handling sensitive data, have compliance requirements, or have complex custom logic, then consider a pentest. For most MVPs and early-stage apps, automated scanning provides sufficient security validation.

How often should I scan vs pentest my Netlify app?

Scan after every major deployment (VAS makes this easy). Pentest annually if you have the budget, or before major launches/funding rounds. The continuous automated scanning catches regressions; annual pentests provide deep-dive assurance.

Related Netlify Security Resources

Netlify SecurityIs Netlify Safe?Netlify Security ChecklistHow to Secure Netlify

Last updated: January 16, 2026