$ vas --compare pentesting
> VAS vs. Penetration Testing
Understand when to use automated security scanning versus traditional penetration testing for your web application security needs.
Vibe App Scanner
Fast, automated security scanning designed for modern web apps built with AI tools. Run continuously, catch vulnerabilities early.
Best for: Regular security checks, AI-built apps, budget-conscious teams
Penetration Testing
Manual security assessment by expert testers. Deep analysis of business logic and complex attack vectors.
Best for: Compliance requirements, complex apps, formal security audits
> Side-by-Side Comparison
> When to Use Each
Use VAS When:
- •You deploy frequently and need continuous security checks
- •Your app was built with AI tools (Bolt, Lovable, v0, Cursor)
- •You need quick security validation before launch
- •Budget is a concern but security isn't optional
- •You want to scan production without risk
Use Penetration Testing When:
- •Compliance requires formal security assessment (SOC2, PCI-DSS)
- •Your app has complex business logic or financial transactions
- •You're preparing for a major launch or funding round
- •You need a formal security report for stakeholders
- •Annual security review is due
> The Best Approach: Use Both
The most secure applications use both automated scanning and periodic penetration testing:
- 1.VAS continuously - Run after every deployment to catch regressions and common vulnerabilities
- 2.Pentest annually - Get expert eyes on business logic and complex attack vectors
- 3.VAS to verify fixes - After pentest findings are remediated, use VAS to confirm
> Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a pentest or is automated scanning enough?
For most startups and small apps, automated scanning like VAS catches 80%+ of common vulnerabilities at a fraction of pentest cost. You need a pentest for: SOC2/PCI compliance, apps handling sensitive financial/health data, or before major funding rounds. Best approach: VAS continuously + pentest annually.
How much does a penetration test cost vs VAS?
Traditional pentests cost $5,000-$50,000+ and take 1-4 weeks. VAS costs $15-75 per scan and completes in 20-30 minutes. For early-stage startups, VAS provides essential security coverage affordably. Budget for a pentest once you're handling significant user data or need compliance.
Is it safe to run security scans on production?
VAS is completely non-invasive and safe for production. We only send normal HTTP requests - no SQL injection attempts, no form submissions, no account creation. Traditional pentests may attempt exploits and usually require a staging environment. VAS can run on prod anytime.
What security issues does automated scanning miss?
Automated scanners like VAS can miss: business logic flaws, complex authentication bypasses, chained vulnerabilities, and issues requiring human judgment. Pentests catch these but cost more. VAS finds: exposed secrets, missing RLS, security header issues, and common AI-generated code mistakes.
How often should I security scan my web app?
Scan after every significant deployment, or at minimum weekly for active projects. VAS takes 20-30 minutes and costs a fraction of pentests, so frequent scanning is practical. Traditional pentests are done annually or quarterly. Continuous scanning catches regressions before attackers do.
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