Hire Pentesters: Best Freelance, Remote 2024

Steve S

With 24 years in the tech industry, Steve served as Principal Technology Analyst at Deloitte and Ernst & Young. He now helps companies jumpstart their tech and software development projects by connecting them with top-tier developers. Learn More

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Finding the right Penetration Tester can feel like navigating a maze blindfolded, with twists and turns at every corner. The sea of freelance platforms, endless vetting processes, and debates over whether to go remote or stick with someone local—it’s enough to make anyone’s head spin. And let’s face it, a wrong hire doesn’t just mean frustration; it could lead to costly security gaps and lost time that you can’t afford.

But don’t worry, I’ve got this. This guide is your shortcut to hiring success. By the end, you’ll know exactly where to find the top Pentesters, whether you’re after remote talent or a solid freelance expert. Let’s dive in and make sure you get it right from the start.

Here’s Why Businesses Turn To Us

When companies need top-tier Pentesters? Yeah, they come to us. Why? Well, we’ve teamed up with some of the best dev teams out there—hands down. We can help you with your search for Pentesters at no cost to you. Yup, you read that right—no hidden fees. No surprise charges. We’ll do the legwork for you.

Take a look at two of our top partners that we work closely with below. Seriously. Check them out, see which one meets your needs, and start your search for the right Pentesters today.

Top Platforms To Hire Pentesters

Top 1% Vetted Pentesters Nearshore Partner

Hiring the right Pentesters shouldn’t be an endless challenge. Our top 1% nearshore partner? They’ve got you covered. With access to 4,000+ highly skilled engineers—each with expertise in more than 100 technologies—there’s no shortage of talent here. From penetration testing to AI-enhanced security measures, and even more niche solutions, this partner delivers. Real-time collaboration? Yes, U.S.-aligned time zones mean smoother communication and faster project completion. It’s just efficient.

Why Choose This Partner?

  • Elite Pentester Talent Pool. The top 1%—not just any Pentesters. These experts work with OWASP security frameworks and are fluent in tech stacks like Node.js, .NET, Python, Java. They’ve handled it all, from fintech to healthcare, SaaS, you name it.
  • Proven Results. Over 500 companies, including Fortune 500s and ambitious startups, rely on this partner. Cybersecurity problems? Scaled solutions? They’ve done it.
  • Comprehensive Security Services. Full penetration tests, mobile app security, cloud security audits—everything you need, all under one roof.
  • Industry Recognition. Featured in Forbes, Bloomberg, CNBC. And named one of America’s Fastest-Growing Companies by the Financial Times. Not to mention the awards… too many to count.
  • Global Impact. 1,200+ projects completed. Across industries like healthcare, eCommerce, logistics—proven success in each.

Key Advantages

Working with nearshore Pentesters means you get top-tier talent without typical outsourcing headaches. Engineers based mostly in Latin America, so collaboration is seamless. Their vetting process? Thorough—ensuring you get experts who deliver top-quality security solutions fast. Need one expert or a full team? They scale to fit your project.

The Considerations

For companies outside the Americas, timezone differences could be a factor. Worth thinking about. And while it’s more cost-effective than hiring U.S. or European developers, it can be pricier than Southeast Asia options. But with the level of expertise and reliability? Often a solid investment.

What Sets Them Apart

Google, Salesforce, Hewlett-Packard, Rolls Royce are some of the biggest names in the world trust this partner. Clients often mention how easy the onboarding is, how quickly their teams integrate, and how fast these Pentesters find and fix vulnerabilities. Results-driven.

Recognized with awards like Best IT Service Provider of the Year and named a Top 100 Global Outsourcing Provider. Their commitment to delivering top-notch cybersecurity solutions? Unquestionable.

Ready to secure your systems with top-tier Pentesters? Start today. Scalable, timely solutions. On budget, on time, and with the highest security standards.

Top 5% Vetted Pentesters Global Partner

Finding the right Pentesters doesn’t have to be a headache. This global offshore tech recruitment platform connects businesses with the top 5% of remote professionals, giving you access to a network of over 15,000 vetted developers, engineers, and project managers. Whether you need front-end, back-end, or full-stack developers, UX/UI designers, or cybersecurity experts, this platform ensures every candidate is rigorously assessed for both technical skills and communication abilities. The best part? You only pay when you make a successful hire. Simple, efficient, and tailored to your needs.

Why Choose This Partner?

  • Elite Talent Pool. With more than 15,000 pre-vetted professionals, you’re tapping into some of the best in the industry. Whether it’s Pentesters specializing in DevOps, AI, or digital security, each candidate goes through a stringent vetting process to make sure you’re only working with the top 5%.
  • High Success Rate. With a 95% retention rate and 19 out of 20 placements making it through their trial period, you can trust this platform to deliver top-notch talent. And if it doesn’t work out? There’s a money-back guarantee or free replacement within 30 days.
  • Flexible Hiring Models. Need a contract hire for a short-term project? Or maybe a full-time cybersecurity expert? The platform gives you options, whether it’s temporary hires, long-term roles, or even a fully assembled project team ready to take on everything.
  • Global Reach. Most of the talent is sourced from Europe and Latin America, making it easy for U.S.-based companies to collaborate in real time. Timezone headaches? Not here.

Key Advantages

This platform simplifies the hiring process by thoroughly vetting every candidate. They handle the background checks, technical assessments, soft skills evaluations, and even culture fit checks—so you don’t have to. The result? A pool of qualified professionals you can trust to deliver high-quality work. Whether you’re looking for experts in AI, cybersecurity, machine learning, or digital marketing, they’ve got someone for every project.

Used by leading enterprises and startups across industries like SaaS, eCommerce, fintech, and gaming, this platform is trusted by brands like Vodafone, Omio, Perforce Software, and more. With a 4.9 rating on G2, clients consistently praise its speed, reliability, and access to top-tier talent.

The Considerations

While this platform excels in providing top global talent, timezone alignment could be a challenge for businesses outside Europe and Latin America. Also, while the pricing is competitive, it can be higher than outsourcing to places like India or Southeast Asia. That said, the focus on elite talent and high retention rates makes it a solid investment for businesses looking to grow long-term.

What Sets Them Apart

Their rigorous vetting process is what really makes them stand out. Candidates aren’t just tested for technical skills—they’re also evaluated for problem-solving abilities and key soft skills like communication and teamwork. This ensures that every hire is a good fit both technically and culturally. And with flexible hiring models, you can easily scale your team with either contract hires or full project delivery teams.

For businesses that value both quality and efficiency, this platform offers a streamlined approach to hiring top-tier global talent. Their thorough vetting process, high success rate, and flexible hiring options make them a trusted partner for scaling teams with confidence.

Fiverr Pro

Fiverr Pro is a reliable go-to for hiring vetted, high-quality Pentesters. Unlike the original Fiverr, where freelancers of varying experience can offer services, Fiverr Pro is a premium tier where only top-rated, thoroughly vetted professionals are listed. This ensures that only skilled cybersecurity experts make the cut, so businesses get top-notch security support without the usual hiring hassle. Whether you need a quick vulnerability scan, an in-depth penetration test, or a targeted security audit, Fiverr Pro offers a range of options to help you get the right expertise on board quickly.

Why Choose Fiverr Pro?

  • Skilled Talent, Vetted Carefully. Fiverr Pro’s process is designed to verify both the technical skills and reliability of each Pentester, so you’ll find professionals who are well-versed in industry standards like OWASP, along with tools like Metasploit, Burp Suite, and Wireshark. These are experts who can handle everything from web app security checks to comprehensive network assessments.

  • Flexible, Project-Based Hiring. Fiverr Pro is built for project-based work, which makes it perfect if you need a Pentester for a specific task, like a one-off vulnerability assessment or security audit. You can bring in expertise as needed, without the long-term commitment of a full-time hire.

  • Straightforward Pricing. With Fiverr Pro, you can browse a variety of service packages and pricing options, making it easy to find a match for your budget and the scope of your project. Whether you’re after a quick scan or a deep-dive penetration test, you can find transparent pricing that aligns with what you need.

  • Global Network of Experts. Fiverr Pro’s platform connects you with skilled Pentesters from around the world, so you’re not limited to local talent. This means access to specialized expertise and support across different time zones, which can be a big plus if you need continuous or unique cybersecurity perspectives.

Key Advantages

Fiverr Pro keeps hiring simple with profiles that include detailed backgrounds, ratings, and reviews. This way, you can easily evaluate each Pentester’s expertise and get a sense of their past work and client feedback. Thanks to the thorough vetting, you can be confident that you’re hiring professionals who are equipped to deliver high-quality security solutions.

The Considerations

Since Fiverr Pro is geared toward project-based work, it’s ideal for short-term or specific security needs. For ongoing support, you might need to rehire periodically or consider additional platforms with options for long-term engagement. But for businesses needing quick, quality-focused project work, Fiverr Pro’s flexibility is a major advantage.

What Sets Fiverr Pro Apart

Fiverr Pro’s quality control, combined with its transparent review system, makes it easy to find dependable cybersecurity pros. For companies looking for quick, reliable access to top Pentesters, Fiverr Pro’s vetted talent network is a valuable resource for tackling cybersecurity projects efficiently and confidently.

Why Hiring The Right Pentester Is Crucial

Hiring a Pentester isn’t just another task to cross off your list. It’s about safeguarding your business from falling apart when a hacker targets you. You’re not just protecting data here—your reputation, your clients, and, frankly, your peace of mind are all on the line.

The right Pentester? They’re like the digital bodyguard you didn’t know you needed—shutting down threats before they even get close. And these folks? They’re not your average developers. Nope, we’re talking about white-hat hackers—the kind you actually want around. Their job? To poke, prod, and stress-test every possible weakness in your system, making sure nothing slips through the cracks.

They know where cybercriminals lurk, waiting to exploit any vulnerability. And they get there first, patching things up before your company’s data becomes front-page news. But—and here’s where it gets risky—hire the wrong person, and you’re in for a rough time. It’s like putting a band-aid on a leak that’s only going to get worse. A weak Pentester might miss a glaring vulnerability, and suddenly, your customers are scrambling for the exits.

Lawsuits? Yeah, those are likely coming too.

So, the takeaway? Don’t leave your security to chance. Hire the right Pentester—whether through remote or freelance options—and keep your business running smoothly instead of dealing with a full-on crisis.

Practical Tips For Hiring Pentesters

Hiring the right Pentester can feel like piecing together a complex puzzle—sometimes frustrating, but entirely achievable if you know where to start. With the right approach, you can avoid the pitfalls and make a confident hire. Let’s break it down into actionable steps that will turn the guesswork into a solid plan.

1. Crafting The Perfect Job Description

Your job description? It’s more than just a formality—it’s your company’s first impression in the hiring process. Think of it like a key handshake. If it’s too vague, you’ll either miss out on the right candidates or, worse, get buried in a stack of unqualified ones.

Be specific: Do you need someone to test the security of your web applications? Is your network infrastructure the priority? Or are you concerned about cloud vulnerabilities? Maybe all three? It’s critical to spell it out. And don’t forget to list the tech stack—whether you’re on AWS, Azure, or using hybrid cloud environments, they need to know what they’ll be working with.

Are regulatory frameworks like GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI-DSS part of the equation? Mention that upfront. Precision here will save you headaches later.

Example: “We’re looking for a Pentester with deep experience in web application security. Must be well-versed in OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities, cloud security (AWS, Azure), and tools like Burp Suite, Metasploit, and Nessus. The role requires generating detailed reports with actionable fixes. Experience with GDPR and HIPAA compliance preferred.”

This kind of clarity? It sets expectations from the get-go and avoids those awkward, “Oh, I didn’t know you needed that” conversations later on.

2. Mastering The Interview Process

Once you’ve gathered some candidates, it’s time for the interviews—and this is where it can get tricky. You’re not just looking for someone who can recite security terms like “SQL injection” or “cross-site scripting” by heart. You need someone who understands vulnerabilities in-depth and can explain them clearly to people who aren’t experts. If they can’t break down complex security flaws in a way your CEO would grasp? Red flag.

Ask them about real-world situations. How did they find a critical vulnerability in the past? What was their method for fixing it? Can they explain their approach without overwhelming you with technical jargon? You’re looking for someone who isn’t just technically sharp but who also communicates well—someone who can bridge the gap between IT and the rest of your team.

Sample Questions:

  • “Tell me about the toughest vulnerability you’ve encountered. How did you uncover it, and what was your strategy for resolving it?”
  • “When managing a project with numerous security risks, how do you prioritize which vulnerabilities to address first?”
  • “How would you explain a critical security flaw to a non-technical stakeholder, such as a member of the executive team?”

If they can communicate complex issues clearly without the jargon, you’ve likely found a winner.

3. Evaluating Portfolios—The Pentester’s Brag Book

Every seasoned Pentester worth their salt should have a portfolio. Think of it like their highlight reel—but instead of glossy photos, it’s packed with case studies, security findings, and detailed reports. Dig in like you’re a detective. Have they worked on projects that align with your needs? Have they handled security for high-stakes industries like finance, healthcare, or government, where the margin for error is razor-thin?

Look beyond just the vulnerabilities they’ve identified. You want to see how they fixed those issues. Finding problems is one thing, but solving them effectively is where their expertise will shine through. Pay close attention to whether they provided clear, actionable solutions.

4. Putting Their Skills To The Test

Now it’s time to see if they can walk the talk. You’ve seen the portfolio, heard their stories—now it’s time for a real-world test. Set up a scenario that mimics the challenges they’ll face at your company. This could mean creating a vulnerable server or misconfigured network for them to poke around.

Watch closely. How quickly do they spot vulnerabilities? More importantly, how do they handle the pressure? This is your “try before you buy” moment. It’s better to find out now if they’re the real deal rather than a few months down the line when your systems are on the line.

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Bonus Tip: If you’ve got the resources, give them a live project during the interview process. Have them audit a portion of your system, write a report, and walk you through their findings. This will give you a clear sense of their problem-solving skills and their ability to communicate complex issues clearly.

5. Communication And Collaboration—A Must-Have Skill

Beyond their technical expertise, a great Pentester needs to collaborate effectively with your team. If they can’t translate what they’ve found into terms that non-technical people can understand—especially in high-stress situations—they could become a bottleneck. Communication is as crucial as code in cybersecurity. Your Pentester has to be able to explain risks and prioritize fixes in a way that motivates action, not confusion.

When interviewing, assess how well they explain technical issues and how they work with people who don’t speak their language. A great Pentester is as much a problem-solver as they are a translator for the rest of your business.

Hire Pentesters Now

Hiring a Pentester isn’t something you can just check off your list and move on. It’s about putting up a solid defense to keep hackers out of your business’s valuable data.

Whether you need someone for a quick security audit or a long-term partner to secure your systems, platforms like HireADeveloper.net, RemoteBase, and Upwork are great places to start.

Waiting until there’s an issue? That’s a risky move. The right Pentester could mean the difference between peace of mind or scrambling to fix a breach. Act now, explore your options, and secure your business before it’s too late.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What skills should I look for in a Pentester?

You want someone familiar with security frameworks like OWASP and tools such as Burp Suite, Nessus, and Metasploit. But it’s more than just the tools. They need to explain vulnerabilities clearly, not in overly technical jargon, so you know exactly what’s at stake and how to fix it.

2. How much does it cost to hire a Pentester?

It varies. Freelancers typically charge $50 to $150 an hour. If you’re going for top-tier professionals from platforms like Toptal, expect higher rates. For longer projects, negotiating a flat fee may be more practical.

3. How long does a pentest take?

It depends on the scope. A simple web app test might take a few days, while a comprehensive network or cloud security assessment could take weeks. Make sure to clarify the timeline with your Pentester at the start.

4. Do I need a Pentester for my small business?

Yes, without question. Cyber threats aren’t picky—they can target businesses of any size. Whether you’re running a small startup or a larger company, securing your data is essential. A Pentester will help you identify and fix vulnerabilities before they turn into major issues.

5. Can I hire a Pentester remotely?

Absolutely. Many Pentesters work remotely, using the necessary tools to test systems from anywhere in the world. Platforms like RemoteBase and Upwork are ideal for finding remote experts who can secure your systems regardless of location.

What specific skills are you looking for?

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