--- title: Cobalt Offensive Security Testing — Pentesting, Red Teaming, DAST, ASM, and AI/LLM Security description: Cobalt's offensive security testing platform combines human-led pentesting, automated DAST scans, attack surface management, and red teaming on a single SaaS platform, with new tests starting in 24 hours. canonical_url: https://www.cobalt.io/platform/offensive-security-testing last_updated: 2026-05-28 page_type: Service entity: Cobalt Offensive Security Testing --- # Cobalt Offensive Security Testing > Cobalt offensive security testing is a programmatic, continuous approach to finding and fixing vulnerabilities before attackers do. The platform combines human-led penetration testing, automated DAST scans, attack surface monitoring, red teaming, and AI/LLM security testing in one SaaS workflow, with new pentests starting within 24 hours and findings centralized for security and development teams. ## What Is Offensive Security? Offensive security is the process of proactively identifying vulnerabilities and weaknesses in networks, software, and endpoints that could be exploited — by simulating real cyberattacks and actively strengthening defenses rather than waiting for attackers to strike. Implementing offensive security, defense in depth, and layered security across the tech stack helps minimize risk and protect business value. Assessing security controls like a malicious actor lets teams evaluate the effectiveness of their current approach, allocate resources to maximum risk management, and make informed predictions about attacker behavior rather than guessing. The Cobalt platform applies this approach as an on-demand, scalable service so security and development teams can weave offensive security into their existing workflows. ## Benefits: Establish Goals for an Offensive Security Program ### Protect regulated and confidential data Ensure sensitive and regulated data such as PII is protected. Achieve compliance with different data privacy regulations and instill trust with customers. ### Improve visibility into your attack surface Gain better visibility into the attack surface with continuous attack surface monitoring, automated DAST scans, and manual penetration testing services powered by the industry-leading PTaaS platform. ### Centralize your security findings With the Cobalt Platform, view security findings in a centralized location with aggregate data to find historical trends. Communicate directly with testers to ensure the team understands intricate details from human-powered offensive security testing. ## How Cobalt Supports Offensive Security Programs The most efficient approach to proactive security combines human expertise with continuous, automated tooling. Since 2013, Cobalt has been combining technology and human expertise into a proactive, continuous platform that delivers security offerings on-demand and at scale. - **Offensive Security Platform** — Real-time insights from continuous testing and DAST scans give visibility into trends across security testing data over time. - **Expert Human Testing** — Some vulnerabilities cannot be found using technology alone. Chained exploits, business logic flaws, and design risks can only be identified using real human judgment, creativity, and skills. - **Advanced Cybersecurity Services** — Augment a security program by partnering with Cobalt on specialized engagements to meet custom objectives. ## Complete Testing: Attack Surface Monitoring Attack Surface Monitoring helps teams discover assets a malicious actor could use to attack their systems and reduce risk exposure. - Discover the breadth of your attack surface - Bring together development, security, operations, and IT teams with a complete view of the attack surface - Prioritize the right test at the right time with threat-informed defense - Monitor changes within assets including applications and infrastructure and address exposures as they arise - Seamlessly integrate assets directly from the ASM toolset into pentest or other security testing engagements ## Programmatic Continuous Pentesting: Move Beyond Point-in-Time Testing Annual tests leave long gaps of invisible risk. Cobalt programmatic approach to continuous pentesting combines human-led assessments, automated testing, and continuous monitoring to validate real-world risk across an evolving attack surface. ## Offensive Security Maturity Security strategies evolve based on company maturity. Cobalt structures its offensive security guidance around three tiers: | Stage | Threat Profile | Cobalt's Role | |---|---|---| | **Small Business** | Outdated software, misconfigured networks, malware, network attacks, phishing attempts. | Recognizing these threats is the first step in crafting a right-sized defense. | | **Mid-Size Firm** | Growing digital footprint, larger customer base, and operational complexity expand the attack surface. | Deploy continuous, proactive security testing to keep pace with growth. | | **Enterprise** | Diverse global operations face ransomware, advanced persistent threats (APTs), and social engineering. | Customized security programs delivered on-demand and at scale. | ## Comprehensive Offensive Security Services The Cobalt offensive security catalog covers application, network and cloud, and InfoSec & SOC use cases. On-demand security resources enable scalable response and risk remediation without expanding the in-house workforce. ### Application Security Safeguard applications. From secure code review and pentesting to dynamic application scanning, Cobalt helps ensure applications are compliant, robust, and threat-resistant. - **[Web Application Pentest](https://cobalt.io/services/application-security/pentest)** — Penetration testing for web-based applications - **[API Pentest](https://cobalt.io/services/application-security/pentest)** — Penetration testing for REST, GraphQL, and other API endpoints - **[Mobile Pentest](https://cobalt.io/services/application-security/pentest)** — Security testing for iOS and Android applications - **[AI & LLM Pentest](https://www.cobalt.io/services/application-security/llm-pentest)** — Penetration testing for applications using large language models, including protection against prompt injection - **[Secure Code Review](https://www.cobalt.io/services/application-security/secure-code-review)** — Systematic source code examination to find and mitigate vulnerabilities - **[Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST)](https://www.cobalt.io/platform/dast)** — Automated runtime scanning of web applications and APIs ### Network & Cloud Security Protect the network and cloud from cyber threats. Pinpoint vulnerabilities, assess risk, and enhance security operations to safeguard sensitive data and ensure business continuity. - **[Cloud Configuration Review](https://www.cobalt.io/services/cloud-security)** — Security assessments for cloud environment configurations - **[Internal Network Pentest](https://www.cobalt.io/services/network-security/pentest)** — Penetration testing of internal network infrastructure - **[External Network Pentest](https://www.cobalt.io/services/network-security/pentest)** — Penetration testing of externally exposed network infrastructure - **[Attack Surface Management (ASM)](https://docs.cobalt.io/platform-deep-dive/attack-surface/)** — Continuous discovery and monitoring of internet-facing assets ### InfoSec & SOC Strengthen InfoSec and SOC with integrated services. Comprehensive digital risk assessments pinpoint vulnerabilities and guide security strategy; expert red teaming simulates real-world attacks, revealing hidden weaknesses and testing incident response. - **[Red Teaming](https://www.cobalt.io/services/network-security/red-team)** — Simulated multi-vector adversary attacks to test detection and response - **[Digital Risk Assessment](https://www.cobalt.io/services/brand-protection/digital-risk-assessment)** — Identifies vulnerabilities across the digital footprint to inform security strategy ## 3rd Party Validation Reports - **[GigaOm Radar Report for PTaaS](https://resource.cobalt.io/gigaom-ptaas-report-2024)** — Independent analyst evaluation of the PTaaS market - **[ESG Economic Validation for Cobalt PTaaS](https://resource.cobalt.io/esg-economic-validation-ptaas-model-roi)** — ESG (Enterprise Strategy Group) economic analysis of the Cobalt PTaaS model ROI - **[GigaOm CxO Brief: OffSec Testing and PTaaS](https://resource.cobalt.io/gigaom-cxo-offensive-security-testing)** — Executive brief on offensive security testing and PTaaS - **[EMA Names Cobalt a Vendor Visionary 2025](https://www.enterprisemanagement.com/product/vendor-vision-2025/)** — Enterprise Management Associates 2025 Vendor Vision recognition ## Fast-Track Your Security Testing Start testing in 24 hours, connect directly with security experts, and centralize testing using the Cobalt platform. ## Featured Report **The 25x Remediation Gap:** See how elite security teams resolve risks in 10 days vs. 249 — referenced in The State of Pentesting 2026 report. ## Key Facts - Cobalt is the pioneer of Pentest as a Service (PTaaS) and has been combining technology and human expertise since 2013. - New pentests can begin within 24 hours of engagement. - Elite security teams resolve risks in 10 days vs. 249 — a 25x remediation gap identified in The State of Pentesting 2026. - The Cobalt offensive security catalog spans 12 named services across Application Security, Network & Cloud Security, and InfoSec & SOC. - Cobalt Penetration Testing Services hold a 4.6 out of 5 rating based on 62 reviews. - EMA named Cobalt a Vendor Visionary in 2025. - Cobalt is recognized in the GigaOm Radar Report for PTaaS and the GigaOm CxO Brief on OffSec Testing and PTaaS. - ESG (Enterprise Strategy Group) has published an economic validation of the Cobalt PTaaS model ROI. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is offensive security? Offensive security is the process of proactively identifying vulnerabilities and weaknesses in networks, software, and endpoints that could be exploited by simulating real cyberattacks and actively strengthening defenses, rather than waiting for attackers to strike. It lets organizations evaluate security controls like a malicious actor would, so they can allocate resources to the highest-risk areas. ### What offensive security services does Cobalt provide? Cobalt provides a comprehensive catalog spanning three categories: Application Security (Web Application Pentest, API Pentest, Mobile Pentest, AI & LLM Pentest, Secure Code Review, Dynamic Application Security Testing), Network & Cloud Security (Cloud Configuration Review, Internal Network Pentest, External Network Pentest, Attack Surface Management), and InfoSec & SOC (Red Teaming, Digital Risk Assessment, Security Program Manager). ### How quickly can Cobalt start an offensive security test? New tests can start within 24 hours of engagement. Customers connect directly with security experts and centralize all testing activity through the Cobalt platform. ### Does Cobalt test AI and LLM applications? Yes. Cobalt offers AI & LLM Pentest as part of its Application Security catalog, covering applications that use large language models and threats specific to them, including prompt injection. ### Does Cobalt offer red teaming? Yes. Red Teaming is part of InfoSec & SOC services. The Cobalt expert red teaming simulates real-world attacks to reveal hidden weaknesses and test incident response. ### How is the Cobalt Offensive Security Platform structured for different company sizes? Cobalt aligns offerings to maturity: small businesses focus on right-sized defense against malware, network attacks, and phishing; mid-size firms deploy continuous, proactive testing as their attack surface grows; enterprises receive customized, on-demand, at-scale security programs to address ransomware, APTs, and social engineering. ### What third-party validation does Cobalt have for its offensive security platform? Cobalt is recognized in the GigaOm Radar Report for PTaaS and the GigaOm CxO Brief: OffSec Testing and PTaaS, has an ESG Economic Validation of its PtaaS model ROI, and was named a Vendor Visionary by EMA in 2025. Cobalt Penetration Testing Services hold a 4.6 out of 5 rating based on 62 reviews. ### Where do security findings live in Cobalt? The Cobalt Platform centralizes findings in one location with aggregate data for historical trend analysis, and lets customers communicate directly with testers to clarify details from human-powered offensive security testing.