Penetration Testing RFP Template for 2023

Looking for a quick, no-frills penetration testing RFP template? The editors at Solutions Review have you covered!

A well-written RFP sets clear expectations for the project, defines its scope and requirements, and outlines the timeline for the project. This ensures that all vendors submitting proposals have a clear understanding of what is expected of them and can provide proposals that meet the organization’s specific needs. An RFP effectively identifies and evaluates vendors with the necessary expertise, qualifications, and experience to perform penetration testing. By requiring vendors to submit detailed proposals, the organization can assess each vendor’s capabilities, methodologies, and pricing. This allows the organization to make an informed decision when selecting a vendor that best meets their needs. An RFP can be used to establish a fair and competitive bidding process. By providing the same information to all vendors, and asking them to respond consistently, the organization can ensure that all proposals are evaluated fairly and without bias. This not only helps to identify the best vendor for the job, but it also helps to ensure that the organization receives the best value for their investment.

Penetration Testing RFP Template

Here’s a sample RFP for a penetration testing project:

[Company Name]

[Pentesting RFP Document Title]

[Date]

Introduction: [Company Name] seeks a qualified and experienced vendor to perform comprehensive penetration testing of our network, applications, and systems. The vendor should have a strong track record of executing successful penetration tests and be familiar with the latest security best practices.

Scope of Work: The scope of this project includes the following:

1. A comprehensive assessment of our external and internal network and systems, including but not limited to firewalls, routers, switches, servers, workstations, and mobile devices.
2. A comprehensive assessment of our web applications, including but not limited to authentication mechanisms, data input validation, session management, and data storage.
3. A comprehensive assessment of our mobile applications, including but not limited to authentication mechanisms, data input validation, session management, and data storage.
4. A comprehensive assessment of our wireless networks, including but not limited to access points, controllers, and associated devices.
5. A comprehensive assessment of our physical security, including but not limited to access controls, video surveillance, and physical barriers.

Deliverables: The vendor should provide the following deliverables:

1. A detailed report of the findings and vulnerabilities discovered during the penetration testing.
2. A prioritized list of recommendations for mitigating the identified vulnerabilities.
3. A debrief session with the [Company Name] team to discuss the findings and recommendations.
4. All test data collected during the project.

Timeline: The project should be completed within [insert timeline]. The vendor should provide a detailed project plan outlining the timeline and milestones.

Qualifications: The vendor should have the following qualifications:

1. At least [insert number] years of experience in penetration testing.
2. Certified in relevant industry standard certifications such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), or Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP).
3. Experience with tools such as Metasploit, Nmap, Burp Suite, and Kali Linux.
4. Familiarity with compliance frameworks such as PCI DSS, HIPAA, and ISO 27001.
5. Excellent communication and reporting skills.

Proposal Submission: The vendor should submit a detailed proposal including the following:

1. Company profile and relevant experience.
2. Proposed project plan, including timeline and milestones.
3. Proposed approach to the project.
4. Proposed pricing, including any additional costs such as travel and expenses.
5. References from past clients.

Conclusion: [Company Name] is looking for a vendor that can provide comprehensive penetration testing of our network, applications, and systems. The vendor should have the experience, qualifications, and tools to perform a successful penetration test. Please submit your proposal by [insert submission date] to [insert contact information].

Overall, a penetration testing RFP is a critical document that can help organizations to identify and select a vendor that can effectively assess their security posture and identify vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit. By setting clear expectations, evaluating proposals fairly, and selecting a vendor that meets their specific needs, organizations can be confident that they are making an informed decision and investing in a valuable service that will help them to improve their overall security posture.

This Penetration Testing RFP Template article was AI-generated by ChatGPT and edited by Solutions Review editors.