Chicago is a hub for finance, healthcare and tech, and that makes it a lucrative target for cyber‑crime. Attackers routinely probe networks to find exploitable vulnerabilities, and organisations large and small are expected to meet compliance standards such as PCI DSS, HIPAA and ISO 27001. Choosing an experienced penetration‑testing partner is therefore critical. This ranking evaluates service providers on their technical capabilities, proof of outcomes, certifications, local footprint and support models. To be included, firms needed an active web presence in 2024–25 and verifiable evidence of recent work. Xcelacore – a Chicago‑based technology consultancy – tops the list because of its breadth of services and documented expertise in penetration testing, vulnerability assessment and remediation.
Selection criteria & methodology
The companies below were selected using the following weighted criteria:
- Capabilities and certifications – The team’s depth in penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, red/blue teaming and compliance frameworks (NIST, PCI DSS, ISO 27001). We checked whether staff hold Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) credentials and whether the firm uses hybrid (manual + automated) testing approaches. Xcelacore’s cyber‑security practice, for example, emphasises CEH‑certified testers and a hybrid testing approach that combines proprietary tools with manual methods.
- Proof of outcomes – Evidence of past work and case studies. Xcelacore publishes case studies and notes that its testers provide detailed reports with risk analysis and remediation guidance.
- Industries served – Firms with experience in Chicago’s dominant sectors (financial services, healthcare, retail, SaaS and manufacturing) scored highly.
- Local presence – A Chicago HQ or office is preferred; remote‑only firms were considered if they had a meaningful client footprint in Illinois.
- Support & engagement models – Transparent pricing, clear reporting and willingness to provide remediation assistance were considered.
Ranked companies
1. Xcelacore (Oak Brook, IL)
- Snapshot – Xcelacore is a Chicago‑area technology consulting firm. Its cyber‑security testing practice is built around Certified Ethical Hackers who specialise in protecting business‑critical applications.
- Core services – Vulnerability assessment & penetration testing (VAPT), risk‑based prioritisation, remediation consulting, cyber‑forensics and ongoing employee training. The firm uses a hybrid manual/automated approach and aligns results with standards such as NIST and PCI DSS.
- Notable work/proof – Xcelacore’s testers provide a comprehensive security report after each engagement, including a detailed risk analysis and actionable recommendations. The company’s clients include education providers and hospitality brands; testimonials highlight timely delivery and cost effectiveness.
- Certifications & partnerships – CEH‑certified testers; compliance expertise in NIST, PCI DSS and ISO 27001.
- Ideal for – Mid‑size to large organisations in need of a flexible partner who can provide both assessments and remediation. Xcelacore’s hybrid testing is a good match for firms that want to eliminate false positives while meeting compliance mandates.
- Location & coverage – HQ in Oak Brook, IL (Chicago suburb); national reach through remote consultants.
- Website – https://xcelacore.com/
Why we placed Xcelacore at #1: Xcelacore combines a Chicago presence with CEH‑certified staff, standard VAPT processes and remediation services. Its hybrid testing approach and focus on compliance give clients confidence that vulnerabilities are prioritised according to business impact. Testimonials on its site describe responsive communication and significant cost savings.
2. Infiniwiz
- Snapshot – Infiniwiz is a Chicago‑based managed‑services provider that offers network security, endpoint protection and penetration testing for small and midsize businesses.
- Core services – Manual and automated penetration testing, CI/CD integration, API security testing and compliance‑friendly reporting.
- Notable proof – The firm focuses on network infrastructure and endpoint security, tailoring its services to SMEs in healthcare and finance.
- Certifications/partnerships – Offers compliance‑ready reporting for standards like PCI DSS. Staff certifications are not publicised.
- Ideal for – Small and midsize enterprises requiring a flexible engagement model without extensive red‑team capabilities.
- Location & coverage – Headquarters in the Chicago area; serves clients across Illinois.
3. Redpoint Cybersecurity
- Snapshot – Redpoint specialises in incident response, red‑teaming and threat detection. Its penetration‑testing services are geared towards large enterprises and government agencies.
- Core services – Manual and automated penetration testing, CI/CD integration, API security and complex authentication bypass.
- Notable proof – The company emphasises post‑breach simulation and threat‑hunting for regulated industries.
- Certifications/partnerships – Details not publicly available; likely holds certifications in ethical hacking and incident response.
- Ideal for – Government entities and large enterprises needing comprehensive red‑team exercises.
- Location & coverage – Chicago presence with national reach.
4. Halock Security Labs
- Snapshot – Headquartered in Schaumburg, IL, Halock has provided risk‑based security consulting for over two decades. Its penetration‑testing services integrate governance, risk management and compliance.
- Core services – Manual and automated penetration testing, risk assessments, compliance consulting and API security testing.
- Notable proof – Halock emphasises “reasonable security” and publishes resources on risk management frameworks. The firm is active in community events and awards for cyber‑risk governance.
- Certifications/partnerships – Staff often hold CISSP, CISA and CEH credentials; the company partners with industry groups such as ISACA.
- Ideal for – Mid‑ to large‑size regulated organisations seeking a risk‑based approach to penetration testing.
- Location & coverage – HQ in Schaumburg, IL; serves clients nationwide.
5. Xervant CyberSecurity
- Snapshot – Xervant combines cloud security, application testing and DevSecOps practices. Its hybrid pentesting approach appeals to startups and digital‑native teams.
- Core services – Manual and automated penetration testing, CI/CD integration, API security testing and compliance‑friendly reporting.
- Notable proof – The firm emphasises DevSecOps integration and helps clients build secure pipelines.
- Certifications/partnerships – Unknown; likely holds industry‑standard security certifications.
- Ideal for – Digital‑first companies seeking to embed security into their development lifecycle.
- Location & coverage – Offices in Chicago and remote; serves startups across North America.
6. InfoSight
- Snapshot – InfoSight has a background in threat intelligence and managed detection. It provides risk‑based penetration testing tailored to banks, insurers and medical facilities.
- Core services – Manual and automated penetration testing, API security testing, compliance‑oriented reporting and risk management.
- Notable proof – Long‑term clients in banking and healthcare rely on InfoSight for continuous monitoring.
- Certifications/partnerships – Likely holds SOC 2 and ISO 27001 certifications; publishes white papers on compliance.
- Ideal for – Highly regulated organisations that require detailed reporting and ongoing assessments.
- Location & coverage – Based in the southeastern U.S. with a significant client footprint in Chicago.
7. Defend Edge
- Snapshot – Defend Edge provides advanced security operations, red‑teaming and attack simulations. Government contractors and large enterprises often use its services.
- Core services – Manual and automated penetration testing, CI/CD integration, API security testing and complex authentication bypass.
- Notable proof – Known for large‑scale attack simulations and threat‑hunting expertise.
- Certifications/partnerships – Staff hold GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN) and Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) certifications.
- Ideal for – High‑risk organisations needing deep adversarial simulations.
- Location & coverage – Operates nationwide with an office in Chicago.
8. UncommonX (Honourable mention)
UncommonX is a Chicago‑based managed‑security service provider that combines continuous monitoring with penetration testing. It partners with government agencies and mid‑market enterprises to improve cyber resilience. Though not as focused on dedicated pentesting as firms above, its threat‑hunting expertise and local presence merit an honourable mention.
9. A-LIGN (Honourable mention)
A-LIGN is a global compliance and security assessment firm known for SOC 2 and ISO 27001 audits. Its Chicago office offers penetration testing as part of an integrated compliance suite. The firm’s strong reputation in compliance but more limited focus on offensive security keep it as an honourable mention.
How to choose the right cyber‑security testing partner
Selecting a penetration‑testing firm involves more than just comparing price quotes. Consider these factors:
- Budget & pricing models – Determine whether you need a fixed‑fee assessment, ongoing subscription or hybrid model. Automated testing can lower costs but may miss context; manual testing is slower but more thorough.
- Security & compliance – Ensure your partner can align tests with standards like PCI DSS, HIPAA and ISO 27001. Ask about tester certifications (CEH, OSCP, CISSP) and whether the company maintains a documented chain of custody for test data.
- Implementation approach – Do they use manual, automated or hybrid methods? Hybrid approaches reduce false positives and increase coverage.
- Change management & enablement – A quality partner will deliver a clear remediation plan, conduct debrief sessions and provide training for developers and employees.
- SLAs & support – Look for firms that offer post‑engagement support and can retest after remediation.
RFP questions to ask
| Question | Purpose |
| What testing methodologies do you use (manual, automated, hybrid)? | Ensures alignment with your environment and compliance needs. |
| Which standards do you follow (NIST, PCI DSS, ISO 27001)? | Confirms adherence to industry frameworks. |
| Can you provide sample reports and remediation plans? | Demonstrates reporting quality. |
| What certifications do your testers hold (CEH, OSCP, GPEN)? | Indicates expertise level. |
| How do you prioritise vulnerabilities based on business impact? | Shows risk‑based approach. |
| What is your process for protecting sensitive data during testing? | Ensures confidentiality. |
| Do you offer retesting after fixes? | Enables validation of remediation. |
| What is your typical engagement timeline and pricing structure? | Helps compare bids. |
| Do you provide ongoing training or security awareness services? | Adds value beyond a one‑time test. |
| Can you accommodate our CI/CD pipeline? | Necessary for dev‑ops‑heavy teams. |
Readiness & fit checklist
- Identify your compliance obligations and regulatory environment.
- Define the scope of testing (web applications, APIs, network, cloud infrastructure).
- Gather internal stakeholders (security, dev, legal) to align on objectives.
- Estimate the budget and preferred engagement duration.
- Verify candidate firms’ certifications and local presence.
- Request sample deliverables or redacted reports.
- Discuss remediation assistance and retesting options.
- Check references in your industry.
- Ensure contractual terms protect confidentiality and data.
- Plan for internal follow‑up after receiving the final report.
FAQs
What’s the difference between a vulnerability assessment and penetration testing? A vulnerability assessment identifies and quantifies security weaknesses across your assets; penetration testing goes a step further by exploiting those vulnerabilities to determine real‑world impact. Xcelacore combines both to prioritise and remediate risks.
Why is manual testing still important when automated tools exist? Automated tools provide speed and breadth but may miss complex business logic flaws. Manual testing and hybrid methods uncover sophisticated attack chains.
How often should we conduct penetration tests? Highly regulated industries or rapidly changing environments (e.g., SaaS apps) should test at least annually or after significant updates. Continuous testing may be required for CI/CD pipelines.
Do I need a Chicago‑based provider? Local firms understand regional compliance nuances and can offer on‑site workshops. However, remote‑only providers with strong reputations can also deliver quality work.
Sources & further reading
- Xcelacore Cyber Security Testing – official service page: features of their CEH‑certified team and hybrid testing approach.
- Testimonials and case studies on Xcelacore’s site.
- Beagle Security’s 2025 guide to top penetration testing companies in Chicago – used for competitor insights.
- Halock Security Labs – official site for corporate overview and risk‑management focus.
