Penetration Testing in Luxembourg
Identify and fix vulnerabilities before attackers exploit them. ObsidianCorps delivers professional penetration testing for Luxembourg businesses, aligned with NIS2, CSSF, and international security standards.
Last updated: February 2026
What Is Penetration Testing?
Penetration testing, also known as ethical hacking or security testing, is a controlled and authorised simulation of cyberattacks against an organisation's systems, networks, and applications. The objective is to discover exploitable vulnerabilities before malicious actors find and leverage them. Unlike automated vulnerability scanning, penetration testing involves skilled security professionals who think and act like real attackers, using the same techniques and tools that cybercriminals employ.
There are several types of penetration testing, each targeting different aspects of an organisation's security posture. Network penetration testing evaluates the security of internal and external network infrastructure, including firewalls, routers, servers, and network services. Web application penetration testing focuses on identifying vulnerabilities in websites, portals, and web-based applications, such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and authentication flaws. Social engineering testing assesses human-factor vulnerabilities through phishing simulations, pretexting, and physical access attempts.
Additional specialised testing includes cloud security assessments for on-premise and European cloud environments; wireless penetration testing for Wi-Fi networks and access points; and API security testing for application programming interfaces. ObsidianCorps offers all of these penetration testing services from our base in Luxembourg, tailored to the specific threat landscape and regulatory requirements of businesses operating in the Grand Duchy and the Greater Region.
Why Do Luxembourg Businesses Need Penetration Testing?
Luxembourg businesses face a unique combination of elevated cyber threat exposure and demanding regulatory requirements that make regular penetration testing not just advisable, but essential. As Europe's leading financial hub, Luxembourg processes over EUR 5 trillion in assets under management, making it an attractive target for organised cybercrime groups and state-sponsored threat actors.
The regulatory landscape in Luxembourg mandates security testing across multiple frameworks. The NIS2 Directive, transposed into Luxembourg law in 2024, requires essential and important entities to conduct regular risk assessments and security testing. The CSSF (Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier) mandates penetration testing for regulated financial institutions through Circular 22/806. DORA (Digital Operational Resilience Act) requires financial entities to perform threat-led penetration testing. Even GDPR, enforced by the CNPD, implicitly requires organisations to verify the effectiveness of their technical security measures.
According to CIRCL (Computer Incident Response Center Luxembourg), reported cyber incidents in Luxembourg rose by 35% between 2023 and 2025, with ransomware attacks on SMEs increasing at an even steeper rate. The average cost of a data breach in the EU reached EUR 4.3 million in 2025. For Luxembourg SMEs, a single ransomware incident typically costs between EUR 50,000 and EUR 250,000 in direct expenses. Regular penetration testing is one of the most cost-effective measures to prevent these outcomes.
What Does ObsidianCorps Penetration Testing Include?
ObsidianCorps follows a structured penetration testing methodology that combines industry-standard frameworks (OWASP, PTES, NIST SP 800-115) with our deep understanding of Luxembourg's regulatory environment. Every engagement is led by experienced security professionals and delivers actionable results.
Scoping & Planning
We define the test scope, objectives, rules of engagement, and communication protocols with your team. This phase ensures the test covers your highest-risk assets and aligns with any regulatory requirements such as NIS2 or CSSF obligations.
Reconnaissance & Discovery
Our testers gather information about your systems, services, and potential attack surfaces using both passive and active techniques. This mirrors the approach real attackers use when preparing to target an organisation.
Exploitation & Testing
We attempt to exploit discovered vulnerabilities to demonstrate real-world impact. This includes testing authentication mechanisms, access controls, encryption implementations, and business logic. All exploitation is controlled and documented.
Reporting & Remediation Support
You receive a comprehensive report with an executive summary, detailed technical findings, risk ratings, proof-of-concept evidence, and prioritised remediation recommendations. We include a debrief session and support your team during the remediation phase.
A typical penetration test for a Luxembourg SME takes 5 to 15 business days depending on scope. Network penetration tests for small environments can be completed in one week, while comprehensive assessments including web applications, cloud, and social engineering may require two to three weeks. Results are delivered within 5 business days of test completion.
How Much Does Penetration Testing Cost in Luxembourg?
Penetration testing costs in Luxembourg typically range from EUR 5,000 to EUR 25,000 per engagement, depending on several factors including scope, complexity, and the type of testing required. ObsidianCorps provides transparent pricing with detailed scoping to ensure you receive maximum value for your investment.
Key factors that influence penetration testing cost include the number and complexity of systems in scope, the type of testing (black-box, grey-box, or white-box), whether the test covers internal networks, external infrastructure, web applications, or all three, and any regulatory requirements that mandate specific testing approaches. A focused web application test for a single application typically costs EUR 5,000 to EUR 8,000, while a comprehensive assessment covering network, application, and social engineering components ranges from EUR 15,000 to EUR 25,000.
Luxembourg businesses can significantly reduce penetration testing costs through government subsidy programmes. The SME Packages programme, managed by Luxinnovation, can reimburse up to 70% of eligible digital transformation and cybersecurity projects for amounts between EUR 3,000 and EUR 25,000. ObsidianCorps is an approved provider for this programme and can assist with the application process. Additionally, the Fit 4 Cybersecurity programme offers free maturity assessments that can help identify priority areas for testing.
SME Package AI
70% government subsidy available for eligible cybersecurity and digital transformation projects.
"Penetration testing is not about checking a compliance box -- it is about understanding how an attacker would actually compromise your systems. In Luxembourg, where businesses handle some of Europe's most sensitive financial data, the stakes are too high for superficial security assessments. Every pentest we conduct is designed to simulate real-world attack scenarios specific to the Luxembourg threat landscape."
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about penetration testing in Luxembourg
How often should my Luxembourg business conduct penetration testing?
What is the scope of a typical penetration test?
Will penetration testing disrupt our business operations?
What certifications do your penetration testers hold?
What deliverables do we receive after a penetration test?
Secure Your Luxembourg Business with Professional Penetration Testing
ObsidianCorps delivers expert penetration testing services for businesses across Luxembourg and the Greater Region. Identify vulnerabilities before attackers do.
No obligation. Free initial scoping call for Luxembourg businesses.