IOActive, Inc.

Independent global research-driven security consultancy specialising in full-stack, hardware, embedded, and critical-infrastructure testing.

CompanyPenetration Testing Firms

Pricing: Custom (contact sales)

Updated June 2026.

What is IOActive, Inc.?

Founded in 1998 by Joshua Pennell and led since 2008 by Jennifer Sunshine Steffens, IOActive is headquartered in Seattle with offices in Atlanta, London, Madrid, and Dubai. The firm is known for full-stack security assessments and deep specialism in hardware, embedded systems, semiconductors, automotive, industrial control, and other safety-critical environments.

Best for: OEMs, semiconductor vendors, automotive, and critical-infrastructure operators that need silicon-to-cloud security expertise
Pros
  • ✓ Recognised research leader in hardware, automotive, and semiconductor security
  • ✓ Independently owned since 1998 with stable senior consultant tenure
  • ✓ Strong publication record at Black Hat, DEF CON, and academic venues
  • ✓ Specialist labs for hardware bring-up, fault injection, and chip-level analysis
Cons
  • ✗ Boutique scale relative to NCC Group or Mandiant limits concurrent capacity
  • ✗ Premium engagement pricing with no public rate card
  • ✗ Hardware specialism means depth often exceeds what general-IT teams need

Key Features

→Full-stack penetration testing (application, network, cloud)
→Hardware, embedded, and IoT security testing
→Silicon and semiconductor security analysis
→SCADA, ICS, and operational technology assessments
→Red team and purple team engagements
→Secure development lifecycle (SDL) advisory
→AI/ML security services
→Supply chain integrity and OSINT threat simulation
→Security research, training, and advisory

What People Are Saying

Real discussions and resources from the community.

IOActive official site
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IOActive
Quick Info
PricingCustom (contact sales)
ModelProject-based engagements
Founded1998
CloudNo
Self-HostedNo
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Last updated: Jun 2, 2026

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