Penetration testers are referred to as “ethical hackers.” Penetration testers, also known as assurance validators, are engaged by network system owners and web-based application providers to look for vulnerabilities that hackers with malicious intent may be able to exploit in order to collect secure data and intelligence.
Ethical hackers do vulnerability assessments (along with other jobs) by putting their skills and expertise to use — and they are compensated to undertake the equivalent of digital break-ins.
They replicate genuine cyberattacks with a wide range of tools and methodologies, some of which they developed, leaving no stone unturned in their quest to find flaws in security protocols for networks, systems, and web-based applications.
The goal of a penetration test, also known as a pen test, is to investigate all conceivable ways to breach any given computer system in order to identify security flaws BEFORE the real hackers can get in. As a result, pen testers frequently work on highly private and time-sensitive projects, thus they must be trustworthy and remain calm under pressure.
Having the ability to think creatively on the go, as well as being structured enough to document, record, and report on projects, are also desirable traits in penetration testers.
As a penetration tester, you will undertake assaults on a company’s current digital systems in order to play a proactive, offensive role in cybersecurity. These tests may employ a range of hacking tools and techniques to identify vulnerabilities that hackers may exploit. Throughout the process, you will meticulously document your actions and compile a report detailing what you did and how effective you were in breaking security standards.
A pen tester’s day-to-day activities will differ according to the business. Here are some examples of frequent jobs and responsibilities you can experience in this capacity, taken from genuine job postings:
- Test apps, network devices, and cloud infrastructures.
- Create and carry out simulated social engineering assaults
- Investigate and test various forms of attacks.
- Create penetration testing methodology.
- Examine the code for security breaches.
- Malware or spam may be reverse-engineered.
- Concerns about document security and compliance
- Improve efficiency by automating common testing approaches.
- Technical and executive reports
- Inform both technical employees and executive leadership of the findings.
- Additional testing should be performed to validate security enhancements.
Where can you find penetration testers?
Penetration testers usually operate in one of three settings.
In-house: You work directly for a firm or organization as an in-house penetration tester. This usually permits you to become well-versed in the company’s security measures. You may also have a greater say in the development of new security features and fixes.
Security Company: Penetration testing may be performed by an independent security firm hired by some corporations. Working for a security business provides a larger variety of tests to create and run.
Freelance: Some penetration testers choose to operate as independent contractors. Choosing this path might provide you with more scheduling freedom, but you may need to spend more time hunting for clients early on in your career.
For your convenience, the following certifications are most relevant for a job in penetration testing services:
- Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)–Associate of (ISC)² designation
- Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)–Associate of (ISC)² designation
- Certified Encryption Specialist (EC-Council ECES)
- A+ (CompTIA)
- Cybersecurity Analyst Certification, CySA+ (CompTIA)
- Network Vulnerability Assessment Professional (CompTIA)
- Network Security Professional (CompTIA)
- Security Analytics Professional (CompTIA)
- Security+ (CompTIA)
- Project+ (CompTIA)
- PenTest+ (CompTIA)
- IT Operations Specialist (CompTIA)
- Secure Infrastructure Specialist (CompTIA)
- ITIL®1 Foundation
- Network+ (CompTIA)
SALARIES
According to the most recent Occupational Employment Statistics from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average yearly income for penetration testers (also known as information security analysts) is $103,590. With the vast breadth of information and abilities required to prosper in this work, a penetration tester may be able to obtain an MBA and then advance to a top position as an Information Security Officer or Information Systems Manager. The position of Information Systems Manager is reported to pay more than $100,000 per year, with median yearly compensation of roughly $151,150.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
The job title penetration tester covers a wide variety of abilities and experiences. A skilled penetration tester will have the coding skills to break into any system in order to flourish and grow. They should be well-versed in all facets of computer security, ranging from forensics to systems analysis. It will also be critical for them to have a thorough understanding of how computer security breaches may affect the company, as well as a thorough understanding of the financial and management ramifications of these breaches.
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