A crucial component of the cybersecurity industry is penetration testing, sometimes known as ethical hacking or pen testing. Cybersecurity experts known as penetration testers, or pen testers, use their technical know-how to find and fix security flaws in computer systems, networks, or apps. This thorough manual offers a thorough explanation of the duties, essential competencies, requirements, and career path of a penetration tester.

‍Image Source: Unsplash

What is Penetration Testing

It’s important to comprehend penetration testing before diving into the role of a penetration tester. In the cybersecurity practice of penetration testing, a qualified individual, referred to as a pen tester, launches sanctioned cyberattacks on a computer or network environment in order to evaluate the system’s susceptibility to actual threat scenarios.

Why is Penetration Testing Important

The growing use of computers in government and corporate processes has made the development of strong defenses against potential cyberthreats imperative. Computer systems that could exchange data over communication networks were known to be vulnerable to outside intrusions as early as the 1960s. Penetration testing is one of the specialist occupations that have emerged as a result of the cybersecurity industry’s rapid expansion, which is expected to reach a global valuation of $217.9 billion in 2021.

A Glimpse into the Work Life of a Penetration Tester

In the cybersecurity framework of an organization, penetration testers are essential. Their responsibility include detecting any weak points and security issues in a system and coming up with suitable fixes to lessen the associated risks. To find and exploit holes in digital systems and computer networks, they create their own methods, use pre-existing hacking tools, and mimic cyberattacks.

What is the Role of a Penetration Tester

Penetration testers use their expertise and abilities to conduct security evaluations, much like ethical hackers do. They use a wide range of tools and techniques, some proprietary and some from the commercial world, to mimic cyberattacks, looking for vulnerabilities in people, business procedures, networks, and applications. After breaking into a system, their duties don’t end there. They also have to write thorough reports outlining their discoveries, record their methods, and maybe even help devise patches and enhance security procedures.

Penetration Tester’s Roles and Responsibilities

A penetration tester’s main duties include organizing and carrying out penetration tests, taking advantage of security flaws, summarizing test results, and making suggestions for enhancing system security. In order to confirm that the vulnerabilities have been fixed, they must additionally retetest the systems following remediation operations. Penetration testers frequently collaborate with IT and cybersecurity professionals to train staff members on ways to improve the organization’s cybersecurity posture.

What Does a Day in the Life of a Penetration Tester Look Like

The majority of a pen tester’s work is spent doing tests and assessments. These tasks could focus on external or internal resources. Pen testers are able to work remotely as well as on-site. A typical day for the tester or testing team consists of deciding on a plan for the current project and assembling the necessary equipment. In the afternoon, teams execute the tests that they designed in the morning. Using simulations to evaluate additional internal risk factors is one of the other responsibilities.

Salary and Career of a Penetration Testers

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for penetration testers, also classified under information security analysts, stood at $102,600 in 2021. The demand for information security analysts, including penetration testers, is projected to increase by 35% from 2021 to 2031. This far outpaces the average rate for all other occupations.

Steps to Becoming a Penetration Tester

A combination of education, experience, and ongoing learning is needed to become a penetration tester. This is a detailed how-to for launching a penetration testing career:

1. Analyzing oneself: Examine your aptitude and interest in cybersecurity, computer systems, and problem-solving.
2. Seek Related Education: A solid foundation can be established with a degree in a relevant discipline, such as cybersecurity, computer science, IT, or a related specialism.
3. Obtain Real-World Experience: Consider starting with information security-related positions, such network engineering or security administration, and concentrate on the security facets of each field.
4. Obtain Professional Certifications: You can prove your expertise in ethical hacking techniques by obtaining certifications like the Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) or the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).
5. Keep Up with: The field of cybersecurity is fast developing. Stay updated with the latest tools, techniques, and trends in cybersecurity.

What Skills Should a Penetration Tester Have 

A penetration tester should possess a deep understanding of computer systems and their operation, strong verbal and written communication skills, creativity to think outside the box, and a desire to learn. Knowledge of computer networks, coding or scripting languages, operating systems, and network protocols is essential. Having professional certifications like CEH, OSCP, or CISA can enhance your credibility.

Penetration testing is a dynamic and challenging career path that requires a unique set of skills and a keen interest in cybersecurity. If you’re passionate about problem-solving, enjoy the thrill of hacking, and want to contribute to making the digital world safer, a career as a penetration tester may be the perfect fit for you.