Who is a penetration tester

The day-to-day tasks of a pen tester will vary depending on the organization. Here are some common tasks and responsibilities you may encounter in this role, all pulled from real job listings:. In-house: As an in-house penetration tester, you work directly for a company or organization.

You may also have more input into new security features and fixes. Security firm: Some organizations hire an outside security firm to conduct penetration testing. Freelance: Some penetration testers choose to work as freelancers. Choosing this path can give you greater flexibility in your schedule, but you may need to spend more time looking for clients early in your career. The terms penetration testing and ethical hacking are sometimes used interchangeably in the cybersecurity world.

But the two terms have slightly different meanings. Penetration testing focuses on locating security issues in specific information systems without causing any damage. Ethical hacking is a broader umbrella term that includes a wider range of hacking methods. You can think of penetration testing as one facet of ethical hacking. Both roles have overlap with a cybersecurity Red Team —the group that gives security feedback from the adversary's perspective.

As a penetration tester, you can earn a paycheck by legally hacking into security systems. It can be a fast-paced, exciting job if you have an interest in cybersecurity and problem solving.

Penetration testers need a solid understanding of information technology IT and security systems in order to test them for vulnerabilities.

During the morning, the tester or testing team decides on a strategy for the project at hand and sets up the required tools. In the afternoon, teams carry out the tests they spent the morning designing.

Other duties include carrying out simulations to assess other aspects of internal risk. For instance, penetration testing teams may target select employees with phishing scams or other false breaches to see how those responses affect established security protocols.

The BLS predicts explosive growth in the cybersecurity field. Pay rates in major metro areas and leading tech hubs tend to be on the higher end of the scale. As in many career paths, experience and education influence earning potential. With additional experience and skills, professionals can make more money. Source: PayScale. The typical journey to becoming a penetration tester begins in high school or college. During this time, individuals with the necessary aptitudes often discover and explore their interest in computer science and IT, building technical skills and knowledge of operating systems, scripting, coding, and programming.

Students proceed into computer science, computer engineering, IT, or cybersecurity degree programs. Entry-level penetration tester requirements include both education and experience. Candidates then build penetration tester skills by working in entry-level IT positions, including system or network security and administration roles. Professionals can also pursue industry certifications. After years of employment, emerging professionals typically possess the knowledge and experience to land penetration testing jobs.

Information Systems Security Association International. This collaborative professional network unites cybersecurity professionals worldwide through training programs, workshops, and career services. ISSA also maintains a fellows program for ambitious professionals. ISC 2. This leading nonprofit cybersecurity organization features a membership base of more than , professionals. It offers respected certifications, exam preparation resources, career services, and many other perks.

Another respected global leader in cybersecurity, the Comp-TIA organization offers specialized training programs, continuing education, and certifications. Members also gain access to an exclusive career center.

This enterprise-oriented organization offers benefits including members-only career fairs and job boards, international conferences, and more than local chapters that host training workshops and events.

ISACA offers student, recent graduate, and professional membership levels. This guide explains the journey in detail. Penetration testers enjoy strong job prospects and earning potential in an increasingly high-tech world filled with cyberthreats.

What does a penetration tester do, exactly? It requires exceptional problem-solving skills, a dogged determination, dedication to detail, and a desire to remain continually educated on the latest trends in the field. Successful ethical hackers must possess a high level of each of these qualities in order to excel.

So be honest in the self-assessment before deciding whether pen testing is an appropriate career. In recent years, however, college degrees have become near mandatory for penetration testers. Undergraduate degrees in the various disciplines of cybersecurity all provide viable entryways into the field. Career path : There are several ways a would-be pen tester can break into the cybersecurity industry.

Starting out in security administration, network administration, network engineer, system administrator, or web-based application programming, always focusing on the security side of each discipline, will provide a good foundation for pen testing. Professional certifications : Employers predominantly want to see a number of professional certifications on the resumes of assurance validators, and this is particularly true with more senior positions.

Several organizations now offer widely-recognized certifications for penetration testing occupations. Honing the craft : Becoming an expert in a chosen field is a good idea in any career, but for penetration testers, there are varied ways of standing out from the crowd. Being active and recognized in cybersecurity disciplines, such as bug bounty programs, collecting open-source intelligence OSINT , and developing proprietary attack programs, will all get pen testers recognized among peer groups.

Keep current : As with most cybersecurity career paths, it is vital to remain current with what is happening in the industry.

Keeping skills and knowledge up-to-date with all of the latest trends in programming and network security, ever-changing hacking techniques and security protocols, popularly exploited vulnerabilities, and anything else happening in the cybersecurity industry.

What is a penetration tester? Penetration tester skills and experience Employer requirements of new hires in the penetration testing field, as in all cybersecurity disciplines, will vary dramatically depending upon the detailed functions of each position and the level of the position. What do penetration testers do? Provide subject matter expertise focusing on offensive security testing operations, working to test defensive mechanisms in an organization.

Conduct assessments on a wide variety of technologies and implementations utilizing both automated tools and manual techniques.

Develop scripts, tools, and methodologies to enhance testing processes. What can I do with my degree? Getting a job CVs and cover letters. Applying for jobs Interview tips Open days and events. Choosing a course Getting into university Student loans and finance. University life Changing or leaving your course Alternatives to university. Log in Register. Getting a job CVs and cover letters Applying for jobs Interview tips Open days and events Applying for university Choosing a course Getting into university Student loans and finance University life Changing or leaving your course Alternatives to university Post a job.

View all information technology vacancies. Add to favourites. Penetration testers simulate cyberattacks in order to identify and report security flaws on computer systems, networks and infrastructure, including internet sites As a penetration tester, you will perform authorised tests on computer systems in order to expose weaknesses in their security that could be exploited by criminals.

As well as identifying problems, you may also provide advice on how to minimise risks. Penetration testers are also known as pen testers or ethical hackers. Responsibilities As a penetration tester, you'll understand complex computer systems and technical cyber security terms. You'll need to: work with clients to determine their requirements from the test, for example the number and type of systems they would like testing plan and create penetration methods, scripts and tests carry out remote testing of a client's network or onsite testing of their infrastructure to expose weaknesses in security simulate security breaches to test a system's relative security create reports and recommendations from your findings, including the security issues uncovered and level of risk advise on methods to fix or lower security risks to systems present your findings, risks and conclusions to management and other relevant parties consider the impact your 'attack' will have on the business and its users understand how the flaws that you identify could affect a business, or business function, if they're not fixed.

However, this figure can be significantly higher depending on the industry you work in. Income figures are intended as a guide only. Working hours A hour working week is standard in this role, but flexible working practices are common and you may need to work outside of a typical 9am to 5pm pattern.

What to expect You may work in an office, or from home, and are likely to travel frequently to meet clients unless you work in-house. Most, if not all, of your time will be spent at a computer when not in meetings. Jobs are available throughout the UK and job security is generally good.

You'll have a high level of responsibility and will need to feel comfortable with this, while at the same time maintaining a high level of concentration and attention to detail. Women are currently underrepresented in the profession. There are various schemes around to encourage more women into penetration testing and other technical roles.

There are opportunities for qualified cyber security experts to work overseas.