Cyber attacks are increasing, and businesses need to improve their security to safeguard the information in their systems. This is why penetration testing is important in identifying security loopholes before hackers exploit them. Mock attacks assist companies in enhancing defenses and being ready for threats. A profession in penetration testing provides avenues to thrilling prospects in ethical hacking and cybersecurity. This profession provides practical experience, actual problem-solving, and great demand for professionals. With this guide, we will make you familiar with everything regarding the Penetration Testing profession and the path to become a penetration tester.

What is a Penetration Tester?

A Penetration Tester, or “pen tester,” is a computer security expert who mimics actual cyberattacks to identify security vulnerabilities in systems and networks. They employ the same methods and tools hackers would use to reveal vulnerabilities before others can take advantage of them. Their efforts enable companies to fortify security, avoid data breaches, and safeguard confidential information. Pen testers evaluate firewalls, applications, and internal systems to keep defenses strong against new threats. As ethical hackers, they are responsible for keeping organizations secure from cyberattacks and security breaches.

What Does a Penetration Tester Do?

A Penetration Tester, or an ethical hacker, mimics cyberattacks to identify security vulnerabilities in a business’s digital infrastructure. They adopt an aggressive stance by actually testing firewalls, networks, and applications with hacking tools and methods. The aim is to identify loopholes that actual hackers might use. During the process, pen testers record their work and produce reports on how they compromised security defenses. Their efforts assist companies to patch weaknesses, fortify defenses, and remain one step ahead of cyber threats prior to attackers exploiting them.

Penetration Tester Tasks and Responsibilities

Penetration testers, or ethical hackers, assist companies in finding and resolving security vulnerabilities before actual attackers take advantage of them. They work by conducting mock cyberattacks, probing defenses, and enhancing security measures. Below are their primary tasks:

1. Execute penetration tests against applications, networks, and cloud environments, imitating actual cyberattacks to determine vulnerabilities.
2. Conduct a review of security policies, evaluate physical security controls, and check compliance with industry standards.
3. Review source code, reverse malware, and implement mechanisms to defend systems against cyber attacks.
4. Design scripts and tools to enhance penetration testing speed and effectiveness.
5. Document the vulnerabilities, propose remedies, and work with the IT teams to implement improvements in security.
6. Research new cyber attacks and train the employees on how to practice good security to lower risks.

How to Become a Penetration Tester?

Penetration testing involves legally breaking into systems to look for security vulnerabilities before the hackers do. This might be the penetration tester career for you if you have a problem-solving and cybersecurity flair. Here are the steps to become a penetration tester​:

1.Develop the Right Skills

In order to be a proficient penetration tester, you should have a good foundation in IT and security systems. Some of the important skills you should concentrate on are:

• Network and application security
• Programming (Python, BASH, Java, Ruby, Perl)
• Security threat and vulnerability identification
• Linux, Windows, and macOS operating system familiarity
• Security testing tools usage
• Cloud security and cryptography
• Preparing in-depth security reports

2.Enroll in a Course or Training Program

A formal course will enable you to study penetration testing more systematically. Training programs also include hands-on training, so you can try what you learn in actual scenarios.

3.Get Certified with the Best Training Provider

A certified penetration tester course makes sure employers that you possess the skills they’re after. Some of the top certifications for penetration testers are:

• Orbus Penetration Tester Training
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• CompTIA PenTest+
• GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN)
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)

4.Obtain Hands-On Experience

Employers would like you to have hands-on experience in most cases. You can achieve this by:

• Practicing in virtual hacking labs
• Participating in bug bounty programs where firms offer you money to discover security vulnerabilities
• Engaging in cyber competitions such as Capture the Flag (CTF)

5.Begin with an Entry-Level IT Position

Working in IT before can be useful if you have no direct experience. Most pen testers begin by working as security analysts or system administrators before jumping into ethical hacking.

6.Apply for Positions

After you feel ready with your skills, begin applying for penetration testing positions. In addition to LinkedIn and Indeed, look at cybersecurity-specific job sites such as Dice and Cybersecurityjobs.com to get the most desirable opportunities.

Penetration testing is not easy to break into, but if you like the challenge of ethical hacking, it’s a great career choice!.

Where Do Penetration Testers Work?

Penetration testers can work in different settings depending on their role and career path. Here are the three main environments where they work:

1. In-House: Some pen testers are employed directly by a company within its information technology security department. This enables them to know the company’s security configuration thoroughly and assist with enhancing security protocols.
2. Security Companies: Most companies contract specialized security companies to attempt to breach their systems. Employing a security company provides pen testers with the opportunity to work with various clients across various industries such as finance, healthcare, and government. This penetration tester career path has greater diversity in terms of the kinds of tests that are conducted.
3. Freelance: Freelancing is preferred by some penetration testers. Freelancing offers greater flexibility, but it takes time to establish a client base, particularly in the initial stages of the career.

Why Pursue a Career in Penetration Testing?

A career in penetration testing is exciting, rewarding, and in high demand. Penetration testers, use ethical hacking skills to find security weaknesses before real hackers can exploit them. By simulating cyberattacks, they help companies strengthen their defenses and protect sensitive data.

High Demand and Great Pay

Cybersecurity threats are increasing, and businesses need skilled professionals to stay ahead. That’s why penetration testers are well-paid and highly sought after. In India, the average base salary for a pen tester is around ₹6,68,511 per year, according to Glassdoor. Pay varies based on experience, location, and industry, with financial services and government roles often offering higher salaries.

Plenty of Career Growth

Penetration testers have many opportunities to grow. With experience, you can move up to lead a security team, become an information security manager, or even step into executive roles. Since cybersecurity is needed in every industry, finance, healthcare, IT, and government, there’s no shortage of job options.

Penetration Tester Skills and Experience

You must have excellent technical skills, hands-on experience, and an in-depth knowledge of cybersecurity threats to be an effective penetration tester. With penetration tester jobs, your responsibility is to discover and repair security vulnerabilities before they are exploited by hackers.

Key Skills You Need

• Network and Application Security: Knowledge of how networks, web applications, and operating systems function is critical in order to detect vulnerabilities.
• Programming Skills: Familiarity with scripting languages such as Python, Bash, Java, Ruby, Perl, and PowerShell assists in automating procedures and developing tailored testing tools.
• Hacking Techniques: Familiarity with reconnaissance, scanning, vulnerability scanning, exploitation, and reporting is essential.
• Penetration Testing Tools: Familiarity with tools such as Burp Suite, Metasploit, Wireshark, Nessus, and Nmap is essential for testing and examining security vulnerabilities.
• Operating System and Network Protocols: Understanding of Windows, Linux, macOS, mobile OS (iOS/Android), firewalls, IPS/IDS systems, and encryption technology.
• Cloud and SaaS Security: Since more companies are shifting to the cloud, understanding container security, API security, and threat hunting is gaining significance.

Education and Work Experience

• Most employers want applicants with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, cybersecurity, or a related degree. A master’s degree is needed for some advanced positions. However, some firms recruit based on certified penetration tester training skills and experience only.

Common Career Paths to Penetration Testing

• Software Developer or Coder: Assists in understanding how applications function and how they can be hacked.
• Security Engineer or Network Administrator: Develops expertise in security systems, firewalls, and network protocols.
• Security Tester: Involves directly locating vulnerabilities in networks and software.

How Much do Penetration Testers Make?

Penetration testers make between $64,000 and $146,000 per year, average penetration tester salary being $97,931 annually according to Payscale.

Sample Penetration Tester Job Description

A Penetration Tester assists organizations in discovering and resolving security vulnerabilities before hackers exploit them. Your role is to mimic cyberattacks against computer networks, systems, and applications. You will employ hacking techniques and tools to discover vulnerabilities, assess risks, and provide reports with suggestions for security enhancements.

To do this, you need to have a good grasp of cybersecurity, ethical hacking, and security testing tools like Metasploit, Burp Suite, and Nmap. Familiarity with basic coding in Python, Bash, or PowerShell is also beneficial. Good problem-solving skills and the ability to explain security threats in simple language are required for this role as well.

Conclusion

Penetration testing is an exciting and high-demand profession for individuals who enjoy cybersecurity and hacking in an ethical manner. With good technical skills, a hands-on feel, and industry-related certifications, you can assist firms in keeping cyber attacks at bay. If your intention is to get into penetration testing, there is no one better than Orbus to enroll with, learning real-world practical skills from experienced trainers. If you’re a beginner or an IT specialist, Orbus can assist you in developing a successful penetration testing career.