Penetration Tester Job Description

Penetration testers, also known as "ethical hackers," are highly

skilled security specialists that attempt to breach computer and network

security systems. These testers work in the information technology (IT) field

to ensure that those without authorization cannot access a company's asset. The

pentester has to hack into networks to identify potential vulnerabilities in

the system.

Penetration Tester Duties and Responsibilities

Specific duties for

penetration testers such as:

Conduct Tests on

Networks and Applications

Penetration testers

shall perform security tests on networks, web-based applications, and computer

systems. The Penetration testers shall design these tests and tools to

try to break into security-protected applications and networks to probe for

vulnerabilities. These testers keep up with the latest methods for ethical

hacking and testing and are always evaluating new penetration testing tools.

Conduct Security

Audits

Penetration testers

shall use testing methods to pinpoint ways that attackers could exploit

weaknesses in security systems. The Penetration testers shall conduct network

and system security audits, which evaluate how well an organization's system

conforms to a set of established criteria.

Analyze Security

Policies

Organizations enforce

security policies that identify procedures and rules for accessing and using

their IT resources. Penetration testers analyze these policies for

effectiveness, make suggestions on security policy improvements, and work to

enhance methodology material.

Write Security

Assessment Reports

After conducting

thorough research and testing, penetration testers shall document their

findings, write security reports, and discuss solutions with IT teams and

management. The penetesters also provide feedback and verification after

security fixes are issued.

Penetration Tester Skills and Qualifications

The candidates who are

experts in information technology, have experience hacking, and possess the

following skills:

Advanced computer skills

• extensive computer skills and an

understanding of networking are the most important fundamental skills

penetration testers possess. The Penetration testers are experienced with

cryptography, reverse engineering, web applications, databases, and wireless

technologies

Computer and information security

• penetration testers use their exceptional

computer skills to attempt to hack into systems. The Penetration testers

keep up to date on security software packages and are always learning new

security protocols and computer technologies that could be exploited

Scripting and programming

• a variety of computer programming and

scripting skills are important for penetration testers because some employers

require knowledge of a specific programming language or operating system

Report writing

• penetration testers utilize strong written

and oral communication skills to write reports on their assessments to

communicate potential weaknesses to the IT team and management

Problem-solving skills

• to protect networks and data from potential

serious risks, penetration testers use problem-solving skills to determine the

most effective way to correct issues that arise

Data analytics

• penetration testers can review data and

analyze the processes needed to correct security issues

Education requirement

Bachelor's degree in

information technology, information security, or computer science.