Penetration TesterJob 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.