What Does a Penetration Tester
If you’re curious about what a penetration tester does, you’re not alone. Penetration testers are in high demand, but they don’t necessarily need a degree. You can learn the skills necessary to perform a penetration test, but a degree can help you stand out from the rest. Not only will a degree help you gain a professional certification, but it will also help you learn more about the field and get an edge on competitors.
If you’re considering a career as a penetration tester, you’ll need to be aware of the hours. A penetration tester typically works a full-time job for 37 hours a week. You’ll probably work some hours outside of a typical 9-to-5 routine, but many of them are flexible. Some work part-time while others are self-employed or freelance. In either case, you’ll likely spend a lot of time at a computer, and may travel a lot.
The average career path for a penetration testers is to work in an entry-level IT position for a few years and then take up a certification in the field. If you don’t already have one, an associate’s degree in cybersecurity or a bachelor’s degree is a good choice. However, most employers look for those with at least four years of experience. Depending on your skills and background, you can become a penetration tester with an associate’s degree.
What Does a Penetration Tester Do?
The role of a penetration tester is technical, so a strong understanding of how the internet works is essential. This position also requires good oral and written communication skills. You’ll need to explain your findings to management, or executive teams, in plain English. You’ll need to know how to use security tools and how to write technical reports that explain the approaches you’ve used. You’ll also need to be skilled in the use of security tools, such as scripting and Metasploit.
A graduate degree in cybersecurity can lead to a variety of career options, including penetration testing. Graduate programs will provide you with a structured development course, as well as placements, and mentorships. The CHECK scheme, for example, allows qualified penetration testers to work on government and public sector systems. However, you’ll also need to pass a certification exam, usually administered by the NCSC. And finally, advanced certifications in security may be necessary to reach a senior level position.
A penetration tester’s job is to evaluate an organization’s network, servers, and systems. During these tests, a penetration tester looks for hidden vulnerabilities and attacks, aiming to extract valuable information. They may also simulate an attack by an insider, such as an employee phishing attack. When performing these tests, they have to think like an attacker and identify logical flaws that allow a hacker to gain access.
A penetration/ethical hacker’s job scope varies, but all of them are aimed at helping companies protect their network from cyber-attacks. They perform simulated attacks on networks, and may use phishing scams and social engineering to entrap employees. They generate detailed reports, and can recommend improvements to their network’s security. They may even research new hacking tools. There are many other benefits to a career in this field.
