Penetration Tester
A Penetration Tester, also known as an ethical hacker, assesses the security of computer systems, networks, and applications to identify and remedy vulnerabilities.
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Sample Job Descriptions for Penetration Tester
Below are the some sample job descriptions for the different experience levels, where you can find the summary of the role, required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Junior (0-2 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
As a Junior Penetration Tester, you will assist in conducting security assessments of systems, networks, and applications to identify and mitigate potential security vulnerabilities. You will work under the guidance of senior security professionals to develop your expertise in simulating cyber attacks and protecting organizational assets.
Required Skills
- Basic proficiency with programming/scripting languages such as Python, Bash, or PowerShell.
- Ability to think like a hacker and anticipate the moves of offensive cyber actors.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Teamwork and interpersonal skills.
- Analytical thinking and a methodical approach to problem-solving.
- Ability to learn quickly and adapt to new tools and technologies.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or equivalent.
- Familiarity with common penetration testing tools and techniques.
- Understanding of networking protocols and security-related concepts.
- Knowledge of operating systems and database security.
- Must have or be willing to obtain relevant security certifications (e.g., CEH).
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
Responsibilities
- Assist in performing penetration tests on computer systems, networks, and applications to uncover vulnerabilities.
- Execute test plans and scenarios under the supervision of senior team members.
- Document security breaches and assess the impact they might have on company operations.
- Participate in security audits and recommend improvements to improve security.
- Stay current with the latest security threats and trends.
- Collaborate with IT and development teams to address identified security issues.
Intermediate (2-5 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
As a Penetration Tester, you will be responsible for evaluating the security of an organization's IT infrastructure by continually assessing and exploiting vulnerabilities to find where hacking threats might be able to gain access. The goal is to identify those security weaknesses before they can be exploited by a malicious actor.
Required Skills
- Proficient in penetration testing and vulnerability assessment tools such as Metasploit, Nessus, Burp Suite, etc.
- Experience with scripting and programming languages (e.g., Python, Bash, Ruby).
- Ability to think like a hacker and anticipate hacker moves.
- Solid understanding of encryption technologies and secure communication techniques.
- Knowledge of Windows, Linux/Unix, and macOS operating systems.
- Familiarity with cloud security and best practices.
- Effective at working both independently and in a team environment.
- Capability to handle multiple projects and adapt to changing priorities.
- Strong organizational and project management skills.
- Keen research and continuous learning aptitude.
Qualifications
- A bachelor's degree in Information Security, Computer Science, or a related field is preferred.
- Relevant certifications such as OSCP, CEH, GIAC, or similar.
- Proven experience with penetration testing tools and techniques.
- Knowledge of network and web application protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, HTTP/HTTPS, FTP, etc.).
- Familiarity with security frameworks and standards (e.g., OWASP, NIST, ISO 27001).
- Experience working in a cybersecurity role and conducting security assessments.
- Ability to analyze and interpret technical data and reports.
- Legal understanding of cyber laws and regulations relevant to penetration testing.
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent communication and report writing skills.
Responsibilities
- Conducting penetration tests on systems, web applications, and networks to uncover vulnerabilities.
- Developing and executing test plans and strategies for security assessments.
- Analyzing and evaluating security flaws and providing remediation guidance.
- Documenting findings and preparing penetration testing reports.
- Collaborating with the security team to enhance the organization's defenses.
- Simulating attacks to identify potential points of entry for real-world hackers.
- Staying updated with the latest security trends, threats, tools, and practices.
- Providing recommendations for security improvements and risk mitigation.
- Coordinating with IT and development teams to resolve security vulnerabilities.
- Engaging in security research to continually improve testing methodologies.
Senior (5+ years of experience)
Summary of the Role
A Senior Penetration Tester is responsible for simulating cyberattacks to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems, networks, and applications. With advanced expertise in security assessments, this professional ensures that the organization's digital assets are protected from unauthorized access. The role requires a deep understanding of ethical hacking methodologies, tools, and techniques, as well as excellent problem-solving skills.
Required Skills
- In-depth knowledge of information security principles and practices.
- Advanced skills in penetration testing tools (e.g., Metasploit, Nmap, Wireshark).
- Strong programming skills in languages such as Python, Ruby, or Java.
- Expertise in network and web application security.
- Ability to clearly communicate security risks to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Proven analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Experience leading teams and mentoring junior staff.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in penetration testing or ethical hacking.
- Certifications such as OSCP, GPEN, or CEH preferred.
- Proven track record of identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities in various systems and applications.
- Familiarity with regulatory compliance standards like PCI-DSS, HIPAA, or ISO 27001.
Responsibilities
- Conducting comprehensive penetration tests on computer systems, networks, and web applications.
- Developing and executing test plans to identify security vulnerabilities.
- Reporting and documenting vulnerabilities and the potential impact on the organization.
- Working closely with security and IT teams to prioritize and remediate identified vulnerabilities.
- Staying updated on the latest cybersecurity threats and trends.
- Providing guidance and recommendations on security best practices.
- Mentor and lead junior penetration testers in the team.
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