Here's how you can develop the necessary skills to succeed as a penetration tester in Information Security.

Understanding Networking concepts is very essential, learning about TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, and other fundamental networking concepts. Understand how networks operate, including the OSI model and network layers. Explore network protocols and their functions.

To excel as a penetration tester in Information Security, mastering foundational principles is paramount. Start by comprehending network structures, operating systems, and prevalent vulnerabilities. Learn key protocols like TCP/IP and utilize tools such as Wireshark for network analysis. These fundamentals lay the groundwork for advanced penetration testing techniques, equipping you to identify and exploit vulnerabilities effectively. Building a strong base ensures you can confidently navigate complex security assessments and deliver robust insights to enhance organizational defenses.

Learn about TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, and other networking concepts. Understand how networks operate and how different protocols work. Gain proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Ruby, or Bash. Write custom scripts to automate tasks and exploit vulnerabilities. Become proficient in both Windows and Linux environments. Understand the security features and weaknesses of different operating systems. Learn to use tools like Nmap, Metasploit, Burp Suite, Wireshark, and John the Ripper. Practice using these tools to identify and exploit vulnerabilities. Study how exploits are developed and how vulnerabilities are discovered. Develop the ability to write and test your own exploits.

Understanding the basics of network structures, operating systems, and common vulnerabilities, is a must. True professionals have a compriancive knowledge of these IT discipline.

Here are some unexpected areas you can explore to enhance your skillset: Lock Picking: While not always applicable in a digital world, understanding physical security principles can help during engagements that involve physical access controls. Social Engineering: Understanding social engineering tactics can aid in crafting phishing lures or simulating real-world scenarios where an attacker might gain access through social manipulation. Web Scraping: The ability to scrape data from public websites can help gather information about a target's infrastructure or potential vulnerabilities. Data Analysis: Extracting insights from large datasets of information found through OSINT can be crucial for identifying attack vectors.

To succeed in penetration testing, you need strong technical skills in operating systems, networking, and security tools, as well as proficiency in programming languages like Python. Analytical thinking and problem-solving are crucial for identifying vulnerabilities, while attention to detail and creativity help in uncovering hidden risks. Effective communication is also essential for clearly reporting findings and risks.

Create custom scripts and toolchains that integrate multiple tools. Building your own toolchains improves efficiency. It also demonstrates your ability to adapt tools to specific testing scenarios. Contribute to open-source security tools. Set up lab environments that mimic real-world scenarios. This can be done using virtual machines and vulnerable applications. Participate in CTF competition. These events simulate real-world penetration testing scenarios.

curiosity is important in studying how exploits are made and vulnerabilities are discovered. Practise and get to know and use tools like Nmap (network scanner), Metasploit (penetration testing framework), Burp Suite (web vulnerability scanner), Wireshark (packet analyzer), and John the Ripper (password cracker). Identify vulnerabilities and assess security risks in your test environment

To excel as a penetration tester, mastering tools like those in Kali Linux is foundational. Understanding tools such as Nmap for network mapping, Metasploit for exploit development, and Burp Suite for web app testing is crucial. However, it's equally vital to gain practical experience through hands-on labs and real-world simulations. Developing a deep understanding of these tools and their application in various scenarios prepares penetration testers to effectively identify and address vulnerabilities, ensuring they can deliver thorough and impactful security assessments.

The first thing I can recommend is not to use Kali, this because it comes with an infinite number of tools which most of you will not use, I prefer to recommend a cleaner OS such as Ubuntu, Debian or Arch, the basic thing to install could be GIT to be able to manage repositories, other tools could be Burpsuite, Sqlmap, Metasploit, nmap, etc. However, in the end the necessary tools will depend on the situation and the system being worked on.

Mastering different operating systems (OS) is essential for penetration testers. Understanding Windows, Linux, and macOS involves learning their command-line interfaces and system administration tasks. This knowledge enables testers to navigate OS environments effectively during assessments, pinpointing vulnerabilities specific to each OS. Such expertise not only enhances technical proficiency but also ensures thorough and precise evaluations, crucial for providing comprehensive security recommendations and mitigating risks effectively.

Create and simulate different OS environments to gain hands-on experience. Use these labs to replicate real-world scenarios. This can build an understanding of how each OS behaves under different conditions. Pursue certifications that focus on penetration testing. Enroll in advanced courses and workshops that delve deeper into OS-specific security mechanisms. Regularly read security blogs. Keeping up with the latest developments ensures that you are aware of new vulnerabilities as they emerge.

A penetration tester must comprehend several operating systems. For example, on Windows systems, Powershell is essential for shell and scripting as it helps to gain extensive post-exploitation control to manipulate local groups and many more. Understanding each OS security gaps will keep you ahead

It makes a lot sense for a pentester to understand systems and know how they are supposed to work. This understanding helps to find ways to attack a given system. Logical flaws are easier to find when you know what should or shouldn't work. But more importantly this understanding is needed to give proper recommendations on how to improve security measurea.

Pentesters must understand the principle of coding and how different logic works even if they don't plan to go into coding fully. Having programming skills helps to create custom tools, automate things, analyze code and most importantly find vulnerabilities. My piece of advice is to start small with simple bash scripts as it would be useful for tasks like enumeration, exploitation and privilege escalation

No one man is an island, different communities share different techniques. There are various communities like Hack the Box forums, DEFCON, Capture the Flag, Linkedin and CGI to mention a few. Mentors are a good part of the community. However, you need to ask questions even if it sounds foolish and as you also grow in knowledge, also share your experience with the community

Hands-on experience is invaluable for improving your penetration testing abilities. Participating in CTF competitions which cover a broad spectrum of security subjects, including web exploitation and reverse engineering. Platforms like Hack The Box, TryHackMe, and OverTheWire provide CTF-style challenges. Hack The Box (HTB) offers a virtual lab environment with susceptible machines for practising exploiting vulnerabilities lawfully. You can also create your virtual machines with purposely susceptible setups or get metasploitable Use Metasploit, Nmap, and Burp Suite to find and exploit vulnerabilities. Practice testing web applications.

Becoming a successful penetration tester involves a combination of technical skills, practical experience, and continuous learning. Getting certified doesn't make you experienced.

I think one of the most minimized aspect is the business logic. As pentester, you will switch weekly your context, and will work in multiple industries. It is a good idea to be curious and have a general knowledge to understand the business of your customer, to better abuse it.