What do you do if you want to become a penetration tester in Information Security?

Even before understanding the basics of information security, it's essential to have a deep understanding of networking technology, operating system internals, and the details of many network protocols. Learning one or more programming languages is essential if application security interests you. There are no shortcuts. Until you have a deep understanding of how things work, you will bring little value to pen testing.

To become a penetration tester in information security, you need a strong educational background in computer science or a related field, along with technical skills in operating systems, networking, and cybersecurity tools. Obtaining relevant certifications, gaining practical experience, developing soft skills like problem-solving, and staying updated with the latest trends are also crucial. Networking within the cybersecurity community and adhering to ethical standards are essential for success in this field.

Becoming a penetration tester in information security involves learning about computers and cybersecurity, either through formal education or self-study. It's important to gain hands-on experience by practicing with tools like Kali Linux and Wireshark, which are commonly used for hacking and testing. Internships or cybersecurity projects can provide valuable practical experience in the field. Additionally, earning certifications such as CEH or OSCP demonstrates proficiency and commitment to potential employers. Lastly, staying updated on the latest cybersecurity trends and techniques is essential for success in this rapidly evolving field.

To elaborate a bit on the networking point in this section, understanding subnets and routing can be paramount in C2 infrastructure and lateral movement.

The best penetration testers are not 'hackers'...they're 'defenders' who think like hackers. And the very best 'defenders' understand how the following three fundamental elements of every organization inter-relate: 1. People - root cause analyses consistently show that the majority of breaches ultimately boil down to things people do or don't do (either intentionally or unintentionally). Defenders/hackers must 'know' people 2. Processes - breaches caused by the things people do or don't do are often the result of ill-defined or non-existent processes. Defenders/hackers must 'know' processes 3. Technology - people & process typically rely on several kinds of technology. Defenders/hackers must 'know' a broad set of technologies

There are great sources to learn Pen testing! I actively use them to gain new skills and knowledge, participate in Capture the Flags Competitions and find labs that help you understand and practice your skills - HackTheBox, TryHackMe, Courses on Udemy and Coursera to name a few.

Good pen testers must understand many things (people, process & technology) & need to learn many things, which means a 'mixed' approach, such as that outlined below, is generally best: - Start with the basics: People, Process & Technology (networking, infrastructure, OS fundamentals, scripting, & programming) - Build a home lab & use resources like TryHackMe, HackTheBox or VulnHub for guided practice. - Supplement with certifications like CompTIA Security+, CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker), or OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional). - Join communities for support & collaboration. CTF (Capture the Flag) competitions are a great way to test your skills against realistic challenges, often in collaborative environments.

To advance in penetration testing, focus on learning various attack strategies, utilizing pen testing tools, and exploring methodologies like PTES or OSSTMM. Practice is essential, so consider setting up a home lab or using virtual labs to enhance your skills in a safe environment. Engage with online courses, books, and resources to deepen your understanding and proficiency in penetration testing.

Platforms like TryHackMe, HackTheBox, and VulnHub offer practical cybersecurity experience for all levels. TryHackMe offers user-friendly entry level guided pathways and interactive learning, progressing to advanced CTFs and help with certifications. In my opinion, HackTheBox is suitable for more advanced learners with virtual labs that mimic real world vulnerabilities and security issues. Finally, I recommend VulnHub which offers downloadable vulnerable machines, allowing you to create a personal lab environment for pen testing. Engage with the forums on these platforms and document your cybersecurity journey in a blog or journal. This will help others on the same path and is something that can be shown to employers as well.

To become a penetration tester, it's crucial to build a strong foundation in cybersecurity principles and get hands-on experience. Certifications can provide structured learning and validate your skills. Engaging in practical exercises like Hack The Box or CTFs is invaluable for real-world applications, helping you understand attackers' methodologies. Additionally, mastering popular penetration testing tools equips you with the necessary arsenal to identify and exploit vulnerabilities. From my perspective, embracing a continuous learning mindset and staying curious about emerging threats and technologies are key traits for success in this ever-evolving field.

To gain valuable practical experience in penetration testing, consider participating in Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions and contributing to open source projects. These activities can enhance your problem-solving abilities and allow you to apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios. Seeking internships or starting in entry-level cybersecurity positions can provide hands-on experience. Additionally, roles in network administration or system engineering can offer valuable insights complementary to penetration testing. Continuously seeking opportunities to apply and expand your skills is key to developing a strong foundation in the field.

Some tips to gain experience: 1. Set Up a Home Lab with intentionally vulnerable machines misconfigured software. 2. Participate in CTFs (Capture the Flag) Competitions, which simulate real-world scenarios, offer opportunities for collaboration & can provide portfolio material for your resume 3. Bug Bounty Programs with real-world targets. You'll definitely gain experience & may even make some money!! 4. Contribute to security-focused Open-Source projects & contribute by fixing bugs, writing documentation, or testing existing code. 5. Volunteer & use your 'social skills' to network. Most people (including me) want to help & a solid base of peers/mentors will always be able to help find you work, if you're able to show willing & promise

Gain practical experience by working on real-world projects, participating in bug bounty programs, or volunteering for security-related tasks within your organization. Internships, entry-level positions, or freelance opportunities can provide valuable exposure to different environments, technologies, and challenges. Document your experiences, successes, and lessons learned to showcase your skills and dedication.

Gaining experience in penetration testing is a blend of hands-on practice and real-world application. Set up a home lab to test your skills safely. Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions to solve Security puzzles in simulated environments. Finally, bug bounty programs let you find vulnerabilities in real systems, earning recognition and potentially money while honing your craft.

Working in related fields like network administration or system engineering can also provide valuable insights and experience relevant to penetration testing. These roles often involve dealing with security issues, and the experience gained can be directly applied to penetration testing. Remember, the field of penetration testing is constantly evolving, and practical experience is key to staying up-to-date and developing a successful career in this field. Keep learning

The OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) is a highly respected certification. Earning the OSCP opens doors - it helped my niece land a job offer from Lockheed Martin after a combination of dedicated self-study and an internship that provided hands-on experience. You'll be well-positioned for penetration testing roles in top companies. It’s challenging, and that’s why it can be a major career booster.

Obtaining industry-recognized certifications that validate your skills in ethical hacking and penetration testing is advisable. Some of the popular certifications for penetration testers are Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), Certified Penetration Testing Engineer (CPTE), GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN), and CompTIA PenTest+.

I understand the importance of earning certifications to validate my skills and knowledge to potential employers. I began with entry-level certifications studies of CompTIA Security+ and progressively advanced to more specialized ones such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and EC-Council Security Analyst. These certifications not only demonstrate my expertise but also require passing practical exams that assess my ability to conduct real-world penetration tests, enhancing my credibility within the industry.

Earning certifications is a valuable way to demonstrate your expertise in penetration testing to employers. Begin with foundational certifications like CompTIA Security+ and progress to specialized ones such as CEH or OSCP. These certifications typically include practical exams that assess your ability to conduct real-world penetration tests, enhancing your credibility and marketability in the cybersecurity industry.

Many pen testers scorn certifications. Whilst I understand this position, I personally think a solid portfolio of quality certifications provide a structured learning path & demonstrate dedication. Below is an overview of the best-known certs: 1. Beginner/Intermediate - CompTIA PenTest+ - CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) 2. Intermediate/Advanced - OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) - GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN) 3. Specialized Certifications - GIAC Exploit Researcher & Advanced Penetration Tester (GXPN) - EC-Council Licensed Penetration Tester (LPT) Master - CREST Certifications: Several specializations (infrastructure pen tester, web app tester, etc.), are highly regarded in the relatively mature UK industry.

Join local cybersecurity groups. In my cybersecurity journey, I attend monthly meetings with the Toronto Area Security Klatch, Defcon 416, and Cybersecurity Global Alliance, and have attended Black Hat and OWASP conferences. This year I plan on attending DefCon 32 in Las Vegas. I also participate as a panelist on ClickArmor's bi-weekly cybersecurity webinar, providing a perspective on cybersecurity from an NGO that is very aware of privacy and corporate espionage as well as reputation. All of these things have allowed me to meet people far more experienced than myself, exposing me to technologies and opportunities I would never have been aware of. As a beginner in pen testing, put yourself out there and don't be afraid to network.

Engage with professionals in the cybersecurity community through online forums, social media groups, conferences, and local meetups. Build relationships, seek mentorship, and learn from experienced penetration testers. Networking provides opportunities for knowledge sharing, collaboration, job referrals, and professional growth. Stay active, contribute to discussions, and leverage your network to access resources, guidance, and career opportunities in penetration testing.

Networking with professionals in the cybersecurity field is invaluable for learning, career growth, and job opportunities. Attend industry conferences, join local cybersecurity groups, and engage in online forums to connect with experts. Building relationships within the community can lead to mentorship opportunities, industry insights, and staying current with trends in penetration testing.

Building your network in information Security is key! Attend industry conferences and workshops to meet professionals. Join online communities and forums focused on pen testing to connect and learn from others. Seek mentors who can guide you and offer valuable insights into the field. By engaging with the information Security community, you'll gain valuable connections and stay updated on the latest trends and knowledge.

Networking with professionals is crucial for learning and uncovering job opportunities in penetration testing. Attend industry conferences, join local cybersecurity groups, and engage in online forums. Connecting with the community offers mentorship and keeps you informed about the latest trends and techniques, enriching your knowledge and opening doors to potential career paths in the field.

Staying informed and up-to-date with the constantly evolving field of information security is crucial for a successful career in penetration testing. Engage with security blogs, subscribe to newsletters, and attend webinars to stay current on the latest trends, tools, and techniques. Continuous learning and proactive education are key to keeping your skills sharp, relevant, and competitive in the cybersecurity industry.

Staying updated is vital in the rapidly changing field of information security. Keep abreast of the latest security news, tools, and techniques by following security blogs, subscribing to newsletters, and attending webinars. Continuous learning is crucial in this career, and actively seeking out new information ensures your skills remain sharp and applicable to the current landscape. This commitment to staying informed is key to a successful and dynamic career in penetration testing.

In the dynamic landscape of information security, staying informed is like keeping your toolbox well-stocked. It's about more than just reading the latest articles or attending webinars. It's about engaging with the community, sharing insights, and learning from others' experiences. For example, participating in online forums or local meetups can provide real-world insights that you won't find in any textbook. So, keep learning, keep sharing, and keep growing. After all, in the world of cybersecurity, today's innovation could be tomorrow's standard practice.

1. Get educated in computer science or cybersecurity. 2. Achieve certifications like CEH or OSCP. 3. Gain hands-on experience through internships. 4. Master penetration testing tools and methods. 5. Network, stay updated, and prioritize ethics.

Some relevant nuggets of wisdom gleaned from the Internet: - "A vulnerability is just an opportunity for improvement...with a side of adrenaline." - "Penetration testers: We break in legally, so you don't have to break down later." - "Penetration testing isn't about finding every flaw, it's about finding the ones that matter." - "Penetration testing isn't about proving you're smart, it's about preventing someone smarter from proving they are." - "Penetration tester: the only job where you get praised for exposing people's weaknesses."

In penetration testing, ethical conduct and adherence to privacy and data protection laws are crucial. Embrace the responsibility that accompanies the power to uncover vulnerabilities, engaging only in ethical hacking with clear authorization. Share your insights and experiences to enrich the community, whether through blogging, speaking, or mentoring. Remember, constantly adopting an attacker's mindset can be taxing; balance this with activities that support your mental well-being. This comprehensive approach enhances your career and contributes positively to the information security domain, ensuring you remain a valuable and ethical member of the community.

It's important to understand that Information Security (IS) is the overarching level of security within a company. IS is the governance and controls all levels within the company such as IT, HR, OT, Compliance, Data Protection, Development, Production, Logistics, etc. The head of IS is typically the CISO. This means that IS sets the guidelines for IT security and monitors their compliance. A Pen-Tester works on the technical side in IT. Typically, IS hires a Pen-Tester to conduct a test in IT.