You're preparing for job interviews in network security. How crucial is experience with penetration testing?

Experience with penetration testing can be quite crucial in network security roles, though its importance can vary depending on the specific position. Understanding of Vulnerabilities: Penetration testing helps you identify and understand common vulnerabilities in systems, networks, and applications. This knowledge is invaluable in securing networks effectively. Practical Skills: Hands-on experience with penetration testing tools and techniques demonstrates your ability to assess security posture, exploit vulnerabilities, and provide actionable remediation advice. Problem-Solving Abilities: Penetration testing requires a deep understanding of how to think like an attacker, which can sharpen your problem-solving skills.

Yhhh actually, utilizing and understanding frameworks like OSSTMM and PTES really opens your view on security assessments, how they conducted professionally and also very important intricacies that should be included in your assessment report.

Penetration testing, often referred to as pen testing, is a critical component of network security. It involves simulating cyberattacks to identify vulnerabilities in systems, networks, and applications. This proactive approach helps organizations understand their security weaknesses before malicious actors can exploit them. Pen testing covers various techniques and tools to test defenses and provides valuable insights into improving overall security posture.

I think the understanding of how to PENTEST is what is important. It is not so much the specific tools but the aspect of time management, having a methodology, what tool in what phase to use, having some soft skills, and being prepared that is important. Over time tools will change, but having a plan is priceless!

How crucial is experience with penetration testing? Its pretty crucial if you're planning to be pentester! As a general security practitioner you should be aware of it and at least be able to explain your experience clearly at interview. Even if that is so you know how to prioritise remediation or ensure the testers actually stay on scope.

Experience with penetration testing is highly beneficial for network security job interviews. Practical experience demonstrates your ability to identify and mitigate security vulnerabilities effectively. It shows employers that you can think like an attacker, anticipate potential threats, and implement robust defenses. Real-world experience also enhances your problem-solving skills and provides a deeper understanding of security protocols and best practices, making you a more attractive candidate for network security roles.

Practical experience with pen testing tools and techniques shows that you can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. It reflects your capability to find and address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by attackers.

Having hands-on experience in penetration testing differentiates you in job interviews. It demonstrates your capability to identify and mitigate security breaches, adapt to evolving threats, and apply theoretical knowledge practically, making you a valuable asset to security teams.

Since my 20+ year career in enterprise network security, I have never been asked about pen testing. It shouldn't be crucial. Most network security roles revolve around firewalls, secure web gateways, and other critical security infrastructure components, their architecture, design, and operations. The pen testing role in large enterprises is typically at home in separate groups/departments of a company, usually the SOC.

Having experience can help you efficiently identify the vulnerability from both a blue team and network team point of view. If you don't know how to identify the exact error it is very difficult to know what to look for or how to interpret the IOCs.

To gain experience in penetration testing, there are several learning platforms available. Websites like TryHackMe, Hack The Box, and Offensive Security offer hands-on labs and challenges that simulate real-world scenarios. These platforms provide practical experience and allow you to practice various pen testing techniques in a controlled environment. Additionally, certifications such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) can further validate your skills and knowledge, making you a more competitive candidate in the job market.

learning platforms that offer hands-on pen testing labs or simulations can enhance your skills. These platforms provide practical experience that is often discussed in interviews.

If you're lacking practical experience, platforms like TryHackMe and Hack The Box offer virtual environments to practice pen testing techniques. Engaging with these platforms can provide hands-on experience and signal your commitment to learning and improving your network security skills.

Apart from the basic learning platforms, there are numerous websites that help you learn in an entertaining way and with a large community that can help you when you are lost to take the next step. Hack The box is one of these platforms, with very active forums and a gamified learning system. If you are Spanish ElPinguinoDeMario has a youtube channel where he posts machines with vulnerabilities with a CTF and videos explaining how to exploit them.

Every journey in learning has a beginning, but being self-taught is one of the key skills for diving deep into the world of cybersecurity. Leveraging platforms is a crucial step in identifying and understanding the gaps and vulnerabilities within an infrastructure. Don’t limit yourself to just one; instead, extract the best from all of them. This approach will undoubtedly help you develop a strong skill set. Platforms like APISecUniversity, PentesterLab, and PortSwigger Academy are excellent starting points for anyone, as well as great places to test and refine your skills. However, grind some certifications is really important!

Certifications should be the last step once you have acquired experience. I believe that many of them can be passed only by studying, but they are much more powerful if you also have experience behind them that gives them value. Once you have reached a basic level, you know the terms and tools are a good way to demonstrate your professionalism on your resume.

Certifications are always an excellent way to demonstrate your commitment to your career. Additionally, they are a great way to further enhance your knowledge and increase your eligibility for certain positions.

Certifications such as Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) validate your pen testing skills and can make you stand out to potential employers.

Certifications such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) validate your penetration testing skills. They serve as a structured benchmark and can compensate for a lack of direct job experience, enhancing your attractiveness to potential employers

Certifications are a big plus for your career in cybersecurity but is not more important than the real practice. In my case in nowadays I've been learning about of Cybersecurity because all areas into IT world Cybersecurity is present all the time. By the other hand. When I was working specifically in perimetral security I got a real interest to learn a bit more than only follow and analyze a packet therefore I've studying with free resources and taking courses to learn more deeply about this field. Some courses free that I can share you to learn are: Cybersecurity I, II from Netacad Academy by Cisco. And also courses self-peaced by Palo Alto and Fortinet vendors.

being able to discuss your experience with pen testing, including specific tools you’ve used (e.g., Metasploit, Nmap) and methodologies you’ve applied, showcases your practical expertise and problem-solving abilities.

Prepare to discuss your pen testing experience by focusing on specific tools, methodologies, and scenarios you've encountered. Articulating the steps taken during tests, from reconnaissance to reporting, demonstrates your comprehensive understanding of the process and its importance in securing networks

Sharing examples of how you've used pen testing in real-world scenarios can demonstrate your practical knowledge and ability to handle security challenges effectively.

Use examples from past projects where you've identified and addressed security risks. Discussing these scenarios can illustrate your practical problem-solving skills and ability to handle real-world security challenges effectively

Experience and projects are always an excellent way to showcase your know-how in any process. In offensive security, this is especially valuable, as it not only highlights your attention to detail in reporting but also demonstrates your effectiveness in exploring potential issues within any infrastructure