What do you do if you want to become an expert in penetration testing?

You will typically need a combination of certifications, experience, and skills. Starting with the basics is essential, so consider studying Networking (CCNA) and learning programming (Python) to establish a strong foundation. You can then progress towards the security field by obtaining certifications like CEH and CompTIA Pentest+. To enhance your technical skills, play around with TryHackMe and HackTheBox. Gain as much experience and skills as possible, and after a few years, aim for advanced certifications like OSCP and CISSP, depending on whether you want to focus on technical roles or security management and leadership. Continuously update yourself on new technologies and keep enhancing your skills to stay competitive in the field.

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Becoming an expert in penetration testing requires a combination of education, hands-on experience, and continuous learning. Start by building a strong foundation in computer science, networking, and cybersecurity concepts. Pursue formal education through a degree program in cybersecurity, computer science, or a related field. Alternatively, you can take online courses or self-study resources to acquire the necessary knowledge. Familiarize yourself with the principles, methodologies, and techniques used in penetration testing. Study common penetration testing frameworks and standards, such as the Penetration Testing Execution Standard (PTES) or the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) Testing Guide.

It is often said that good information security professionals need knowledge that is kilometers/miles wide, but only centimeters/inches deep. As a security professional myself I've found this to be largely true & believe much the same can be said of pen testers as they first need the same 'breadth' (basic understanding of many topics such as networking, infrastructure, operating systems, scripting, programming, applications, data, devops, secops, architecture, psychology etc.). They will, however, need 'depth' when it comes to their chosen area(s) of specialization since a detailed understanding of any given protected system is a pre-requisite for being able to meaningfully 'hack it', whilst avoiding setting off alarms & covering tracks

Start studying methods and techniques, standardize your studies on: - Network Fundamentals, I recommend starting your studies with CCNA training (Cisco) - Network Operating Systems: Microsoft, Linux and Unix; - Programming languages such as C, Pearl, Python and Shell Script such as Bash, Bsh, Ksh, Ash, etc… - AppSec and OWASP méthod; - Ethical Hacking and try to get a CEH as soon as possible; - Study a consolidated testing platform such as Kali Linux;

Albert Einstein famously said "The only thing that interferes with my learning is my education". Many pen testers identify with this view & often shun formal training programmes on the grounds that they're out-of-date &/or lack the depth of knowledge required. Whist there is some truth to this, formal training & certifications are generally the first foot in the door for the vast majority of ethical pen testers. The most common certs are: 1. Beginner - CompTIA PenTest+ 2. Intermediate - GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN) - Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) 3. Advanced - Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) - GIAC Exploit Researcher & Advanced Penetration Tester (GXPN) - Licensed Penetration Tester (Master)

I would say certification shouldn't be the key. When you want to become a pentester, you need to think out of the box. Think in a way that no one else is thinking. When you go for certification, you will force to think like everyone else. Certificate exams will not give you freedom to think out of the box and you force to answer exactly as you learn without challenging what you learn, otherwise you won't get certificate. Therefore, invest more on practical action and think out of the box. However, if you have no clue on how to get started and you have no idea about the topic, then certification could be good start.

'Depth' of skills and 'Breadth' of skills (knowledge, understanding, capability) are very much interrelated & typically one comes at the expense of the other. Once the basics ('breadth') of computing & information security have been 'mastered' most good penetration testers will go on to specialize in one or two specific areas. Common specializations are: - Internal networks - External networks - Infrastructure - Operating Systems - Social Engineering - Applications - Data - Web - Cloud - Hardware - Firmware It is, of course, also possible (& very common) to be a specialist in 'cross-functional' pen testing in which the focus is hacking the 'people, process & technology' stacks of any given system. Here 'breadth' is essentially 'depth'!

Always sharpen your skills using labs .This will give you a very realistic view. Like for pentest, CRTP ,Burp ,CRTP From altered security and a lot of online Bugbounty places including HackerOne ,can help you to sharpen and prove your realistic value For SoC ,Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate certification can help along with SANS SEC541 for Cloud

The following is a summary framework to ensure pen testing is conducted ethically: 1. PRE-TEST - Define unambiguous scope & obtain written authorization for testing within agreed boundaries - Define 'Rules of Engagement' (e.g., testing windows, exploit limitations, emergency procedures, reporting expectations) - Ensure all parties sign Non-Disclosure Agreements - Verify legality of planned testing activities 2. DURING TEST - Stay within agreed authorization parameters - Minimize disruption - Treat findings with utmost confidentiality. - Keep the client informed - Use exploits responsibly 3. POST-TEST - Securely delete all sensitive client data upon completion - Provide clear & actionable reports - Disclose information responsibly