What are the most common security testing career paths?

1 Penetration tester

A penetration tester, also known as an ethical hacker, is a security professional who simulates real-world attacks on systems and networks to find and exploit vulnerabilities. Penetration testers use various tools and techniques, such as scanning, enumeration, cracking, spoofing, and social engineering, to gain access, escalate privileges, and compromise targets. They also document and report their findings and recommendations to improve security. Penetration testers need to have a strong technical background, knowledge of security frameworks and methodologies, and creative problem-solving skills. They also need to keep up with the latest trends and threats in the cyber landscape.

2 Web application tester

A web application tester is a security professional who focuses on testing the security of web applications and APIs. Web applications are often the target of cyberattacks, as they handle sensitive data and interact with users and other systems. Web application testers use tools and techniques, such as proxies, fuzzers, scanners, and burp suite, to identify and exploit vulnerabilities, such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting, broken authentication, and insecure deserialization. They also follow security standards and best practices, such as OWASP Top 10, to ensure the quality and security of web applications. Web application testers need to have a solid understanding of web technologies, protocols, and architectures, as well as programming and scripting skills.

3 Mobile application tester

A mobile application tester is a security professional who tests the security of mobile applications and devices. Mobile applications are increasingly popular and complex, but they also pose security risks, such as data leakage, unauthorized access, malware infection, and privacy violation. Mobile application testers use tools and techniques, such as emulators, debuggers, reverse engineering, and static and dynamic analysis, to identify and exploit vulnerabilities, such as insecure storage, weak encryption, insecure communication, and code injection. They also follow security standards and best practices, such as OWASP Mobile Top 10, to ensure the security and functionality of mobile applications. Mobile application testers need to have a good knowledge of mobile platforms, operating systems, and frameworks, as well as programming and scripting skills.

5 Network security tester

A network security tester is a security professional who tests the security of network infrastructure and devices, such as routers, switches, firewalls, and servers. Network security testers use tools and techniques, such as port scanning, packet sniffing, network mapping, and vulnerability assessment, to identify and exploit vulnerabilities, such as misconfiguration, weak authentication, open ports, and protocol flaws. They also follow security standards and best practices, such as NIST SP 800-115, to ensure the security and performance of network infrastructure and devices. Network security testers need to have a deep knowledge of network protocols, architectures, and devices, as well as network security tools and techniques.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?