A penetration tester, also known as a pen tester, is in charge of examining systems and digital assets for any weaknesses and security vulnerabilities. They launch mock hacks or attacks on systems to check for any issues that may occur. These professionals use a variety of different tools to spot weak spots in a system’s defences which attackers could take advantage of.
What is Penetration Testing?
Penetration testing is the process of simulating a cyber attack on computer systems and platforms with the goal of finding any hidden vulnerabilities. The goal here is to evaluate a system’s security and make sure there is no chance of risk or hacking.
A penetration test can also be referred to as a pen test and the process of conducting one can also be known as ethical hacking.
A penetration test can help businesses and organisations:
- Find weaknesses in their systems
- Boost employee awareness
- Evaluate effectiveness of incident and risk response plans
- Support compliance and more.
Join our IT freelancer community today! Create your freelance profile in just 2 minutes.
What are the Responsibilities of a Penetration Tester?
A penetration tester is responsible for performing tests on applications and infrastructures by first creating penetration methods, scripts and tests. They design and conduct simulated social engineering attacks and security breaches to test a system’s relative security.
These professionals then create reports and recommendations that include the security issues uncovered and level of risk while also reviewing code for security vulnerabilities.
When needed, they automate common testing techniques to improve efficiency and advise on methods to fix or lower security risks to systems.
Responsibilities of a penetration tester:
- Perform tests on applications and infrastructures
- Develop methodologies for penetration testing
- Create penetration methods, scripts and tests
- Design and conduct simulated social engineering attacks and security breaches
- Create reports and recommendations
- Review code for security vulnerabilities
- Automate common testing techniques to improve efficiency
- Advise on methods to fix or lower security risks to systems
- Document security and compliance issues
- Ensure security improvements with additional testing
- Help clients improve digital security measures
Find the right penetration tester for your project here
What are the Skills of a Penetration Tester?
A penetration tester has extensive knowledge of scripting and coding and has advanced experience with Linux and/or Windows OS.
What are the soft skills of a pentester?
They are able to understand exploits and vulnerabilities extensively and beyond just automated approaches. What’s more, these testers have knowledge of networking and relevant protocols such as TCP/IP, UDP, DNS, and DHCP.
A penetration tester has strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. They also have strong analytical and time management skills.
Skills of a pentester:
- Extensive knowledge of scripting and coding
- Advanced experience with Linux and/or Windows OS
- In-depth understanding of computer systems and their operation
- Ability to understand exploits and vulnerabilities
- Ability to look beyond just automated approaches
- Knowledge of networking and relevant protocols such as TCP/IP, UDP, DNS, and DHCP
- Strong communication skills
- Excellent presentation skills
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Good analytical thinking
- Good time management skills
- Strong attention to detail
Looking for your next penetration testing project?
Find it here
What are the requirements to be a Penetration Tester?
A penetration tester generally needs at least a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, IT, Cyber Security, Forensic Computing or a related useful field. In-depth knowledge of computer operating systems is also required as is some experience working in the field of information security.
Some professional qualifications may also be needed to work as a penetration tester. Examples of these include:
- Introduction to Certified Penetration Testing (CPENT)
- PEN-200: Penetration Testing with Kali Linux
- GIAC Penetration Tester Certification | GPEN
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
What is the salary of a Penetration Tester?
A penetration tester makes around $120,100 per year on average in the United States. On the lower end, these professionals can make around $82,300 whereas on the higher end, they can make up to $175,100.
How much do penetration testers make in Germany?
In Germany, penetration testers can make between €50,000 – €70,000 per year. Keep in mind that these numbers can vary depending on the individual in question and their specific skills, role, and industry.
In the UK, penetration testers make between £20,000 – £70,000 per year.
Are pentesters paid well? Salary of penetration testers:
| US | $82,300 – $175,000 |
| Germany | €50,000 – €70,000 |
| UK | £20,000 – £70,000 |
How much do freelance penetration testers make?
Penetration Testers on freelancermap charge on average:
Rates in the Pentesting Industry range between $40 and $96/hour for most freelancers.
The daily rate for Penetration Testers (8 working hours) would be around:
