▷ [Only 24h Left] Penetration Tester

Key Skills for a Penetration Tester (Pen Tester)

Penetration testers, often called ethical hackers, simulate cyberattacks to find and exploit vulnerabilities in systems, networks, applications, and processes. Below, I have outlined essential skills grouped by the focus areas in your query : ethical hacking, vulnerability assessment, network security, and DevSecOps. These are drawn from industry guides, job descriptions, and certification paths, emphasizing both technical and soft skills. Skills are prioritized based on commonality across sources, with top and underrated ones highlighted.

Ethical Hacking Skills

These involve thinking like an attacker to evaluate defences ethically, including reconnaissance, scanning, exploitation, and reporting.

• Ability in ethical hacking methodologies : Master the five phases (reconnaissance, scanning, vulnerability assessment, exploitation, reporting) and tools like Metasploit, Burp Suite, and OWASP ZAP.
• Social engineering tactics : Simulate phishing, pretexting, and baiting to evaluate human vulnerabilities.
• Exploit development and reverse engineering : Write custom exploits and analyse software to uncover hidden weaknesses.
• Underrated : Creativity and persistence : Innovate attack vectors and persist through failures to mimic real threats.

Vulnerability Assessment Skills

Focus on finding, prioritizing, and mitigating weaknesses before exploitation.

Network Security Skills

Emphasize securing and testing wired / wireless infrastructures against unauthorized access.

DevSecOps Skills

Integrate security into CI / CD pipelines, ensuring "shift-left" testing in agile environments.

Top Certifications