Penetration Tester
Penetration Testers are critical in identifying weaknesses in cyber security systems, helping businesses to keep their data and networks safe.
Learn more about the skills and training you need to become a penetration tester, and the role they play within an organisation.
Role profile
What does a penetration tester do?
A penetration tester is responsible for attempting to exploit vulnerabilities in an organisation's systems, applications, services or network. They are sometimes called a 'white hat' ethical hacker, due to their role in testing and improving a businesses' security.
Their role is to conduct in-depth analysis of software code, reverse engineering, and fuzz testing, with the aim of uncovering additional weak areas that an attacker could seek to exploit.
Why do businesses need penetration testers?
Penetration Testers asses security measures and provide recommendations for improvement.
When they complete penetration tests or vulnerability assessments, this helps to identify, quantify, and prioritise vulnerabilities in an organisation’s digital assets.
They ensure that an organisation understands where their security posture might be lacking, so it can determine its risk appetite and take steps to remediate as needed.
What are the key skills of a penetration tester?
These are the key technical skills that may be required by penetration testers:
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Python, Bash, and PowerShell scripting
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Linux & Windows operating systems
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Networking & cloud platforms
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Coding language Python, Ruby, C & Java
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Threat modelling
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Mobile operating systems (iOS & Android)
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Software engineering security
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Reverse engineering
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Malware analysis investigation
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Open-source intelligence (OSINT)
Here are some of the key personal and interpersonal skills that may be required for this role:
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Critical thinking
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Analytical problem solving
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Constant curious mindset
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Collaboration & communication
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Research and analysis
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Creative thinkers
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Report writing
What are other titles for penetration testers?
A penetration tester might also be known as a:
- Vulnerability analyst
- Ethical hacker
- Security consultant
- Assurance validator
How does QA support penetration tester training?
QA is a leading provider of cyber security training, offering expert-led training for cyber security professionals, including penetration testers.
We offer leading penetration testing certifications, such as OSCP and CPENT, and we work with leading accreditation bodies, such as EC-Council, ISACA and ISC2.
Our training helps penetration testers to gain new skills and capabilities, so that they can further their career and support organisations in cyber defence.
Penetration tester insights
How to become a penetration tester
If you're looking to become a penetration tester, or to upskill your cyber security team, there are a number of pathways available to build greater pen testing capabilities.
OffSec PEN-200 (OSCP) Certification
The industry-leading Penetration Testing with Kali Linux (PWK/PEN-200) v3 course introduces penetration testing methodologies, tools, and techniques in a hands-on, self-paced environment.
Certified Penetration Testing Professional
EC-Council’s Certified Penetration Tester (CPENT) program is all about the pen test and will teach you to perform in an enterprise network environment that must be attacked, exploited, evaded, and defended.
Pen testing learning paths
Explore all of our cyber security learning pathways.
Cyber security apprenticeships
Gain the skills to protect against cyber threats with our cyber security certifications.
Cyber Security learning paths
Want to boost your career in cyber security? Click on the roles below to see QA's learning pathways, specially designed to give you the skills to succeed.
Hear from our cyber expert
"Penetration testers play a critical role in identifying and mitigating security vulnerabilities and ensuring that organisations are better prepared to defend against cyber threats. Often taking part in bug bounty or vulnerability reward initiatives to find and ethically report security issues."
"Skilled professionals in this field are essential for maintaining robust security postures and proactively addressing potential risks and ensuring the resilience of digital systems in an increasingly threat-filled landscape."
Cyber Security Portfolio Director
Useful reads on Cyber Security
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