Steps to a Successful Career in Penetration Testing: A Beginner's Guide

Introduction
Penetration testing is a key skill required to be successful in the cyber security industry. It involves conducting tests to identify security vulnerabilities in IT networks and systems. A penetration tester has the responsibility of finding weaknesses in networks, applications, servers, and user accounts, which they then exploit to provide meaningful data and insights which can used to enhance the security of the system or network.

This article will guide you through the essential steps to become a successful penetration tester. It will cover the fundamental knowledge and skills required, detail the experience needed to excel, and explain the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques.

The Basics: What is Penetration Testing?
Penetration testing is a type of security testing that is conducted by professional security consultants. It involves simulating a real-world attack on an organization’s IT system architecture, infrastructure and applications, in order to identify security flaws that could be exploited by hackers. Penetration testers seek to exploit any vulnerability that attackers could use to gain access to the IT network or system, either maliciously or for their own benefit.

Interpreting the Results
Once a penetration test is complete, the results are analyzed and interpreted by the security team. This helps them to understand the severity of the issue and decide on the necessary corrective actions. The interpretation of the results should include thorough explanation of the reasons behind any identified vulnerabilities, as well as recommendations for how to mitigate them.

The knowledge gained from a successful penetration test is invaluable for businesses of all sizes. It helps to inform them about the potential risks to their systems and applications, and assists with the development of appropriate countermeasures.

Fundamental Knowledge
A successful penetration tester requires an extensive knowledge base to draw upon when performing tests. It is essential to have a strong understanding of multiple operating systems, databases, scripting languages and application protocols.

Solid knowledge of computer networking and information security is also important, as these are the underlying foundations of any security audit. These skills are acquired through learning and experience, however it is also important to keep up-to-date with new technologies and stay ahead of emerging security threats.

Organizations such as Hakin9 Magazine and ISC2 provide professional certifications to help develop your knowledge base. The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification from ISC2 is particularly popular within the industry.

Skills Needed
To succeed as a penetration tester, it is important to have strong technical and analytical skills. You must be able to identify and assess system components, develop plans for testing, and accurately interpret the results.

You will also need a good understanding of malware, firewalls, and encryption methods; plus a detailed knowledge of the latest security tools and techniques. Hands-on experience with vulnerability scanners, hacking tools, and exploits is advantageous.

Experience
Experience is an important factor when considering employment as a penetration tester. Many employers look for experienced candidates who are already familiar with the latest tools and techniques. It is also beneficial to build up a portfolio of successfully completed penetration tests, highlighting examples of your work.

It is advisable to start with smaller projects and build up gradually. This will enable you to gain experience and confidence, as well as providing evidence of your competency. There are also numerous online resources available that can assist in developing practical skills, such as the OWASP guide series, Offensive Security’s courses and the Metasploit Unleashed tutorials.

Being Up-to-Date
In the world of penetration testing, the tools, techniques and threat landscape are constantly evolving. It is therefore important to stay up-to-date with the latest developments, research, and best practices.

Using appropriate resources, such as blogs and podcasts, is a great way to stay informed. There are also various conferences, workshops and training courses available to learn more about the industry.

Conclusion
This article has detailed the essential steps to becoming a successful penetration tester. It is important to have a comprehensive knowledge base, possess relevant technical and analytical skills, and remain current with the latest security trends.

Experiencing the different roles within the industry is an important part of building the necessary skills. Dedicating time to research, utilizing online resources, and attending industry events and conferences will equip you with the expertise required to become an effective and successful penetration tester.