Penetration testers detect weaknesses in systems, networks, and software. They use professional tools such as SQLmap, Nmap, Nessus, and others to conduct thorough assessments.

Testers create attack scenarios to understand attackers' methods to breach a system and evaluate the potential consequences. This process includes simulating real-world cyberattacks, utilising tools like Metasploit and Burp Suite, and analysing possible attack vectors.

They test how well-existing security measures, such as firewalls, antivirus programs, and intrusion detection systems, respond to various attack types, identifying areas for improvement.

After testing, penetration testers compile a detailed report with actionable recommendations for enhancing the system's protection.

By identifying breaches in the system's defences before the criminals, penetration testers help prevent actual attacks, reducing the risk of data violations and system compromises.

Penetration testing involves constantly solving diverse challenges. Instead of following exact instructions, each case demands an individual approach. There are no ready-made answers, and each day presents new intellectual opportunities and puzzles to solve.

Every new project feels like a quest to identify and eliminate vulnerabilities. This gamified approach keeps the work engaging and helps prevent burnout. Each task has unique traits, and completing every project strengthens professional motivation, adding an element of challenge to the job.

For penetration testers, the path to recognition can be shorter than for many other IT professionals. A single successful project or discovering a critical vulnerability in a significant service can gain attention. In this field, it’s not about years of experience but the ability to notice what others miss – a skill that can lead to fame.

Many large corporations have established special recognition programmes like Google's Bug Hunters and Facebook's Hall of Fame.

Penetration testers employ techniques similar to those used by malicious hackers but do so with official authorisation. This balance between attack and defence creates a unique dynamic that makes the work of a penetration tester particularly exciting and rewarding.

With technological advancements and widespread automation, companies are deploying more digital products and systems, each requiring robust security measures. Every new application represents a potential entry point for attackers. As IT infrastructures expand, so does the number of vulnerabilities, prompting organisations to actively seek penetration testers who can identify and mitigate these risks on time.

Data breaches can cause reputational and financial damage and potential legal consequences, leading to increased investment in cybersecurity. Organisations seek professionals with unique hacking and analytical skills to defend against these escalating threats.

Governments worldwide continuously enhance data protection laws, requiring businesses to ensure more rigorous control and security of users' personal information. Introducing new standards and regulations obliges companies to proactively identify and address weaknesses in their systems, further fueling the demand for penetration testers.

Penetration testers need a unique blend of expertise, combining knowledge of hacking techniques, programming skills, and system analysis capabilities. Finding professionals with the required skill set who can respond quickly to real-world threats is a significant challenge for organisations.

This stage involves collecting as much public information as possible about the target system. Using services like WHOIS, specialised search queries, and other tools like Wappalyzer and BlindElephant, penetration testers examine all available data about domains, IP addresses, infrastructure, and company employees. This survey helps identify potential attack points.

At this stage, penetration testers use scanners such as Nmap, OpenVAS, Burp Suite, and Nessus to identify open ports, check configurations, and detect vulnerabilities in networks and applications. This process helps create a list of potential vulnerabilities to exploit in future attacks.

Once vulnerabilities are found, penetration testers move on to exploit them. They use tools like Metasploit and SQLMap to see how these weaknesses can be used to gain access, perform SQL injections, intercept data, or carry out other attacks. The goal here is to mimic an actual attacker’s actions as closely as possible.

This stage focuses on testing how long penetration testers can maintain access to a system without being detected. Tools like Netcat and Meterpreter are used to mimic attackers trying to stay in control of a system for as long as possible before being discovered.

Before concluding the penetration test, all traces of the attacks are removed from the system to restore it to its original state. This step ensures that the system is not left vulnerable after testing and minimises any risk of lingering issues caused by the tests.

The final stage involves preparing a detailed report on all identified vulnerabilities, testing methods, and remediation recommendations. The report also explains the potential impact on the company and includes a plan to enhance system security. It is written to be clear for both technical and non-technical staff, with recommendations specifically tailored to the company’s technologies and needs.

Candidates with certifications like OSCP or CEH have verified penetration testing skills. To find qualified professionals, consider contacting organisations like Offensive Security and EC-Council, which issue these certifications and maintain directories of certified penetration testers.

Participating in bug bounty programmes on platforms like HackerOne and Bugcrowd allows companies to engage penetration testers with various skills and experience.

Cybersecurity conferences like DEFCON, Black Hat, and BSides often feature hands-on training and hackathons where participants can showcase their skills in real-world scenarios. These events give companies unique opportunities to evaluate potential candidates and identify those with the necessary knowledge and expertise.

Specialised forums and social media groups focused on specific tools, technologies, or vulnerabilities offer companies a way to connect with penetration testers with niche expertise.

What is penetration testing, and what are its goals and types?

Which tools do you use for scanning and testing?

What is the difference between static and dynamic security analysis?

How do you detect and prevent SQL injections, XSS, and XPath injections?

Can you explain how SSL Stripping and LFI/RFI work and how you address them?

Describe how SEH Overwrite Exploits function and the methods to prevent vulnerabilities like Pass the Hash or Token Impersonation.

What reconnaissance methods and tools do you use to analyse a system?

How do you adapt public exploits for newer versions of software?

Do you have experience with porting public exploits? How do you modify them for different versions and configurations?

How do you ensure ethical behaviour and secure handling of confidential information?

How do you document the penetration testing process to make the report clear and valuable for both technical and management teams?

Start by building a solid base in IT and cybersecurity. Focus on networking, operating systems, and programming basics. Formal education in computer science, network security, or certifications like CompTIA Security+ can be valuable. For self-learning, explore GitHub repositories such as Awesome Ethical Hacking Resources, which compile links to courses, books, tools, and other resources tailored for aspiring penetration testers.

Online courses provide practical skills essential for the job, often including certification preparation. Recommended resources:

• Coursera and edX: Cybersecurity courses from universities and industry leaders like IBM and Palo Alto Networks.
• Udemy and Pluralsight: Focused courses on specific tools and penetration testing techniques.
• TryHackMe and Hack The Box: Hands-on platforms simulating real-world attacks and challenges for skill-building in a secure environment.

Practical experience is crucial in penetration testing. Alongside online courses, platforms like Hack The Box, TryHackMe, and VulnHub provide opportunities to practise on virtual machines with real-world vulnerabilities. For hands-on experimentation, you can also set up a home lab using tools like VirtualBox or VMware with specialised distributions like Kali Linux and Parrot OS.