Penetration Testers: Who They Are and What They Do

Everything You Need to Know About White Hackers

13.11.2024
Over the past year, the number of cyberattacks has increased by more than 80%, and in the third quarter of 2024 alone, blockchain projects lost $753 million due to insufficient protection. How can you protect your business against the growing wave of cyberattacks? Regular penetration testing is one of the most effective and reliable ways to enhance your company's cybersecurity.
Pentester: who is he and what does he do
White Hacker

Who are Penetration Testers?

A penetration tester is a cybersecurity professional who legally and ethically tests corporate security systems for vulnerabilities. They are also known as "white hat" or ethical hackers.
Pentester: all about the profession of a white hacker

Why are they needed?

Penetration testing helps to identify, expose and mitigate vulnerabilities in a company's systems, preventing potential attacks.
Key objectives:
  • Preventive protection. Addressing vulnerabilities before cybercriminals can exploit them.
  • Risk assessment. Determining the actual security level of the company's systems.
  • Compliance. Ensuring adherence to information security standards.
Penetration testing examines technical vulnerabilities and human-related risks, including social engineering tactics like phishing.

Responsibilities

  • 1
    Identifying vulnerabilities
    Penetration testers detect weaknesses in systems, networks, and software. They use professional tools such as SQLmap, Nmap, Nessus, and others to conduct thorough assessments.
  • 2
    Simulating attack scenarios
    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.
  • 3
    Assessing the effectiveness of current security measures
    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.
  • 4
    Providing security improvement recommendations
    After testing, penetration testers compile a detailed report with actionable recommendations for enhancing the system's protection.
  • 5
    Preventing real cyberattacks
    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.

The Difference Between White Hat and Black Hat Hackers

White hat and black hat hackers differ significantly in both their intentions and methods. While white hats use their skills to protect and improve systems, black hats exploit vulnerabilities for personal gain or malicious purposes.
  • White Hat Hackers
    White hat hackers operate within the law, conducting penetration tests and security analyses at the request of companies and organisations. Their goal is to identify vulnerabilities that cybercriminals could exploit and propose measures to protect against them. As "ethical hackers," they help businesses prevent cyberattacks and enhance data and infrastructure protection.
  • Black Hat Hackers
    Black hat hackers, on the other hand, act with malicious intent. They aim to cause harm, steal data, or gain financial benefits. They exploit vulnerabilities to gain unauthorised access to systems, steal sensitive information, or breach systems to sell stolen data on the dark web.
The difference between white and black hackers
Which hat would you prefer?

Distinctive Features

The role of a penetration tester goes beyond standard IT responsibilities and includes four key aspects that make this profession genuinely unique:
  • 1
    Unlimited creativity
    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.
  • 2
    Exhilaration
    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.
  • 3
    Hall of Fame
    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.
  • 4
    Legal hacking
    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.

Ethics

Ethics is the foundation of a penetration tester's work. It affects not only the reputation of the individual specialist but also influences people's trust in the entire field. Penetration testers frequently access sensitive information, including internal communications, financial records, and employee data. As a result, ethical conduct is just as important as technical expertise in this field.
Key Principles:
  • Access boundaries
    • Using acquired information solely within the scope of the agreed assignment;
    • Avoiding misuse of privileged access;
    • Understanding that overconfidence can lead to ethical violations.
  • Confidentiality
    • Refraining from disclosing sensitive data, even if discovered during testing;
    • Including only relevant technical information in reports;
    • Protecting all obtained data from leaks.
  • Professional responsibility
    • Providing clients with advance notice of potential risks;
    • Thoroughly documenting all actions taken;
    • Being prepared for audits of the conducted work.

Which Companies Need Penetration Testers?

Penetration testers are essential for many companies as they help identify vulnerabilities and prevent cyberattacks. Below are the categories of businesses that particularly benefit from their services:
  • Companies that follow strict regulations and standards. These include banks, financial institutions, insurance companies, and telecommunication providers.
  • Organisations that deal with sensitive information. These include online retailers, cloud service providers and healthcare institutions.
  • Businesses that have experienced cybersecurity attacks. Businesses that have been targeted in the past are usually more motivated to enhance their cybersecurity.
For example, in 2013, Target, a major U.S. retailer, faced a massive data breach that exposed information about 40 million customers. In response, the company conducted a penetration test, revealing issues like unsecured servers and weak passwords. It helped the company improve its defences and enhance the security of its payment system.
  • Software and hardware developers. These companies launch bug bounty programmes to engage external specialists, allowing them to test new products for "zero-day vulnerabilities" – previously undiscovered weaknesses in the system.

Classification

By Roles

The Red Team simulates the role of potential attackers in evaluating an organisation's defence mechanisms. Acting as external agents, they identify and exploit vulnerabilities to test the company's ability to handle threats and assess employee responses to incidents.
Key responsibilities:
  • Infrastructure vulnerability testing. Red teamers explore systems, networks, applications, and physical assets to discover and exploit vulnerabilities
  • Social engineering. They use techniques to test employees' ability to recognise and resist fraudulent actions, such as phishing emails or scam phone calls
  • Attack scenario development. They design and execute potential attack scenarios, including analysing possible breach pathways.
  • Security Recommendations. Red teamers produce reports with actionable suggestions to address identified weaknesses.
  • Training and Simulations. They conduct training sessions and simulations to help employees detect and respond effectively to cyberattacks.
The Blue Team focuses on protecting and fortifying the organisation's information infrastructure. Unlike the Red Team, which performs occasional simulated attacks, the Blue Team works on long-term threat prevention. They analyse vulnerabilities revealed by attackers and implement strategies to mitigate risks.
Key responsibilities:
  • Continuous monitoring of anomalies. Blue teamers detect suspicious activity within networks and monitor for potential threats.
  • Incident detection and response. They quickly respond to events that pose a security threat.
  • Configuration of defence systems. They install and fine-tune tools to detect and prevent intrusions.
  • Regular security audits. Blue teamers conduct thorough security assessments to identify vulnerabilities in advance.
  • Defensive strategy development. They design and implement measures to strengthen resilience against attacks.
  • Cybersecurity training. They train employees to respond effectively to incidents and conduct practical simulations.
  • Collaboration with the red team. Blue teamers analyse the outcomes of Red Team simulations and adjust security measures based on discovered vulnerabilities.
Classification of pentesters by roles: red and blue teams
Take simultaneously

By Infrastructure

Internal penetration testers. These specialists work within the company, focusing primarily on testing the security of internal systems. They identify potential threats that could arise from employees or others with internal access to the company's resources. Unlike external testers, internal penetration testers have deep knowledge of the company's architecture, internal processes, technologies, and policies.
External penetration testers. These specialists are not directly affiliated with the organisation and evaluate system security from the perspective of a potential external attacker. Their access to internal company information is limited, enabling them to simulate a real external attack and assess what data and systems could be compromised from the outside.

By Specialisation

Application security specialists. They test web and mobile applications for vulnerabilities.
Physical penetration testers. They assess a company's physical security by evaluating how easily someone could access the premises, bypass physical security systems, or access computers and servers. Their methods often include forging access badges, deceiving staff, and other forms of social engineering.
Wireless network experts. They analyse the security of wireless networks, identifying vulnerabilities that could allow external access, especially from attackers within the network's range.
Auditors. They review security systems to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards.

Demand

Why is the demand growing?

The demand for skilled penetration testers is rising, driven by several key factors:
  • 1
    Accelerating digitalisation and growing technological assets
    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.
  • 2
    Increase in cyberattacks
    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.
  • 3
    Stricter data protection and regulatory requirements
    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.
  • 4
    Shortage of skilled specialists
    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.
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Salaries

We collected salary data for 2024 based on information from platforms like Indeed and Glassdoor. The table shows average values, which may vary depending on the company, region, job level, and other factors.

Tools

Vulnerability Scanners

OpenVAS is a popular open-source tool for identifying vulnerabilities in servers and network devices. It checks configurations and updates and provides detailed reports with recommendations. Alternatives include Nessus, Nexpose, and Qualys, which also help detect configuration weaknesses and outdated components.

Exploit Frameworks

The Metasploit Framework is a tool for testing vulnerabilities using various exploits. It supports remote access and manipulation of target systems through tools like Meterpreter. Exploit frameworks help assess which vulnerabilities can be exploited by attackers. Alternatives include Cobalt Strike, Canvas, and Core Impact.

Network Traffic Analysers

Wireshark is a powerful tool for capturing and analysing real-time network traffic. It helps identify anomalies, inspect packet contents, and monitor interactions between network services. Wireshark is commonly used for packet analysis and detecting potential data leaks. Alternatives include tcpdump, NetworkMiner, and Capsa Free.

Password Cracking Tools

Hydra is a tool for brute-force attacks, supporting a wide range of protocols (SSH, FTP, HTTP, and others). It is used to assess password policies and test the robustness of authentication systems. Alternatives include Medusa, Ncrack, and John the Ripper, which enable rapid testing of a system's resilience to password-cracking attacks.

Code Analysers

SonarQube evaluates code quality, detects vulnerabilities, and identifies programming standard violations that could lead to issues such as SQL injections or buffer overflows. It performs static code analysis without executing the code, generating reports on quality and security. Alternatives include ESLint, PMD, Checkstyle, and Code Climate.

Specialised Operating Systems

Kali Linux is a specialised operating system designed for penetration testing. It features hundreds of pre-installed tools for scanning, analysis, and exploitation. It brings together the functionality of all the tools mentioned above into a single system.
Tools for pentesting
Starter Package for Pentesting

Qualifications and Skills

The role of a penetration tester requires a wide range of hard and soft skills.
Technical skills:
  • Deep understanding of network protocols and vulnerabilities;
  • Experience working with various operating systems and their security weaknesses;
  • Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Go, Bash, and PowerShell;
  • Knowledge of security principles in cloud environments (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud);
  • Familiarity with tools like Metasploit, Nmap, Wireshark, and Burp Suite.
Soft skills:
  • Understanding the principles of ethical hacking and adherence to legal standards;
  • Analytical and strategic thinking: the ability to analyse data, identify causes of vulnerabilities, and develop effective security strategies;
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills;
  • The ability to clearly and effectively explain technical concepts to technical experts and non-technical staff;
  • Flexibility and a commitment to learning: since technologies and attack methods evolve rapidly, penetration testers must continuously learn, adapt to new threats and tools, attend specialised training sessions, and pursue certifications.

Testing: Key Stages

  • 1
    Information gathering
    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.
  • 2
    Vulnerability analysis
    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.
  • 3
    Exploitation of vulnerabilities
    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.
  • 4
    Maintaining access
    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.
  • 5
    Clearing traces and concluding the test
    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.
  • 6
    Reporting and recommendations
    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.

Types of Testing

  • Black Box
    The penetration tester has no prior knowledge of the system and tests it as an external attacker would. The goal is to identify vulnerabilities that can be exploited without internal information. This type of testing helps assess the system's resilience against external attacks.
  • White Box
    In this scenario, the penetration tester has full access to all system information, including source code, network architecture, and even credentials. This test allows for a thorough examination of internal security and is effective for conducting an in-depth system analysis.
  • Gray Box
    The penetration tester has limited access to internal data and works with partial knowledge of the system. This method simulates attacks in which an attacker has gained access to some internal information, such as by compromising an employee's account.

Where to Find the Best Experts

  • 1
    Specialised career platforms:
  • 2
    Educational and certification programmes
    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.
  • 3
    Bug bounty programmes and hacker competitions
    Participating in bug bounty programmes on platforms like HackerOne and Bugcrowd allows companies to engage penetration testers with various skills and experience.
  • 4
    Professional events and conferences
    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.
  • 5
    Social media and online communities
    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 to Focus on During the Interview?

During the interview, it’s essential to assess the following aspects:
  • Technical skills
    • In-depth knowledge of tools like Nmap, Metasploit, Burp Suite, and other penetration testing methodologies.
    • Experience with various testing approaches (black-box, white-box, grey-box testing).
    • Hands-on experience with vulnerability analysis and exploitation tools.
    • Familiarity with real-world vulnerabilities and the ability to describe specific case studies.
  • Understanding of security processes
    • Knowledge of vulnerability analysis methods (static and dynamic analysis).
    • Understanding the mechanics of different attack types and the phases of penetration testing.
    • Adherence to ethical standards and awareness of legal considerations.
    • Familiarity with regulatory requirements, especially when handling sensitive data.
  • Communication and documentation skills
    • Ability to document findings clearly and in an organised manner.
    • Capacity to explain complex technical concepts in simple terms for non-technical stakeholders.
  • Willingness to continuously learn
    • Participation in professional communities and activities like CTFs (Capture the Flag) or Bug Bounty programmes.
    • Awareness of the latest trends and techniques in cybersecurity.

Example Questions

  • 1
    What is penetration testing, and what are its goals and types?
  • 2
    Which tools do you use for scanning and testing?
  • 3
    What is the difference between static and dynamic security analysis?
  • 4
    How do you detect and prevent SQL injections, XSS, and XPath injections?
  • 5
    Can you explain how SSL Stripping and LFI/RFI work and how you address them?
  • 6
    Describe how SEH Overwrite Exploits function and the methods to prevent vulnerabilities like Pass the Hash or Token Impersonation.
  • 7
    What reconnaissance methods and tools do you use to analyse a system?
  • 8
    How do you adapt public exploits for newer versions of software?
  • 9
    Do you have experience with porting public exploits? How do you modify them for different versions and configurations?
  • 10
    How do you ensure ethical behaviour and secure handling of confidential information?
  • 11
    How do you document the penetration testing process to make the report clear and valuable for both technical and management teams?

How to Become a Penetration Tester

Who Is This Profession Suitable For?

Penetration testing is a promising field for those interested in cybersecurity and willing to commit to ongoing professional development. It is particularly relevant for:
  • Entry-level IT professionals. Penetration testing can be an excellent starting point in a high-demand industry.
  • Testers. By learning penetration testing skills, testers can identify vulnerabilities in various digital systems, broadening their expertise.
  • System administrators. Understanding the fundamentals of penetration testing can deepen their knowledge of system protection against cyberattacks, enhancing their value in the job market.
How Cybersecurity Started: Industry Features, Current Professions, Cases and Hiring

Certifications

Key certifications for penetration testers include:
  • eJPT (Junior Penetration Tester). An entry-level certification from INE Security, designed for beginners. It covers network security and penetration testing fundamentals, helping candidates acquire basic skills.
  • CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) is one of the most well-known certifications. CEH covers many topics, including network analysis, vulnerability identification, and attack methods.
  • OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional). A prestigious certification that requires passing a challenging hands-on exam, where candidates must exploit multiple servers within a limited time. OSCP tests not only technical skills but also creativity and determination.
  • CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional). Geared toward those aiming for leadership roles in information security or seeking a deeper understanding of overall security. CISSP covers risk management, security architecture, and policy development.

Roadmap to Profession

Tips for learning and developing skills:
  • 1
    Basic education and self-learning
    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.
  • 2
    Courses and online learning
    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.
  • 3
    Developing practical skills
    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.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Penetration testers have several paths for career development:
  • Working for a company. Joining a security department or specialised team. Large organisations often hire in-house experts to work on information protection, offering stability and opportunities for advancement.
  • Freelancing and consulting. Many small and medium-sized businesses don't require a full-time specialist, so they hire freelancers for one-off assessments and audits.
  • Bug bounty programmes. Vulnerability discovery programmes like HackerOne and Bugcrowd allow testers to earn money by finding and reporting company systems and product vulnerabilities.

If you’re looking for penetration testers or other IT specialists, get in touch with Lucky Hunter. With our extensive pipelines of pre-vetted candidates, we can quickly connect you with the right professional for your needs – your perfect hire might already be waiting for your offer!

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Alexandra Godunova
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