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This bar graph shows the annual salary for Penetration Testers.
Data sourced from O*NET Online, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
This line chart shows the projected job growth over 10 years for Penetration Testers.
Projected Growth Rate in Job Openings by 2031: 10%
Data sourced from CareerOneStop, provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Develop plans to safeguard computer files against accidental or unauthorized modification, destruction, or disclosure and to meet emergency data processing needs.
Encrypt data transmissions and erect firewalls to conceal confidential information as it is being transmitted and to keep out tainted digital transfers.
Monitor current reports of computer viruses to determine when to update virus protection systems.
Penetration testing, often referred to as pen testing or ethical hacking, is a critical role in the cybersecurity industry. As a penetration tester, your job is to simulate cyberattacks on computer systems, networks, or web applications to find vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious hackers. If you are interested in pursuing a career in this challenging and exciting field, here are the steps you can take to become a penetration tester.
Before diving into penetration testing, you should have a solid understanding of the basics of cybersecurity. Familiarize yourself with concepts such as:
Penetration testers need a strong technical foundation. Here are some skills you should consider developing:
Hands-on experience is crucial. You can gain this experience through:
Certifications can help demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to the field. Consider earning one or more of the following:
While not always necessary, formal education can be beneficial. Options include:
Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field. Keep your skills up to date by:
Start building your resume with relevant work experience. This could include roles such as:
Building professional relationships can lead to opportunities and valuable insights. Engage with others by:
Showcase your skills with a portfolio that includes:
When applying for penetration tester positions, be ready to demonstrate your expertise. Prepare by:
By following these steps, you can build the necessary foundation and work towards a successful career as a penetration tester. Remember that continuous learning and adapting to new technologies are part of what makes this career path both challenging and rewarding.
Penetration testing is a specialized field that typically requires a combination of formal education and practical experience. Here are the educational prerequisites you might consider:
To excel in penetration testing, you'll need a mix of technical and soft skills:
As a penetration tester, your main responsibilities will include:
Penetration testers have various paths for career advancement:
The job outlook for penetration testers is very positive due to the increasing importance of cybersecurity. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not provide specific data for penetration testers but indicates that employment in information security is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations. You can check the latest information on their homepage.
Yes, joining professional organizations can provide networking opportunities, resources, and ongoing education. Some notable organizations include:
Staying current is critical in this field. You can keep up-to-date by:
Remember that maintaining your skills and knowledge is an ongoing process, crucial for success in the dynamic field of penetration testing.