Penetration Tester job description template

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Penetration Tester Job Description Template

A penetration tester, also known as a pen tester or ethical hacker, is a cybersecurity professional who identifies security vulnerabilities in systems, networks, and applications. This role is vital for safeguarding information security and protecting organizations from potential cyberattacks by assessing risks and recommending security measures.

Hiring a skilled penetration tester on Upwork can provide your company with the expertise needed to identify weaknesses and implement solutions effectively to thwart security breaches.

Job Overview

A penetration tester conducts comprehensive security assessments to identify and exploit vulnerabilities within an organization’s systems, applications, and networks. This role requires expertise in penetration testing methodologies, programming languages such as Python, and operating systems like Linux and Windows. Pen testers collaborate with stakeholders to enhance security measures and safeguard information systems from cyber threats. The ideal candidate will hold certifications such as OSCP or CEH and have experience in scripting, vulnerability assessment, and remediation. By proactively identifying and addressing security flaws, penetration testers play a critical role in maintaining robust cybersecurity.

 

Key Responsibilities

  • Performing security assessments. Conduct detailed penetration testing on web applications, networks, and computer systems to uncover vulnerabilities and security flaws.
  • Analyzing vulnerabilities. Assess identified vulnerabilities and recommend remediation strategies to strengthen security measures.
  • Developing reports. Create comprehensive reports detailing findings, methodologies, and actionable insights for stakeholders.
  • Collaborating with teams. Work closely with security analysts, systems administrators, and other team members to implement solutions and enhance security systems.
  • Conducting social engineering tests. Simulate phishing attacks and other social engineering techniques to assess organizational security readiness.
  • Utilizing tools and frameworks. Leverage tools such as Metasploit and programming languages like Python for security testing and scripting.
  • Maintaining certifications. Stay updated with industry certifications, such as OSCP, CEH, and CompTIA, to ensure expertise in the latest methodologies and tools.
  • Testing physical security. Evaluate physical security measures to ensure comprehensive protection against unauthorized access.
  • Providing remediation advice. Offer actionable recommendations to address security threats and improve application security and network security.

 

Qualifications and Skills

  • Education. Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field; a master’s degree is advantageous.
  • Certifications. Certifications such as Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), or CompTIA certifications are highly valued.
  • Technical expertise. Proficiency in scripting, operating systems (Linux and Windows), and programming languages like Python.
  • Analytical skills. Strong problem-solving skills to identify and mitigate security vulnerabilities effectively.
  • Experience. 3-5 years of experience in penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, and cybersecurity roles.
  • Communication skills. Excellent report writing and verbal communication skills to articulate findings and recommendations.
  • Tools and methodologies. Familiarity with penetration testing tools like Metasploit and frameworks for ethical hacking.
  • Teamwork. Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to implement security solutions.
  • Knowledge of security policies. Understanding of information security policies, network protocols, and industry standards.

 

About Our Company

At [company name], we’re a forward-thinking organization dedicated to strengthening cybersecurity and safeguarding sensitive information. Our team of experts values innovation, collaboration, and data-driven strategies to address security vulnerabilities and security issues to improve overall protection. We prioritize continuous learning and certifications, empowering our team to stay ahead of industry trends and tackle complex challenges. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the world of cybersecurity and advance your career as a penetration tester.

 

What does a penetration tester do?

A penetration tester identifies and exploits security vulnerabilities in computer systems, networks, and web applications. By using methodologies like ethical hacking, penetration testers simulate cyberattacks to assess an organization’s security measures and uncover weaknesses. They collaborate with stakeholders to conduct audits, analyze vulnerabilities, and recommend remediation strategies to enhance information security and protect against future cyber threats. This role requires expertise in programming languages, operating systems, and penetration testing tools, as well as a commitment to continuous improvement and certifications.

 

Penetration tester duties and responsibilities

Penetration testers are essential for identifying and mitigating security risks. Their key duties include:

  • Conducting security testing. Performing penetration testing on applications, networks, and systems to uncover security flaws and vulnerabilities.
  • Analyzing results. Evaluating findings from security assessments and providing actionable recommendations for improvement.
  • Creating detailed reports. Documenting methodologies, findings, and remediation strategies for stakeholders and decision-makers.
  • Collaborating with teams. Working with cybersecurity professionals, IT teams, and stakeholders to implement security measures and improve systems.
  • Simulating attacks. Conducting ethical hacking exercises, including phishing simulations and other social engineering tests, to assess organizational readiness.
  • Staying updated. Keep abreast of industry trends, emerging threats, and the latest penetration testing methodologies.
  • Training team members. Providing guidance to colleagues on best practices in cybersecurity and vulnerability assessment.
  • Testing security tools. Evaluating the effectiveness of existing security tools and frameworks, recommending upgrades or replacements as needed.
  • Enhancing physical security. Assessing physical security measures to ensure comprehensive protection against unauthorized access.

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    InfoSec Consultant | GRC Consultant | Security Engineer | Security Expert | Penetration Tester | Cyber Security Specialist | Software Security Engineer| CEH | ECSA | LPT (MASTER) | ISO 27001 LI (BSI) | Microsoft Azure Security Technologies (AZ-500)| AWS Certified Security – Specialty | Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) | Certified Information Security Auditor (CISA) Seasoned security professional with 14+ years of demonstrated experience both building and breaking applications, networks and clouds seeking a challenging engagement. Core technical competencies include application security architecture, web application and thick client penetration testing, reverse engineering, network penetration testing, and threat modeling, DevSecOps, SSDLC Implemtor, SAST, DAST, IAST, OSINT with a keen eye for business value and growth. Expert In 1. Application Penetration Testing with the recommendation for remediation against OWASP Top 10, SANS 24 etc. 2. Complete security assessment of Application with the recommendation for remediation with HIPAA, ISO 27001, DISA STIG, OWASP ASVS, PCI DSS WASC Threat Classification 3. Cloud (AWS) infrastructure complete vulnerability assessment, security & penetration testing with the recommendation for remediation HIPAA, PCI DSS 4. Static and Dynamic code analysis (SAST & DAST) with the recommendation for remediation as a part of SSDLC 5. Reconnaissance - Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) using Datasploit, Spiderfoot, foca pro, Buscador, Maltego, Recon-ng, Shodan, theHarvester etc. 6. API Security 7. Malware, Phishing, Breach, data leakage detection 8. Firewall audit and configure 9. Security and penetration testing trainer 10. Android and iOS application vulnerability detection and security testing 11. Hands-on S-SDLC Implementation 12. DevSecOps 13. Integration of security in CI/CD automation CMS Security Expert 1. Joomla Theme, Plugin Virus, Malware detection and removal expert 2. Magento Theme, Plugin Virus, Malware detection and removal expert 3. Drupal. woo-commerce security expert including PCI-DSS compliance audit ** I am able to conduct a complete security audit for any CMS including network, server and database. Certification Achieved 1. CEH v10 - Certified Ethical Hacker v10 2. ECSA v9 - EC- Council Certified Security Analyst v9 3. CEI v2 - Certified EC-Council Instructor v2 4. Certified Application Security Engineer - Java 5. Licensed Penetration Tester (Master) 6. Alien Vault Certified Security Engineer (Training done waiting to sit for the Exam) 7. CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security Professional (ISC2 Training done waiting to sit for the Exam) 8. ISO 27001 Lead Implementor. 9. Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ - 500) 10. Google Certified Security Engineer 11. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) 12. Certified Information Security Auditor (CISA)
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