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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: 35%
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 is a vital role in the cybersecurity field, focusing on simulating cyber attacks to identify and fix security vulnerabilities within an organization's IT systems. If you're aiming to pursue a career as a penetration tester, here are the steps you can take to break into this challenging and rewarding profession.
Firstly, it's important to have a clear understanding of what the job entails. As a penetration tester, you will:
While it's possible to enter the field with various educational backgrounds, a strong foundation typically includes:
Hands-on experience is crucial in this field. Consider the following ways to build your expertise:
Professional certifications can significantly boost your career prospects. Some of the most recognized include:
To be successful, you'll need a diverse set of technical skills. Focus on developing expertise in areas such as:
Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field. Staying current with the latest trends and threats is essential:
Before applying for full-time roles, gaining practical experience can help build your resume:
Finally, when you feel ready to take on a full-time role:
By following these steps and continuing to build upon your knowledge and experience, you'll be well on your way to becoming a skilled penetration tester. Remember that persistence, continuous learning, and practical experience are key in this dynamic field. Visit authoritative sites like Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) or The National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (NICCS) for additional resources and information on cybersecurity careers.
A Penetration Tester, often referred to as a pen tester or ethical hacker, is a professional tasked with probing for and exploiting security vulnerabilities in computer systems, networks, and software. Their goal is to identify security weaknesses before malicious hackers can discover and exploit them.
To become a Penetration Tester, you should follow these steps:
Here are some respected certifications:
Salaries can vary widely based on location, experience, certifications, and education. According to various salary aggregation websites, the average salary in the United States for a Penetration Tester ranges from $70,000 to $130,000 annually.
Yes, specializations include:
Yes, the demand for skilled Penetration Testers continues to grow as organizations increasingly recognize the importance of proactive cybersecurity measures.
Many Penetration Testers have the flexibility to work remotely due to the nature of their tasks being primarily digital. However, some roles may require occasional on-site presence for physical security assessments.
To stay current:
A wide range of organizations hire Penetration Testers:
Remember that as a Penetration Tester, you play a critical role in safeguarding information assets by identifying vulnerabilities that could lead to potential breaches. Your career path will likely evolve with technology changes and as you continue to gain experience and specialized skills.