How to Score an Entry Level Pen Testing Job?
Do you wish to secure a job in the rapidly-growing field of cybersecurity? If so, you may be looking for an entry level pen testing job that will allow you to learn the ropes and gain experience in this exciting field. If so, then read on. In this article, we will discuss what a penetration tester does, the future scope of cybersecurity jobs, and how to score an entry level pen testing job. We will also take a look at job satisfaction rates for penetration testers and give you an idea of how much pen testers get paid. So whether you are just starting out in your cybersecurity career or are looking to make a switch, keep reading.
What does a penetration tester do?
A pen tester is a cybersecurity professional who specialises in attacking networks and systems in order to find security flaws in them. These professionals are typically employed by organisations with large IT infrastructures in order to test the security of their systems. Additionally, anyone willing to test their application or systems can hire a penetration tester. Both individuals and third-party organisations provide these services.
Pen testers use a variety of methods to identify vulnerabilities, including scanning networks for open ports and guessing passwords. They may also attempt to exploit known vulnerabilities or write malicious code that can be used to penetrate networks and systems.
Is pen testing a good career?
The answer to this question depends on your qualifications and interests. Penetration testing is an exciting and rapidly-growing field, but it does require some specialised skills. If you have experience in network administration, programming, or information security, then you may be a good fit for a career in pen testing.
What makes pen testing an exciting job?
Several things make penetration testing an exciting job.
First, work is constantly changing. New applications and systems need to be tested and the vulnerabilities discovered are different all the time. Additionally, pen testers frequently get to come across cutting-edge technologies and equipment. Finally, this is a field where you can really make a difference by helping organisations secure their systems.
Future scope of cybersecurity jobs
The future of the cybersecurity industry is bright, and there are many opportunities for qualified professionals. As technology becomes more important to organisations, the need for skilled cybersecurity professionals will continue to grow. In fact, according to Cybersecurity Ventures, the global demand for cybersecurity professionals will exceed six million by 2021. So if you are interested in working in the field of cybersecurity, now is a great time to get started.
Penetration tester job satisfaction
According to a study published by (ISC)², 68% of pentesters were satisfied with their current employment. This statistic is quite higher than that of other information technology professionals. The respondents also said that they would urge others to pursue a career in penetration testing. Of those polled, 83% stated that they would recommend it. This is likely because software penetration testing is an exciting and challenging field that offers many opportunities for growth.
Entry level pen testing job requirements
So what do you need in order to score an entry level pen testing job? The good news is that entry-level positions typically require only a basic knowledge of information security and networking concepts. The job requirements may be:
- Any experience in network administration, programming, or information security
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently
- Strong attention to detail
- Good communication skills
However, it is important to note that some companies may prefer candidates who have good experience in programming or network administration. If you don’t have any formal training in cybersecurity, then you may want to consider pursuing a certification that covers the basics. Company’s trust certifications from the most reputed organisations such as SANS, EC-Council, (ISC)², CompTIA, Offensive Security, etc.
How much do pen testers get paid?
Based on experience, salaries start at $57,000 per year and can go as high as $134,000, according to PayScale. However, entry level pentesters in the United States make an average of $75,000 per year, with some firms paying considerably higher starting salaries. So if you are looking to make a career switch into pen testing, be sure to research the salaries offered by different companies.
The bottom line
If you have the right skills and are interested in working in a dynamic and challenging field, then the answer is definitely yes. The future of cybersecurity is bright, and there are several roles for qualified p. And if you’re looking for a job that offers excitement and satisfaction, look no further than penetration testing.
So, there you have it – a rundown of what you need to know in order to score an entry-level pen testing job. The good news is that the requirements are not too stringent, and most companies are happy to invest in training their employees themselves. So if you have the interest and drive, you too can become a successful pentester.
