Penetration Tester

Job Description
Written by Vladeanu Ionut

Introduction
Penetration testers may also be known as
ethical hackers or as information security analysts.
They are responsible for ensuring that computer
information systems are protected from hackers. In
their role they are responsible for running tests on
the networks, applications and software. They
attempt to hack in so that they can access data that
should not be accessible without proper
authorization. They do this in order to help
identify potential weaknesses in the existing
systems. When they identify potential weaknesses
they collaborate with other professionals in order
to determine the best way to resolve them. This
can involve rewriting program code or adding
additional security measures

Required Education
It may be possible to enter the field as a
penetration tester solely with the right skill set, but
many employers prefer penetration testers who
have years of relevant work experience. In order to
acquire work in network security it's typical for
employers to seek applicants with at least a
bachelor's degree. The U.S Bureau of Labor
Statistics (BLS) indicated that to enter the career
field of information security analysis, applicants
with a bachelor's degree in computer science or a
comparable field, such as information security, are
preferred by employers. Computer programming
skills are also important in this line of work and
some employers may require knowledge of
specific programming languages and operating
systems. Some employers also require penetration
testers to have ethical hacking certification and
other IT security certifications.
Required Skills
Penetration testers need to have

exceptional computer skills in order to be able

to attempt to hack into systems. They also need

to have strong analytical skills so that they can

review data and break down the processes

involved in correcting potential security issues.

As their work involves producing written reports

and collaborating with other IT professionals,

they need to have good communication skills.

Good customer service skills are beneficial

because penetration testers may provide results

or information to clients. In order to conduct

tests efficiently and ensure that system changes

or improvements are implemented as quickly as

possible, penetration testers need strong time

management skills. They also need problem-

solving skills in order to determine the best way

to correct issues or to protect the network and

data from potential risks.

 Career Outlook and Salary
The BLS classifies penetration testers with

information security analysts. They expect a very

high rate of job growth for professionals in this

field. From 2018 to 2028, the BLS forecasts a

32% rate of growth, which is four times the

national average job growth rate for all

occupations. While the BLS reports that

information security analysts earned a median

annual income of $99,730 in

2019, PayScale indicated that penetration testers

took home a median annual salary of $84,160 in

2020.

Quick Summary

Educational
Requirement Bachelor's degree
s
Job Skills Computer programming skills, analytical skills,
 problem-solving skills, communication skills,
teamwork skills, time management skills, customer
service skills, leadership skills
Median
Salary $84,160
(2020)*
Job Outlook
(2018- 32% (information security analysts)
2028)**

Sources
● PayScale
● US Bureau of Labor Statistics