Top 5 penetration testing certifications for ethical hackers in 2023. While other types of security practitioners can probe information systems and networks for their vulnerabilities, pentesters are highly specialized, and trained to think like hackers when exploiting security weaknesses.
Penetration testing certification is an attestation that a tester has the necessary knowledge and capability to carry out penetration testing without any explicit training. The number and level of a tester’s certifications across a team can influence the cost of a penetration test.
penetration testing certifications demonstrate your expertise and elevate your resume. Discover the top 5 penetration testing certifications for ethical hackers in this article.
What is penetration testing?
Penetration testing summary – It’s a type of ethical hacking involving simulating cyberattacks intentionally using various tools and methods. By pinpointing how cybercriminals could exploit the system, network, or application you’re testing, you’ll be able to help the company you’re working for strengthen weak areas before an attack happens. It’s similar to the role QA testing plays in the software development life cycle.
While firewalls and antivirus software can help defend systems, thinking like a hacker can put the entire infrastructure through a vigorous test. As a penetration tester, you’ll safely attack servers, apps, mobile devices, networks, and any other potential entry points or points of exposure. If you can compromise the system, you might try using that to launch additional attacks on internal assets. This allows you to gauge how deep the potential access goes while identifying all possible weak spots.
What are the types of penetration testing?
1. Black box pen testing.
This closely simulates an authentic attack. You’ll get minimal information about the system you’re targeting. This helps you identify spots that are vulnerable to external attacks.
2. Gray box pen testing.
This approach provides a focused assessment by giving you the knowledge and access that most users would have. This allows you to efficiently assess the asset’s security and focus more on the systems that hold the greatest value from the beginning of the test. It more closely simulates an attack from someone with long-term asset access.
3. White box pen testing.
In this approach, you’ll have full access from the beginning to the asset’s source code. This allows you to run a comprehensive test and in-depth security assessments. It also provides access to all areas, including code quality, something black box testing can’t provide. White box approaches require the most time since you’ll look at large volumes of data, including source code, to evaluate internal and external weaknesses.
Most valuable Penetration Testing Certifications in 2023
Although the concept of penetration testing seems simple at first glance, building a career in cybersecurity requires specific certifications and skill sets. Let’s review them in brief.
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification
CEH is a vendor-neutral, professional certification demonstrating a candidate’s ability to analyze and test computer networks for security weaknesses. The CEH credential requires candidates to pass an exam that tests their knowledge of network security, scanning, and testing. The certification also requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to use hacking tools in an ethical manner.
GIAC Exploit Researcher and Advanced Penetration Tester (GXPN)
GIAC Exploit Researcher and Advanced Penetration Tester (GXPN) is an advanced certification that focuses on the core skill set of a penetration tester. The GXPN certification validates the tester’s ability to perform advanced penetration tests, research exploits and develop custom exploits.
GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN) certification
The GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN) certification is a globally recognized credential that proves a tester has the skills to perform advanced penetration testing. The GPEN certification tests your ability to analyze and interpret data; perform vulnerability analysis; identify risks associated with vulnerabilities; create test plans and execute them; implement security measures to protect against attacks; and use common tools and techniques.
Licensed Penetration Tester Master (LPT) Certification
The Licensed Penetration Tester Master (LPT) Certification is a rigorous, two-year program that will teach you everything you need to know about penetration testing. This certification is designed to give a tester the skills and knowledge necessary to perform an in-depth analysis of networks and systems, as well as develop strategies for protecting valuable data and assets.
Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) is a professional certification in the field of penetration testing. It was created by Offensive Security and offers a comprehensive course for security professionals to prepare for the OSCP certification exam. The OSCP certification is aimed at penetration testers who are looking to gain the skills needed to perform advanced penetration tests and operate in high-risk environments.
What are the required skills for pen testers in 2023
Because this is a mid-to-high-level role in cybersecurity, gaining practical experience will be a vital part of your career path. If you’re a student or transitioning out of a related role, you might begin with an entry-level job in IT auditing, systems engineering, or networking, for example. Here are a few essential workplace and technical skills for pen testers to master:
- Familiarity with pen testing tools like Kali Linux, nmap, Metaspoit, and John the Ripper.
- Ability to use various computer languages, including Bash, Python, and Powershell.
- Advanced expertise in exploits and vulnerabilities.
- Deep understanding of various operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and Unix.
- Comprehensive knowledge of network protocols, including ARP, DNS, and TCP/IP.
- Desire to stay current with pen testing strategies, risks, and technologies.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to collaborate with other team members.