Becoming a penetration tester (pen tester) requires a combination of technical skills, knowledge, and experience. Here’s a roadmap to help you get started on the path to becoming a penetration tester:
- Learn Networking Fundamentals: Familiarize yourself with basic networking concepts such as TCP/IP, DNS, and HTTP. Gain knowledge on networking protocols, ports and services.
- Learn Linux and Windows: Penetration testers must have a good understanding of operating systems. Focus on learning the command-line interface, navigating the file system, and basic system administration.
- Learn a programming language: Having programming skills is important for developing scripts, creating custom tools, and analyzing code. Some popular programming languages for penetration testing include Python, Ruby, and Perl.
- Familiarize yourself with Penetration Testing Methodologies: Learn about popular methodologies such as OSSTMM, NIST, OWASP, and Penetration Testing Execution Standard (PTES).
- Gain knowledge of Tools and Techniques: Learn how to use popular tools such as Nmap, Metasploit, Wireshark, and Burp Suite. Familiarize yourself with techniques like reconnaissance, scanning, enumeration, exploitation, and post-exploitation.
- Gain experience: Participate in online challenges and capture-the-flag (CTF) competitions. Engage in bug bounty programs and practice testing in vulnerable virtual machines. Start by practicing in platforms like TryHackMe, HackTheBox, and VulnHub.
- Certifications: Obtain relevant industry certifications such as Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), CompTIA PenTest+, and GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN).
- Continuous Learning: Penetration testing is an ever-evolving field, and new vulnerabilities and techniques are discovered regularly. Keep up-to-date with the latest security news, attend conferences, and participate in training courses.
Overall, becoming a penetration tester requires hard work, dedication, and a willingness to continuously learn and improve your skills. By following this roadmap, you can gain the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to become a successful penetration tester.
