How to Build a Successful Career in Security Testing in 2023?
As the world becomes more digital, cyberattacks are constantly increasing. Digital transformation has become part of our life, and with it, security concerns are rising. Security is paramount in the modern world of web development, and the marketing explanation is getting more complicated. A lot of new features are being added to web-based applications. However, this opens the door to numerous security threats. Creating reliable and secure software is challenging in the threat landscape, where technology is now a more significant part of our daily life. We need methods to find and rectify vulnerabilities before cyberattackers, or malicious attackers take advantage of them. Therefore, Security testing has become an integral part of the information security system, and there is a growing need for skilled security testing professionals.
Table of Contents
What is Security Testing?
Why is Security Testing Important?
Skills Needed in Security Testing
How to Start a Career in Security Testing?
What is Security Testing?
Security testing is a method for identifying software application vulnerabilities, risks, and threats and preventing malicious attacks. The objective of security testing is to identify any faults or vulnerabilities in the software system that leads to the loss of data, revenue, or reputation at the hands of employees or outsiders. Security testing involves breaking into a program to test it and identifying vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit.
Why is Security Testing Important?
Even if an organization takes all the preferred security measures, that doesn’t mean its IT infrastructure is safe from cyber threats. It’s also essential to use advanced security protection techniques, and security testing is an integral part of an organization’s comprehensive cybersecurity strategic approach. Some of the benefits are:
- Reduces the overall system’s downtime
- Find vulnerabilities before malicious hackers take advantage of them
- Ensure regulatory compliance
- Protect sensitive data
- Maintain customer trust and brand value
Skills Needed in Security Testing
Professionals conduct security tests on IT systems, networks, and web applications as part of security testing. Here are the skills which are needed in the security testing profession.
- Networking (TCP/IP, protocols, and cabling techniques)
- Ethical hacking skills
- Open-source technologies, such as MySQL, Apache, and others.
- Wireless devices and protocols
- Knowledge of different testing tools and OS distributions like Kali Linux, BackBox, based on Ubuntu, and Whax, based on Slackware
- Knowledge of software frameworks like Metasploit, Nmap, OWASP ZAP, Nessus, and Wireshark
- Exceptional problem-solving skills
- Report writing and good communication skills
How to Start a Career in Security Testing?
1. Make a plan
Before doing anything, a plan is essential; if it involves a career, you should have a standard, easy-to-follow plan.
Here are some elements that should be included in your ideal career plan:
- How do you acquire the necessary skills, expertise, and knowledge? (including studying where and what)
- You must consider whether you want to work for a private organization, a government agency, or a non-profit organization.
- What you are looking for in a workplace.
2. Get a relevant degree or education
Many security testing jobs require a bachelor’s or master’s degree in cybersecurity, computer science, information technology, or a related field. This will provide you with the fundamentals of computer technology, including how computers work, how to program them, how to use networking software, and what hardware and software are available. Cybersecurity programs also offer specialized course material in cryptography, computer forensics, vulnerability assessment, and security frameworks and techniques.
3. Acquire the necessary skills
Security testing professionals need technical and analytical proficiency to detect security issues accurately. Establishing innovative solutions to security problems or developing tools and strategies for breaking into security systems necessitates creativity and strong problem-solving abilities. Professionals in this field needed a deep understanding of computer security, including digital forensics, system analysis, and the ability to write malicious code to breach networks.
4. Gain required experience
Hacking into information systems requires a lot of knowledge, so many security testing jobs require working experience in penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, or information security. For entry-level security testing jobs, you usually need 1–4 years of experience with IT tasks such as systems security, systems engineering, and administrative structure. For higher-level positions, you typically need between 3 and 10 years of experience testing for vulnerabilities or penetrating into networks.
5. Get relevant certifications
In addition to academic programs, getting relevant certifications in IT and information security is a great way to get professional skills and knowledge that are recognized by the industry. Specialized certifications are recognized as evidence of expertise by hiring managers and recruiters. Here are some of the security testing certifications you can pursue.
- EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH v12)
- CompTIA PenTest+
- EC-Council’s Certified Penetration Tester (CPENT)
- Advanced Penetration Testing
Security Testing with InfosecTrain
Security testing is a massive field, so it also takes a lot of training, planning, skills, and hard work. One of the significant factors influencing attractive compensation in this field is the alarmingly low number of trained security testers, among other cybersecurity and IT personnel. In this field, obtaining certification and building the necessary skills to meet the most recent cybersecurity challenges and prepare for various career paths is prudent. So InfosecTrain is here to help you in your security testing career with some customizing security testing training.
InfosecTrain is a leading provider of training and consulting services for security and technology. We focus on IT security training and information security consulting services. InfosecTrain has always given the best quality and success rates.
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