IT

Penetration Tester

Looking to hire your next Penetration Tester? Here’s a full job description template to use as a guide.

About Vintti

Vintti specializes in providing US companies with a financial edge through smart staffing solutions. We bridge the gap between American businesses and Latin American talent, offering access to a vast pool of skilled professionals at competitive rates. This approach enables our clients to scale their operations more efficiently, reduce hiring costs, and invest in growth opportunities without compromising on quality.

Description

A Penetration Tester, often referred to as an ethical hacker, is a cybersecurity professional who evaluates the security of an organization's systems, networks, and applications to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses. By simulating cyber attacks, Penetration Testers provide valuable insights into potential security risks and help organizations implement robust defenses. Their work involves using various tools and techniques to uncover flaws before malicious hackers can exploit them, thereby safeguarding sensitive information and ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.

Requirements

- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or related field.
- Proven experience in penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and red teaming.
- Proficiency in using penetration testing tools and frameworks such as Metasploit, Burp Suite, Nmap, Wireshark, and others.
- Strong understanding of network protocols, firewall configurations, and cybersecurity principles.
- Expertise in scripting and coding languages such as Python, Perl, Bash, or PowerShell.
- Familiarity with operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and Unix.
- In-depth knowledge of OWASP Top Ten and other security standards and frameworks.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, for documenting findings and presenting to stakeholders.
- Industry certifications such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), or equivalent.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience with cloud security platforms and tools (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud).
- Knowledge of compliance and regulatory standards such as GDPR, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and ISO 27001.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects.
- Continuous learning mindset and willingness to stay updated with the latest security trends and technologies.
- Experience with incident response and post-incident analysis.
- Ability to develop custom scripts and tools to support penetration testing activities.
- Understanding of secure coding practices and application security.
- Experience with social engineering techniques and phishing campaigns.
- Ability to mentor and guide junior team members.

Responsabilities

- Conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments on network systems, applications, and infrastructure.
- Perform in-depth penetration testing to identify and exploit security weaknesses.
- Develop and implement exploitation plans to simulate attack scenarios.
- Write detailed technical reports outlining findings, risk assessments, and recommendations for remediation.
- Collaborate with IT and development teams to address and mitigate identified vulnerabilities.
- Simulate realistic attacks and intrusions to evaluate the effectiveness of security defenses.
- Conduct security audits to assess adherence to security policies and regulatory standards.
- Maintain awareness of the latest security threats, tools, techniques, and trends.
- Create custom scripts and tools to facilitate penetration testing activities.
- Analyze and review security policies, procedures, and incident reports for continuous improvement.
- Provide expert guidance on security best practices to stakeholders and teams.
- Communicate findings and recommendations clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Conduct post-incident analysis to understand and document attack vectors and root causes.
- Collaborate with industry professionals to share knowledge and stay current with emerging threats.
- Test and evaluate security technologies, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and endpoint protections.
- Participate in red team exercises to assess and improve overall security posture.
- Document test methodologies, tools, and procedures comprehensively.
- Mentor and guide junior penetration testers and security analysts in best practices and methodologies.
- Support compliance and regulatory audits with detailed security testing documentation.
- Develop and maintain a centralized repository of security testing guidelines, checklists, and templates.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate for the role of Penetration Tester is a highly skilled cybersecurity professional with a bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related field, accompanied by substantial hands-on experience in penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and red teaming. They possess a deep understanding of network protocols, firewall configurations, and key cybersecurity principles, with proficiency in using advanced penetration testing tools like Metasploit, Burp Suite, Nmap, and Wireshark, as well as scripting languages such as Python, Perl, Bash, or PowerShell. The candidate has a solid grasp of various operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and Unix, and demonstrates a strong analytical ability to tackle complex security challenges, coupled with meticulous attention to detail in identifying and documenting vulnerabilities. Their robust communication skills enable them to effectively convey vulnerabilities and recommendations to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, supported by pertinent industry certifications like CEH or OSCP. A proactive learner, they stay abreast of the latest cybersecurity trends and technologies while showcasing practical experience with cloud security platforms and tools, regulatory compliance standards, incident response, and secure coding practices. The ideal candidate excels in a fast-paced environment, independently and collaboratively, employing strong problem-solving and organizational abilities. Their ethical standards, persistence, and patience in thorough security assessments are complemented by excellent mentorship capabilities to guide junior team members, making them a pivotal asset to enhancing an organization's security posture.

On a typical day, you will...

- Conduct vulnerability assessments and penetration testing on network systems, applications, and infrastructure.
- Develop and execute exploitation plans to assess security vulnerabilities.
- Perform security audits and analyses to identify potential risks.
- Write detailed reports on findings, including risk assessments and recommended mitigations.
- Collaborate with IT and development teams to implement security improvements.
- Simulate attacks and intrusions to test the effectiveness of security measures.
- Research and stay updated on the latest security threats, tools, and methodologies.
- Analyze security policies and procedures to ensure they meet regulatory standards.
- Review and assess security incident reports to recommend responsive actions.
- Develop custom scripts and tools to aid in penetration testing efforts.
- Provide expert advice on security best practices and threat mitigation techniques.
- Present findings and recommendations to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Conduct post-incident analysis to identify attack vectors and root causes.
- Collaborate with peers and industry professionals to share knowledge and solutions.
- Test security technologies, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and endpoint protections.
- Participate in red teaming exercises to assess overall security posture.
- Maintain documentation of test methodologies, tools, and processes.
- Guide and mentor junior penetration testers and security analysts.
- Support compliance and regulatory audits by providing relevant security testing documentation.
- Develop and maintain a repository of guidelines, checklists, and templates for security testing.

What we are looking for

- Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills.
- High level of curiosity and investigative mindset.
- Proactive in staying up-to-date with the latest cybersecurity trends and technologies.
- Detail-oriented with high accuracy in identifying and documenting vulnerabilities.
- Strong problem-solving abilities and creative in developing exploitation strategies.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to convey complex security issues.
- Ability to work independently and demonstrate initiative.
- Collaborative team player who can work effectively with different departments.
- Mentorship skills to guide and support junior team members.
- Strong ethical standards and integrity in handling sensitive information.
- Persistent and patient in conducting thorough security assessments.
- Adaptable and flexible in a fast-paced and changing environment.
- High level of self-motivation and dedication to continuous learning.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Confident in making decisions and providing recommendations.
- Technical aptitude and passion for understanding how systems and applications work.

What you can expect (benefits)

- Competitive salary range based on experience and qualifications
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement savings plan with company match
- Paid time off (PTO) including vacation, sick days, and holidays
- Flexible working hours and remote work options
- Employee wellness programs
- Professional development and training opportunities
- Reimbursement for industry certifications and exams
- Company-sponsored conferences and workshops attendance
- Access to the latest penetration testing tools and software
- Opportunities for career growth and advancement
- Collaborative and innovative work environment
- Free access to online learning platforms and resources
- Employee assistance program (EAP) for personal and work-related issues
- Relocation assistance (if applicable)
- Performance bonuses and incentive plans
- On-site gym and fitness facility access
- Casual dress code and modern office amenities
- Team-building activities and company outings
- Recognition and rewards programs for outstanding performance.

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