Job Title: Junior - Penetration Tester
Job Summary
A Junior Penetration Tester is an entry-level position that plays a crucial role in enhancing the security posture of an organization. The individual in this role will assist in conducting security assessments, vulnerability testing, and ethical hacking activities under the guidance of senior testers. This position is ideal for candidates looking to start their career in cybersecurity, as it provides hands-on experience in identifying security flaws and implementing effective defenses against potential threats. The Junior Penetration Tester will work collaboratively with various security teams, contributing to the overall mission of safeguarding sensitive information and systems.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist in conducting penetration tests on networks, applications, and systems to identify vulnerabilities.
- Support vulnerability assessments and security audits to ensure compliance with security standards.
- Document and report findings, providing detailed recommendations for mitigation and improvement.
- Collaborate with security teams to implement security best practices and enhance overall security measures.
- Stay informed about the latest security threats, attack vectors, and mitigation strategies to maintain a proactive security posture.
Skills and Knowledge Required
- Basic understanding of networking concepts, including TCP/IP, DNS, and HTTP.
- Familiarity with common security vulnerabilities, such as those listed in the OWASP Top 10 and CVEs.
- Experience with penetration testing tools, including Metasploit, Burp Suite, and Nmap.
- Basic knowledge of scripting languages such as Python, Bash, and PowerShell.
- Good analytical and problem-solving skills to effectively assess and address security issues.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for clear reporting and collaboration.
Educational Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or a related field is preferred but not mandatory.
- Industry certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) are a plus.
Key Focus Areas
- Web application security testing to identify vulnerabilities in web-based applications.
- Network penetration testing to assess the security of network infrastructures.
- Basic security auditing and risk assessment to evaluate the effectiveness of security controls.
Experience
- 0–2 years of experience in cybersecurity, IT security, or penetration testing.
Tools and Equipment
- Kali Linux, Burp Suite, Metasploit, Wireshark, and Nmap for penetration testing activities.
- Virtualization software such as VMware and VirtualBox for testing environments.
- Basic use of cloud security tools, including AWS Security Hub and Azure Security Center.
Other Requirements
- Willingness to learn and take on challenges in a dynamic field.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple tasks.
- Attention to detail and strong documentation skills to ensure accurate reporting.