Perform in-depth analysis of penetration testing results and create a report: A pentester should be able to analyze the results of penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities and risks, and then create a detailed report outlining the findings. This includes providing a comprehensive list of vulnerabilities, potential impact, and recommendations for remediation.
- Vulnerability Assessment: One of the key aspects of penetration testing is identifying vulnerabilities in an application or system. Some of the tools used for vulnerability assessment are OpenVAS, Nessus, and Nmap. After running these tools, the pentester can analyze the results to identify potential vulnerabilities and rate their severity.
- Exploitation: After identifying vulnerabilities, a pentester may attempt to exploit them to determine the potential impact on the system. Tools such as Metasploit, Armitage, and Cobalt Strike can be used to launch attacks and test the security of a system. The results of these tests can be analyzed to determine the extent of the damage that could be caused by a real attacker.
- Reporting: Once the penetration testing is complete, the pentester will create a report detailing the findings and recommendations for addressing any identified vulnerabilities. Tools such as Dradis, OWASP ZAP, and Nikto can be used to create reports that are easy to read and understand. The report should include detailed information about each vulnerability identified, along with an assessment of its severity and recommendations for addressing it.
- Client Communication: The final step is to communicate the results of the penetration test to the client in a way that they can understand. This may involve presenting the results in a meeting or providing a written report. The pentester should be able to explain the vulnerabilities in plain language and answer any questions the client may have. Good communication skills are essential for this aspect of the job.
- Continuous Improvement: Finally, it is important for a pentester to continuously improve their skills and knowledge. Attending training sessions and participating in online communities such as HackTheBox, TryHackMe, and Cybersecurity Challenge are great ways to learn new techniques and stay up-to-date with the latest tools and methodologies.