A penetration test subjects a system or a range of systems to real life security tests. The benefit of a complete penetration suite compared to a normal vulnerability scan system is to reach beyond a vulnerability scan test and discover different weaknesses and perform a much more detailed analysis. The user can perform specified attacks in high detail depending on his specific choices and needs. This is normally done via the many advanced techniques and utilities of a security consultant.
The Certified Penetration Tester (CPT)® certification is for security personnel whose job duties involve assessing target networks and systems to find security vulnerabilities. Certification objectives include penetration-testing methodologies, the legal issues surrounding penetration testing and how to properly conduct a penetration test as well as best practice technical and non-technical techniques specific to conduct a penetration test.
Penetration testing is the job that most IT ‘techies’ aspire to, and means you get to work with some cutting edge technologies, and technically excellent colleagues. The job can also have a large degree of diversity to it, and can be technically challenging, due to the level of technical skills that must be maintained.
