Penetration Testing Certifications and Valuable Resources
Becoming a proficient penetration tester (pen tester) is a rewarding journey, but it’s not without its challenges. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of penetration testing certifications, and provide a treasure trove of free and paid resources to help you sharpen your skills.
The Path to Penetration Testing Excellence
Before embarking on your journey, it’s essential to choose the right certifications to validate your skills and knowledge. Here are some notable certifications tailored for pen testers, categorized by skill levels:
1. eLearnSecurity PTS (eLS PTS): An excellent starting point for newcomers, this certification lays the foundation for understanding penetration testing methodologies.
2. eLearnSecurity PTP (eLS PTP): Ideal for those interested in network-level penetration testing. This certification equips you with the knowledge and skills to assess network security.
3. Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP): Revered within the industry, the OSCP certification from Offensive Security is highly hands-on. It tests your ability to exploit vulnerabilities and navigate complex network environments.
4. SANS SEC560 (GPEN): Offered by the SANS Institute, this certification focuses on advanced penetration testing techniques, network assessment, and ethical hacking.
5. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Offered by the EC-Council, the CEH certification covers a wide range of ethical hacking topics. It’s an excellent starting point for beginners and covers everything from penetration testing to intrusion detection.
6. CompTIA Security+: While not specific to penetration testing, CompTIA Security+ is a valuable entry-level certification that provides a strong foundation in cybersecurity concepts, including ethical hacking.
7. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): CISSP is a globally recognized certification that encompasses various aspects of cybersecurity, including penetration testing. It’s ideal for experienced professionals looking to advance their careers.
Web Application-Level Certifications:
· eLearnSecurity WAPT (eLS WAPT): Tailored for those interested in web application security testing, this certification delves deep into the intricacies of web app vulnerabilities.
· Offensive Security AWAE (AWAE): Advanced Web Attacks and Exploitation is another offering from Offensive Security, focusing on web application security with an emphasis on real-world scenarios.
· SANS SEC542 (GWAPT): This SANS certification specifically targets web application penetration testing, equipping you with the skills to assess web app security effectively.
Mastering the Craft: Costs and Challenges
While these certifications are valuable, they come with costs in USD, ranging from several hundred to over a thousand dollars, depending on the complexity and reputation of the certifying body. These costs can pose challenges, especially for aspiring pen testers on a budget.
Resourceful Learning: Free and Paid Options
To complement your certification pursuits, it’s crucial to have a robust set of resources at your disposal. Here’s a curated list of resources that cater to various skill levels and budgets:
Completely Free Resources:
1. Hacker101 (https://www.hacker101.com): A treasure trove of free lessons and challenges to enhance your web hacking skills.
2. PortSwigger Web Security Academy (https://portswigger.net/web-security): Offers free web security training modules that cover a wide range of topics.
Free/Paid Resources:
1. PentesterLab (https://pentesterlab.com): Provides hands-on exercises and labs to sharpen your penetration testing skills. It offers both free and paid content.
2. TryHackMe (https://tryhackme.com): A platform that offers a mix of free and paid rooms, each designed to teach and challenge users on different aspects of penetration testing.
3. CyberSecLabs (https://www.cyberseclabs.co.uk): A valuable resource for practicing your skills through various labs, with a combination of free and paid content.
4. Hack The Box (https://www.hackthebox.eu): A renowned platform with free and paid labs that emulate real-world scenarios for pen testers to tackle.
5. OWASP Vulnerable Web Apps (https://owasp.org/www-project-vulnerable-web-applications-directory/): The Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) provides a collection of vulnerable web applications for you to practice on.
Your Pen Testing Odyssey Begins
Armed with the knowledge of valuable certifications and an array of accessible resources, your journey to becoming a skilled penetration tester is ready to begin. Whether you’re aiming for entry-level expertise or striving for mastery, the path is paved with opportunities to learn, practice, and excel in the art of ethical hacking and security assessment. The challenges are real, but so are the rewards of a career dedicated to securing digital landscapes.