Cyber Security Penetration Tester

Cyber Security Penetration Testers, also known as "ethical hackers", infiltrate computer systems to find and patch flaws that non-ethical hackers may exploit to create great damage.

Cyber Security Penetration Tester Job Description

Test computer systems, networks, and applications for vulnerabilities.

Create innovative testing methods for detecting flaws.

Assess the security of systems, servers, and other network devices to determine which areas need protection.

Identify the methods and entry points that attackers could use to take advantage of vulnerabilities or flaws.

Keep up-to-date with new software, technological advancements, and the latest malware and security threats.

Collaborate with IT teams, management, and clients to conduct research, as well as assess, report, and discuss findings.

Make enhancements to current security services, such as hardware, software, policies, and procedures.

Note

While Cyber Security Penetration Testers work regular office hours, they perform testing at night. This minimises the company’s downtime and does not compromise employee productivity.

A day in the life

Cyber Security Penetration Tester

Cyber Security Penetration Testers are not IT Technicians. Like superheroes, they identify vulnerabilities and threats. Watch to find out what else they do.

What you should know about Cyber Security Penetration Tester jobs in Singapore

Nature of Work

You will do an extensive amount of research and documentation to ensure you are up-to-date with the latest computer security systems.

Key advice

Constantly refine your skills and techniques to anticipate and exploit vulnerabilities before malicious actors do.

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements
Minimally, a diploma in Infocomm or a bachelor's degree in Computer Security is required.

It is highly recommended to take external courses such as the Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) certification, which provides extensive computer hacking knowledge.

Experience with various security testing tools (e.g., Metasploit, Wireshark) is advantageous.

Familiarity with scripting and programming languages (e.g., Python, Bash) enhances candidacy.

A solid understanding of network protocols and configurations is essential.
Possible Pathway

Possible Pathway

Skills you need to pursue a Cyber Security Penetration Tester career in Singapore

Hard Skills

Knowledge of vulnerabilities and exploits

Stay updated with the latest security threats.

Ability to script and write code

Write scripts to test systems, analyse data and create tools using Python, Bash, and PowerShell.

Microsoft Office Suite

Use Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access for effective data management and presentation.

Cyber Risk Management

Identify, assess, and mitigate or manage cyber risks effectively.

Security Assessment and Testing

Conduct vulnerability assessments, penetration tests, and security audits.

Soft Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and collaborate with other team members.

Time Management

Prioritise tasks, manage workloads efficiently, and meet project timelines.

Creative Thinking

Devise unique strategies to test and secure systems and identify potential vulnerabilities.

Research Skills

Keep up-to-date with the latest developments in cybersecurity and learn about new tools and techniques.

Attention to Detail

Be meticulous in testing and documenting processes, as small details can reveal significant vulnerabilities.

“We look for vulnerabilities in systems in the company's network and try to find it’s weak spots.”

Krishna, Cyber Security Penetration Tester

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Is the Cyber Security industry in Singapore very competitive?

Yes. The Cyber Security industry in Singapore is competitive, with individuals possessing diverse skill sets. Penetration Testers, for example, require extensive knowledge of computer programming and hacking.
What differentiates Cyber Security Penetration Testers from Cyber Security Analysts?

Cyber Security Analysts focus on data handling and system monitoring, while Cyber Security Penetration Testers specialise in ethically hacking into systems to test and improve their security.
What programming languages do Cyber Security Penetration Testers use?

They use a variety of programming languages, depending on the specific task or objective. These include C++, PowerShell, and JavaScript.
What tools do Cyber Security Penetration Testers often use for the job?

Cyber Security Penetration Testers use different tools such as NMAP to discover hosts and services, detect open ports, and gather information about network devices. They also use Wireshark to capture and analyse network traffic.
What ways do Cyber Security Penetration Testers use to ensure the security of systems?

One of the techniques they use is vulnerability assessments, where Testers identify weaknesses, vulnerabilities, and misconfigurations in the system. They also employ exploitation, where they attempt to exploit identified vulnerabilities to evaluate their severity.