Pen testing training: what’s involved?

Print anything with Printful



Penetration testing training teaches individuals how to perform simulated attacks on computer systems to identify weaknesses. The training covers network scanning, software development, social engineering, and pitching the test idea to companies.

The penetration testing training process can vary greatly depending on the specific components of a specific training program. In general, however, one generally learns the various steps and processes involved in running a penetration test on a computer system. This can include just about anything from recording computer programs used in testing to understanding how the information gained by these programs can be used throughout the testing procedure. Some penetration testing training programs can even teach people to better understand how to launch and utilize penetration testing for a company, to sell the services of someone certified in penetration testing.

Penetration testing training is typically a course where someone learns to perform penetration testing on a computer network or similar system. There are several organizations that offer penetration testing training, and the specific lessons taught depend on the group offering the course. In general, however, such training usually starts with scanning and mapping the network to find weaknesses within it, learning how to use these to launch a simulated attack on the network.

While there is software available that can be used for penetration testing, some training programs teach students to develop their own software for penetration testing. These training programs are usually quite short; therefore, someone should already have a fair amount of computer programming knowledge and experience. Other lessons taught in penetration testing training can include packet sniffing procedures and network mapping to determine information about a computer network. Training can include lessons on how to use this information to install rootkits or other malware on a system to crack passwords and attack the network.

Some of the social aspects of penetration testing can also be taught in penetration testing training programs. This may include using social engineering methods to trick a company’s employees into revealing passwords and other information used by ethical “white hat” hackers employed by that company. However, not all companies initially understand the value of penetration testing; therefore, some programs also teach students how to better pitch the test idea to these companies. This allows someone who has completed penetration testing training to sell their skills to companies and executives and then use the test to generate useful information that those companies can use to better protect their systems.




Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN


Skip to content