What is penetration testing, though, and how does it work?
What kind of people perform these tests?
What Is Pen Testing?
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Because the hacking is ethical, the people performing the hacks aren’t out to steal or damage anything.
However, it’s important to understand that in every way besides intent, pen tests are attacks.
Pen testers will use every dirty trick in the book to get through to a system.
Who Performs Pen Tests?
Of course, getting that certainty means that you oughta be pretty skilled at attacking systems.
As a result, many people working in penetration testing are reformedblack hat hackersthemselves.
They work with the knowledge and consent of the company to crack their systems.
Related:What Is a Bug Bounty and How Can You Claim One?
These freelancers will often make their money by gathering so-called bounties via platforms likeHacker One.
Some companies—many of thebest VPNs, for example—post standing bounties for any vulnerabilities found.
Find an issue, report it, get paid.
Valea warns that this isn’t the way for everybody, though.
“you’re free to work for several months and find nothing.
You will have no money for rent.”
How Do Penetration Tests Work?
That’s not to say it isn’t exciting, though.
In each case, pen testers will try and crack a system with everything they can think of.
Related:Why Are There So Many Zero-Day Security Holes?
However, gaining access to a system is only part of the equation.
For example, a hacker will see if there are any unencrypted files to steal.
They have access, and they can steal files and wreck operations.
How Can I Protect My Devices?
A targeted attack can hurt you just as much, though in different ways than a company suffers.
And of course,good antivirus softwarewill scan for malware.
