Professional who ethically hacks systems to find vulnerabilities before malicious attackers do.
A penetration tester (ethical hacker) attempts to breach systems using attacker techniques to identify vulnerabilities before malicious actors exploit them. Pen testers simulate real attacks—probing networks, exploiting vulnerabilities, and demonstrating potential impact. Testing requires technical skills, creative thinking, and strict ethics. Results help organisations understand actual security rather than theoretical compliance. Certifications include OSCP, CREST, and CHECK.
Why It Matters
The DSC Perspective:
Pen testers find what scanners miss. Regular penetration testing validates your security and identifies gaps. Use qualified testers—unqualified testing can cause damage without providing value.