Web Application Security Testing is a profession that has recently gained momentum in the IT industry. The demand for Web Application Security Testers is increasing as companies are becoming aware of the threats to their systems and want to protect themselves against various vulnerabilities.
This article will cover everything you need to know about being a web application security tester, including what they do, why companies hire them, how to become one yourself, and more.
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The responsibilities of a web application security tester include identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities in web applications. They perform various tests on web applications to check for flaws or loopholes that could be exploited by hackers. They also work with developers to fix the issues found and improve the overall security of the application.
There are many reasons why companies hire web application security testers. They include:
It was predicted that there will be a 22% increase in jobs for web application security testers in India in the next five years.
– according to an article published on Indeed’s blog (India)
This is due to the growing concern about data theft and breaches. As more and more websites are being developed, the demand for skilled web application security testers will continue to grow.
The job requirements are mainly dependent on the skill set required to do their job. Some of these skills include:
If you want to become a web application security tester, then it is important that you have a good understanding of the various security vulnerabilities that can be exploited in web applications.
You should also have practical experience in testing and identifying these vulnerabilities.
The best way to do this is by taking up certifications from a reputed organization like SANS, EC-Council, (ISC)², etc. which will give you the required skills and knowledge to become a good web application security tester.
There are many certifications you can take up for this line of work, such as:
In case you are planning to apply for a job as a web application security tester, then you will want to be prepared to answer appropriately during your interview.
Some of the common interview questions asked for this role are:
Also, familiarise yourself with the common security risks across web applications as documented by top organizations. One such example is – The OWASP Top 10.
Some of the top companies in India hiring web application security testers include:
The salary for a web application security tester mainly depends on the skill-set and experience of the individual.
However, most companies offer a salary range of Rs. 3,00,000 to Rs. 5,00,000 per annum for a fresher with little or no experience in the field of information security and Rs. 8,00,000 to Rs. 15,00,000 per annum for an experienced professional who is well versed in the art of web application penetration testing and vulnerability assessment aka VAPT.
To sum it up there are many job opportunities as a web application security tester as more and more applications are being developed.
In order to be successful in this profession, it is important that you have the required skillset and knowledge of various vulnerabilities which can exist in web applications.
You should also take up certifications such as CEH, CISSP, GWAPT, etc. for developing your core skill set and have some practical experiences.