Becoming a Web Application Security Tester | Certificates, Jobs, Salaries

Becoming a Web Application Security Tester | Certificates, Jobs, Salaries

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.

What Does a Web Application Security Tester Do?

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.

Why Do Companies Need Web Application Security Testers?

There are many reasons why companies hire web application security testers. They include:

  • To identify the vulnerabilities in their applications that could be exploited by hackers, which would result in loss of data or money for the company.
  • To comply with industry standards and meet regulatory requirements such as PCI-DSS, ISO 27001, and SOX.
  • To protect their systems after deployment from being hacked or compromised by malicious actors.
  • To improve the overall security of their web application.
  • To ensure that the application is secure before being released to the public. This would help in preventing any kind of cyber attack or data breach.

Future Scope of Web Application Security Testing Jobs

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.

Web Application Security Tester Job Requirements

The job requirements are mainly dependent on the skill set required to do their job. Some of these skills include:

  • Networking Knowledge
  • Understanding of different server and client-side scripting languages like Java, Python, Ruby, etc.
  • A good understanding of databases such as MySQL, Oracle would be helpful in identifying possible vulnerabilities when using these databases.
  • Understanding vulnerabilities in web applications would be helpful in identifying possible loopholes and bugs that could be exploited by hackers to break into a system.
  • Knowledge of tools such as Burp Suite, Acunetix WVS, and WebInspect would be helpful in identifying vulnerabilities in web applications.

How to Become a Web Security Tester?

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.

What Certifications Should You Do?

There are many certifications you can take up for this line of work, such as:

  • GIAC Web Application Penetration Tester (GWAPT)
  • GIAC Web Application Defender (GWEB)
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
  • Certified Web Application Security Tester (C-WAST)

Interview Questions Asked for the Role of Web Application Security Tester

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:

  • What is your understanding of web application security?
  • List some of the common vulnerabilities found in web applications.
  • Have you ever performed an online penetration test on a web application?
  • How would you go about detecting flaws in a web application?
  • Give me an example of a secure code that can be written for the login page of a website.
  • In your opinion, what are the most common security threats in web applications?
  • What are some of the defensive measures that may be taken to prevent these security threats?

Also, familiarise yourself with the common security risks across web applications as documented by top organizations. One such example is – The OWASP Top 10.

Top Companies In India that Hire Web Application Security Testers

Some of the top companies in India hiring web application security testers include:

What Salary Can You Expect?

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.

Conclusion

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.

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