Penetration Tester Jobs in the United Kingdom

Last Updated : 01 Apr, 2024

Penetration testers are the critical components of the process, performed by them in evaluating the security status of organizations. This is done by identifying the weaknesses and gaps in their information system and network. Widely recognized as one of the important issues in cybersecurity nowadays is the demand for well-trained penetration testers in the United Kingdom. In the following article, we review hiring firms that publish job openings for penetration testers, premium job boards, and salary statistics for the candidates involved, as well as the frequently asked questions by entry-level professionals.

Roles and Responsibilities of Penetration Testers in the United Kingdom:

Vulnerability Assessment:

Conduct a complete assessment of all systems, networks, and applications which is aimed at the identification of possible vulnerable nodes.
Apply scanning technologies as well as manual techniques to achieve detection of the vulnerability.

Penetration Testing:

Practice information security breaches to reveal existing vulnerabilities to test the efficiency of the existing safeguards.
Perform penetration testing using different methodologies such as information gathering, enumeration, and exploitation. The post-exploitation step comes in last.

Security Analysis:

Conduct a review of vulnerability assessments and penetration test findings, and come up with recommendations on where to begin remediation according to the prioritized risks.
Present reports with thorough summaries including what vulnerabilities were discovered, and how severe they might be as well as giving people remediation directions.

Risk Management:

Aid organizations in coming out with information and strategies that will mitigate cybersecurity risk by considering ways that they can be attacked and the probable consequences.
Partner with stakeholders to establish risk management measures and allocate security expenses in a phased manner.

Security Research:

Monitor regularly the top cybersecurity threats faced by businesses via research and with the support of a knowledge-sharing network.
Analyze the mobile emergent technologies and determine if they could have a security implication to your client environment.

Client Communication:

Ensure that the main tasks of the position are clearly presented and detailed in an understandable manner for technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Talk to customers to know their security propensities, offer suggestion, and also ensure all the queries surrounding security are addressed.

Compliance and Standards:

Create that scanning process covers regulations, compliance standards and frameworks world-wide (such as GDPR, ISO 27001)
Assist development of and maintain compliance with security needs of adequate range.

Training and Awareness:

Organize training sessions and run awareness programs to get an understanding of the basics to employees and clients, keep an informative environment about cyber threat awareness, and ensure that there are functional procedures to help with incident response.
Develop a security culture among organizations that are committed to security watchfulness and proactive risk management.

Companies Hiring Penetration Tester

The UK boasts a robust cybersecurity industry with numerous companies in need of penetration testing expertise. Here are some of the top organizations for penetration tester jobs in the United Kingdom:

BAE Systems

Requirements:

The initial phase involves building a solid platform of IT security principles and networking.
Knowhow related to penetration testing tools and tactics (Kali Linux, Metasploit).
The chance to exactly illustrate vulnerabilities with the solutions to root them.
Certificates in the industry like CREST or OSCP give an edge while hunting for careers.

Apply Here: Careers

NCC Group

Requirements:

Proven experience in playing the roles of ethical hackers during web application, network and infrastructure pentests.
Solid background knowledge on common vulnerabilities and exploits. Instruction: Humanize the given sentence.
Solution-oriented and quick-reasoned thinking capabilities.
OSCP or equivalent certificates can bring great advantage to your carrier.

Apply Here: Careers

KPMG

Requirements:

Major degree in Computer Sciences, Cybersecurity or other liberal arts subject.
Active and extensive penetration testing practice with emphasis on risk management techniques and methods.
Decent grasp of the legal environment control systems (for example, GDPR, ISO 27001).
Good communication & reporting ability.

Apply Here: Careers

PwC

Requirements:

Background in the field of cybersecurity, ethical hacking and information security.
Having good grasp of vulnerability scanning, exploitation with techniques, and remediation strategies.
To work with other people in the same premises with different cultural backgrounds and attitudes.
Deep passion to be always informed about the last cybersecurity developments and technologies.

Apply Here: Careers

Deloitte

Requirements:

Proven capabilities of applying penetration testing approach and tools.
Sturdy basis composed of network awareness, operating systems, and web technologies.
Capability to envision far and wide and find the entry points to the AI system that will destabilize it.
Exceptional writing ability and interpersonal proficiency when communicating technical matters to different stakeholders.

Apply Here: Careers

EY (Ernst & Young)

Requirements:

Shown competencies in web applications and infrastructure penetration testing.
Practical technical skills, able to perform manual and automated testing.
Ability to keep updated on the ins and outs of the latest technologies and to benefit from loopholes.
The ability to have clarity of the message and conciseness, both verbal and written.

Apply Here: Careers

IBM

Requirements:

Experience of functions such as risk assessment, penetration testing and threat analysis.
Knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks and procedures for classification of information security, protocols and guidelines.
Great skill of problem solving and analytical thinking.
To work efficiently in a variable and quickly changing job environment.

Apply Here: Careers

FDM Group

Requirements:

Apparent fascination with cyber security, proven by the academic results, and also by real projects and awards.
Computer science, information technology, or related fields master degree.
Knowledge of web applications, basics of networks and theories of operating systems.
Good communication and conflict resolution skills are essential.

Apply Here: Careers

Capgemini

Requirements:

Ability to exploit weaknesses by designing applied techniques in different interface environments.
Able to create test scenarios and execute it to pin-point the imperfection of the product.
Solid grasp of cybersecurity standards and good conducts will be inclusive.
Technical communication skills is important to convey the technicalities of security issues to both technical and non-technical individuals.

Apply Here: Careers

Atos

Requirements:

Possibility to use a cognitive skill set to research, analyze, and lead a proactive approach toward cybersecurity risk management.
Good command over written and oral communication.
The most promising certificates (e.g. OSCP, CEH and goodie bag) is advantageous to you.

Apply Here: Careers

BT Group

Requirements:

Penetration testing skill in varied technique and toolset.
Practices such as telecommunications infrastructure and security protocols.
By ability to detect security risks apperas in telecom industry.
Adeptness in dealing with a hectic environment including severe safety risks.

Apply Here: Careers

Vodafone

Requirements:

Strong technical background in web app and network penetration testing.
Familiarity with some of the tools, such as Metasploit, Burp Suite, and Nmap.
Development of security related concepts in the telecom industry.
particular skills in working together with other teams across the whole organization.

Apply Here: Careers

CGI

Requirements:

Proper functioning of various penetration testing segments such as web application, network and infrastructure.
A complete overview of the vulnerabilities detection and appropriate guidance for mitigation.
The capability to articulate complex cybersecurity concepts in a manner that a non-technical audience can easily understand.
Team-oriented approach with a consulting environment background.

Apply Here: Careers

Barclays

Requirements:

We are industry experts in penetration testing methods that are specific to the financial industry.
All-encompassing awareness of the workings of banking, specializations channels and regulations.
Show previous exploitation of social engineering and phishing simulation.
Suave report writing and communication skill.

Apply Here: Careers

HSBC

Requirements:

Sufficient security foundation aided by assessing techniques for financial technology.
An in-depth grasp of banking procedures, cryptography, and fraud mitigation strategies as well.
Improve using the most recent security flaws and attack methods through researching and applying them.
To stay abreast of ever-evolving regulations and norms in the financial sector, there is a need.

Apply Here: Careers

Job Portals

Here are popular job portals for your penetration testing job search in the UK:

Salary of Penetration Tester

Salaries for penetration testers in the UK can vary depending on experience, location, industry, and certifications held. Here’s a general guideline:

Entry-level: £30,000 – £45,000 per year

Mid-level £45,000 – £70,000 per year

Senior-level: £70,000 – £100,000+ per year

Experience-Wise Salary Trend

Less than 1 year: £25,000 – £40,000 per year

1-3 years: £35,000- £55,000 per year

4-6 years: £50,000 – £75,000 per year

7-9 years: £70,000 – £90,000 per year

10+ years: £90,000+ per year