Security Engineer vs. Penetration Tester: What Are the Differences?

A career in cybersecurity can be both exciting and rewarding. If you’re interested in this field, you may be wondering what the difference is between a security engineer and a penetration tester. Both roles are important in keeping information safe, but they have different responsibilities. In this article, we compare and contrast these two positions, and we offer advice on how to choose the right career path for you.

What is a Security Engineer?

Security Engineers are responsible for ensuring that an organization’s computer systems and networks are secure from unauthorized access or theft. They work with other members of the IT team to design, implement and maintain security solutions. Security Engineers also conduct risk assessments to identify potential security threats and vulnerabilities. They develop and test security plans to ensure that they are effective in the event of a security breach. Security Engineers also train other employees on security best practices and procedures. In the event of a security incident, Security Engineers work with law enforcement to investigate the cause and identify the responsible parties.

What is a Penetration Tester?

Penetration Testers, also known as ethical hackers, are employed by organizations to test the security of their computer systems and networks. They simulate real-world attacks to find vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious hackers. Penetration Testers use a variety of tools and techniques to attempt to gain access to systems and data, including social engineering, password guessing and brute force attacks. They document their findings and provide recommendations for improving security. Organizations typically hire Penetration Testers on a consultant basis to conduct periodic testing.

Security Engineer vs. Penetration Tester

Here are the main differences between a security engineer and a penetration tester.

Job Duties

Security engineers perform a wide range of duties, depending on their specific job title and responsibilities. These professionals often work with software and hardware to ensure that systems are secure. They may develop security policies and procedures for an organization and monitor networks for signs of intrusions or other threats. Penetration testers’s job duties are more focused on evaluating the effectiveness of an organization’s security measures. They use the information provided by security engineers to simulate attacks and identify vulnerabilities.

Job Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field is typically required for both positions. In addition, security engineers should have experience working with various types of security software and hardware, as well as networking systems. Penetration testers should also have experience with ethical hacking techniques and tools. Some employers may require penetration testers to have a certification, such as the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) from the EC-Council.

Work Environment

Security engineers typically work in an office setting, but they may travel to client sites. They also spend time working on computers and using software programs. Penetration testers usually work in a variety of environments, including offices, homes and other locations. They often travel to different locations for their jobs and may spend long hours at work.

Both security engineers and penetration testers can work irregular hours or overnight shifts depending on the needs of their employer.

Skills

Both security engineers and penetration testers use technical skills to perform their jobs. They need to have an understanding of computer networks, systems and how they work in order to identify potential vulnerabilities. They also both use analytical skills to assess risks and determine the best way to mitigate them.

However, security engineers typically focus on preventative measures, while penetration testers are more focused on actively trying to exploit vulnerabilities. This means that security engineers need to have strong problem-solving skills to be able to anticipate potential issues and develop solutions to address them. Penetration testers also need problem-solving skills, but theirs tend to be more focused on finding creative ways to exploit vulnerabilities.

Both security engineers and penetration testers need to have strong communication skills. Security engineers need to be able to communicate their findings and recommendations to non-technical staff, while penetration testers need to be able to report their findings in a way that is clear and concise.

Salary

Security engineers earn an average salary of $115,528 per year, while penetration testers earn an average salary of $103,827 per year. Both of these salaries may vary depending on the size of the company at which you work, location of your job and the level of experience you have prior to pursuing either position.