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Vulnerability Assessor

A vulnerability assessor identifies critical flaws and security weaknesses in applications, systems, and networks. They conduct assessments using automated and manual testing techniques. Assessors are expected to compile these findings into a prioritized vulnerability assessment report that organizations can use to improve their security posture. The role requires skills in penetration testing, security analysis, and clear communication of technical findings to business stakeholders.

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Alexander Leblanc
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230 views4 pages

Vulnerability Assessor

A vulnerability assessor identifies critical flaws and security weaknesses in applications, systems, and networks. They conduct assessments using automated and manual testing techniques. Assessors are expected to compile these findings into a prioritized vulnerability assessment report that organizations can use to improve their security posture. The role requires skills in penetration testing, security analysis, and clear communication of technical findings to business stakeholders.

Uploaded by

Alexander Leblanc
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Vulnerability Assessor

A Vulnerability Assessor (a.k.a. Vulnerability Assessment Analyst) scans applications and


systems to identify vulnerabilities. In other words, you are looking for trouble, searching a
network for critical flaws. What’s more, you’ll often be expected to present your findings in a
comprehensive, prioritized list – the Vulnerability Assessment – that organizations can use as a
blueprint for improvements.

It’s a role for folks who love picking systems apart. In the final analysis, you’ll be expected to
identify weaknesses that may be completely invisible to other IT experts. Just as importantly,
you’ll have to prioritize these findings and make practical, business-focused recommendations.
It’s a fact of life that companies may not be able to handle all of their IT security problems at
once.

Vulnerability Assessor Job Responsibilities


As an analyst, your major deliverable is the Vulnerability Assessment report. To that end, you
may be required to:

● Identify critical flaws in applications and systems that cyber attackers could exploit
● Conduct vulnerability assessments for networks, applications, and operating systems
● Conduct network security audits and scanning on a predetermined basis
● Use automated tools (e.g. Nessus) to pinpoint vulnerabilities and reduce time-consuming
tasks
● Use manual testing techniques and methods to gain a better understanding of the
environment and reduce false negatives
● Develop, test, and modify custom scripts and applications for vulnerability testing
● Manually validate report findings to reduce false positives
● Compile and track vulnerabilities over time for metrics purposes
● Write and present a comprehensive Vulnerability Assessment
● Review and define requirements for information security solutions
● Supply hands-on training for network and systems administrators
● Develop and maintain a vulnerability assessment database

Vulnerability Assessor vs. Penetration Tester

For a clear sense of the difference between Vulnerability Assessors and Penetration Testers,
check out Daniel Miessler’s article, The Difference Between a Vulnerability Assessment and a
Penetration Test:

“Vulnerability Assessments are designed to yield a prioritized list of vulnerabilities


and are generally for clients who already understand they are not where they want
to be in terms of security. The customer already knows they have issues and simply
needs help identifying and prioritizing them.

“Penetration Tests are designed to achieve a specific, attacker-simulated goal and


should be requested by customers who are already at their desired security posture.
A typical goal could be to access the contents of the prized customer database on the
internal network, or to modify a record in an HR system.”

In Miessler’s words, Vulnerability Assessors are list-orientated and Pen Testers are
goal-orientated.

Vulnerability Assessor Job Requirements

Requirements for Vulnerability Assessor jobs will depend on the company and its mission. For
example, a position as a Tier 2 Vulnerability Assessor with the DHS is going to require a BS or
MS and 6-12 years of in-depth experience with malware, forensics, and incident detection. But if
you’re starting out in a junior-level position, you may only need an AS and a few years of
security-related experience in an IT job.

Do some market research, talk to your mentors, and reach out to experts in the field before you
make any decisions. You can also get your feet wet with a Bootcamp. For example, the capstone
project in Springboard’s 6-month Cybersecurity Career Track camp includes a comprehensive
risk and vulnerability assessment. And Evolve Security offers a Penetration Testing option. Or
you can network at the DIMVA Conference on Detection of Intrusions and Malware &
Vulnerability Assessment.

Degree Requirements

The degree requirement will depend on the company and the nature of the job. For a smallish
company, an associate or bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Cyber Security or the
equivalent is nice to have in your back pocket. Once you start looking at the super-charged
options (e.g. classified government work, jobs in large companies, senior-level positions, etc.)
you’ll need a BS or an MS.

Work Experience

Experience requirements vary according to the level of job difficulty. The general standard for a
cyber security specialist job is 2-3 years of related work experience in the field. However,
senior-level openings often specify 5-7 years—and sometimes even higher.

Hard Skills

Employers can be picky when it comes to technical skills. We have pulled out some general
requirements, but we recommend you check current job listings to see where the market is
heading.

● Windows, UNIX, and Linux operating systems


● C, C++, C#, Java, ASM, PHP, PERL
● Network scanning tools (e.g. Nessus, ACAS, RETINA, Gold Disk, etc.)
● Computer hardware and software systems
● Web-based applications
● Security frameworks (e.g. ISO 27001/27002, NIST, HIPPA, SOX, etc.)
● Security tools and products (Fortify, AppScan, etc.)
● Vulnerability analysis and reverse engineering
● Metasploit framework
Note: Programming is only required if you’re assessing applications. Network vulnerability
assessors won’t usually need it.

Soft Skills

Here’s the thing about Vulnerability Assessors and Pen Testers – they don’t necessarily play by
the rules. That’s why they’re so good at their jobs. This is not to say employers will be happy to
see a criminal record, but they will be interested in knowing if you are curious, creative, and
off-the-wall in your approach. Your job, after all, is to think like a bad guy.

Other important soft skills include attention to detail, a puzzler’s brain, and strong oral and
written abilities. In addition to drafting reports, you will be educating IT teams about better
security practices.

Certifications for Vulnerability Assessors

Mile2 has a specific vulnerability assessment certification (CVA), but CISSP and penetration
testing certs are often cited as must-haves in the job listings.

● CEH: Certified Ethical Hacker


● CPT: Certified Penetration Tester
● CEPT: Certified Expert Penetration Tester
● GPEN: GIAC Certified Penetration Tester
● OSCP: Offensive Security Certified Professional
● CISSP: Certified Information Systems Security Professional
● GCIH: GIAC Certified Incident Handler
● CVA: Certified Vulnerability Assessor

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