A Licensed Penetration Tester (LPT) is a trained professional who can analyze the security posture of a given network exhaustively and propose the corrective measures authoritatively. Certified penetration testers have the skills on how to utilize penetration testing methodologies, techniques and tools to design, secure, and test or troubleshoot networks to help organizations avert threats. LPT training is appropriate for auditors, security officers, and cybersecurity professionals.

A Licensed Penetration Tester probes for and exploits security vulnerabilities in web-based software, systems and networks. In simple terms, employees are paid to legally hack. They get to utilize a series of penetrating tools- some that they might have designed, some predetermined- to mimic the real-life cyber-attacks. The main goal is to help the organization improve their security structures.

LPTs Role in Business (Large or Small)

LPTs are vital in every business, large or small to help determine the feasibility of certain set of attacks, identify higher-risk vulnerabilities that may be consequent to a combination of lower-risk vulnerabilities exploited in any given sequence.

Businesses need professionals who can identify vulnerabilities that can be difficult to detect with an automated application or network vulnerability scanning software. Assessing the magnitude of potential operational and business impacts of successful attacks is also vital for any business to help close the loop holes exploited.

LPTs also provide evidence that support increased investment in security personnel and technology to C-level management, customers and investors. They also aid in posting security incidents within an organization thus helping in determining the vectors utilized to gain access to a compromised system.

Combining forensic analysis and penetration testing is essential in recreation of the attack chain, they help validate new security procedures that will thwart similar attacks in future keeping business data safe.

Why are They Vital to Digital Security?

Cyber-attacks are becoming the norm and as indicated by the Cyber Security Breaches Survey report compiled by Ipsos MORI, University of Portsmouth and the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport; around a third (32%) of businesses and two in ten charities (22%) reported Cybersecurity breaches within the last 12 months. This has risen compared to the previous years, and is much higher specifically among small and medium size businesses (60%), large businesses (61%) and high-income charities (52%). This clearly indicates that more Licensed Penetration Testing Professional are required.

They are vital in warding off phishing attacks, false impressions on organizations, spyware, viruses, malware as well as ransomware attacks. This way they secure businesses from losing data or assets through security breaches.

Benefits of Training One of Your It Employees to Become an LPT

Training one of your employees helps you avert any security breach that can be devastating due to lost revenue and productivity, the end result will save your business millions. Having a professional by your side will help thwart any monetary loss because your employee will be tasked in identifying and accessing risks before the security breaches take place.

Training one of your employees will help save the time and money that you would incur by hiring consultants. With the ever-growing demand for LPTs, it will be hard for you to get one you can hire on part time basis. Training your employees will definitely provide the much-needed peace of mind as you fully know that you got professionals who actively formulate strategies to thwart and handle and security attacks on your company.

One security breach can derail your small business goals for a very long time, it can destroy your business reputation and may even lead to legal action or bankruptcy. According to the 2018 IBM Hidden Cost of Data Breach Study, unauthorized attacks account for almost 40% of all data breaches, and the average cost for a data breach is more than $130 per record.

This cost does not cover the additional marketing expenses that you incur on your business in an effort to revive your customer base and brand. Having a trained professional will help maintain your customer satisfaction by ensuring that their records and sensitive information are safe. This boosts consumer and client confidence that their vital information is securely protected.

Do You Have an IT Employee You Could Train as an LPT?

Online transaction issues and payment fraud can be a real concern if your business is trading online. Infotec IT and Leadership Training is proud to inform you that you can train your employees so they can tackle cybersecurity challenges. There are numerous cybersecurity courses and certifications, such as the LPT, that can be good for your team. Contact us today to find out more on how your employees can receive training.