Introduction
The pen testing market (global) rose by over 13% CAGR from 2019 to the end quarter of 2023. India, like the rest of the world, is also witnessing a similar growth in the pentesting domain. As a result, the demand for skilled pentesters has surged significantly. This blog explores the burgeoning career of penetration testing in India, shedding light on its demand and penetration tester salary in India in 2024.
Increasing Importance of Cybersecurity and Penetration Testing
With the escalating frequency and sophistication of cyber threats, organizations are increasingly investing in robust cybersecurity measures. Penetration testing, a simulated cyber-attack, has emerged as a proactive strategy to identify vulnerabilities before malicious actors do. As businesses have started prioritizing cybersecurity, the demand for skilled penetration testers has also been witnessing a substantial rise.
Factors Influencing penetration tester salary in India
Several factors contribute to determining the salary of penetration testers in India. These include experience, expertise, location, and the industry in which one works. As the cybersecurity landscape evolves, professionals with specialized skills in web and network penetration testing are often offered higher compensation.
Average Salary Range for Penetration Testers in India
The salary of penetration testers in India varies based on their roles and experience levels.
On average, the annual penetration tester fresher salary in india
ranges from INR 4 to 6 lakhs. As one gains experience and expertise, the salary can increase significantly, with experienced professionals earning upwards of INR 10 lakhs or more.
Average salary of entry-level and mid-level pentesters:
- Information Security Analyst
Highest Salary: ₹ 23.3 Lakhs
- Incident Responder
Highest Salary: ₹ 24.4 Lakhs
- Network Pentester
Highest Salary: ₹30.4 Lakhs
- Security Test Engineer
Highest Salary: ₹ 18.6 Lakhs
- Security Engineer / Analyst
Highest Salary: ₹ 10.0 Lakhs
- IT Project Manager
Highest Salary: ₹ 15.0 Lakhs
Average salary of senior pentesters:
- Licensed Pentester
Highest Salary: ₹ 19 Lakhs
- Application Security Pentester
Highest Salary: ₹19.0 Lakhs
- Information Security Manager
Highest Salary: ₹38.4 Lakhs
- Security Engineer / Analyst
Highest Salary: ₹ 10.0 Lakhs
- Network / Cloud Security Engineer
Highest Salary: ₹ 24.4 Lakhs
- IT Project Manager
Highest Salary: ₹ 15.0 Lakhs
Skills and Qualifications Required
Aspiring professionals need a combination of technical skills and qualifications to excel in the field of penetration testing. Recruiters are especially looking for certified professionals, such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)- accredited professionals.
Skills required:
- Know-how in cybersecurity tools such as Nmap, Metasploit, Kali Linux etc.
- Expertise in major programming languages, such as Powershell, Python etc.
- Expertise in all major OS systems, including Windows, Linux, and Unix
- Sound verbal communication and written skills in TCP/IP, ARP, DNS, and so on
Tools that you need to master:
- Metasploit
- NMap
- Wireshark
- Kali Linux
- Nikto
- Nessus
- Firewall
- Netsparker
- John the Ripper
- Open VAS
Penetration Testing as a Lucrative Career Option
The field of penetration testing offers a vast scope, with opportunities in various industries such as finance, healthcare, and IT. The ever-increasing reliance on digital technologies ensures a constant demand for skilled penetration testers. Additionally, individuals looking to make a career transition into cybersecurity find penetration testing a lucrative and rewarding option.
Training and Certifications
To embark on a successful penetration testing career in India, acquiring the right skills and certifications is crucial. Training programs, such as the Dataspace Pentesting Course, provides comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience in penetration testing methodologies. Certifications from recognized bodies validate one’s expertise and enhance career prospects.
Here are some of the industry-approved best certification courses for freshers and experienced professionals in the penetration testing domain:
- Certification in Penetration Testing (C|PENT)
- Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
- Advanced Penetration Testing Program
- Penetration Testing for Security Engineer
In case, you want to pursue selective topics on penetration testing, there is a list of industry-relevant courses from DataSpace Academy, such as – Network Penetration Testing Course, Web Penetration Application Testing, and so on.
Conclusion
As cybersecurity continues to be a top priority for organizations, the demand for penetration testers in India is set to grow further. The lucrative salary packages, coupled with the dynamic nature of the field, make penetration testing an attractive career option. With the right skills, qualifications, and continuous learning, individuals can carve a successful career path in penetration testing in 2024 and beyond.
