A Vulnerability Assessor (also known as a Vulnerability Assessment Analyst) checks applications and systems for flaws. Furthermore, you will frequently be asked to submit your results in the form of a detailed, prioritized list – the Vulnerability Assessment – that businesses may utilize as a plan for development.
It’s a role for people who enjoy disassembling systems. In the end, you’ll be required to spot flaws other IT professionals may overlook. You’ll also need to prioritize your findings and make realistic, business-oriented recommendations, which is essential. It is a reality that businesses may only be able to address some of their IT security issues simultaneously.
A cyber security degree can lead you to a world with numerous career paths. For example, a career as a vulnerability assessor may be ideal for persons interested in problem-solving or computer hacking. In a nutshell, a vulnerability assessor searches for and evaluates any faults in systems or apps so that firms can strengthen their security systems.
What does a Vulnerability Assessor do?
A vulnerability assessment serves three essential purposes.
- Identify problems ranging from severe design defects to minor misconfigurations.
- Document the flaws so that developers can readily discover and duplicate them.
- Create documentation to aid developers in addressing the discovered vulnerabilities.
Vulnerability testing can take many different shapes. For example, dynamic Application Security Testing is one way (DAST). DAST is a dynamic analysis testing technique that involves executing an application (typically a Web application) to uncover security issues in real time by supplying inputs or other failure conditions. On the other hand, static Application Security Testing (SAST) studies an application’s source or object code to find vulnerabilities without executing the program.
Both methods approach applications in quite different ways. They are most effective at various stages of the software development life cycle (SDLC) and for detecting various vulnerabilities. SAST, for example, discovers critical vulnerabilities early in the SDLC, such as cross-site scripting (XSS) and SQL injection. On the other hand, DAST employs an outside-in penetration testing approach to detect security flaws in Web applications while running.
Penetration testing, another vulnerability evaluation in and of itself, comprises goal-oriented security testing. Penetration testing, which emphasizes an adversarial approach (simulating an attacker’s methods), targets one or more specified objectives.
Vulnerability Assessor Roles and Responsibilities
Vulnerability Assessors are also known as Vulnerability Assessment Analysts. Once all defects in a system have been identified and analyzed, an assessment is provided so that there is a clear understanding of where adjustments must be made and are prioritized and ranked in order of significance. Other employment requirements may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Create and test bespoke scripts and programs to look for vulnerabilities.
- Oversee and execute security audits and scans regularly.
- Recognize any critical flaws in systems that could allow cyber intruders entry.
- Employing pre-programmed tools like Nessus may eliminate time-consuming activities associated with detecting vulnerabilities.
- Create and explain a vulnerability assessment.
- Make use of innovative and hands-on ways to generate phony weaknesses and disparities.
- Create a database for vulnerability assessments.
- Keep track of any system vulnerabilities over time for metric purposes.
- System administrators will be instructed and trained by the person in charge of the instruction and training.
How to become a Vulnerability Assessor?
Examine the Degree Requirements
Technically, no specific degree or major requirements exist for vulnerability analysts. A bachelor’s degree in computer science, programming, cybersecurity, or a similar discipline is usually optional to obtain work, especially in smaller organizations. On the other hand, a bachelor’s degree can open many more doors for you in terms of work and career progression chances. Unless you are vying for a leadership position, a master’s degree is usually not required for vulnerability analyst employment.
Acquire Work Experience
Real-world vulnerability analysis experience is frequently the first thing employers look for in a candidate. Because course frameworks differ between programs, hands-on experience with cybersecurity projects is the most dependable indicator of an applicant’s competence. If you are just getting started, you may find it more accessible to begin with.
Work with small businesses in your town on your own or as a freelancer. Employers usually want two to three years of relevant job experience for a specialized vulnerability analyst position.
Acquire the Necessary Technical Skills
The hard skills necessary for a role can vary depending on the work description and aims. However, several core technical abilities are mastered to protect an organization’s digital infrastructure. These are some examples:
- Solid understanding of both hardware and software systems
- Programming languages such as C, C++, PHP, PERL, and Java are required.
- Knowledge of both Windows and Unix (Linux) operating systems
- Knowledge of network scanning tools such as Nessus, RETINA, ACAS, and Gold Disk
- Extensive knowledge of scanning online applications, whether hosted inside or externally.
- Capability to create vulnerability management metrics and reports
- Ability to uncover system vulnerabilities using network analysis techniques such as fuzzing and Nmap.
- Knowledge of security tools such as AppScan (IBM) and Fortify (HP)
- Understanding security frameworks such as HIPPA, ISO 27001/27002, NIST, and SOX is required.
Improve Your Soft Skills
A vulnerability analyst must be imaginative and clever when system security. While most information security careers prioritize analytical skills, the function of a vulnerability analyst necessitates creative thinking. To adequately safeguard a system from external threats, you must also have remarkable attention to detail and problem-solving skills. In addition, strong oral and written communication skills will assist you in drafting assessment reports and communicating their findings to management or IT teams.
Acquire More Certifications
Certifications from respected organizations can add substantial value to your resume, especially if you lack a university education. Certified Vulnerability Assessor/Analyst (CVA) programs and courses provide the basic information required to undertake security vulnerability assessments and secure an organization’s data systems. There are also many certifications available for particular system and network security issues. Some of the most well-known are:
- Professional in Information Systems Security (CISSP) (CISSP)
- Ethical Hacker Certification (CEH)
- Certified Professional in Offensive Security (OSCP)
- GIAC Incident Handler Certification (GCIH)
What is the skill required to become a Vulnerability Assessor?
Cyber Security is a constantly changing profession, but if you master specific fundamental problem-solving abilities in cyber defense, you will be well on your way to success. For example, auditing is a critical skill for vulnerability assessors. You can learn this expertise by enrolling in courses from your computer science department that include specialized auditing classes. You will also need to be an expert in mathematics, particularly statistics.
You will also require technologically-specific talents. Database analysis, networking, and computer programming are essential components of any cybersecurity toolset. To get started, you should familiarize yourself with Linux Server, Kali Linux, SQL, numerous operating systems, and Python. To perform compelling issue-solving, you’ll need a well-stocked toolset.
It will be beneficial to polish your soft skills along the road. Courses in technical writing, commercial communications, and even creative writing can help you improve your written communication skills. There are also courses in interpersonal communication that can help you communicate with non-technical staff more effectively. Because many cyber security breaches are caused by thieves who prey on human weaknesses rather than technological prowess, studying psychology and sociology might be beneficial. Your company will be significantly safer if you discover and mitigate this vulnerability.
Because you may use your cyber security skills to work in law enforcement, you should consider completing legal classes. Some schools provide courses in intellectual property, cyber law, and criminal justice.
Vulnerability Assessor Sample Job Description
Vulnerability Assessor job requirements will vary depending on the firm and its objective. For example, a position as a Tier 2 Vulnerability Assessor with the DHS will necessitate a BS or MS and 6-12 years of in-depth experience with malware, forensics, and incident detection. However, starting as a junior-level employee, you might need an AS and a few years of security-related experience in an IT job.
Before making any judgments, conduct market research, consult with your mentors and reach out to professionals in the sector. A Bootcamp is another way to get your feet wet. For example, springboard’s 6-month Cybersecurity Career Track program involves an entire risk and vulnerability assessment as part of the capstone project. Evolve Security also does Penetration Testing. You may also network at the DIMVA Conference on Intrusion Detection and Malware & Vulnerability Assessment.
Qualifications for a Degree
The degree required will vary according to the company and the nature of the work. You’ll need a BS or an MS once you start looking at super-charged choices.
Work Experience Requirements vary depending on the level of job complexity. For example, a basic need for a job as a cyber-security specialist is 2-3 years of related work experience in the sector. On the other hand, senior-level positions frequently require 5-7 years of experience—and occasionally even more.
What is Vulnerability Assessor Salary 2022?
A vulnerability assessor’s income might vary depending on various characteristics such as years of experience, geographic region, and employment industry. For example, the vulnerability assessor’s annual pay is $82,000. It is commonly assumed to be an assessor with three to five years of experience working in areas where cyber security specialists are in high demand. For example, an assessor with five years of experience in New York City may earn more than an assessor in Wheeling, West Virginia, who has ten or more years of experience in the same field of work. On the other hand, an assessor working for the federal government frequently earns less than one working in the private sector.
Because this is a highly specialized career, the average income of a vulnerability assessor varies greatly. In addition, given that different industries require varying levels of knowledge, these estimates may range from state to state.
A security assessor’s annual income is $90000, according to Payscale. According to SimplyHired, the median income of a vulnerability assessor in 2019 was $62000.
However, for senior-level occupations, the remuneration is about $80,000. For example, according to the BLS, the typical pay of a vulnerability assessor analyst is roughly $87,000, with the top 10% making more than $137,000.