Due to rising cyber attacks, there has been a marked increase in demand for offensive security professionals worldwide. According to the 2023 report by Cybersecurity Ventures, it is projected that by 2025, there will be a shortage of 3.5 million security professionals globally and most of this demand will be for offensive security professionals, such as penetration testers and ethical hackers.
However, getting qualified offensive security professionals is not easy. That’s where offensive security certifications matter as they validate your expertise in the specific area. This allows showcasing skills to potential employers.
Pursuing offensive security certifications can be advantageous either when seeking to perfect one’s skills or adjusting to the emerging trend of hiring someone based on their capabilities.
What are Offensive Security Certifications?
The offensive security certifications program comprises hands-on tests. All these certifications and examinations are aimed at checking the candidates’ capability to address real-world security problems. In each examination, practical skills are being checked so that certified professionals can always confront actual security challenges in different fields. We have listed below various kinds of offensive security certifications.
| Certification | Purpose | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) | Entry-level certification covering broad security concepts and penetration testing methodologies. | Highly respected in the industry; demonstrates practical skills in ethical hacking. |
| Offensive Security Experienced Penetration Tester (OSEP) | Focuses on perimeter security and advanced penetration testing techniques. | Validates ability to assess and secure network perimeters; important for advanced roles. |
| Offensive Security Web Expert (OSWE) | Certification for web application security and exploitation. | Critical for roles focused on securing web applications; demonstrates expertise in web vulnerabilities. |
| Offensive Security Wireless Professional (OSWP) | Covers wireless network security and penetration testing. | Important for assessing and securing wireless networks; valuable in organizations using wireless technology. |
Top Offensive Security Certifications
1. The Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
The purpose of OSCP certification is to evaluate a network security professional’s ability to identify and exploit system vulnerabilities. It empowers offensive security professionals to handle web application attacks, client-side attacks, vulnerability scanning, and simulates real-world penetration testing scenarios, requiring candidates to act as ethical hackers.
Key skills validated by the OSCP certification include:
- Target identification across various operating systems and services
- Information gathering
- Fixing exploits
- Development of basic scripts and tools for penetration testing
- Analysis, modification, and porting of exploit code
- Execution of remote and client-side attacks
- Exploitation of web application vulnerabilities (e.g., XSS, SQL injection)
- Implementation of firewall bypass techniques using tunneling
OSCP Certification Requirements:
- Exam: A 24-hour proctored practical assessment
- Prerequisite: Completion of the Penetration Testing with Kali Linux (PwK) course, included in the OSCP course bundle
- Recommended background: Proficiency in Linux, familiarity with Bash scripting, basic knowledge of Perl or Python, and a strong understanding of TCP/IP networking principles.
- Cost: The starting price is $2599 USD for the complete exam bundle for per annum. This includes 365 days of lab access.
Career Benefits
OSCP is highly regarded by employers and security professionals alike for its hands-on approach. It demonstrates real-world skills and commitment to the rapidly evolving cybersecurity field.
2. Offensive Security Certified Expert (OSCE) Certification
OSCE security certification is designed for network security professionals who want to demonstrate how well they can deal with network security vulnerabilities. This includes Web 300, Pen 300 and Exp 301. These specific exploits that hackers use to infiltrate systems. These include buffer overflows and the types of issues covered in the OWASP Top Ten list.
The OSCE exam may be considered more advanced than the OSCP. It validates a candidate’s ability to execute these methods and attacks:
- Advanced information gathering
- Web application vulnerability assessment
- Domain fronting and proxying
- Code injection and process manipulation
- Analyze, correct, modify, and port exploit code
- Craft binaries to evade antivirus software
- Windows user mode exploit development
- Bypassing ASLR and DEP protection
Certification Requirements
- Required exam: Earning the OSCE certification requires passing one exam — the 28-hour, proctored OSCE exam.
- Prerequisite: Prior to attempting this certification, Offensive Security requires taking the Cracking the Perimeter (CTP) course, which is included in the OSCE course bundle.
- Recommended experience: Offensive Security recommends reasonable Linux skills, familiarity with Bash scripting, basic Perl or Python skills, and a solid understanding of TCP/IP and networking prior to attempting this exam.
Career Benefits
The OSCP certification provides coveted penetration testing roles and higher salaries. It validates practical skills, providing global industry recognition offers a competitive edge in the job market and opening doors for career advancement in the security industry.
3. Offensive Security Web Expert (OSWE)
The Offensive Security Web Expert (OSWE) certification focuses on white box web application security testing. It emphasizes source code review, advanced web application exploitation techniques, and secure development practices to equip seasoned penetration testers with the skills needed to identify and mitigate complex vulnerabilities in web applications.
Key skills validated by OSWE:
The OSWE certification validates skills in the following:
- Blind SQL injection
- Persistent and non-persistent XSS attacks
- Bypassing security mechanisms like file upload restrictions and WAFs
- Source code review
- Advanced exploitation techniques such as deserialization and session hijacking.
- JavaScript prototype pollution
- Remote code execution
- Data exfiltration
Certification Requirements
- Exam: Candidates must complete the Advanced Web Attacks and Exploitation (AWAE) course and pass a challenging 48-hour practical exam that requires them to identify, exploit, and report on vulnerabilities in a real-world environment, demonstrating their deep understanding of web application security.
- Recommended Experience: OSCP exam prerequisites include web application knowledge, Linux proficiency, Bash scripting familiarity, basic Perl or Python skills, and a solid grasp of TCP/IP and networking principles. These foundations prepare candidates for the challenging certification test.
Career Benefits
Achieving OSWE certification enhances your chances of getting hired since it is internationally recognized as a symbol of excellence in the industry; it enables employees to move into specific positions, such as a junior penetration tester or security designer and make a difference in application safety by conducting appraisals and providing recommendations for fixing them. This opens doors to exciting job roles, such as penetration tester, security architect, and vulnerability researcher.
4. Offensive Security Wireless Professional (OSWP)
The Offensive Security Wireless Professional (OSWP) certification evaluates a network security professional’s ability to audit and exploit vulnerabilities in wireless networks. The OSWP certification demonstrates a professional’s ability to identify and exploit wireless network vulnerabilities, making it valuable for roles focused on wireless security.
It tests candidates’ skills in both identifying weaknesses and executing attacks.
Key competencies validated by the OSWP certification include:
- Wireless network information gathering
- Bypassing wireless network access restrictions
- Cracking various wireless security protocols (WEP, WPA, WPA2)
- Executing Man-in-the-Middle attacks
Certification requirements:
- Exam: A 4-hour proctored practical assessment
- Prerequisite: Completion of the Offensive Security Wireless Attacks (WiFu) course, included in the OSWP course bundle
- Recommended background: Strong understanding of 802.11 wireless networking, proficiency in Linux, familiarity with Bash scripting, basic knowledge of Perl or Python, and a solid grasp of TCP/IP networking principles.
Career Benefits
The OSWP certification enhances job prospects and potential for higher salaries. It grants industry recognition of expertise, leading to career advancement opportunities and increased credibility in security consulting roles.
5. Offensive Security Exploitation Expert (OSEE)
The Offensive Security Exploitation Expert (OSEE) certification is suitable for professionals who want to research and create exploits through reverse engineering, assembly, and disassembly.
This certification validates a candidate’s ability to execute these methods and attacks:
- Develop sophisticated exploits
- Create custom shellcode
- Evade DEP and ASLR protections
- Perform precision heap sprays
- 64 and 32 Bit Windows Kernel Driver Exploitation
- Kernel Pool Exploitation
- NX/ASLR Bypass
- Disarming EMET Mitigations to gain reliable code execution
Certification Requirements
- Required exam: It requires passing one exam — the 72-hour, proctored OSEE exam.
- Prerequisite: Offensive Security requires taking the live, hands-on Advanced Windows Exploitation (AWE) course, which administered every year at the Black Hat USA conference.
- Recommended experience: Demands expert-level understanding of Windows, reasonable Linux skills, familiarity with Bash scripting, basic Perl or Python skills, and a solid understanding of TCP/IP and networking prior to attempting this exam.
Career Benefits
It enhances job prospects in the market. OSEE-certified professionals often command premium salaries and are sought after for specialized security teams.
Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) Vs Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Here is a list of key differences between the OSCP and CEH:
| Aspect | OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) | CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) |
| Focus | hands-on penetration testing and practical skills. | Covers theoretical concepts of ethical hacking and security. |
| Difficulty | Requires extensive practical knowledge. | Generally easier, suitable for beginners with less practical emphasis. |
| Exam Format | 24-hour practical exam involving real-world scenarios. | 4-hour multiple-choice exam followed by a practical exam. |
| Industry Recognition | Highly respected in cybersecurity, especially for penetration testing roles. | Recognized but often viewed as less rigorous than OSCP. |
| Career Impact | Opens doors to advanced roles in penetration testing and security assessments, often leading to higher salaries. | Suitable for entry-level positions; may not significantly impact career growth. |
| Salary Potential | Higher average salaries, often exceeding $145,000 per year. | Lower average salaries, typically around $63,000 per year. |
| Validity | Lifetime validity of the certification. | Valid for three years, requiring renewal. |
OSCP vs. GPEN (GIAC Penetration Tester)
Here are the following key differences between OSCP and GPEN:
| Aspect | Offensive Security Certified Professional) | GIAC Penetration Tester) |
| Focus | Emphasizes hands-on penetration testing and practical exploitation skills. | Focuses on theoretical knowledge and methodologies in penetration testing. |
| Difficulty | Highly challenging with a 24-hour practical exam requiring real-world application. | Generally easier, consisting of a 3-hour multiple-choice exam that is open-book. |
| Exam Format | Practical exam involving exploitation of live machines and submission of a detailed report. | Proctored exam with multiple-choice questions; requires a passing score of 75%. |
| Industry Recognition | Highly respected and sought after by employers for penetration testing roles. | Recognized in the industry, particularly for roles requiring knowledge of methodologies. |
| Career Impact | Opens doors to advanced roles in penetration testing, often leading to higher salaries. | Suitable for entry-level positions; may not significantly impact career advancement. |
| Preparation Methods | Requires completion of the “Penetration Testing with Kali Linux” course; hands-on practice is crucial. | Preparation through the SANS SEC560 course, which covers both theoretical and practical aspects. |
Study Resources And Training Programs
Here are some important offensive security training resources:
1. Recommended Books for Offensive Security Testing:
- The Web Application Hacker’s Handbook” by Dafydd Stuttard and Marcus Pinto
This comprehensive guide covers web application security testing, providing insights into common vulnerabilities and exploitation techniques. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in web application security.
- Penetration Testing: A Hands-On Introduction to Hacking” by Georgia Weidman
This book serves as an excellent introduction to penetration testing, covering various techniques and tools. It includes practical exercises that help readers apply what they’ve learned in real-world scenarios.
- Hacking: The Art of Exploitation” by Jon Erickson
This book delves into the technical aspects of hacking, including programming, networking, and exploitation techniques. It’s ideal for those looking to deepen their understanding of the underlying principles of offensive security.
2. Top Online Resources for Offensive Security Training
Here are the following offensive security training resources:
- OffSec Academy
OffSec provides a structured program for the OSCP certification, complete with personalized mentoring and access to extensive lab environments. This program is designed to help candidates develop practical penetration testing skills.
- SANS SEC560: Network Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking
This course focuses on penetration testing methodologies and includes hands-on labs and simulations. It’s well-regarded in the industry and provides a thorough understanding of ethical hacking practices.
3. Offensive Security Training Platforms
- Infosec Train
Infosec Train offers various offensive security training programs that include labs, scenario-based learning, and mock exams. Their courses cater to different skill levels and certification goals.
- OffSec
Offensive Security provides a comprehensive library of courses and hands-on labs, emphasizing practical skills development. Their training is designed to prepare candidates for challenging certifications like OSCP.
4. Hands-On Practice Platforms for Offensive Security Training
- OffSec Labs
Access to OffSec Labs is included with the OSCP course, providing a variety of lab environments where students can practice penetration testing skills on live machines.
- SANS Labs
SANS Labs offers extensive practical labs as part of their training programs, allowing learners to simulate real-world scenarios and apply their knowledge in a controlled environment.
- Capture the Flag (CTF) Events
Participating in CTF competitions is an excellent way to gain practical experience in solving security challenges and exploiting vulnerabilities. Many platforms, such as Hack The Box and TryHackMe, offer CTF-style challenges for skill development.
These resources and training options provide a well-rounded approach to learning offensive security, combining theoretical knowledge with practical application to prepare individuals for careers in cybersecurity.
Job Roles with Offensive Security Certifications
Offensive security certifications open up various job roles in the cybersecurity field. Here’s an overview of key job roles associated with these certifications, along with their focus areas and responsibilities:
1. Penetration Tester
- Focus: Conducting simulated attacks on systems, networks, and applications to identify vulnerabilities.
- Responsibilities: Executing real-world attacks, documenting findings, and providing recommendations for remediation. Penetration testers often hold certifications like OSCP, which validate their hands-on skills.
2. Security Consultant
- Focus: Advising organizations on security best practices and strategies to mitigate risks.
- Responsibilities: Assessing security policies, conducting risk assessments, and recommending security improvements. Certifications such as OSCE or GPEN can enhance credibility in this role.
3. Red Teamer
- Focus: Simulating advanced persistent threats (APTs) to test an organization’s defenses.
- Responsibilities: Conducting comprehensive security assessments, employing various attack techniques, and collaborating with blue teams to improve security posture. Advanced certifications like OSEP may be beneficial.
4. Exploit Developer
- Focus: Creating and developing exploits for vulnerabilities in software and systems.
- Responsibilities: Analyzing software for weaknesses, crafting exploits, and testing them in controlled environments. Certifications such as OSEE can demonstrate expertise in this area.
5. Application Security Engineer
- Focus: Ensuring the security of software applications throughout their development lifecycle.
- Responsibilities: Conducting code reviews, implementing security measures, and collaborating with development teams to secure applications. Certifications like OSWE are particularly relevant for this role.
6. Incident Response Specialist
- Focus: Responding to and managing security incidents and breaches.
- Responsibilities: Analyzing incidents, containing breaches, and implementing recovery strategies. While not exclusively offensive, knowledge gained from offensive security certifications can enhance incident response capabilities.
Future Trend Offensive Security Experts
The demand for offensive security professionals is expected to surge in the coming years, driven by the growing sophistication of cyber threats and the need for proactive security measures.
Organizations are increasingly seeking experts who can proactively identify and address vulnerabilities, leading to a significant rise in demand for offensive security services. Professionals with offensive security certifications and skills will be in high demand to help organizations comply with new regulatory requirements and implement effective proactive security strategies.
Collaboration between offensive and defensive teams, along with automation, will be critical for extracting maximum value from offensive security activities. The future looks promising for those with advanced skills and a commitment to continuous learning in this rapidly evolving field.
Conclusion
As more organizations opt for offensive security testing to identify flaws in their defensive systems, the need for talented penetration testers are increasing. That’s where the role of offensive security training and certification will only increase going forward.
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