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Gavin Johnson-Lynn

The quality of a penetration test report can often determine just how effective the remediation effort is, it’s important to get it right! This course will teach you how to create a report that will both stand up to scrutiny and help the customer.

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The quality of a penetration test report can often determine just how effective the remediation effort is, it’s important to get it right! This course will teach you how to create a report that will both stand up to scrutiny and help the customer.

Penetration testing brings together various technical skills. Producing a report at the end of a test, however, requires some very different abilities. In this course, Pen Testing: Reporting, you’ll learn to produce a report that details the results of a penetration test in a digestible format, conveying all of the information a customer needs to remediate their vulnerabilities. First, you’ll discover the details you should put into each vulnerability within the report. Next, you’ll explore the key areas of a report and why they should be there. Finally, you’ll learn how to streamline the reporting process, so you can spend less time reporting and more time performing the test itself. When you’re finished with this course, you’ll have all of the reporting skills and knowledge you need to produce a valuable penetration test report.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview
Documenting Vulnerabilities
Including Key Elements in a Report
Ensuring Quality
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Streamlining the Reporting Processes

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Provides a guide for creating clear penetration test reports that help clients
Delves into vital components of a penetration test report to ensure comprehensive documentation
Taught by Gavin Johnson-Lynn, who possesses expertise in the field of penetration testing
Practical examples of report writing are not included in the course materials
Understanding the contents of this report requires extensive knowledge of penetration testing

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Pen Testing: Reporting with these activities:
Review Penetration Testing Tools and Techniques
Brush up on the tools and techniques used in penetration testing to solidify your understanding of the concepts covered in the course.
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  • Review documentation and tutorials on various penetration testing tools.
  • Practice using the tools in a lab environment.
  • Refresh your knowledge of penetration testing techniques and methodologies.
Review sample reports
Analyze real-world examples of penetration test reports to gain a practical understanding of their structure and content.
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  • Gather a collection of penetration test reports from various sources.
  • Examine each report, paying attention to its organization, language, and level of detail.
  • Identify common elements and sections found in the reports.
  • Compare and contrast different approaches to reporting vulnerabilities and remediation recommendations.
Vulnerability Analysis Drills
Practice vulnerability analysis drills to reinforce understanding of the process and improve skills.
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  • Identify different types of vulnerabilities.
  • Analyze vulnerabilities using available tools and techniques.
  • Develop mitigation strategies for identified vulnerabilities.
Five other activities
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Create a sample penetration test report
Apply your knowledge by crafting a mock penetration test report, ensuring it meets industry standards and effectively communicates your findings.
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  • Choose a realistic scenario and conduct a simulated penetration test.
  • Document the vulnerabilities discovered and their potential impact.
  • Develop clear and concise remediation recommendations.
  • Write the report, adhering to the principles and best practices discussed in the course.
  • Review and refine your report to ensure its clarity and effectiveness.
Penetration Test Report Template
Create a customizable penetration test report template to facilitate consistent and efficient reporting.
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  • Review existing penetration test report templates.
  • Identify essential sections and content for a penetration test report.
  • Design a user-friendly and customizable template.
Conduct peer review of penetration test reports
Collaborate with peers to review and critique each other's penetration test reports, providing constructive feedback and improving the quality of your work.
Show steps
  • Pair up with a peer.
  • Exchange penetration test reports.
  • Review the reports thoroughly, providing feedback on organization, clarity, and technical accuracy.
  • Discuss your findings and suggestions for improvement.
  • Incorporate feedback into your own report.
Penetration Test Report Case Study
Conduct a penetration test and create a comprehensive report to demonstrate the depth of understanding and skills.
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Show steps
  • Plan and execute a penetration test on a target system.
  • Analyze results and identify vulnerabilities.
  • Develop a detailed penetration test report.
Conduct a penetration test on a small-scale project
Test your skills and put theory into practice by performing a complete penetration test on a small-scale target to gain hands-on experience.
Show steps
  • Choose a target system or application.
  • Plan and execute the penetration test, using various techniques and tools.
  • Document the vulnerabilities discovered and potential impact.
  • Develop and provide remediation recommendations.
  • Write a comprehensive report detailing your findings and recommendations.

Career center

Learners who complete Pen Testing: Reporting will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Information Security Analyst
An Information Security Analyst designs, implements, and maintains security measures to protect an organization's computer systems and networks. Creating detailed, accurate reports is a key part of the job. This course teaches learners how to create penetration test reports that clearly convey complex technical information. In this role, that means writing reports that are thorough, easy to understand, and actionable. In this course, learners will develop skills that are applicable to reporting in all kinds of information security roles.
Cybersecurity Engineer
Cybersecurity Engineers are responsible for protecting an organization's computer systems and networks from cyberattacks. In this role, Cybersecurity Engineers often perform penetration testing. This course teaches learners how to write detailed, well-organized reports that explain the results of penetration tests. Cyber attacks are always evolving, so this course emphasizes the importance of streamlining the reporting process. That way, Cybersecurity Engineers will be able to spend more time discovering vulnerabilities and less time documenting them.
Penetration Tester
Penetration Testers search for security vulnerabilities in an organization's computer systems and networks. This course teaches learners how to write reports that clearly and concisely explain the results of penetration tests. The course also emphasizes the importance of delivering reports in a timely manner. By taking this course, Penetration Testers can develop the skills necessary to produce the high-quality reports that are essential for effective remediation.
Network Security Engineer
Network Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain security measures to protect an organization's computer networks. In this role, Network Security Engineers often perform penetration testing. This course teaches learners how to write detailed, yet easy-to-understand reports that explain the results of penetration tests. Writing high-quality reports is a key part of this role, because it helps organizations to understand the security risks they face.
Security Architect
Security Architects design and implement security measures to protect an organization's computer systems and networks. In this role, Security Architects often work closely with Penetration Testers and other information security professionals. This course teaches learners how to write penetration test reports that are both detailed and actionable. Security Architects can use the skills learned in this course to improve the quality of their reports and make better decisions about security risks.
Security Consultant
Security Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on how to protect their computer systems and networks from cyberattacks. In this role, Security Consultants often conduct penetration tests and write reports on the results. This course teaches learners how to write penetration test reports that are clear, concise, and actionable. Security Consultants can use the skills learned in this course to improve the quality of their reports and help their clients to make better decisions about security risks.
Software Security Engineer
Software Security Engineers design and implement security measures to protect software applications from vulnerabilities. In this role, Software Security Engineers often perform penetration testing. This course teaches learners how to write detailed reports that explain the results of penetration tests. The course also emphasizes the importance of writing reports that are actionable, so that developers can fix vulnerabilities quickly and effectively.
Data Security Analyst
Data Security Analysts protect organizations from data breaches and other security threats. In this role, Data Security Analysts often conduct penetration testing and write reports on the results. This course teaches learners how to write penetration test reports that are clear, concise, and actionable. Data Security Analysts can use the skills learned in this course to improve the quality of their reports and help their organizations to make better decisions about security risks.
IT Auditor
IT Auditors assess the security of an organization's computer systems and networks. In this role, IT Auditors often perform penetration testing and write reports on the results. This course teaches learners how to write penetration test reports that are accurate, thorough, and actionable. IT Auditors can use the skills learned in this course to improve the quality of their reports and help their organizations to make better decisions about security risks.
Chief Information Security Officer
Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) are responsible for the overall security of an organization's computer systems and networks. In this role, CISOs often oversee the work of Penetration Testers and other information security professionals. This course teaches learners how to write penetration test reports that are clear, concise, and actionable. CISOs can use the skills learned in this course to improve the quality of their reports and make better decisions about security risks.
Risk Analyst
Risk Analysts identify, assess, and manage risks to an organization's computer systems and networks. In this role, Risk Analysts often work with Penetration Testers and other information security professionals. This course teaches learners how to write penetration test reports that are detailed, well-organized, and actionable. Risk Analysts can use the skills learned in this course to improve the quality of their reports and help their organizations to make better decisions about security risks.
Computer Forensics Analyst
Computer Forensics Analysts investigate computer crimes and cyberattacks. In this role, Computer Forensics Analysts often work with Penetration Testers and other information security professionals. This course teaches learners how to write penetration test reports that are clear, concise, and actionable. Computer Forensics Analysts can use the skills learned in this course to improve the quality of their reports and help their organizations to make better decisions about security risks.
Information Systems Security Manager
Information Systems Security Managers are responsible for the overall security of an organization's computer systems and networks. In this role, Information Systems Security Managers often oversee the work of Penetration Testers and other information security professionals. This course teaches learners how to write penetration test reports that are clear, concise, and actionable. Information Systems Security Managers can use the skills learned in this course to improve the quality of their reports and make better decisions about security risks.
Security Operations Center Analyst
Security Operations Center Analysts monitor an organization's computer systems and networks for security threats. In this role, Security Operations Center Analysts often work with Penetration Testers and other information security professionals. This course teaches learners how to write penetration test reports that are clear, concise, and actionable. Security Operations Center Analysts can use the skills learned in this course to improve the quality of their reports and help their organizations to make better decisions about security risks.
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create user manuals, technical reports, and other documentation. In this role, Technical Writers may be responsible for writing penetration test reports. This course teaches learners how to write penetration test reports that are clear, concise, and actionable. Technical Writers can use the skills learned in this course to improve the quality of their reports and help their organizations to make better decisions about security risks.

Reading list

We've selected 14 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Pen Testing: Reporting.
This comprehensive handbook provides in-depth coverage of web application security testing techniques, including advanced methods for vulnerability discovery and exploitation.
Covers advanced penetration testing techniques used by professional penetration testers. It includes detailed explanations of advanced attack methods and countermeasures, making it a valuable resource for experienced security professionals.
This authoritative guide from NIST offers comprehensive guidance on information security testing and assessment, providing a standardized framework for conducting and evaluating pen tests.
This classic guide to hacking and exploitation techniques provides a deep understanding of the underlying principles and methodologies used in penetration testing.
While primarily intended as a guide for penetration testing professionals, this publication provides a detailed overview of penetration testing methodologies, techniques, and reporting standards. It's a useful reference tool for gaining a better understanding of industry best practices.
This practical guide focuses on the art and science of penetration testing, offering insights into the mindset, techniques, and strategies used by experienced testers.
Presents a detailed walkthrough of real-world penetration testing methodologies, including reconnaissance, vulnerability assessment, exploitation, and reporting. It's a hands-on, practical guide that can complement the theoretical knowledge gained in this course.
This comprehensive guide to malware analysis provides a thorough understanding of malware techniques, detection methods, and analysis tools, which can be valuable knowledge for penetration testers.
Offers a comprehensive examination of hacking techniques, tools, and incident handling best practices. It can serve as a useful reference for building a deeper understanding of how attackers operate and how to mitigate security risks.
Provides a hands-on guide to using open source tools for penetration testing. It includes practical examples and step-by-step instructions on how to use these tools effectively.
Provides a collection of practical recipes for web application penetration testing, covering topics like authentication testing, session hijacking, and SQL injection. It's a valuable resource for penetration testers who want to learn how to exploit common web application vulnerabilities.
If you'd like to learn how attackers find and exploit security flaws in web applications, this book offers a highly technical exploration of attack techniques, mitigation methods, and security testing tools.
A practical guide that focuses on leveraging Metasploit, this book offers detailed explanations of features, commands, and techniques typically used during penetration testing assignments.
Provides a practical introduction to network security assessment techniques, covering topics like network scanning, vulnerability assessment, and intrusion detection. It's a good resource for gaining a broader understanding of network security concepts.

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