A day in the life of a penetration tester
Behind the screens
"You’re in."
It’s the message I’ve been working toward all day. A single pop-up confirming that I’ve successfully breached the perimeter—ethically, of course. Because that’s what I do: I break into systems to make them stronger.
I’m a Penetration Tester at spotit. Every day, I step into the mindset of an attacker so our clients don’t have to. I test their defenses, both digital and physical, uncover hidden weaknesses, and help them patch up the cracks—before someone else finds them first.
It’s not about chaos or destruction. It’s about control, precision, and trust. It’s about staying ahead of threats in a world where security is never a guarantee—but resilience can be.
08:00 – every mission starts with a plan
No two assignments are ever the same. I begin the day by reviewing the scope: what systems are in scope, what’s out, which tactics are permitted, and which are not. This phase sets the tone. Communication with the client is key—because transparency builds trust, and trust is what makes this kind of work possible.
Once everything is crystal clear and signed off, the mission begins.
09:30 – the hunt begins
Armed with little more than a company name, I start gathering intelligence. I scan public websites, analyze subdomains, monitor job listings, explore social media footprints. I look for patterns. Weak signals. Overlooked breadcrumbs. It’s digital detective work—one part research, one part instinct.
Sometimes, it's routine. Other times, it's surprisingly revealing. Either way, information is power.
11:00 – in the field
Today’s assessment includes a physical component, which adds an extra layer of excitement. I head to the client’s office. Around lunch, employees are coming and going—it’s the perfect time to observe, blend in, and explore. Within an hour, I’m quietly stationed in a spare room with a few discreet tools and a very secure internet connection to my colleague, who’s monitoring everything remotely.
No alarms. No questions. Mission underway.
13:00 – entry gained
Back at my screen, the real work begins. We’re on the internal network now, carefully and responsibly exploring our access. My tools map out the terrain—are there outdated configurations? Unused credentials? Forgotten services?
Sometimes, the path is clear. Sometimes, it’s blocked. But dead ends only push us to get more creative. And when we find a way forward, it’s always with the intent to inform, never to disrupt.
15:00 – persistence pays off
Penetration testing isn’t just about speed or technical tricks. It’s about understanding systems—and the people behind them. I check for common oversights: shared passwords, legacy access, overlooked segments in the network.
Occasionally, we get lucky. A misconfigured device here. A stored credential there. Other times, the challenge ramps up. But that’s part of the draw—each layer of security makes the puzzle more satisfying to solve.
And at spotit, we take pride in being methodical, respectful, and thorough. We don’t just break in—we connect the dots, explain the risks, and offer clear, tailored remediation strategies.
16:30 – the debrief
With the day’s findings documented, it’s time to translate the technical into the tangible. Our reports are detailed, structured, and easy to act on—even for non-technical stakeholders. We highlight the vulnerabilities, explain the potential impact, and—most importantly—offer practical recommendations for mitigation.
It all culminates in a client debrief, where we walk through the results together. This isn’t just a handover—it’s a conversation. One built on transparency, collaboration, and shared goals.
What it really means to be a pentester
Being a penetration tester is far from routine. One day you’re scripting attacks in a virtual lab. The next, you’re tailgating into an office disguised as a visitor. It requires technical depth, creative problem-solving, and a calm mindset when things don’t go as planned.
But when they do? When the pieces fall into place, and you help an organization close the gaps in their armor? That’s when it clicks. You’re not just finding flaws—you’re actively helping to create a safer, more secure world.
At spotit, we don’t see security as a checkbox. We see it as a commitment—to our clients, to our craft, and to each other.
Ready to join the hunt?
If you’re the kind of person who thrives on curiosity, loves solving complex puzzles, and wants to do meaningful work that makes a difference, penetration testing might just be your calling.
And if you’re looking for a place where your skills will be valued, challenged, and constantly sharpened—spotit is ready to meet you.