Senior Red Team Tester - Offensive Cyber Operations Team

A motivated Senior Red Team Tester is required to join the Penetration Testing Team within the Global Information Consultancy Team. The primary objective is to find underlying weaknesses and identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited by external or internal attackers. Their role involves conducting thorough assessments based on real-world scenarios, generating realistic vulnerabilities and complex multi-stage attacks.

The successful candidate will function as a senior cyber security professional for a wide range of technologies within the corporate network. They will work closely alongside the rest of the Penetration Testing team, Business units and other Cyber teams. We are looking for a collaborative collaborator, with good technical knowledge in web application, infrastructure penetration testing, extensive vulnerability knowledge and someone that can identify security risks and suggest improvements to prevent security incidents occurring. The successful candidate will contribute to and work as part of a global multi-disciplined security community with clear vision and direction, and top-down support across the business.

• Red Team Assessments: To plan and execute complex assessments to identify vulnerabilities, weaknesses and misconfigurations for technologies used within the network environment.

• Purple Team Assessments: Collaborate with other cyber defence and IT teams to evaluate the effectiveness of detective controls in place.

• Threat Profiling: Good working knowledge of threat actors and the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs)

• Penetration Testing: Performing controlled attacks on web applications. APIs, infrastructure, and simulate real-world hacking attempts and identify potential entry points for attackers. This involves utilizing various techniques, tools, and methodologies to exploit vulnerabilities and gain access.

• Simulated Phishing attacks: Work with the Security Education and Awareness team to produce phishing emails based on real world scenarios with up-to-date threats in a controlled manner.

• Security Analysis: Analyzing the results of red team assessments to assess the severity of identified vulnerabilities, their potential impact on the system and the business, and the likelihood of exploitation.

• Reporting and Documentation: Preparing detailed reports that document the findings, including identified vulnerabilities, attack vectors, and recommendations for remediation. These reports typically outline the risks associated with each vulnerability and provide guidance on how to mitigate them.

• Remediation Support: Collaborating with cyber teams, IT teams, developers, and system administrators to assist in the remediation of identified vulnerabilities. This may involve providing guidance on security best practices, secure coding practices, recommending security controls, or validating the effectiveness of implemented fixes.

• Mentoring: Supporting colleagues in the Penetration Team in all aspects of the job, technical and procedural.

• Stay Up to Date: Keeping abreast of the latest web application and infrastructure vulnerabilities, attack techniques, security tools, and industry best practices. This includes staying informed about emerging threats and trends in web applications and infrastructure.

• Ethical Approach: Conducting all testing and assessment activities within a legal and ethical framework, ensuring that the organizations systems and data are not compromised or harmed during the process.

• Continuous Improvement: Engaging in professional development activities, such as attending conferences, participating in training programs, and obtaining relevant certifications, to enhance knowledge and skills in cyber security.

The Requirements

• Education: A bachelors degree in a related field such as computer science, information security, or cybersecurity is commonly preferred, but not always mandatory. Relevant industry experience can compensate for formal education requirements.
• Technical Knowledge: A strong understanding of web technologies, programming languages (e.g., HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, Python), and web application architecture is essential. Knowledge of networking fundamentals, operating systems, and databases is also beneficial.
• Strong knowledge of the cyber kill chain, common tactics, techniques, and procedures which are often used by adversaries.
• Must have strong research capabilities and be up to date with the cyber industry.
• Web Application Security: In-depth knowledge of web application vulnerabilities, common attack techniques, and mitigation strategies. Strong understanding of OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities is crucial.
• Infrastructure security: Working knowledge of different on-prem and cloud builds (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), in-depth understanding of operating system and its common flaws.
• Penetration Testing Techniques: Proficiency in various penetration testing methodologies, tools, and frameworks. Experience with manual testing techniques, automated vulnerability scanners, and exploit frameworks is necessary.
• Programming and Scripting: Proficiency in at least one programming language (e.g., Python, Ruby, or JavaScript, etc.) to write custom scripts and tools. Understanding SQL queries for database testing is also important.
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to analyze complex web application environments, identify vulnerabilities, and exploit them. Strong problem-solving skills to understand attack vectors and recommend appropriate countermeasures.

• CEH - Certified Ethical Hacker
• OSCP - Offensive Security Certified Professional
• GRTP - GIAC Red Team Professional
• GPEN - GIAC Penetration Tester
• GWAPT - GIAC Web Application Penetration tester
• GDAT - GIAC Defending Advanced Threats
• CRT - CREST Registered Penetration Tester
• CCSAS - CREST Certified Simulated Attack Specialist

Practical experience gained through participation in bug bounty programs, capture-the-flag (CTF) competitions, and real-world projects can also be valuable in showcasing skills and expertise.

At WTW, we believe difference makes us stronger. We want our workforce to reflect the different and varied markets we operate in and to build a culture of inclusivity that makes colleagues feel welcome, valued and empowered to bring their whole selves to work every day. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive work environment throughout our organisation. We embrace all types of diversity.

Were committed to equal employment opportunity and provide application, interview and workplace adjustments and accommodations to all applicants. If you foresee any barriers, from the application process through to joining WTW, please email candidate.helpdesk@willistowerswatson.com