Understanding the Question

When an interviewer asks, "What is your approach to testing applications that are not yet in production?" they are seeking to understand how you handle the sensitive phase of evaluating software before it's released to the public. This question is crucial for a Penetration Tester because it touches on several key areas: your methodology for identifying security vulnerabilities, your ability to work within developmental environments, and your foresight in preventing potential security issues before applications become publicly accessible.

Interviewer's Goals

The interviewer has several objectives in mind when posing this question:

1. Methodology and Strategy: They want to see if you have a systematic approach to security testing that is adaptable to applications still under development.
2. Risk Assessment: Understanding how you prioritize vulnerabilities based on their potential impact on the application and the organization.
3. Communication: Your ability to work with development teams and communicate findings effectively.
4. Ethical Considerations: Ensuring that you follow ethical guidelines and laws, especially when dealing with sensitive or not publicly available data.
5. Tool Proficiency: Evaluating whether you are skilled in using various security tools and technologies that are effective in a non-production environment.

How to Approach Your Answer

When formulating your response, consider the following structure:

1. Briefly describe your initial steps: Mention how you start with a thorough understanding of the application, including its architecture, technologies used, and its intended use or user base.
2. Detail your assessment strategy: Explain how you plan your penetration tests, select tools, and techniques specific to the application's development stage.
3. Emphasize collaboration: Highlight the importance of working closely with the development team to share findings and suggest mitigations.
4. Discuss risk prioritization: Talk about how you assess and prioritize risks, focusing on potential impacts.
5. Conclude with ethical considerations: Mention your adherence to ethical guidelines and how you ensure the security of the testing process itself.

Example Responses Relevant to Penetration Tester

Here are example responses to guide your preparation:

Example 1:

"In testing applications not yet in production, I start by understanding the application's architecture and the specific technologies it uses. This involves close collaboration with the development team to grasp the intended functionality and any security concerns they might have. I then plan my testing strategy, choosing tools and techniques that are most suitable for the application's current stage of development. For instance, for a web application in its early stages, I might focus more on static analysis and code review, gradually moving to more dynamic testing as the application becomes more stable. Throughout this process, I prioritize findings based on potential impacts, ensuring that critical vulnerabilities are addressed promptly. Communication is key, so I make sure to report findings in a clear, actionable manner to the development team. Lastly, I always adhere to ethical guidelines, ensuring that all tests are conducted securely and with respect to privacy and legal considerations."

Example 2:

"My approach emphasizes early and continuous engagement. Initially, I conduct a risk assessment to identify areas of high concern. Then, using a combination of static and dynamic analysis tools tailored to the application's development stage, I systematically test for vulnerabilities. I prioritize issues based on their severity and the application's context, focusing on high-risk areas first. Collaboration with developers is crucial, so I integrate my findings into their workflow using tools and formats they are comfortable with. This facilitates swift remediation and fosters a culture of security awareness. Ethically, I ensure all testing is authorized, documented, and conducted in a manner that protects sensitive data."

Tips for Success

• Be Specific: Provide concrete examples from your past experiences, if possible.
• Show Depth: Demonstrate a deep understanding of security testing methodologies and their application in various stages of software development.
• Highlight Soft Skills: Your ability to communicate effectively with non-security professionals and work collaboratively is as important as your technical skills.
• Stay Updated: Mention any recent advancements in security testing tools or methodologies that you are excited about or have started incorporating into your workflow.
• Ethics and Legality: Always underline the importance of ethical behavior and legal compliance in your work.

By crafting your answer around these guidelines, you'll be able to convey your expertise, methodology, and the value you bring to the role of a Penetration Tester effectively.