Difference between Ethical Hacker, Boug Bounty(ier), Penetration Tester, Security Consultant and Security Researcher

Pentesting Books, Red Team, Red Teaming, Teen

Let me first say that most of these terms are used interchangeability by the majority
of outlets (especially media) incorrectly

Please note this is VERY incomplete and I will continue to update this as time goes by

Types of “Hacker”
—
Whitehat
Grayhat
Blackhat
—

Ethical Hacker:
Type: Whitehat or Grayhat
Someone who actively monitors current trends in blackhat, grayhat and whitehat hackers
Someone who may or may not pursue bug bounties
Often used interchangeability with someone who performs penetration tests, although technically there is a difference
Bug Bountier:
Type: Whitehat or Grayhat
Someone pursues bug bounties
Someone who actively monitors current trends* in blackhat, grayhat and whitehat hackers
Those who are successful are rare

Penetration Tester:
Type: Whitehat
Someone who actively monitors current trends* in blackhat, grayhat and whitehat hackers
Career title is often Penetration Tester but is known to be varied.
Their 9-5 job is to perform penetration testing

More Info 

Security Researcher:
Type: Grayhat
Someone who actively monitors current trends* in blackhat, grayhat and whitehat hackers
Someone who may or may not pursues bug bounties

More Info

Security Consultant:
Type: Whitehat
Someone who may or may not pursues bug bounties
Someone who may or may not perform penetration tests
Someone who actively monitors current trends* in blackhat, grayhat and whitehat hackers
Has knowledge and experience in a lot of facists of cyber security, including Offensive and Defensive Cyber Security

More Info 
*Trends are techniques, tools, lectures, news

 

END TRANSMISSION

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2 thoughts on “Difference between Ethical Hacker, Boug Bounty(ier), Penetration Tester, Security Consultant and Security Researcher”

  1. Wow.. there are such subtle differences between the various titles and occupations.
    I would really love to become an Ethical Hacker or Penetration Tester.
    I’ve been putting in most of my free time to dedicating myself to studies and reading my books.

    Reply

    1. My aim was to be a Penetration tester too, I just ended up further then that.

      I’m glad you understand the point I’m making. There are differences but ultimately can encompass the same things.

      An upcoming post is going to break down what we all are regardless.

      Reply

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