Ask HN: How do you become a security consultant? | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: How do you become a security consultant?

12 pointsnotastartup11 comments

Currently on a software developer path. I am enticed by the idea that I could have a single goal to work towards, such as penetrating, discovering vulnerabilities in a system. I feel like I can be free to 'hack' literally, come up with solutions.

However, I don't know how to get started in this field. Currently, it seems like black magic, in how people are able to discover zero-days and etc.

What are some actionable steps to ultimately become a security consultant, advising companies on vulnerabilities and fixing it for a fee?

1. Run sql scanner 2. Email report 3. Offer to fix 4. Profit???

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Being a security consultant involves rather less hacking then you might think it does. I'd strongly suggest talking to Thomas or whatnot and ask what goes into selling and delivering an engagement. Just like you shouldn't buy a restaurant just because you like cooking, don't get into security consulting just because you like the idea of doing security research.

Also, SQL scanner on a site you have no relationship with is both a) really freaking obnoxious, b) potentially dangerous, and c) potentially civilly and criminally actionable.

If you want practice on doing security research, the Stripe and Matasano CTFs are really good. Other options include "Pick the 2nd or 3rd most popular OSS application in your favorite ecosystem and start reviewing the code for the top 10 OWASP vulnerabilities." Spend two weeks on that and you will find Horrible Things.

CTF looks really interesting and at least gives me something to do while I'm (impatiently) waiting for the crypto challenge to arrive in my inbox.

Yes, first you need to read up on security vulnerabilities: the major types and what causes them. Then, as patio11 suggests, spend some time looking for them.

Figuring out how to actually exploit them can be fun, but I tend to think it's of secondary importance. If the elements of a vulnerability are there, chances are someone can figure out how to exploit it. On the other hand, actual exploits tend to be what get you mentioned in the press, which can be valuable for a consultant.

If two weeks is sufficient, why aren't more people finding these things? Isn't there a big incentive to make sure that e.g. popular web frameworks are secure?

If you're serious about being a security consultant, I'd checkout https://breaker101.daeken.com. Not sure when the next class is going to be, but I took the first iteration of the course and people were able to transition from developers to security consultants if they put the time in.

Not sure how much time most people spent on the course, but I spent between 3 and 8 hours a week. I took the course mostly for fun and to get more familiar with security, but I learned all the major web security flaws and a bit of crypto. Enough that I'd be confident I could find a job in the security field if I wanted to. It also helps that you can add Cody(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cody_Brocious) to your references.

If you (or anyone else) want to know more about the course feel free to email me: noah@noahc.net . I'm happy answer whatever questions you might have.

Depending on the country, doing 1. and 2. may already put you in court. Wouldn't recommend doing that without company's approval, unless they're running a known, public rewards program.

"1. and 2. may already put you in court..."

...and you might end up in a Federal prison:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weev#AT.26T_data_breach

you might get out too!

Publish, Publish, and then Publish some more.

You do that two or three times and attend a few conferences and you will have companies throwing offers at you. Even better if you can get your research presented at a conference.

There are a lot of good books on security these days. Reversing and The Art of Security Assessment are two must reads.

> 1. Run sql scanner 2. Email report 3. Offer to fix 4. Profit???

Good way to get labeled as a twat by reputable firms. Folks like this are a dime a dozen. You want to be noticed?

1. Run scanner. 2. Fix findings. 3. Send fixes to maintainers. 4. Give them a couple of days to update. 5. Write on blog.

Reputable shops will be all over you.

Penetrating might be a good idea.

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