Authors
Andra Zaharia
Pentest-Tools.com, Head of Content & Community
Cyber-realist crushing infosec clichés through clarity, focus, and a solid moral code. Promoting cybersecurity literacy so we can all make smart decisions about how we allow our information society to evolve.
Posts by this author
Community wisdom70+ hacking books to level up your skills and thinking
What you feed your mind gets reflected in your choices. We curated a list of books that can get focus your energy on your next big challenge, get you out of a rut, or give you the space you need to tinker with your next project.
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We think we know podcastWe think we know hackers thrive on deep environment knowledge
“Not everything works as configured. Not everyone behaves as trained.” The reality of this statement makes it possible for us, the people in offensive security, to have a job. It also highlights how unpredictable our work can be and how never-ending our learning process is. We work in a space where things are so complex that we need to combine big-picture, higher-level thinking with boost-on-the-ground practice. And our guest today is brilliant at doing just that.
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We think we know podcastWe think we know you can't attack what you don't understand
Gabrielle isn't just a pentester; she's a powerhouse of knowledge, an advocate for cyber education, and a mentor shaping the future of ethical hacking. With 9+ years of experience in cybersecurity, she focuses on sharing it with her community members through practical and valuable resources. In this episode, we continue to ask the meaningful questions: What makes a great pentester? How can you balance the art of manual testing with the efficiency of automation? What is the unique value that pentesters bring to offensive security? And what can't be commoditized in this craft?
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We think we know podcastWe think we know what makes a good pentester
Who or what shapes the perception of penetration testing? How do you step away from firefighting and develop a more systematic approach in your work as a pentester? These are some of the questions we’re answering in this new episode. Today’s guest is Tom Eston, an experienced security professional, team manager, and a true leader in offensive security.
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We think we know podcastWe think we know what it takes to build hacking tools
Why would someone spend a lot of their time making penetration testing tools? Especially when it takes what it takes to maintain them. Today on We think we know, we're peeling back the layers of offensive security with the enigmatic Panagiotis Chartas, also known by his alias - Telemachus - a nod to his Greek heritage and the strategic depth of his expertise.
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We think we know podcastWe think we know our mind is our best hacking tool
From his early days of script kiddie shenanigans to helping shape the landscape of bug bounty programs, Inti's story is a thrilling ride through the highs and lows of offensive security. It also serves as a statement of the transformative power of curiosity and ethical hacking.
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We think we know podcastWe think we know what it feels like when we do a good job
To deliver meaningful results as a pentester you have to be both patient and persistent. You have to love the process and strive for results for your clients. You also have to go in-depth and cultivate a broader understanding of all the pieces of the puzzle. Today’s guest, Willa Riggins, talks about how “every small piece contributes to the larger picture” in pentesting and explains why “it's about understanding the intricacies and appreciating the craftsmanship."
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We think we know podcastWe think we know how to build differentiating skills in offsec
There’s a constant loop of learning, doing, and improving in offensive security. And one way to develop the “muscle” to tackle complex security challenges is through hands-on training. That’s what IppSec, our guest, does with kindness, passion, and in the community’s best interest.
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