RE: Certifications: Not worth the paper they are printed on?

["Stuart Criddle" <stuart () ngssoftware com>]

Will the queue of people waiting who can "easily pass CREST"
infrastructure please email me their CVs :)

I agree on the technical interview - this is essential.

I like to present a portscan of a test box on paper and ask them to tell
me what the box is, major and minor versions where it can be identified,
and then describe a likely set of attacks / vulnerabilities for the
system.

When someone retorts, "err, it's a Windows box" or "I think it's a Unix
system" they've normally blown it big style but the good news is, they
know they have, so there's never any come back from HR etc.

cheers


> -----Original Message-----
> From: listbounce () securityfocus com
> [mailto:listbounce () securityfocus com] On Behalf Of Matt - MRS Security
> Sent: 07 October 2008 11:29
> To: R. DuFresne
> Cc: Ray Chow; Jon Kibler; pen-test () securityfocus com; pen-test-return-
> 1078487202 () securityfocus com; pen-test-return-
> 1078487229 () securityfocus com
> Subject: Re: Certifications: Not worth the paper they are printed on?
>
> Really?
>
> (opening can of worms)
>
> My previous experience of recruiters is that they will happily market
> anyone and its usually previous job experience that gets you through
> the
> door along with recommendations. I know because that is the case with
> me.
>
> In terms with joining an pentest company we have have all CV's from
> recruiters (or HR) sent to the team leader, who then decides on who
> they
> interview, then once in the interview they are accessed on technical
> abilities and if they will be suitable to the team, then if we like
> them
> during said interview we put them on a Vmware based assult course and
> ask them to demonstrate said abilities. Sorts the men from the boys.
>
> We dont look for people with CISSP (its nice if you have it, but your
> more of a security consultant (sorry!!) than a pen-test consultant; we
> dont actively push people to CISSP or CCNA - we want people with CREST
> or CHECK or in a position to be able to easily pass it.
>
> cheers.


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