Redaxer
Speciality: Penetration Testing and Adversary Simulation
Cybersecurity company based in Rome, Italy, specializing in offensive security services; provides penetration testing and red team services to assess and enhance client security posture.
Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
Origin
The OSCP certification was created by Offensive Security, a cybersecurity training company founded in 2007 by Mati Aharoni, HD Moore, and other security professionals. The certification was developed to address the gap between theoretical security knowledge and practical penetration testing skills. Unlike traditional multiple-choice exams, OSCP requires candidates to complete a grueling 24-hour hands-on penetration testing examination where they must successfully compromise multiple machines in a controlled network environment to demonstrate real-world hacking capabilities.
Industry Value
The OSCP is highly valued in the cybersecurity industry because it proves practical, hands-on expertise rather than just theoretical knowledge. Employers recognize OSCP holders as professionals who can actually perform penetration testing tasks, not just pass written exams. The certification's "Try Harder" philosophy and demanding practical exam have earned it a reputation as one of the most challenging and respected entry-to-intermediate level certifications in offensive security. Many organizations, including government agencies and Fortune 500 companies, specifically seek OSCP-certified professionals for penetration testing and red team positions, often listing it as a preferred or required qualification in job postings.
CompTIA PenTest+ Certification
Origin
CompTIA PenTest+ was created by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), a non-profit trade association established in 1982 that develops vendor-neutral IT certifications. The PenTest+ certification was launched in 2018 to address the growing need for standardized skills validation in offensive security and penetration testing. CompTIA developed this certification in response to the increasing demand for qualified penetration testers and the lack of intermediate-level certifications that bridge the gap between foundational security knowledge and advanced ethical hacking skills. The certification was designed with input from cybersecurity professionals and industry experts to ensure it reflected real-world penetration testing practices and methodologies.
Industry Value and Importance
PenTest+ is valued in the penetration testing and cybersecurity industry because it validates hands-on technical skills in planning, scoping, and conducting penetration tests, as well as analyzing results and producing actionable reports. Unlike purely theoretical certifications, PenTest+ emphasizes practical abilities including vulnerability assessment, exploitation techniques, and post-exploitation activities across various systems and networks. Many organizations and government agencies recognize PenTest+ as meeting compliance requirements, with the certification approved under the DoD 8570.01-M directive for certain information assurance roles. Penetration testing companies value team members with PenTest+ certification because it demonstrates a standardized baseline of competency, helps establish credibility with clients, and shows commitment to professional development in offensive security practices.