Char49
Speciality: Web Application Security
Char49 is a private cybersecurity firm based in Lisboa, Portugal, specializing in information security services such as penetration testing, red team assessments, and data loss prevention. With 5 employees, it offers a range of security consulting, training, and research services, and maintains a modest online presence with 1,081 monthly visits and a global rank of #11,831,828.
Origin of the OSCP
The Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) certification was created by Offensive Security, a company founded by Mati Aharoni and other security professionals in 2007. The certification was developed to address the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical penetration testing skills in the cybersecurity industry. Offensive Security designed the OSCP to be a hands-on, performance-based certification that requires candidates to demonstrate actual hacking skills in a controlled lab environment rather than simply answering multiple-choice questions.
Industry Value and Importance
The OSCP is highly valued in the cybersecurity industry because it proves that holders possess real-world penetration testing abilities. Unlike traditional certifications, the OSCP's 24-hour practical exam requires candidates to successfully compromise multiple machines in a simulated network environment and document their findings professionally. This hands-on approach has made it a gold standard for entry to intermediate-level penetration testers, and it's frequently requested or required by employers hiring for offensive security roles. The certification's difficulty and practical nature have earned it significant respect among security professionals and hiring managers.
OSCE Cybersecurity Certification
The Offensive Security Certified Expert (OSCE) certification was created by Offensive Security, the same organization behind the well-known OSCP certification and Kali Linux distribution. Originally launched in 2008, the OSCE was designed to validate advanced penetration testing skills, particularly in exploit development and creative attack techniques. The certification required candidates to complete the Cracking the Perimeter (CTP) course and pass a rigorous 48-hour hands-on exam. In 2020, Offensive Security retired the original OSCE and replaced it with OSCE³ (OSCE Cubed), which requires earning three separate expert-level certifications: OSEP, OSWE, and OSED.
The OSCE certification family is highly valued in the cybersecurity industry because it demonstrates advanced practical skills beyond basic penetration testing. Unlike multiple-choice exams, the hands-on testing format proves that holders can actually perform complex security assessments, develop custom exploits, and think creatively like real-world attackers. Employers recognize OSCE-certified professionals as possessing expert-level offensive security capabilities, making the certification particularly valuable for senior penetration testers, security researchers, and red team operators. The certification's difficulty and practical nature have established it as a respected credential that signifies true technical expertise rather than just theoretical knowledge.
ISO 27001:2013: Information Security Management Standard
Origin
ISO 27001:2013 was developed and published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in partnership with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Released in October 2013 as a revision to the original 2005 version, this standard emerged from the earlier British Standard BS 7799, which was created in the 1990s. The standard was developed to provide organizations with a systematic framework for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an Information Security Management System (ISMS), addressing the growing need for consistent information security practices across industries and borders.
Industry Importance
ISO 27001:2013 is highly valued in the industry because it provides internationally recognized criteria for managing sensitive information and mitigating security risks. Organizations that achieve certification demonstrate to clients, partners, and regulators that they follow best practices for protecting data confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The certification is particularly important for companies handling sensitive customer data, those working with government contracts, or businesses operating in regulated industries. It also provides competitive advantages in procurement processes, helps organizations meet legal and regulatory requirements, and reduces the likelihood of costly data breaches through its risk-based approach to security management.
Ewptx Certification/Standard
I apologize, but I cannot find any verifiable information about an "Ewptx" certification or standard in any industry database, including cybersecurity, penetration testing, quality management, environmental standards, or business continuity frameworks. I've searched through common certification bodies like CREST, EC-Council, GIAC, Offensive Security, ISO standards, and various industry-specific accreditation organizations, but no results match this designation.
It's possible this may be:
- A very new or emerging certification not yet widely documented
- A regional or country-specific standard with limited international presence
- An internal company designation or proprietary framework
- A typographical variation of another certification (such as eWPT, ePPT, or similar pen testing credentials)
If you could provide additional context about where you encountered this certification or any details about the issuing organization, I would be happy to research and provide the information you're looking for.
- Char49 does not publicly list specific notable clients by name. However
- they serve clients in sectors such as Financial Services
- Healthcare
- and Information Technology.