The Value of CPTS Certification in a Shifting IT Landscape

The CPTS (Certified Penetration Testing Specialist) certification remains a powerful credential, not just for pentesting but as a foundation for broader IT challenges. While the pentesting job market may be struggling, the skills gained from CPTS—such as vulnerability assessment, exploit development, and defensive evasion—are invaluable in cloud security, DevSecOps, and offensive security roles.

You Should Know:

1. CPTS vs. Cloud Certs (AZ-104, AWS Certified Security)
   While cloud certifications like AZ-104 focus on memorization, CPTS trains you in hands-on exploitation, which is critical for cloud security. Here’s how CPTS skills translate:

• Cloud Penetration Testing: Use tools like `Pacu` (AWS exploitation framework) or `Stormspotter` (Azure reconnaissance).

  git clone https://github.com/RhinoSecurityLabs/pacu 
  pip3 install -r requirements.txt 
  python3 pacu.py 
  

• Kubernetes Security Testing:

  kubectl get pods --all-namespaces 
  kubectl exec -it <pod-name> -- /bin/bash 
  

2. Transitioning to Cloud Security with CPTS Skills

Since cloud roles pay better ($60-$80/hour), leverage CPTS knowledge to:
– Perform cloud vulnerability assessments using ScoutSuite:

pip install scoutsuite 
python -m scout aws --access-keys <key> <secret> 

– Exploit misconfigured S3 buckets:

aws s3 ls s3://bucket-name --no-sign-request 

3. Maintaining Hacking Skills Outside Pentesting Jobs

• Home Lab Attacks (Metasploit, Burp Suite):

  msfconsole 
  use exploit/multi/handler 
  set payload windows/x64/meterpreter/reverse_tcp 
  exploit 
  

• Automated Recon with `Nmap` and Gobuster:

  nmap -sV -A target.com 
  gobuster dir -u http://target.com -w /usr/share/wordlists/dirb/common.txt 
  

4. Windows/Linux Commands for Security Professionals

• Linux Privilege Escalation:

  find / -perm -4000 2>/dev/null 
  sudo -l 
  

• Windows Lateral Movement:

  net use \target\IPC$ /user:domain\user password 
  psexec.exe \target cmd.exe 
  

What Undercode Say:

The cybersecurity industry is evolving, and CPTS provides a combat-ready skillset—even if traditional pentesting roles fade. Cloud security, red teaming, and automation are the future. Instead of chasing dead-end jobs, use CPTS to dominate high-paying cloud and offensive security roles.

Prediction:

As cloud adoption grows, demand for offensive cloud security experts will surge. CPTS holders who pivot to cloud pentesting will lead this shift.

Expected Output:

 Example: Exploiting a misconfigured AWS S3 bucket 
aws s3 cp s3://vulnerable-bucket/secret.txt . 

References:

Reported By: Activity 7331719537765048321 – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅

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