As a Senior Penetration Tester at M&T Bank, your main responsibilities include performing penetration testing, specifically Grey and White Box tests, on web applications, APIs, mobile devices, and hardware. You will gather intelligence on targets, document findings, and educate Cybersecurity teams about emerging threats. Collaborating with technology teams to identify vulnerabilities before security breaches occur is also a key part of the job. You’ll maintain testing tools, create reports on vulnerabilities, and ensure compliance with the company's risk standards.

To qualify for the Senior Penetration Tester position at M&T Bank, candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree along with at least three years of relevant experience, or a combination of seven years of education and work experience. Important skills include knowledge of penetration testing and red team tools, networking protocols, and some scripting or coding experience. Industry-recognized certifications in cybersecurity or penetration testing are preferred and reflect your expertise.

The work environment for a Senior Penetration Tester at M&T Bank is dynamic and collaborative. You’ll enjoy a hybrid schedule that allows you to work remotely for two days a week while taking advantage of in-person collaboration at the Wilmington, DE Tech Hub. The culture emphasizes innovation, continual learning, and cross-team collaboration to tackle cybersecurity challenges head-on in a supportive setting.

M&T Bank places a strong emphasis on continuous learning and professional development for its Senior Penetration Testers. Employees are encouraged to advance their skills in cybersecurity by attending training sessions and obtaining industry-recognized certifications. Additionally, the collaborative environment facilitates knowledge sharing, where team members can educate one another on new techniques and tools, ensuring that everyone is up-to-date in the rapidly evolving field of cybersecurity.

As a Senior Penetration Tester at M&T Bank, the compensation ranges from $102,939 to $171,565, reflecting the candidate’s unique combination of skills and experience. The company is dedicated to providing fair and competitive pay, with the possibility of additional benefits based on the qualifications of the successful candidate.

When preparing to answer this question, highlight your familiarity with various methodologies including Grey Box and White Box testing. Discuss specific projects where you applied these techniques, emphasizing the tools used and the outcomes that demonstrated your proficiency. Be sure to mention the importance of tailored approaches based on the unique context of each application.

To effectively address this question, outline your systematic approach starting with reconnaissance to gather as much information about the target as possible. Discuss the use of automated tools combined with manual testing to ensure comprehensive coverage. Mention common vulnerabilities you prioritize and how you validate findings for report generation.

When asked about tools, provide a list of common penetration testing tools you've utilized, such as Burp Suite, OWASP ZAP, Metasploit, and Wireshark. Discuss your experience with each tool, explaining their use cases and particular strengths in different testing scenarios. This shows your practical knowledge and adaptability to different contexts.

In your answer, emphasize your commitment to continuous learning. Mention specific sources you follow, such as cybersecurity blogs, forums, and conferences. Highlight any certifications you’re pursuing to enhance your knowledge and discuss how applying this knowledge has helped in practical scenarios.

Share specific examples where collaboration was essential for identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities. Discuss how you communicated findings and fostered relationships with technology and cybersecurity teams. Emphasize the benefits of a coordinated approach in improving security measures and developing comprehensive strategies.

Discuss particular challenges, such as time constraints or resistance from teams. Share how you navigated these challenges by leveraging communication skills, adjusting your testing approach, and prioritizing efforts to deliver valuable insights. Focus on the positive outcome that resulted from overcoming the challenges.

Provide a narrative about a specific instance where your penetration testing led to tangible security enhancements. Detail the vulnerability you discovered, how you reported it, and the subsequent changes implemented by the organization. This reflects your impact on improving the organization's security posture.

In your response, emphasize your understanding of the ethical implications of penetration testing and your commitment to obtaining the necessary permissions before undertaking any testing. Discuss how you adhere to legal guidelines and internal policies throughout the testing process to maintain integrity and professionalism.

To answer this question, articulate the critical importance of penetration testing in identifying risks before they can be exploited, thus informing the organization's overall security posture. Highlight how penetration testing integrates with proactive security measures and overall risk management strategies to safeguard assets.

When answering this question, emphasize your ability to translate technical concepts into accessible language for non-technical stakeholders. Discuss your approach, such as using analogies or visual aids, and tailor your messages to address the concerns of different audiences. Highlight past experiences where you successfully communicated risk assessments to leadership or other non-technical groups.