Who is responsible for overseeing the entire engagement in a Pentest?

The team lead or project manager is responsible for overseeing the entire engagement in a penetration test. This role involves coordinating all aspects of the pentest, which includes planning, resource allocation, and ensuring effective communication among team members and stakeholders. The team lead is also crucial in managing timelines, expectations, and deliverables, making sure that the objectives of the penetration test align with the client's needs.

While the penetration tester focuses on executing the technical aspects of the test, such as identifying vulnerabilities and exploiting them, the team lead's role encompasses a broader scope that includes not only technical oversight but also project management and strategic direction. This ensures that the project runs smoothly, adheres to its budget and schedule, and meets its goals in a professional manner. The roles of social engineer and technical writer, although important in certain contexts, do not encompass the overall management and oversight responsibilities that fall to the team lead or project manager during a penetration testing engagement.