Penetration Testers
Evaluate network system security by conducting simulated internal and external cyberattacks using adversary tools and techniques. Attempt to breach and exploit critical systems and gain access to sensitive information to assess system security.
Match
Job outlook
Full Occupation Profile
Job Zone
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.
Technology Skills
Development environment software
- Go
- Microsoft PowerShell
- Oracle Java 2 Platform Enterprise Edition J2EE
- Ruby
Operating system software
- Apple iOS
- Bash
- Google Android
- Shell script
Transaction security and virus protection software
- Invicti Acunetix
- Metasploit
- Rapid7 software
- Tenable Nessus
Object or component oriented development software
- C#
- C++
- Oracle Java
- Perl
Web platform development software
- JavaScript
- Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
- PHP
- RESTful API
Data base user interface and query software
- Amazon Web Services AWS software
- Microsoft SQL Server
- ServiceNow
- Structured query language SQL
Application server software
- Docker
- GitHub
- Kubernetes
Program testing software
- Kali Linux
- MITRE ATT&CK software
- System testing software
Network monitoring software
- IBM QRadar SIEM
- Wireshark
Transaction server software
- IBM Middleware
- Web server software
Compiler and decompiler software
- Hex-Rays IDA Pro
- Vector 35 Binary Ninja
Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
Configuration management software
- IBM Terraform
Enterprise system management software
- Splunk Enterprise
Expert system software
- Ansible software
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- Management information systems MIS
Office suite software
- Microsoft Office software
Network security and virtual private network VPN equipment software
- Firewall software
Data base management system software
- Database management systems
Computer aided design CAD software
- Ghidra
Internet directory services software
- Microsoft Active Directory
Cloud-based protection or security software
- Qualys Cloud Platform
Cloud-based management software
- Google Cloud software
Detailed Work Activities
- Develop testing routines or procedures.
- Analyze security of systems, network, or data.
- Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
- Stay informed about current developments in field of specialization.
- Analyze risks to minimize losses or damages.
- Develop computer or information security policies or procedures.
- Develop computer or information systems.
- Develop organizational policies or programs.
- Discuss design or technical features of products or services with technical personnel.
- Evaluate characteristics of equipment or systems.
- Examine records or other types of data to investigate criminal activities.
- Interpret design or operational test results.
- Investigate illegal or suspicious activities.
- Prepare analytical reports.
- Prepare technical or operational reports.
- Search files, databases or reference materials to obtain needed information.
- Test computer system operations to ensure proper functioning.
- Test performance of electrical, electronic, mechanical, or integrated systems or equipment.
Work Styles
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Reference
This page includes information from the O*NET Career Exploration Tools by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the O*NET Tools Developer License. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Beesla has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.