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.

What They Do

Penetration testers deliberately attack computer systems and networks to find security vulnerabilities before real hackers can exploit them. They spend their days planning and executing simulated cyberattacks, using the same tools and methods that malicious hackers employ. During a typical engagement, they might probe a company's firewall for weaknesses, craft phishing emails to test employee awareness, or attempt to gain unauthorized access to databases containing sensitive customer information. Once they breach a system, they document exactly how they got in and what data they could access.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Computer Science(masters)Stanford University, CA

Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management(masters)Columbia University in the City of New York, NY

Information Science/Studies(professional)University of California-Berkeley, CA

Computer Science(bachelors)California Institute of Technology, CA

Computer Science(bachelors)Carnegie Mellon University, PA

Mathematics and Computer Science(bachelors)Harvey Mudd College, CA

Computer Science(masters)Columbia University in the City of New York, NY

Computer and Information Sciences(masters)Harvard University, MA

Medical Illustration and Informatics(doctoral)Rutgers University-New Brunswick, NJ

Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management(masters)University of Virginia-Main Campus, VA

Computer Science(masters)University of Washington-Seattle Campus, WA

Computer Science(masters)City University of Seattle, WA

Computer Science(masters)Central Washington University, WA

Computer Science(masters)University of Washington-Tacoma Campus, WA

Computer Science(masters)Washington State University, WA

Computer Science(masters)Saint Martin's University, WA

Computer Science(masters)University of Washington-Bothell Campus, WA

Computer Science(bachelors)Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MA

Computer Science(masters)Cornell University, NY

Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management(doctoral)Capella University, MN

Computer Science(bachelors)Cornell University, NY

Computer Science(bachelors)Harvard University, MA

Computer Science(bachelors)Brown University, RI

Computer and Information Sciences(masters)Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus, GA

Computer Science(bachelors)University of California-Berkeley, CA

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