Automation index
How much of a Penetration tester’s job can AI already do?
A scan and a template report come earlier. Finding the weird chain, and not taking production down, do not.
This percentage does not predict how many people will lose their jobs.
Task comparison
IS WORK OVER?
Penetration tester
26%
AI can already do 26% of this job.
#207 / 633
View rankingPenetration tester
Where the time goes
Task weights are our estimates based on O*NET frequency data, not time shares published by O*NET.
The time saving for each task is estimated separately.
| Task | Share | AI | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
Recon, scans and enumeration.EstimateNo public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate. | 20% | 42% | +8.4 |
Write the report, evidence and CVSS.EstimateNo public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate. | 18% | 38% | +6.8 |
Exploit with judgment and not break the business.EstimateNo public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate. | 18% | 18% | +3.2 |
Debrief with the client and retest.EstimateNo public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate. | 16% | 15% | +2.4 |
Choose scope, rules and what is off limits.EstimateNo public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate. | 14% | 16% | +2.2 |
Research 0-days, labs and keep the craft.EstimateNo public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate. | 14% | 18% | +2.5 |
| Total | 100% | 25% |
Modelled workweek: 100% · Public evidence: 0% · Estimate: 100% · Confidence: Low
Skills and activities
- Recon, scans and enumeration
- Write the report, evidence and CVSS
- Debrief with the client and retest
- Choose scope, rules and what is off limits
- Research 0-days, labs and keep the craft
- pentester
- ethical hacker
- pentest
Sources for this job· O*NET 15-1212.00· ESCO/ISCO 2529
IS WORK OVER?
Cybersecurity analyst
32%
#26 / 633
View rankingCybersecurity analyst
Where the time goes
Task weights are our estimates based on O*NET frequency data, not time shares published by O*NET.
The time saving for each task is estimated separately.
| Task | Share | AI | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
Monitor use of data files and regulate access to safeguard information in computer files.EstimateNo public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate. | 14% | 28% | +3.9 |
Monitor current reports of computer viruses to determine when to update virus protection systems.EstimateNo public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate. | 13% | 55% | +7.2 |
Encrypt data transmissions and erect firewalls to conceal confidential information as it is being transmitted and to keep out tainted digital transfers.EstimateNo public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate. | 13% | 28% | +3.6 |
Modify computer security files to incorporate new software, correct errors, or change individual access status.EstimateNo public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate. | 11% | 28% | +3.1 |
Confer with users to discuss issues such as computer data access needs, security violations, and programming changes.EstimateNo public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate. | 10% | 28% | +2.8 |
Develop plans to safeguard computer files against accidental or unauthorized modification, destruction, or disclosure and to meet emergency data processing needs.EstimateNo public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate. | 10% | 28% | +2.8 |
Perform risk assessments and execute tests of data processing system to ensure functioning of data processing activities and security measures.EstimateNo public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate. | 8% | 28% | +2.2 |
Coordinate implementation of computer system plan with establishment personnel and outside vendors.EstimateNo public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate. | 6% | 28% | +1.7 |
Other less frequent tasks (weight estimated from frequency).EstimateNo public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate. | 15% | 28% | +4.2 |
| Total | 100% | 32% |
Modelled workweek: 100% · Public evidence: 0% · Estimate: 100% · Confidence: Low
Skills and activities
- computer forensics
- ICT network security risks
- ICT security standards
- cyber attack counter-measures
- query languages
- information confidentiality
- penetration testing tool
- manage IT security compliances
- gather data for forensic purposes
- provide ICT consulting advice
Sources for this job· O*NET 15-1212.00· ESCO/ISCO 2529