Penetration Testers

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 14 (64%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 7 (32%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 1 (5%)

• Conduct network and security system audits, using established criteria.AI can speed this up on its own · Seen in real AI use
• Configure information systems to incorporate principles of least functionality and least access.AI can speed this up on its own · Seen in real AI use
• Design security solutions to address known device vulnerabilities.AI can speed this up on its own
• Develop and execute tests that simulate the techniques of known cyber threat actors.AI can speed this up on its own
• Develop infiltration tests that exploit device vulnerabilities.AI can speed this up on its own
• Develop security penetration testing processes, such as wireless, data networks, and telecommunication security tests.AI can speed this up on its own
• Document penetration test findings.AI can speed this up on its own · Seen in real AI use
• Evaluate vulnerability assessments of local computing environments, networks, infrastructures, or enclave boundaries.AI can speed this up on its own
• Gather cyber intelligence to identify vulnerabilities.AI can speed this up on its own · Seen in real AI use
• Identify security system weaknesses, using penetration tests.AI can speed this up on its own · Seen in real AI use
• Keep up with new penetration testing tools and methods.AI can speed this up on its own
• Prepare and submit reports describing the results of security fixes.AI can speed this up on its own
• Test the security of systems by attempting to gain access to networks, Web-based applications, or computers.AI can speed this up on its own · Seen in real AI use
• Write audit reports to communicate technical and procedural findings and recommend solutions.AI can speed this up on its own · Seen in real AI use
• Collect stakeholder data to evaluate risk and to develop mitigation strategies.AI can speed this up with extra software
• Develop presentations on threat intelligence.AI can speed this up with extra software
• Discuss security solutions with information technology teams or management.AI can speed this up with extra software
• Identify new threat tactics, techniques, or procedures used by cyber threat actors.AI can speed this up with extra software · Seen in real AI use
• Investigate security incidents, using computer forensics, network forensics, root cause analysis, or malware analysis.AI can speed this up with extra software · Seen in real AI use
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of hacking trends.AI can speed this up with extra software
• Update corporate policies to improve cyber security.AI can speed this up with extra software
• Assess the physical security of servers, systems, or network devices to identify vulnerability to temperature, vandalism, or natural disasters.Little or no AI speed-up · Seen in real AI use