Penetration testing PENT

Testing the effectiveness of security controls by emulating the tools and techniques of likely attackers.

Revision notes

Updates for SFIA 9

Theme(s) influencing the updates for this skill: Include cryptography, Making SFIA easier to consume (new levels).
Added reference to cryptography
New level 2 added to support entry-level roles.
You can move to SFIA 9 when you are ready - SFIA 8 skill descriptions will still be available to use.
Previous SFIA assessments or skills mapping are not impacted by this change.

Guidance notes

Penetration testing may be a stand-alone activity or an aspect of acceptance testing prior to an approval to operate.

Activities include, but are not limited to:

ethical hacking (using the same tools and techniques as an adversary to safely exploit security weaknesses)
demonstrating how an adversary can subvert security goals or achieve specific adversarial objectives
evaluating the effectiveness of current/planned defences or mitigation controls
assuring the security of networks, systems and applications
assessing the strength and effectiveness of cryptographic implementations
identifying insights into the business risks of various vulnerabilities
testing network, infrastructure, web and mobile applications for weaknesses
checking patch levels and configurations
social engineering.

Understanding the responsibility levels of this skill

Where lower levels are not defined...

Specific tasks and responsibilities are not defined because the skill requires a higher level of autonomy, influence, and complexity in decision-making than is typically expected at these levels. You can use the essence statements to understand the generic responsibilities associated with these levels.

Where higher levels are not defined...

Responsibilities and accountabilities are not defined because these higher levels involve strategic leadership and broader organisational influence that goes beyond the scope of this specific skill. See the essence statements.

Developing skills and demonstrating responsibilities related to this skill

The defined levels show the incremental progression in skills and responsibilities.

Where lower levels are not defined...

You can develop your knowledge and support others who do have responsibility in this area by:

Learning key concepts and principles related to this skill and its impact on your role
Performing related skills (see the related SFIA skills)
Supporting others who are performing higher level tasks and activities

Where higher levels are not defined...

You can progress by developing related skills which are better suited to higher levels of organisational leadership.

Click to learn why SFIA skills are not defined at all 7 levels.

Show/hide extra descriptions and levels.

Levels of responsibility for this skill

Level 1

Level 1 - Follow: Essence of the level: Performs routine tasks under close supervision, follows instructions, and requires guidance to complete their work. Learns and applies basic skills and knowledge.

Penetration testing: Level 2

Level 2 - Assist: Essence of the level: Provides assistance to others, works under routine supervision, and uses their discretion to address routine problems. Actively learns through training and on-the-job experiences.

Assists with penetration testing tasks under routine supervision.

Supports the execution of standard penetration tests on systems, networks and applications.

Helps document and report on test results, findings and potential security risks.

Penetration testing: Level 3

Level 3 - Apply: Essence of the level: Performs varied tasks, sometimes complex and non-routine, using standard methods and procedures. Works under general direction, exercises discretion, and manages own work within deadlines. Proactively enhances skills and impact in the workplace.

Follows standard approaches to design and execute penetration testing activities.

Researches and investigates attack techniques and recommends ways to defend against them.

Analyses and reports on penetration testing activities, results, issues and risks.

Penetration testing: Level 4

Level 4 - Enable: Essence of the level: Performs diverse complex activities, supports and guides others, delegates tasks when appropriate, works autonomously under general direction, and contributes expertise to deliver team objectives.

Selects appropriate testing approaches using in-depth technical analysis of risks and typical vulnerabilities.

Produces test scripts, materials and test packs and tests new and existing networks, systems or applications. Provides advice on penetration testing to support others.

Records and analyses actions and results and modifies tests if necessary.

Provides reports on progress, anomalies, risks and issues associated with the overall project.

Penetration testing: Level 5

Level 5 - Ensure, advise: Essence of the level: Provides authoritative guidance in their field and works under broad direction. Accountable for delivering significant work outcomes, from analysis through execution to evaluation.

Plans and drives penetration testing within a defined area of business activity.

Delivers objective insights into the existence of vulnerabilities, the effectiveness of defences and mitigating controls.

Takes responsibility for the integrity of testing activities and coordinates the execution of these activities. Provides authoritative advice and guidance on all aspects of penetration testing.

Identifies needs and implements new approaches for penetration testing. Contributes to security testing standards.

Penetration testing: Level 6

Level 6 - Initiate, influence: Essence of the level: Has significant organisational influence, makes high-level decisions, shapes policies, demonstrates leadership, promotes organisational collaboration, and accepts accountability in key areas.

Determines penetration testing policy and owns the supporting processes.

Manages all penetration testing activities within the organisation. Assesses and advises on the practicality of testing process alternatives.

Establishes capability for continual improvement and invention in penetration testing and leads the implementation of new approaches.

Assesses suppliers' development and testing capabilities. Manages client relationships with respect to penetration testing.

Level 7

Level 7 - Set strategy, inspire, mobilise: Essence of the level: Operates at the highest organisational level, determines overall organisational vision and strategy, and assumes accountability for overall success.

Small change New level Guidance notes