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Vulnerability Researcher & Exploit Developer

In this role, you will work to find 0-days (unknown vulnerabilities) in a wide range of applications and devices used by organizations and consumers. Find vulnerabilities before the adversaries!

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Leverage deep expertise in reverse engineering, fuzz testing, and exploit writing to proactively uncover and address critical vulnerabilities, safeguarding systems against advanced cyber threats.

What You'll Do

Uncover Hidden Flaws

Discover and analyze hidden software vulnerabilities through reverse engineering and advanced debugging techniques.

Craft Advanced Exploits

Develop sophisticated exploits to demonstrate critical security risks in software and hardware systems.

Proactively Identify Weaknesses

Employ fuzz testing and code analysis to proactively identify weaknesses before attackers exploit them.

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In this fairly recent job position, you have a keen understanding of both how cybersecurity defenses (“Blue Team”) work and how adversaries operate (“Red Team”). During your day-today activities, you will organize and automate emulation of adversary techniques, highlight possible new log sources and use cases that help increase the detection coverage of the SOC, and propose security controls to improve resilience against the techniques. You will also work to help coordinate effective communication between traditional defensive and offensive roles.

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Application Pen Tester

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Application penetration testers probe the security integrity of a company’s applications and defenses by evaluating the attack surface of all in-scope vulnerable web-based services, clientside applications, servers-side processes, and more. Mimicking a malicious attacker, app pen testers work to bypass security barriers in order to gain access to sensitive information or enter a company’s internal systems through techniques such as pivoting or lateral movement.

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Red Teamer

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In this role you will be challenged to look at problems and situations from the perspective of an adversary. The focus is on making the Blue Team better by testing and measuring the organization’s detection and response policies, procedures, and technologies. This role includes performing adversary emulation, a type of Red Team exercise where the Red Team emulates how an adversary operates, following the same tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), with a specific objective similar to those of realistic threats or adversaries. It can also include creating custom implants and C2 frameworks to evade detection.

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Need more guidance about cyber roles?

There are numerous different roles in cybersecurity and where you fit depends on your interest level. SANS New to Cyber offers courses, certifications, and free resources for anyone interested in getting started in cybersecurity.

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