
Abdelkader Hannache
Verified Expert in Engineering
Cybersecurity Engineer and Developer
Windsor, ON, Canada
Toptal member since April 24, 2026
Abdelkader is a penetration tester with a background in software engineering. He specializes in penetration testing, threat modeling, risk analysis, and secure web application and API design. Skilled in OWASP, secure code review, and black-box, grey-box, and white-box testing, he bridges the gap between attacker and developer perspectives. Abdelkader also builds security scanners and aligns designs with ISO 27002 and COBIT to deliver end-to-end protection against evolving threats.
Portfolio
Experience
- Linux - 10 years
- Windows - 10 years
- OWASP Zed Attack Proxy (ZAP) - 5 years
- Penetration Testing - 5 years
- Burp Suite - 5 years
- Software Engineering - 5 years
- Networking - 4 years
- Python - 3 years
Preferred Environment
Linux, Windows, OWASP Zed Attack Proxy (ZAP), Burp Suite, NMap, Python, C, MySQL, Metasploit, Penetration Testing
The most amazing...
...accomplishment has been authoring The Conclusion in Computer Systems while conducting 50+ professional penetration tests for major organizations.
Work Experience
Information Security Consultant | Penetration Tester | Software Developer
Self-employed
- Conducted more than 50 penetration testing projects, identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications and networks for multiple clients, including Bugcrowd and HackerOne.
- Developed and deployed multiple web applications using Python and Django, providing full hosting solutions on Ubuntu Linux servers for clients.
- Performed security assessments and vulnerability research, delivering detailed reports with mitigation strategies for clients across various industries.
Analyst and Software Engineer
Outlier AI
- Rated and reviewed AI chatbot conversations to improve model accuracy and performance, leveraging multilingual expertise in English, French, and Arabic.
- Evaluated and analyzed AI-generated responses using software engineering knowledge to ensure technical accuracy and quality across multiple programming domains, including Python, C++, and C.
- Contributed to reinforcement learning from human feedback (RLHF) processes by providing specialized feedback in the software development domain, enhancing AI model reliability.
Information Security Consultant | Penetration Tester
ESI Technologies
- Conducted external and internal network penetration tests, simulating real-world attacks to identify critical vulnerabilities in client infrastructures.
- Performed web application security assessments using OWASP methodology, tools like Burp Suite, OWASP ZAP, and Nessus to detect and report vulnerabilities.
- Executed Wi-Fi penetration tests, API security testing, and source code reviews, providing detailed remediation reports to development and security teams.
Penetration Tester
Virtual Guardian
- Performed web application and network penetration testing using OWASP methodology, training business partners on security best practices.
- Conducted load testing and external and internal network assessments, delivering comprehensive vulnerability reports with actionable recommendations.
- Assisted cross-functional security teams in identifying and mitigating critical security risks across client web applications and network infrastructures.
Independent Python and Django Developer
Rumma & Ko
- Developed and contributed to the Lino framework programming language, building high-level database web applications for client management systems.
- Designed and implemented a warehouse management web application for inventory management using the Lino framework, Python, and Django.
- Performed security assessments on web applications, identifying vulnerabilities and providing mitigation recommendations to ensure application integrity.
State Computer Engineer
Direction of University Works Sidi Amar
- Managed and maintained network infrastructure and computer equipment, ensuring stable and secure operations for the university department.
- Developed and programmed a clocking system to accurately record employee delays and absences, improving administrative efficiency.
- Computerized and programmed the management service, developing custom software solutions for administrative and accounting management.
- Provided security advice and software usage guidelines to staff, promoting best practices in IT security and system administration.
IT Teacher
National Institute of Elhadjar, Annaba
- Taught general computer science courses and database management to students, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of IT fundamentals and principles.
- Introduced and trained students in the use of office software and Microsoft Access, improving their practical skills in database management.
- Prepared detailed lesson plans and evaluation exams, ensuring structured and effective learning outcomes for all students in the program.
IT Specialist
Computer Consumable Universe
- Installed and maintained computer equipment for clients, ensuring optimal performance and resolving hardware and software issues efficiently.
- Configured and programmed computer systems and peripherals, providing technical support and solutions to meet client requirements.
- Managed sales of IT products, advising customers on suitable technology solutions and ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction.
Student in Computer Engineering | Trainee
Sonelgaz
- Conducted a study and developed an Algerian electrical charge prediction system using a neuro-fuzzy algorithm programmed in Visual Studio C# 2008.
- Implemented and tested a neuro-fuzzy prediction model under Windows XP Service Pack 2, successfully delivering results for the Sonelgaz regional driving center.
- Analyzed and researched artificial intelligence techniques, applying neuro-fuzzy systems to solve real-world energy prediction challenges.
Experience
DigitalSecurity1 Cybersecurity Website
https://www.digitalsecurity1.comAdvanced Vulnerability Scanner with Attack Chaining
The tool can perform SQL injection, XSS, CSRF, command injection, and other OWASP Top 10 vulnerability tests. The attack chaining feature enables complex multi-step attack simulations, making it more powerful than traditional standalone scanners. The tool was developed based on extensive experience in penetration testing from over 50 real-world security assessments.
Education
Engineer's Degree in Computer Science and Engineering
University of Annaba - Annaba, Algeria
Certifications
Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF)
Outlier AI
Attestation of College Studies (AEC) in Networking and IT Security
Ahuntsic College, Montreal
Skills
Tools
OWASP Zed Attack Proxy (ZAP), Metasploit, NMap, Nessus, Turbo Pascal, NGINX
Paradigms
Penetration Testing
Platforms
Linux, Windows, Burp Suite, Wazuh, Ubuntu 24.04
Languages
Python, C, C++, Visual Basic, C#.NET
Frameworks
Django
Storage
MySQL, Databases
Other
Vulnerability Assessment, Networking, IT Security, Application Security, Cisco, Firewalls, Security, Software Engineering, Algorithms, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Computer Architecture, Operating Systems, Methodology, Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF), Aircrack-ng, Phishing Simulation & Analysis, nikto, whatweb, Microsoft Office, Computer Science, Sales, Maintenance, Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), Fuzzy Logic, Data, System Administration, Cyber Defense, AI Model Training, Data Annotation, Exploits, injection
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