Are you considering becoming an ethical hacker? If so, you’re not alone.
With the high demand for hackers and cyber-security experts in the private and public sectors, it becomes hard to understand where to start your career. Luckily, it’s not impossible to learn the skills you need to be successful with ethical hacking.
Ethical hacking now has become one of the fastest-growing professions in the world, and it shows no signs of slowing down.
If you’re new to the field, the following five tips will help you start your new path to ethical hacking stardom. Follow these steps, and you’ll be well on your way to an amazing career as an ethical hacker!
What is Ethical Hacking?
When someone uses their knowledge of information security and hacking techniques to help improve a system’s overall security and performance, it is referred to as Ethical Hacker. An ethical hacker will replicate attacks that a real hacker might use, report what they find, and advise on how to fix errors.
These specialists test potential weaknesses in websites, software systems, networks, etc., to recommend fixes before criminals or malicious hackers exploit those vulnerabilities.
Skills You Should Have to Be an Ethical Hacker
Hardware Knowledge
Before you can hack, you need a basic understanding of how networks and hardware work. Most ethical hackers are familiar with Ethernet, routers, switches, modems and common networking protocols such as IPv4 and IPv6.
Some also know some basics about more advanced hardware concepts like packet-switching and bridging. Understanding these topics will give you a head start when trying to understand how your organisation’s network infrastructure is designed.
Basic and Advanced Computer Skills
Basic computer skills will help you create different hacking programs and software. If you don’t have these skills, you may be able to learn them quickly by using online tutorials or books.
Advanced computer skills such as programming languages like Python can also be beneficial.
The following five items make up the remainder of what is needed to be an ethical hacker:-
- Penetration Testing: Hacking through firewalls and passwords with a program called Metasploit.
- SQL Injection: Insert malicious commands into a web application to extract data from the database.
- Reverse Engineering: Used to decrypt encrypted files or programs.
- Forensics: Gathering digital evidence after an attack and working with law enforcement officials on investigations.
- Malware Analysis: Studying malware (including viruses) so they can be recognised more easily in the future.
Learn More About Networking
Networking is the most crucial skill that an ethical hacker should have. Having computer knowledge and a thorough understanding of security is not enough to successfully launch an attack on a target’s system.
An ethical hacker must understand how the target operates, how its network interacts with other networks and how it interacts with computers connected directly to the Internet.
5 Things to Start your Career in Ethical Hacking
Understand the Different Types of Hacking
Before you begin, it’s important to understand that multiple types of hacking exist. There are various hacking degrees, and not all attacks are equal—some can be much more harmful than others.
Various types of hackers serve different purposes:
- White Hat
- Black Hat
- Grey Hat
White Hats and Grey Hats typically use their hacking abilities to do good (ethical hacking), and Black Hats utilise their hacking abilities to get illegal work.
You must know how each type differs from another and their intentions for practising their trade. If you want to start an ethical hacking career, educate yourself on these first.
Learn the Basics of Ethical Hacking
Before you start down any path toward an ethical hacking certification or degree program, it’s a good idea to learn some basic ethical hacking principles and earn a foundational certification.
Do all of that while working toward obtaining IT certifications as well – make sure you have Cybersecurity E-Degree certification in place before even starting your career! Now that’s practical advice! Even once certified, it’s important not to stop there. The best ethical hackers constantly learn, so don’t enter your new career with half the skills you need!
Learn Programming
Computer systems can understand binary codes. These codes are written in many programming languages, including Java, Javascript, SQL, Bash, Python, C, C++, Ruby, Perl, and PHP.
You need to learn these programming languages to be an ethical hacker. Also, learn about operating systems, such as LINUX, UNIX, Windows, and IOS.
You’ll also need an all-in-one cyber security program that includes everything from apps and hardware support to network monitoring and collaboration tools that help put everything together.
Get Certified Already
While there are many Cybersecurity certifications you can choose from, these are two of the most respected and well-known for a reason.
That said, no matter which certification you choose—or if you choose not to get certified—be sure that whatever courses you take and prep materials you use are up-to-date with current security technologies, standards, and trends.
Start Looking For Job Opportunities
Once you understand ethical hacking better, you can start looking for job opportunities.
Like any other IT job, there are plenty of places where you can look for positions with your desired salary and responsibilities. On top of that, some businesses may directly reach out to prospective candidates by offering them an interview opportunity via email or phone.
Some Entry-Level Jobs in Ethical Hacking:
- Cyber Mission Specialist
- Associate Tech Programmer
- Junior Systems Engineer
- Information Security Analyst
- Mobile Vulnerability Analyst
- Information Security Engineer
- Cloud Security Engineer
If possible, try building relationships with people who work at different companies on your own time so they may recommend or introduce you when openings become available.
Conclusion
While every job has its share of stress and difficult coworkers, a career in ethical hacking is exciting and rewarding. As you grow your skills, you’ll be able to transform your skills into something that can be used for good – protecting organisations large and small, both public and private.
Becoming an ethical hacker is just like joining any team; if you have the drive to succeed and take the initiative, it’s possible for anyone interested.
