An ethical hacker is a professional with an ethical hacking certification who hacks/penetrates a computer network to test or evaluate its security instead. For example, penetration testing techniques are used by a white-hat hacker, also known as an ethical hacker, to examine an organization’s information technology security and identify flaws.
IT security employees subsequently use the results of such penetration testing to fix vulnerabilities, tighten security, and reduce the organization’s risk factors.
Types of Ethical Hackers
Knowing and understanding the types of hacker profiles will aid professionals in better understanding their ethical hacking limitations. Most newcomers start by applying for a position as a Penetration Tester. The job typically includes locating weaknesses in a system or application to defend it against various cyber-attacks. They report any flaws in their system to the organization.
There are several levels of ethical hacking. They are: Penetration tester, red team, blue team, purple team. Red teams take care of offensive security, and blue teams take charge of defensive security. The purple team is a mix of red and blue, specializing in each type of security service.
Typical ethical hacking assignments include threat modeling, security assessment, vulnerability threat assessment, report writing, etc.
Skills required to become an Ethical Hacker
Ethical hackers are required to put their abilities to good use to safeguard an institution’s digital assets and keep malware at bay. They also use the same tools and techniques as a black hat hacker, but without malicious intent.
With a rise in ransomware instances and rising cybercrime, businesses and organizations require penetration testing by professionals with cyber security certification.
White hat hacking necessitates extensive problem-solving and communication abilities. A white-hat hacker must also possess strong technical and organizational abilities, perfect judgment, and the capacity to remain calm under pressure.
To establish a career in ethical hacking, you must have a constant learning and evolution mindset. Cybersecurity professionals require a working knowledge of programming languages such as HTML, ASP, C/C++, Python, and Java.
- Networking and computer skills
- Knowledge of operating systems
- Proficiency in penetration testing methodologies and tools
- Strong coding knowledge
- Fundamentals of cybersecurity
- Cryptography Skills
- Programming skills
- Problem-solving skills
- A passion for the field
Ethical Hacker Education
The majority of ethical hackers have a computer science degree or degree in an adjacent cybersecurity field. Most hackers have substantial network security knowledge. This means that on-the-job training and certifications account for a considerable percentage of the position’s training. Hence ethical hacker certifications are key to getting your foot in the door in this industry.
To start the ethical hacking career path, IT and computer science graduates require a thorough understanding of computer components and computer science. Many people develop these talents while pursuing their degrees.
How to become a White Hat Hacker
With an increasing demand for professional ethical hackers, the market offers aspirants several training programs and certification courses. You can improve and practice ethical hacking abilities in a real-world setting and enroll in a training program or ethics hacking course.
Get Some Work Experience
The best way to advance in a cybersecurity career and one day end up in a senior-level ethical hacking role you’ll need to have work experience. However, even if you do not acquire an entry-level position, you can begin acquiring experience in the industry by offering your skills and knowledge to assist smaller organizations in securing their online networks. You can also compete in numerous hacking events to show your talents and expertise.
Working as a freelance ethical hacker can also help gain experience with a multitude of different company profiles. Any position that teaches you about security can be beneficial. Learning about social engineering and physical penetration tests can also be helpful, as these are two aspects of security that ethical hackers consider when analyzing threats.
Ethical Hacker Certifications
Certification is vital since it gives your profile more legitimacy, credibility, and worth as an ethical hacker. Accreditation from a reputable institute can help you find a position with one of the world’s leading tech companies or even in the government.
EC Council CEH certification validates a person’s knowledge in the unique network security discipline of Ethical Hacking. They offer a variety of different cybersecurity professional certifications that will help you become more employable as an ethical hacker.
- Offensive Security Wireless Professional (OSWP)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Computer Hacking and Forensic Investigator (CHFI)
- Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
- Offensive Security Certified Expert (OSCE)
Conclusion
Because of digitalization and the shift to a remote work framework, there is a growing risk of security breaches. Candidates interested in information security with an ethical hacking certification should have little trouble finding high-paying jobs immediately. White hat hacker positions are necessary for effective network, system, and security applications. This knowledge is essential and can be applied for the benefit of several industries to secure important or sensitive data in national infrastructure entities.
