How to become An Ethical Hacker

In this information age, where digital data has seeped into every known nook and cranny of our lives, businesses need Ethical Hackers to secure and protect their systems from malicious hackers who can use and exploit them for personal gain.

• White Hat Hacker
• Gray Hat Hacker
• Red Teamer
• Penetration Tester
• Social Engineering Ethical Hacker
• Bug Bounty Hacker
• Network Ethical Hacker
• Web Application Ethical Hacker
• Mobile Ethical Hacker
• Wireless Ethical Hacker
• Physical Ethical Hacker

What do Ethical Hackers do?

An Ethical Hacker would typically need to:

• Evaluate the security of and identify vulnerabilities in target systems, networks, or system infrastructure to prevent possible security breaches and exploits
• Determine the employer or client’s expectations, such as the number and type of systems to be tested
• Receive explicit permission to gain unauthorised access to a computer system, application or data
• Perform timely onsite or remote risk assessments to help companies secure their systems and protect sensitive data from malicious hackers
• Use diverse scanning tools, techniques, and methodologies to identify potential entry points and vulnerabilities
• Conduct innovative and controlled cyberattacks on systems and networks to simulate real-world attacks
• Assess security controls in place and identify security gaps to prioritise remediation efforts and responses to cyber threats
• Duplicate the strategies and actions of cyber criminals before the latter have a chance to exploit likely security vulunerabilities
• Ensure their penetration of a system is in keeping with prescribed laws and regulations of a relevant Information Technology Act
• Perform security audits of systems, networks, and applications to ensure compliance with industry standards, best practices, and regulatory requirements
• Review security policies, configurations, and access controls to locate areas of improvement and recommend viable enhancements
• Document in-depth all findings, security breaches, and recommendations observed during the testing process; keep all findings secure and confidential to prevent cyber crimes
• Provide detailed reports outlining exposed vulnerabilities, potential risks to the business, and suggested mitigation strategies 
• Offer expert advice, consultation, and guidance to help organisations improve their security
• Conduct training sessions, workshops and awareness programmes to promote a security-conscious culture within the organisation

Ethical Hackers divide their time between offices, laboratories, and actual locations. Their office may have computers, security tools, and software necessary for assessments and analyses. Growth in work-from-anywhere culture allows remote collaboration with network administrators, system administrators, and software developers.

Core office hours from 9 am to 5 pm apply to most full-time Ethical Hacker positions, though they may need extra hours during evenings and weekends during busy periods. Part-timers and freelancers may enjoy more flexible work schedules.

Research suggests that flexible hours and generous telework policies appeal more than salary to the younger generation. There has been an incremental increase in employers willing to give promising employees a chance to adjust their schedules per the job demands.

Finding a new job may be challenging. Ethical Hackers can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies. Bug bounty platforms also offer lucrative opportunities. Apply for several jobs and research the questions that may come your way during the interview. You can be a permanent in-house employee or a contractor with an agency offering pertinent services to clients or a freelancer.

Ethical Hackers are generally employed by: 

• Government Organisations
• Security Consultation Firms
• Tech Companies
• Multinational Companies
• Financial Institutions
• Utility Companies
• Small and Medium-Sized Companies
• Educational Institutions
• Aerospace Companies
• Health Care Institutions

Professional associations and organisations, such as the Council of Registered Ethical Security Testers (CREST), are crucial for Ethical Hackers interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. 

Professional associations provide members with continuing education, networking opportunities, and mentorship services. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Unauthorised hacking that can lead to serious legal consequences, regardless of the intent behind the action
• Lack of clarity on the scope of the ethical hacking engagement, especially systems, networks, and applications to be tested, leading to undesirable legal issues
• Responsible handling of personal information, intellectual property, and trade secrets in strict compliance with prescribed privacy laws and the target organisation’s data protection policies
• Faithful adherence to applicable laws and regulations governing cybersecurity-related matters, such as unauthorised access and data breaches
• Responsible disclosure to software vendors or the broader security community of vulnerabilities affecting multiple users
• Unpleasant legal consequences resulting from violation of NDAs (non-disclosure agreements) signed to protect the target organisation’s sensitive data and trade secrets during security assessments
• Dedication and hard work required to keep track of new security threats, technologies, and vulnerabilities
• The need to find and report vulnerabilities within a set time
• Limited scope of activity restricted to enacting security breaches and finding weaknesses 

An ideal academic program typically entails a period of supervised experiences, such as an internship that familiarises participants with cyber security and network support while connecting them with experienced professionals.

In addition to benefiting from tasks outside the classroom that align perfectly with lessons inside it, interns may also get college credits that help with early graduation, GPA, and tuition.

Besides, one may hear countless stories and obtain valuable hands-on experience from more experienced Ethical Hackers who can turn seemingly routine incidents into unique learning moments.

Summer internships, sandwich placements, or short-term paid/voluntary work in organisations with dedicated cybersecurity teams offer a taste of the career, help build valuable contacts and improve one’s prospects of getting a permanent job.

You can access graduate schemes incorporating a structured development programme, mentoring, and the chance to undertake lucrative placements in related departments.

Students of information security-related higher education who obtain membership to a globally recognised accreditation and certification body, such as CREST (Council of Registered Ethical Security Testers), can gain experience through placements, internships, or shadowing opportunities in approved organisations.

Since most employers prefer candidates with one to two years of proven experience in cybersecurity, work in an entry-level or associate position as a network support technician or specialist and then as an intermediate-level network engineer before becoming a full-fledged Ethical Hacker. 

As a security administrator, security specialist, or security software developer, you can develop and prove your ethical hacking skills using vulnerability testing tools such as Metasploit and Netsparker.

Alternative entry-level roles in IT and security, including system administrator, network analyst, and security analyst, will promote a solid understanding of systems, networks, and standard security practices and principles.

The experiences may also help determine whether the public, private or voluntary sector is best suited to realise one’s ambitions. Your educational provider’s career service department can provide information about viable work placements, internships and voluntary work opportunities in diverse sectors.

Other ways to gain practical experience include setting up your own lab environment, contributing to open-source security projects, and joining security groups. Check out courses that can assist you in cultivating critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Aspiring Ethical Hackers can participate in Capture The Flag (CTF) events where teams or individuals must hack and defend systems to ‘capture’ a file or code to hone their skills while building a professional network.

Competitions designed to test the participants’ cyber security skills may include virtual areas with ‘lobbies’ where potential employers can view the performance of all players, from beginners to professionals, and network with those that catch their attention.

You can also follow security experts on Twitter, set up a LinkedIn profile, attend industry conferences and events, and read cybersecurity publications, websites, and blogs to develop a broader understanding of the profession.

Even while in high school, you can check with a teacher or counsellor about relevant work-based learning opportunities available in your school or community that can help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join cyber security clubs or enter CTF competitions to gain hands-on experience and exposure to real-world challenges. Enrol in courses focused on programming languages widely used in ethical hacking, including Python, Java, or C/C++.

An accredited associate or bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology (IT), network engineering, or cybersecurity and threats will teach aspiring Ethical Hackers crucial networking and programming skills along with the basics of cryptography, security principles, and risk management. 

Students will also learn qualities such as a good work ethic, discipline, critical thinking, time management, and perseverance that are sure to turn potential hiring decisions in their favour.

Recommended high school courses include computer science, mathematics, and foreign languages, such as Russian and Chinese, often used in cybercrime. English and speech classes will help you develop your research, writing, and oral communication skills.

Consider pursuing online courses in networking, operating systems, cybersecurity, web development, ethics, privacy, computer law, programming, and scripting languages, such as Bash and PowerShell, if your school does not offer them.

Remember that completing a particular academic course does not guarantee entry into the profession. Be that as it may, professional qualifications and transferable skills may open up more than one door.

Do your homework and look into all available options for education and employment before enrolling in a specific programme. Reliable sources that help you make an educated decision include associations and employers in your field.

Certification demonstrates an Ethical Hacker’s competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

Certification in ethical hacking, information systems security, and offensive security from an objective and reputed organisation can help you stand out in a competitive job market and carry a significant salary premium of up to 18 per cent. Other credentials that will boost an Ethical Hacker’s CV include computer hacking forensic investigation and ethical hacking secure analysis certifications.

Individuals interested in entering the field of ethical hacking should pass two exams that test their knowledge of computer components, general cybersecurity concepts and best practices and their ability to reassemble a personal computer (PC). They can then qualify for the CompTIA A+ certification and be eligible to apply for entry-level positions.

Completing a Licensed Penetration Tester (LPT) programme will also prove advantageous. Typically, licensure requires an application, processing fees, an examination, and relevant education and experience. Check with local or national ethical hacking organisations whether you will need licensure.

Ethical Hackers may also need to undergo an employment background check, including but not limited to a person’s work history, education, credit history, motor vehicle reports (MVRs), criminal record, medical history, use of social media, and drug screening.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive the career progression of Ethical Hackers who may gain three to five years of experience in Team Leader and Specialist Practitioner positions before eventually settling down as Project Leaders or Managers. 

The desire to accelerate career growth and personal development has an increasing number of millennials choosing to job hop and build a scattershot resume that showcases ambition, motivation, and the desire to learn a broad range of skills.

Studies prove that job hopping, earlier dismissed as “flaky” behaviour, can lead to greater job fulfilment. Employees searching for a positive culture and exciting work are willing to try out various roles and workplaces and learn valuable, transferable skills along the way.

Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in related fields, certifications in ethical hacking and information systems security, and significant work experience in network support and administration have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Ethical Hacker build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, 

formal education, or self-directed learning.

Find professional groups, organisations, online communities, and forums where you can meet other ethical hackers, learn about new technologies, share valuable insights on emerging vulnerabilities, and develop constructive partnerships.

Social media platforms and local meetups also afford ample opportunities to connect with other cybersecurity enthusiasts and professionals, solicit providential mentorships, and discover potential job leads. 

Industry conferences, workshops and events enable forward-looking Ethical hackers to stay abreast of the latest tools, techniques, and trends in this constantly evolving field.

To frustrate increasingly sophisticated cybercrime, you can expand your knowledge, explore new attack vectors, and pursue advanced certifications or niche training programmes in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain cybersecurity, and Cloud Computing.

In addition to offering the opportunity to continually upskill, regardless of one’s age, job, or level of knowledge, CPD also enables the periodic renewal of desirable certifications, which increase your chances of advancement and becoming an independent consultant.

To Boost Your Skills

Competent Ethical Hackers must have comprehensive knowledge of computer networks, protocols, operating systems, and programming languages, such as C++, Java, Python, and SQ. 

Their awareness of common and emerging security vulnerabilities and exploits must enable them to perform penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and risk analysis before reversing engineering code and malware to secure web applications and code development.

Excellent analytical and troubleshooting skills and in-depth knowledge of cryptography, data encryption techniques, auditing methodologies and tools, including Nessus and Nmap, are essential to carry out one’s duties efficiently.

In addition, Ethical Hackers with an exemplary work ethic understand security best practices, industry standards, ethical hacking principles, and the legal aspects governing the execution of outlined tasks. They can write detailed reports on security findings while conforming to the twin rules of confidentiality and responsibility.

The Language of Cybersecurity

Authentication involves using a password, retina scan, finger scan, or combination to check a user’s identity and confirm their unrestricted access to the system and files. Data breach happens when a hacker breaks into a system, gains control of the network, and exposes personal data, such as credit card and bank account information.

Black hat hackers are motivated by greed, a political agenda, or boredom to try and gain unauthorised access to a system and cause mischief, damage, or theft. They frequently use multiple hosts and users to deploy DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) and bombard a website with a tidal wave of requests, causing the system to lock up and shut down temporarily.

Exploit refers to a series of commands, malicious software, or pieces of infected data that attack a computer system. Malware, or malicious software, comprises ransomware, worms, viruses, and trojans delivered via spam emails to infect and damage a system.

Cyber attacks gather intelligence, disrupt company operations, exploit weaknesses, keep track of targets, stop work, obtain value, harm logical or physical assets, or leverage system resources to enable assault against another logical environment’s security boundary.

A penetration or pen test simulates a cyberattack on a targeted computer system to look for potential weaknesses. It attempts to enter frontend/backend servers, APIs, and other application systems to find security holes like unsanitised inputs vulnerable to code injection attacks.

Bug bounty hunters report bugs related to security exploits and vulnerabilities in return for recognition and compensation from the benefiting website, organisation, or software developer.

Current Scenario

The employment outlook of a particular profession may be impacted by diverse factors, such as the time of year, location, employment turnover, occupational growth, size of the occupation, and industry-specific trends and events that affect overall employment.

The rising popularity of automation and AI brings home the fact that organisations dependent on digital infrastructure need the security expertise of Ethical Hackers to thwart the increasing number of cyber threats and attacks on their data and systems.

In addition, Ethical Hunters, such as bug bounty hunters, are in demand in locations where organisations lacking the appropriate security talent can tap into a more extensive network of skills, experiences, and expertise without the additional headcount.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs. Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Ethical Hackers have more flexible work schedules and locations. They fully own the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, full-time Ethical Hackers have company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

India is home to a whopping 23% of hackers worldwide, most of whom are younger than 35; making money ranked fourth in their list of motivations, including learning, challenges, and fun.

The much-acclaimed digital revolution has a severe downside to its many excellent benefits - loss of privacy brought about by cybercrime. It’s indeed fortunate that Ethical Hackers who are passionate about cybersecurity and relish a challenge take on the heroic task of defeating digital data thieves at their malicious game.

“The Hacker Ethic instructs you to keep working until your hack tops previous efforts.”

Steven Levy (Hackers: Heroes of the Computer Revolution)