A Complete Guide on How To Become an Ethical Hacker

Have you ever thought of using your technical skills to fight cybercrime and help protect organizations from digital threats? Nowadays, cybersecurity is more important than ever, and ethical hacking plays a crucial role in defending against cyberattacks.

According to the reports by MarketsandMarkets, the size of the global cybersecurity market is projected to grow from USD 190.4 billion in 2023 to USD 298.5 billion by 2028, with a CAGR of 9.4% during the forecast period.

Ethical hackers, also known as white hat hackers, use their skills to identify and fix vulnerabilities in systems before malicious hackers can exploit them. But how do you become an ethical hacker, and what does it take to build a successful career in this field?

1. What is Ethical Hacking?

Ethical hacking, also known as penetration testing or white-hat hacking, involves bypassing system security to identify potential data breaches and network vulnerabilities. Ethical hackers use their technical skills to improve the security posture of organizations by finding and fixing weak spots before malicious hackers, or black-hat hackers, can exploit them.

Ethical hackers operate with permission from the organizations they test. These experts ensure their actions are legal and constructive. While black hats exploit vulnerabilities for malicious purposes, ethical hackers work diligently to protect sensitive information. Ethical hackers are often certified professionals trained to think like hackers but with a focus on strengthening security measures.

Top Reasons Why Ethical Hacking is a Critical Field in Cybersecurity

Ethical hacking is a critical field in cybersecurity for several reasons:

1. Proactive Defense:

It identifies vulnerabilities before malicious hackers can exploit them.

2. Regulatory Compliance:

Organizations often need to meet security standards and regulations.

3. Threat Mitigation:

Ethical hackers help prevent data breaches, protecting sensitive information.

4. Trust Building:

Businesses enhance customer trust by demonstrating robust security practices.

5. Cost Efficiency:

Identifying and addressing vulnerabilities early can save significant costs associated with breaches.

6. Rapidly Evolving Threats:

As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, ethical hackers are essential in adapting defenses.

Why Ethical Hacking is a Legitimate Career Path?

As per the survey in IBM’s Cost of Data breach report 2023, the global average cost of a data breach reached $4.45 million USD, marking a 15% increase over the past three years. As cybercrime increases daily, the need for ethical hacking and the demand for professional, ethical hackers are also rising, making ethical hacking an essential legal career option.

The demand for ethical hackers is skyrocketing as organizations worldwide face increasing cybersecurity threats. Ethical hacking is a legitimate and growing profession essential to maintaining digital security.

Key Skills Needed to Become an Ethical Hacker

Do you want to become an ethical hacker or learn how to become a certified ethical hacker? If yes, then before stepping into this world of hacking, you must be aware of the skills required to succeed in this unique field of technology.

Becoming a professional ethical hacker is more challenging than it seems. However, joining professional training courses can help you gain the skills and knowledge required to succeed as a professional ethical hacker. In professional courses, skills for ethical hackers cover both technical and soft skills.

Soft Skills:

Soft skills cover communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking, which are must-haves for an ethical hacker. Ethical hackers need to think like malicious hackers to predict potential threats while communicating complex findings and solutions smartly.

• Problem Solving: Ability to think critically and find solutions to complex problems.
• Communication: Clearly explaining findings to non-technical stakeholders.
• Attention to Detail: Careful observation to identify vulnerabilities.

Core Technical Skills:

Ethical hackers need to understand computer networks, protocols, and services deeply. Along with this, a solid understanding of programming languages is crucial. These languages allow them to develop scripts to identify vulnerabilities and automate tasks. These experts also use various tools to test systems for weaknesses.

Programming languages:

• Python: Is widely used for scripting and automation.
• C++: Important for understanding low-level programming and vulnerabilities.
• Java: Useful for web application testing.

Security Tools:

• Nmap: For network scanning
• Wireshark: For analyzing network traffic
• Metasploit: For penetration testing and exploiting vulnerabilities.

Developing these soft and core technical skills will help you excel in the field of ethical hacking.

4. Ethical Hacking Certification: Your Path to Success

Getting your Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification is a crucial step for anyone looking to build a career in cybersecurity. If you are wondering, is a Certified Ethical Hacker worth it? The answer is yes, as it significantly enhances your skills and career prospects. At CCI Training Center, we offer courses designed to help you succeed in the Ethical Hacking Certification process.

Our program covers everything you need to pass the CEH exam, including hands-on labs that simulate real-world hacking scenarios. You will learn the five phases of ethical hacking: Reconnaissance, Gaining Access, Enumeration, Maintaining Access, and Covering One’s Tracks. You will also gain skills in areas like web application hacking and system hacking, as well as using tools like Metasploit and Wireshark.

Our course prepares you for the EC-Council CEH certification, giving you a strong foundation in IT security. For details on the program, eligibility, and exam costs, visit our CEH certification page.

5. Ethical Hacking Course Overview

An ethical hacking course is designed to equip learners with the skills and knowledge they need to identify vulnerabilities and protect networks. While the exact content of the course may vary, the course generally covers the following topics:

• Web server hacking
• Web applications
• Enumeration
• System hacking, and much more.

The labs also equip attendees with hackers’ tools and techniques to break into an organization.

6. Career Opportunities for Certified Ethical Hackers

Earning your CEH (Certified Ethical Hackers) certification opens up numerous opportunities for you in cybersecurity. With training and hands-on labs, you will gain the skills needed to succeed in these high-demand roles:

• Security analyst
• Penetration tester
• Network security administrator

Many industries, including finance, healthcare, government, and tech, are hiring ethical hackers to safeguard their data. How much does an ethical hacker earn? Salary for these experts typically ranges from $80,000 to $1,20,000 annually, depending on experience and location.

For more information, check out our certification course.

7. Common Misconceptions About Ethical Hacking

For many people, ethical hacking is new, but it is also a field that is avoided due to various misconceptions surrounding it. Some common misconceptions that prevent people from pursuing this career are mentioned below:

1. It is illegal

This is false, ethical hackers operate within legal boundaries. These experts need to get permission before testing a system.

2. It is only for those with advanced technical skills

While technical skills are important, many skills can be learned through joining professional courses and practice.

3. Ethical hackers are former criminals

Sometimes, black hat hackers transition to ethical hacking; most ethical hackers come from formal education and cybersecurity backgrounds.

4. Ethical hackers don’t need formal qualifications

Certifications like CEH are essential for building a successful career in this field and advancing in it.

Conclusion

A career in ethical hacking offers exciting opportunities and challenges to make an effective impact in the fight against cybercrime. With the high demand for these professionals, now is the right time to become an ethical hacker and improve your skills in the field by joining professional courses and getting the certification for the same.

FAQ’s

1. How long does it take to become an ethical hacker?

The time varies depending on the course or certification you choose. On average, it can take six months to two years to become an expert in ethical hacking.

2. Is ethical hacking legal?

Yes, it is legal as long as it is performed with permission and as per the ethical guidelines.

3. What are the main ethical hacking tools?

Some popular tools include Wireshark, Metasploit, Nmap, and Burp Suite.

4. Do ethical hackers need a degree?

While a degree in cybersecurity or computer science is helpful, you can also join the field through courses and certification.