The word ‘hacker' originally defined a skilled programmer proficient in machine code and computer operating systems. Today, a 'hacker' is a person who consistently engages in hacking activities and has accepted hacking as a lifestyle and philosophy of choice. Hacking is the practice of modifying the features of a system to accomplish a goal outside of the creator's original purpose.
Before we understand how to become an ethical hacker, let us understand what ethical hacking is.
What is Ethical Hacking?
The term ‘hacking’ has very negative connotations, but that's only until the role of an ethical hacker is fully understood. Ethical hackers are the good guys of the hacking world, the ones who wear the "white hat." So, what does the role of an ethical hacker entail? Instead of using their advanced computer knowledge for nefarious activities, ethical hackers identify weaknesses in data computer security for businesses and organizations across the globe to protect them from hackers with less honest motives.
Role of an Ethical Hacker
Ethical hacking is a subset of cybersecurity that entails legally getting beyond a system's security measures to uncover potential dangers and data breaches on the network. Ethical hackers can work as independent contractors, as in-house security guards for a company's website or apps, or as simulated offensive cybersecurity specialists for a company. These career choices need an understanding of current attack techniques and tools, although the in-house ethical hacker may only need to be well-versed in a specific class of software or digital asset.
What is the Attraction of an Ethical Hacking Career?
If you’re a professional who appreciates the joys of the world of computers and relishes a challenge, then a career in ethical hacking can be an enticing prospect. You get the opportunity to use your skills to break into computer systems and get paid good money for doing so. Like many careers, getting started in the field is difficult, but if you put in the effort initially, you can shape a very lucrative career for yourself. Besides, ethical hackers are always on the right side of the law!
10 Steps to Become an Ethical Hacker
Step 1: Get Hands-on LINUX/UNIX
The open-source operating system— LINUX/UNIX, ensures better security for computer systems. As an ethical hacker, you should be well-versed with LINUX as it is one of the widely used operating systems for hacking. It provides ample tools for hackers. Some common Linux distributions include Red Hat Linux, Ubuntu, Kali Linux, BackTrack, and more. Among these, Kali Linux is the most popular Linux system specially customized for hacking.
Step 2: Opt for the Mother of all Programming Languages
One of the most primitive programming languages, C is also referred to as the mother of all programming languages. This programming language forms the base of learning UNIX/LINUX because this operating system is written completely in C. So, hackers must master C programming as it allows them to utilize the open-source operating system Linux how they desire.
Try to learn more than one programming language to get the upper hand. An ethical hacker with sound knowledge of two to three programming languages can dissect and analyze a piece of code. Some of the best programming languages for hackers are:
Python: Extensively used for exploit writing
JavaScript: Suitable for hacking web applications
PHP: Helps fight against malicious attackers
SQL: Best for hacking large databases
Step 3: Learn the Art of Being Anonymous
The most important step for ethical hacking is to learn how to be anonymous and hide your identity online so that no trace is left and no one can backtrace you. Often, an ethical hacker might not know who else is in the same network, and if a Black hat hacker figures out that there is someone else in the network, they might try to hack their system. Thus, anonymity is vital for ethical hackers as well. Using Anonsurf, Proxychains, and MacChanger are the three most promising ways to safeguard your identity.
Step 4: Get Well-versed in Networking Concepts
Knowing networking concepts and how they are created is vital for ethical hackers. Getting well-versed in various networks and protocols is beneficial in exploiting vulnerabilities. An ethical hacker with in-depth knowledge of networking tools such as Nmap, Wireshark, and others can survive the challenges in the field. Some important networking concepts are:
TCP/IP Network
Subnetting
Network Masks and CIDR
Simple Network Management Protocol
Server Message Block
Domain Name Service (DNS)
Address Resolution Protocol
Wireless Networks
Bluetooth Networks
SCADA Networks (Modbus)
Automobile Networks (CAN)
Step 5: Traverse the Hidden Web
The part of the Internet that remains hidden or is not visible to search engines is called the dark web. It requires special authorization or software for access. An anonymizing browser called Tor can provide access to the dark web. Although it is a hotbed of criminal activity, not everything is illegal on the dark web. It also has a legitimate side, and ethical hackers must learn about it and how it works.
Step 6: Add Secret Writing to your Skill Set
Cryptography or secret writing is an important asset for an ethical hacker. The art of encryption and decryption is a must in hacking. Encryption is used in several aspects of information security, such as authentication, data integrity, confidentiality, and more. Valuable information, such as passwords, is always encrypted on a network. A hacker must learn how to identify the encryption and break it.
Step 7: Delve Deeper into Hacking
Once you are thorough with the topics covered so far, dive deep into hacking concepts and learn topics like SQL injections, penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and more. Stay updated on the latest system security changes and the latest tools and ways for hacking and securing a system.
Step 8: Explore Vulnerabilities
Vulnerabilities are weaknesses or loopholes in the system. Learn to scan systems and networks for loopholes that can lead to a security breach. Ethical hackers can also try to write their vulnerabilities and exploit the system. Some vulnerability identification tools in the Kali Linux OS are as follows:
Nessus Vulnerability Scanner: Identifies vulnerabilities on web applications and multiple systems
OpenVAS Vulnerability Scanner: Identifies vulnerabilities on devices within a network
Nikto Vulnerability Scanner: Acknowledges vulnerabilities on web servers
Nmap Vulnerability Scanner: Identifies vulnerabilities across multiple targets
Wapiti Vulnerability Scanner: Identifies web application issues like XSS and SQLi
Step 9: Experiment and Practice to Ace Hacking
Practicing and experimenting are the keys to success in the field of hacking. Ethical hackers need to practice the concepts they learn in various environments and scenarios and test various attacks, tools, and more.
Step 10: Attend Discussions and Meet Expert Hackers
Join a community or forum to discuss hacking with other hackers worldwide, exchange knowledge, and collaborate. There are several communities on Discord, Facebook, Telegram, and other platforms.
What are the Stages of a Career in Ethical Hacking?
Patience is a skill you need to cultivate if you want to embark on a career as an ethical hacker. You can't expect to secure an exceptionally high-ranking job and earn a large salary right from the beginning, but there is immense potential to achieve both in a short span of time!
1. Starting Out
Many ethical hackers start by obtaining a computer science degree. You can also obtain a CompTIA Security+ (Plus) Certification - SY0-701 that tests an individual's knowledge in the cybersecurity domain.
To take the test for the qualification, you are expected to possess at least 500 hours of practical computing experience. You can expect to earn an average salary of $44,000 per year at this career level. However, before you can advance in your career, you need to gain experience and a Network+ or CCNA qualification. The Network+ certification validates foundation-level network knowledge, including management, maintenance, installation, and troubleshooting. The CCNA qualification ensures the same abilities and aims at foundation-level expertise.
2. Network Support
Once qualified, you can embark on the next career stage in network support. Here, you will undertake activities like monitoring and updating, installing security programs, and testing for weaknesses. You will gain experience in network security, and your aim should be to secure a position as a network engineer.
3. Network Engineer
After gaining experience working in network support, you can hope to earn in the $60,000-65,000 range! You will now be designing and planning networks instead of just supporting them. From now on, your journey towards becoming an ethical hacker should have you concentrate on the Security aspect. Now is the time when you need to be working towards obtaining a certification in security, such as Security+, CISSP, or TICSA, for example. The US Department of Defense approves the Security+ accreditation and includes the testing of such vital topics as access control, identity management, and cryptography.
CISSP is a globally recognized security qualification that attests to risk management, cloud computing, and application development knowledge. Testing for the TICSA qualification covers the same areas and is aimed at the same level of security understanding. Gaining this experience and the accreditation should be sufficient to help you secure a role in information security.
4. Working in Information Security
This is a major step on the ladder to becoming an ethical hacker as, for the first time, you are dealing with Information Security itself! The average salary for someone in this role is $69,000. An information security analyst examines the system and network security, deals with security breaches, and works toward putting security measures in place. For this role, you should concentrate on penetration testing to get hands-on experience with some of the tools of the trade.
At this point in your career, you should aim to get a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification from the International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants (the EC Council). The training you receive will take you through everything you need to know to become an efficient, ethical hacker. You will be completely immersed in a hands-on environment where you are taken through hacking into a network and identifying any security problems. Once you have gained this certification, you can start marketing yourself as a professional ethical hacker.
How to Become an Ethical Hacker With Zero Experience?
The best way to become an ethical hacker without computer science knowledge is to earn a degree. One can:
Obtain an IT security certification
Obtain an IT security certification, enroll in a four-year computer science school
Enroll in a two-year program that is especially concentrated on IT analysis and security.
What Tools Do Ethical Hackers Use?
Some of the most popular ethical hacking tools are listed below:
Nmap: A security scanner and network investigation tool. utilized to locate network hosts and services and spot security flaws.
Wireshark: A packet analyzer with applications in network analysis, software development, and other areas.
Metasploit: An instrument for checking the security of systems and identifying vulnerabilities.
Burp Suite: It is used to identify weaknesses in web applications.
A Debian-based Linux distribution with a large selection of security and penetration testing tools is called Kali Linux.
Difference Between an Ethical Hacker and a Penetration Tester
One technique to successfully breach a particular information system without doing any harm is penetration testing. Finding flaws and fixing them before criminals can exploit them remains the aim of ethical hacking. A security expert known as a penetration tester simulates an attack on a system to identify flaws. Although ethical hacking includes penetration testing, ethical hackers have a wider range of interests. While penetration testers are especially interested in network penetration, ethical hackers will do everything to get access to a system. For penetration testing, access is only needed to the systems used for pen testing. However, for ethical hacking, access is needed to a wide range of computer systems throughout an IT infrastructure.
What Can You Expect as an Ethical Hacker?
Once you have embarked on a role as an ethical hacker, you will put all your technical and security expertise into trying to breach the network security of the business or organization that has hired you. The business will require a detailed analysis of your findings and suggestions for improving its network security. This work protects them from the hacking activities of those with illegitimate and illegal motives. The average salary as an ethical hacker is $71,000, with bonus payments often amounting to $15,000 - $20,000.
