Want to become a white-hat hacker? Here’s what you need to know
Online security breaches, data theft, malware injections and denied access are some of the issues that are seeing a rise in the cyber world. Moreover, several outside organizations are using cybercriminals to get into their rival’s security system due to international conflicts. Due to all these factors, there is a continuous increase in cybercrimes. Hence, the need for white-hat hackers is increasing. In fact, the majority of organizations are seeking to employ individuals with ethical hacking skills. This is a perfect opportunity for you to take ethical hacking training to make a career in a promising field.
Know about ethical hacking
Ethical hackers, also known as white-hat hackers, invest their efforts in conducting the same procedures that cybercriminals do to find out the vulnerabilities of a system. Once they find the weakness of computer networks of respective organizations, they work on making a more secure structure for the system. Most white-hat hackers complete ethical hacking certification training to gain expertise in the field.
Academic qualification for becoming a white-hat hacker
The minimum academic qualification to become an ethical hacker is a computer science degree. Furthermore, you can also opt for an A+ certification where you will be clearing two separate exams. The exam tests the individual’s knowledge regarding the components of a personal computer and the skill to dismantle and rebuild a PC.
However, individuals who have experience of 500 hours of practical working with a computer can only appear for this test. After completing the certification, you can expect a pay scale of $44,000 annually. Moreover, to gain more experience in the field, you can opt for CCNA and Network+ qualifications. In the Network+ certification, you get to test your basic network knowledge, including installation, maintenance, management and troubleshooting.
Both of these certifications focus on basic level cyber expertise in individuals. You can find multiple ethical hacking training online courses to start your learning.
What areas you should focus on to build a strong foundation
Networking: Look for CCNA and Cisco courses to gain expertise in networking.
Programming: Focus on programming languages, especially Python, C++, and PHP.
Databases: Get in-and-out knowledge on how databases work. For it, you can work with MSSQL and MySQL.
Operating systems: Ensure you have expertise in operating over Linux, windows and as many operating systems as you can.
Professional skills to become an ethical hacker.
Understanding of system
You must have a deep understanding of file systems and firewalls. Here, you’ll need to have knowledge of the workings of file permissions.
Explicit base knowledge of computer science
You should be familiar with working on various workstations, servers and other aspects of computer science.
Expertise in coding
Undoubtedly, having strong coding skills has the utmost importance in the career space of ethical hacking. Also, concepts concerning manual and hands-on attack techniques should be clear.
Personal skills required to become an ethical hacker
Patience
To embark on a career as a white-hat hacker, patience is the key. To secure a high paying and on-demand job, you need to be patient and work on your skills. However, in the field of ethical hacking, it is possible to reach the goal early on with robust skills.
Analytical thinking
Maintaining good ethics alongside solid technical skills help you analyze the issue better. In fact, you can come up with creative problem-solving answers to cyber attacks when in need. As a white-hat hacker, you should be capable of understanding the motivation behind certain cybercrimes. Further, you should be capable of estimating how much effort and time an attacker will take to attack a particular target.
List of books that are worth reading while opting for a career as a white-hat hacker
- Finding and Exploiting Security Flaws: The Web Application Hacker’s Handbook
- Linux Basics for Hackers
- The Hackers Playbook part 2 and 3
- Google Hacking for Penetration Testers
- The second edition of Hacking: The Art of Exploitation
- Metasploit: The Penetration Tester’s Guide
- Penetration Testing: A Hands-On Introduction to Hacking
- CEH Certified Ethical Hacker All-in-One Exam Guide
Where do white-hat hackers work?
Multiple organizations (including the government) need white-hackers in their working environment. Further in the sectors of homeland security or the national defence department requires top-notch security for its computer networks.
Building contacts among the hacker community will help you open job vacancies. Furthermore, all types of organizations seek to protect their IT systems. Hence, by taking part in occasions like conventions and ethical hacking conferences, you can increase your chances of coming in the sight of recruiters.
Conclusion
Ethical hacking certification training is in high demand among youngsters due to a boost in the job searches relating to ethical hacking. Due to the digitization of every sector, cybercrimes are going to take place frequently. Hence organizations, as well as society, need individuals that can protect the cloud networks from such unfortunate incidents. Learn more updates on ethical hacking, cybercrimes, and other tech-related topics at the GLOBAL TECH COUNCIL.
