How to Become an Ethical Hacker
Ethical hacking is the perfect career choice for those interested in problem solving, communication and IT security. Here’s what it takes to become a white hat hacker.
An essential guide to becoming an ethical hacker
I receive lots of emails asking for guidance on how to become an ethical hacker. Most requests are on how to become a black hat hacker which are usually ignored. Let’s take a look at the definition of an ethical hacker.
Ethical hacker
An ethical hacker is a person who hacks into a computer network in order to test or evaluate its security, rather than with malicious or criminal intent.
So, if you wish to become an ethical hacker, there aren’t any easy methods to become one. It is easy to script a kiddie and load up Armitage or Fast-track and fire every exploit known to man at a target. But there is no use at firing Linux exploits at a Windows box.
image : ssdntech
Prerequisite Knowledge Required
In order to enter into the IT security field as a white hat, you should be well versed in the following areas
- Networking
- Programming
- Databases
- Operating systems (Linux and Windows)
If you are sure that you have good knowledge in the above-said areas, then you can start learning about hacking. When you have knowledge about the fundamentals of IT, you can learn how to break some of the underlying vulnerabilities within computer architecture.
The below-mentioned activities can help you in this
Stay Legal!
It’s important never to engage in “black hat” hacking–that is, intruding or attacking anyone’s network without their full permission. Engaging in illegal activities, even if it doesn’t lead to a conviction, will likely kill your ethical hacking career. Many of the available jobs are with government-related organizations and require security clearances and polygraph testing
What areas to concentrate on in order to build a foundation
Networking — Cisco courses are really good. There are many CCNA courses available.
Programming — Learn languages like C++, Python/Ruby, and PHP.
Databases — Work with MySQL and MSSQL and make your own database to know how it works.
Operating systems — Most types of Linux are similar to one another, I use Debian on a lot of servers and Kali. Additionally, it is worth understanding the more obscure areas of Windows such as the registry.
Learn UNIX/LINUX
Almost all the best-operating systems for hacking is based on Linux kernel, so favorite operating systems of hackers are always Linux. UNIX/LINUX is an open-source operating system that provides better security to computer systems. It was first developed by AT&T in Bell labs and contributed a lot in the world of security. You should install LINUX freely available open-source versions on your desktops as without learning UNIX/LINUX, it is not possible to become a hacker.
Kali Linux
Parrot Security OS
Linux distro for hacking purposes
- Kali Linux
- Parrot Security OS
- BackBox
- BlackArch Linux
- Fedora Security Spin
- Caine
- Read books about hacking
Learn Cryptography
To become a successful hacker you need to master the art of cryptography. Encryption and Decryption are important skills in hacking. Encryption is widely done in several aspects of information system security in authentication, confidentiality, and integrity of data. Information on a network is in an encrypted form such as passwords. While hacking a system, these encrypted codes need to be broken, which is called decryption.
Some of the books worth reading are
- Linux Basics for Hackers
- The Hackers Playbook 2 & 3
- The Web Application Hacker’s Handbook: Finding and Exploiting Security Flaws
- Hacking: The Art of Exploitation, 2nd Edition
- Penetration Testing: A Hands-On Introduction to Hacking
- Metasploit: The Penetration Tester’s Guide
- CEH Certified Ethical Hacker All-in-One Exam Guide
- Google Hacking for Penetration Testers
Undertake FREE Ethical hacking courses
It is good if you take some free ethical hacking courses even though it won’t give you any industry-recognized qualification. But they are sure to teach you a lot about the various areas of ethical hacking that will make way to recognized qualifications.
You can register for a free Cybrary account to do a free ethical hacking course at Cybrary
Know about Latest Hardware Tools
A skilled hacker always keeps a wide variety of tools so he can complete any task. Here you will find all the hardware tools you will need to get the job done.
Undertake recognized online courses
All these courses are paid ones and industry-recognized which will help you to find a job in the IT security sector.
- CEH — (Certified Ethical Hacker)
- CHFI — (Computer Hacking and Forensic investigator)
- OSCP — (Offensive Security Certified Professional)
- OSCE — (Offensive Security CertifiedCertified Expert)
- OSWP — (Offensive SecurityWireless Professional)
- CISM — (Certified Information Security Manager)
- CISSP — (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
- CompTIA Security+
Communicate and follow other fellow IT security enthusiasts through the following mediums
- Facebook (Cybersafe News, The Hacking News, & Other Security Pages )
- Instagram (Cybersafe News)
- Linkedin (Cybersafe News & CyberSecurity Hub)
- Google+
Read Hacking and Cyber Security News Channel
- Cyber Safe News
- The Hacker News
Self-learn by watching online tutorials
- Youtube.com
- Securitytube.net
- pentesteracademy.com
- Hackeracademy.com
- Udemy.com
Attend Local and International Hacking Conference
Like other IT areas, hacking has conventions and conferences dedicated to it, such as DefCon, one of the oldest and largest of these. Such gatherings can be a great place to meet and network with peers and employers, and to discover more about hacking. DefCon also has affiliated local groups in select areas. Follow Instagram @cybersafe.news for upcoming event info.
Download practice environments to practice and refine newly learned skills
- Burb Suite
- Ettercap
- Wireshark
- DVWA (Dam Vulnerable Web Application)
- Metasploitable2
- Samurai WTF
- Linux Security Distro Tools
What does a hacker earn?
Hackers can command a high salary for the work they do. The median yearly pay for information security analysts, which includes ethical hackers and penetration testers, was $90,00 in 2019. The top ten percent of earners in this field made more than $130,000
What are the job prospects?
The amount of money spent worldwide for IT security can be measured in the tens of billions of dollars and has increased significantly over the past few years. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that information security analysts, which includes ethical hackers, can expect to see jobs increase by 28% from 2016 to 2026. This is four times the national average job growth rate for the same time period, which is 7%
What are the long term career prospects for hackers?
With experience, ethical hackers can advance into senior positions in their company, land more lucrative jobs with other companies, or start their own consulting services.
How can I find a job as a hacker?
Hackers can find work with many different kinds of organizations, including the government. Working for the government with groups like the Departments of Defense or Homeland Security typically requires earning a security clearance, which involves passing an extensive background check.
Making contacts within the hacker community can help you find job opportunities. Hackers are heavily recruited by all types of organizations looking to secure their IT systems, and participating in events like hacking conferences and conventions can put you in contact with colleagues and recruiters.
Updated: 05 August 2020