Who is an Ethical Hacker?
An ethical hacker is a security professional who breaks into a computer system legally. In other words, an ethical hacker is someone who hacks other computers and technological devices maintaining the guidelines of the government.
An ethical hacker protects the computer from suspicious or malicious vulnerabilities and also from illegal hackers.
What do Ethical hackers do?
Finds and exploit vulnerabilities in any computer system
Uses the skills of hacking in a lawful manner
Uses port scanning tools to scan a computer system
Examine patch installations and their security
May employ social engineering techniques to gain crucial information
Work Environment
Business organizations appointment them to prevent data theft and fraud
They work in cybersecurity cell of the government and the military
They also work in IT sectors and other industries
Knowledge Required
Knowledge of computer science and social engineering
Knowledge of cyber laws and security
Knowledge of databases and web applications
Knowledge of English language
Knowledge of computer languages like Python
Knowledge of mathematics and statistics
Knowledge of computer programming and networking
Skills Required
Get into a programmer’s role and gain knowledge about programming and computer networking skills
Gain work experience as a System Administrator or Network Engineer
Reading books about viruses, malware detection, SQL injection, etc
Hijacking and DNS spoofing
Exploiting vulnerabilities
Technological Skills
Knowledge of code generators and compilers
Invade Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)
Hijacking web servers and web applications
Using tools like NMAP and Nessus
Knowledge of wireless encryption
Abilities
Oral Comprehension: Ability to listen and understand verbal information
Written Comprehension: Ability to understand written information materials
Near vision: Ability to identify details in the information
Processing information: Obtaining, compiling and categorizing information and apply the same
Personality
Patience and Persistence: Working for long hours to break into any system
Thinking differently: They think out-of-the-box and experiment tirelessly
Trustworthy: They handle confidential data and for that, they must be completely trustworthy
Educational Qualification
A Bachelor’s degree in Ethical Hacking or Computer Science
Certifications like Network+ or CCNA
Certified Ethical Hacker (CAH) certification
Job Outlook
New job opportunities are available in the field of ethical hacking. The average salary of an ethical hacker in India is Rs. 3.5 lakhs per annum.
The salary of Chief Information Security Officers (CISO) ranges from Rs 10 lakh a year to Rs 20 lakhs. The average salary is 23.7 lakhs per annum.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the entire process of becoming an ethical hacker?
Learn the basics of Python programming, PowerShell scripting
Obtain a degree in Ethical Hacking or Computer Science
Obtain a course of Security+ from EC council
Work as a computer programmer
Obtain CEH certification
2. How do I get hired by the government?
The government hires ethical hackers as cybersecurity officers, police, etc. To get hired by the government, the following certifications like CEH, CISSP, compTIA+ security, etc. are needed.
3. What are the top colleges to study ethical hacking?
DOEACC in Calicut
The University of Madras in Pune
SRM University
Kalasalingam University
Indian School of Ethical Hacking in Kolkata
AEM Kolkata