How To Start A Career In Ethical Hacking? [Updated 2024]

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How To Start A Career In Ethical Hacking? [Updated 2024]

What is Ethical Hacking?

Ethical hacking, sometimes referred to as white hat hacking or penetration testing, is the purposeful examination of computer systems, networks, or applications to find security flaws with approval from the owner.  The approaches and strategies used by ethical hackers are identical to those used by harmful hackers, but they have fundamentally different goals.  The main aim of ethical hacking is not to disrupt the target system or obtain illegal access but rather to evaluate and strengthen its security posture.

Role of an Ethical Hacker

In order to maintain the integrity and resiliency of computer systems, networks, and apps, ethical hacking is essential.  Businesses may dramatically improve their cybersecurity posture and safeguard important and sensitive details against illegal access, data breaches, and other cyber threats by actively finding flaws and resolving them before they get taken advantage of by unscrupulous actors.

What do Ethical Hackers do?

Ethical Hackers are the main center of attraction nowadays to many stakeholders within the market, whosoever is willing to take the value-added services of ethical hackers for their respective organizations regardless of their class, location, size, scope, genre, etc.

what do ethical hackers do

  • Vulnerability Assessment: This is the first step to tracking down all kinds of vulnerabilities within an IT infrastructure of an organization.
  • Penetration Testing: After checking all the vulnerabilities, an ethical hacker or the penetration tester scans for all the vulnerabilities present in the corresponding IT configuration.
  • Gather Intelligence: This is a very crucial step in gathering intelligence or useful information that would certainly assist in resolving many important concerns related to Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing.
  • Scan: After gathering thorough info, the ethical hacker goes for this useful scanning process that would help them in detecting multiple cybersecurity flaws and vulnerabilities.
  • Gain Access: Then the ethical hacking professional’s main task is to gain unauthorized access to the varied IT infrastructures on which the scanning was functioning with the mindset of a hacking professional.
  • Hide Tracks: In this phase, the ethical hacker goes to hide its tracks by which it has taken the necessary steps to hijack or compromise the datasets which were intended.
  • Analyze and Report: In this final step, ethical hackers do analyze the found vulnerabilities and the intensity of harm that they could provide to the corresponding IT settings in the first place and then record it in a documented manner to submit the final report to the managing authorities.

What is the Attraction of an Ethical Hacking Career?

There are several attractions to a career in ethical hacking mentioned below:

  • Challenging and Dynamic Work,
  • Making a Positive Impact,
  • High Demand and Lucrative Salaries,
  • Ethical and Legal Framework,
  • Continuous Learning and Skill Development,
  • Versatile Career Path,
  • Ethical Hacking Community, etc.

How To Start A Career In Ethical Hacking?

There can be numerous ways present nowadays that would certainly assist an interested person to start a career in ethical hacking.  Moreover, the mainstream methodologies are mentioned below:

  • Learning Ethical Hacking
  • Understanding Different Types of Hacking
  • Skillsets Required For a Career in Ethical Hacking
  • Learn Programming and Operating Systems
  • Knowledge of Network and Security
  • Join Training Programs and Get Certified

career in ethical hacking

Learning Ethical Hacking

The first step in entering any field is to educate yourself on the fundamental ideas involved.  In regards to ethical hacking, the same thing is also true.  By taking advantage of these systems’ and networks’ current vulnerabilities, ethical hacking is a strategy for protecting system and network security.  Ethical hackers improve system and network security by spotting flaws and fixing them with the proper defenses.

In addition, ethical hackers use exactly the same methods as those in the limelight to identify and fix system flaws.  Additionally, they only supply their services when a company has legitimately hired them to do so.

Understanding Different Types of Hacking

‘Hacking’ is a contentious phrase that is frequently used negatively.  However, hackers come in a variety of forms and perform a number of functions, from harmful to beneficial.  The following are the mainstream 3 types of hackers:

  • White Hat Hackers
  • Black Hat Hackers
  • Grey Hat Hackers

Both White Hat and Grey Hat hackers practice ethical hacking.  On the contrary, black hat hackers engage in malevolent activities and criminal hacking for illicit purposes.

In addition, Professionals will be better able to comprehend their limits as ethical hackers and the complicated legal landscape of being an ethical hacker if they are aware of the various sorts of hackers.  You might start by applying for the position of penetration tester if you are new to the field.  It entails locating weaknesses in a system or application to defend it against various cyber-attacks.  They alert the company about issues with their system.

Skillsets Required For a Career in Ethical Hacking

The path to becoming an ethical hacker is not predetermined in any manner.  A job description is created according to an organization’s needs, and candidates are assessed against it.  A career in ethical hacking can be started with a degree in computer science, information technology, or mathematics.

Additionally, you will require strong problem-solving abilities, the capacity to handle stress and creative thinking.  You must have a mindset of constant learning and evolution if you want to pursue a career in ethical hacking.  You would require a working understanding of programming languages like HTML, ASP, C/C++, Python, Java, and others on the technical front.

Soft skills like enthusiasm for the subject matter, effective communication abilities, adaptability, and creative thinking are also favorable traits for a qualified ethical hacker.

Learn Programming and Operating Systems

A profession in ethical hacking necessitates a solid understanding of programming languages due to the regular interaction with various systems.  Furthermore, you should be familiar with operating systems, including Windows, UNIX, LINUX, and IOS.

Ethical hackers can spot coding flaws or faults by having an in-depth knowledge of programming languages.  In addition, it will facilitate the implementation of security solutions that need coding and enable task automation in addition to other coding requirements.

You will be greatly assisted in your duty as an ethical hacker if you have a thorough understanding of the operating system functionalities and the corresponding commands.

Knowledge of Network and Security

A job in ethical hacking requires a solid knowledge of cybersecurity and computer network fundamentals.  A potential ethical hacker should have a solid foundation in both fundamental and advanced concepts of computer networking as well as data security.  Virtual private networks (VPNs), cryptography, firewalls, and other cyberattacks, including DoS (Denial of Service) attacks, are a few of these ideas.

With the goal of ethical hacking, there are a variety of publications, magazines, and online courses that you may access on the internet.  You will be able to master computer security topics with the aid of these materials.

Join Training Programs and Get Certified

Numerous educational opportunities and free ethical hacking courses are being offered in the industry for hopefuls due to the rise in demand for proficient ethical hackers.  Enroll in an educational program or boot camp to sharpen your abilities and get hands-on experience with ethical hacking.

Obtaining certification is crucial since it enhances the value and credibility of your professional profile as an ethical hacker.  You can get a job at large tech companies with the aid of a significant certification from an excellent institution, like Craw Security, the Best Ethical Hacking Training Institute in Singapore.  Anyone interested in a career in ethical hacking should check out Craw Security’s Ethical Hacking Course.

What Are the Stages of a Career in Ethical Hacking?

You must have patience if you wish to pursue a career in ethical hacking.  There is a lot of potential to accomplish both in a short amount of time, but you cannot expect to land a position with unusually high pay and title straight away!

Starting Out

Many ethical hackers begin their careers by earning a degree in computer science.  Another alternative is to acquire the Industry-Oriented Innovative Cyber Security Course from Craw Security, which calls you to pass a simple MCQ-based examination.  However, sometimes, a person has to undergo a proper subjective examination concerning varied questions.  These exams evaluate a candidate’s understanding of a Personal Computer’s distinguished cyber security practices and their aptitude for how to react during the time of a sudden cyber-attack.

You must have at least 500 hours of actual computing experience in order to sit for the qualifying test.  You can anticipate making an average salary of $44,000 per year at this stage of your career.  But in order to grow in your job, you must acquire experience and a Network+ or CCNA certification.  A foundational understanding of networks, including management, maintenance, installation, and troubleshooting, is validated by the Network+ certification.

Network Support

Once you’re qualified, you can move on to the network support phase of your profession.  You will perform tasks like tracking and revisions, setting up security software, and checking for vulnerabilities here.  Your goal should be to land a job as a network engineer as you develop experience in the discipline of network security.

Network Engineer

You may expect to make between $60,000 and $65,000 after acquiring working expertise in network support!  Instead of merely maintaining networks, you will now be creating and arranging them.  You ought to start concentrating on the security component as you progress toward being an ethical hacker.  You should start preparing for a security certification right away, like Security+, CISSP, or TICSA, for example.  The US Department of Defense has authorized the Security+ accreditation, which covers testing on important subjects like access control, identity management, and cryptography.

A security credential with international renown, the CISSP certifies expertise in risk management, cloud computing, and application development.  The TICSA qualifying test covers the same topics and is geared toward the same level of security knowledge.  You should be able to get work in information security with the assistance of your expertise and your qualification.

Working in Information Security

As you become acquainted with information security for the very first time, this is a big step toward turning into an ethical hacker!  The typical pay for this position is $69,000.  An information security analyst investigates network and system security, handles security lapses, and works to implement security solutions.  You should focus on penetration testing for this position in order to have practical expertise with some of the necessary tools.

How to Become an Ethical Hacker With Zero Experience?

If you don’t know anything about computers, the easiest approach to becoming an ethical hacker in order to start a decent career in ethical hacking is to get a degree.   In this regard, you can pursue the following steps:

  1. Obtain certification in IT security.
  2. Obtain certification in IT security and enroll in a 4-years computer science program.
  3. Enroll in a two-year program with a focus on IT security and analysis.

What Tools Do Ethical Hackers Use?

Several tools are there in the wild that can be used by ethical hackers to make the varied operations so easy.  Some of the professional ethical hacking tools are as follows:

Nmap A widely used host discovery, port scanning, and service enumeration network scanning tool.
Wireshark A network protocol analyzer records and examines network traffic so you may examine packets and find possible security holes.
Metasploit A robust structure for penetration testing that offers a variety of tools and exploits to test the security of systems.
Burp Suite An extensive online application testing tool that includes spidering, scanning for vulnerabilities, and intercepting and altering HTTP requests to assist in finding security problems in web applications.

Difference Between an Ethical Hacker and a Penetration Tester

Even though the phrases “ethical hacker” and “penetration tester” are frequently employed in the same breath, the two positions have a few subtle differences.  The breakdown of each role and its distinctions is as follows:

Ethical Hacker:

A person who has been given permission to find security holes and weaknesses in computer systems, networks, or applications is referred to as an ethical hacker, sometimes known as a white-hat hacker.  Researchers use actual hacking tactics to find vulnerabilities that malicious hackers might take advantage of.  An ethical hacker’s main goal is to evaluate a system’s security posture, make suggestions for improvement, and help mitigate any dangers.  To carry out security analyses and guarantee the integrity of the target system, they may employ a range of tools, techniques, and methodologies.

Penetration Tester:

A particular group of ethical hackers who concentrate solely on doing penetration testing is known as a pentester, sometimes known as a penetration tester.  Penetration testing entails intentionally attempting to use flaws in a system’s security to obtain access without authorization, elevate privileges, or retrieve sensitive data.  By trying to bypass security precautions and acquire further access to a system, penetration testers go above and beyond vulnerability assessments.  Their objective is to help enterprises tighten their security measures by identifying vulnerabilities and demonstrating their potential impact.

What Can You Expect as an Ethical Hacker?

As an ethical hacker, you can expect a range of responsibilities, opportunities, and potential outcomes.  However, it is important to note that the specific expectations and experiences can vary depending on factors such as the organization ethical hackers work for, the industry, the scope of assessments, and the maturity of the security program.

Furthermore, there are some aspects you can typically expect in an ethical hacking role, like the following:

  • Authorized Security Assessments,
  • Rules of Engagement,
  • Collaboration and Communication,
  • Exploitation and Reporting,
  • Continuous Learning,
  • Ethical and Legal Compliance,
  • Career Growth and Advancement, etc.

How to Gain Experience as an Ethical Hacker?

Gaining experience as an ethical hacker involves a combination of education, real-world experience, and ongoing growth.  The following actions can help you develop your expertise in this domain:

Education and Training Through formal schooling, online courses, or independent study, gain an elementary knowledge of computer networks, operating systems, programming languages, and cybersecurity concepts.
To prove your expertise and dedication to ethical hacking, strive for pertinent certifications like Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), or CompTIA PenTest+.
Build a Solid Foundation Gain an in-depth awareness of system architectures, databases, web technologies, and networking protocols.  Learn about typical weaknesses, attack methods, and security recommended practices.
Practice in Controlled Environments To imitate different systems and networks, establish a private lab environment using virtualization software for your own, like VirtualBox or VMware.
To practice finding and exploiting vulnerabilities, try out vulnerable virtual machines or purposefully insecure programs like OWASP’s WebGoat or Metasploitable.
Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) Competitions Participate in online CTF tournaments or hacking tasks that mimic real-world situations.  CTFs offer real-world, hands-on practice in resolving security-related conundrums, difficulties, and vulnerabilities.
Contribute to Open-Source Projects Participate in bug bounty programs or open-source security initiatives.  You can find vulnerabilities in practical apps by taking part in responsible disclosure programs and getting credit for your discoveries.
Engage in Bug Bounty Programs Join bug bounty networks like HackerOne or Bugcrowd, which match security researchers with companies paying for the discovery of flaws in their systems.  This can expose them to a variety of targets and provide them with real-world experience.
Seek Internships, Apprenticeships, or Entry-Level Positions Seek out possibilities to work as an apprentice, intern, or in entry-level jobs for businesses that place a high priority on cybersecurity.  This gives you the chance to learn by doing while being guided by qualified experts.
Continuous Learning and Professional Development Utilize ongoing education to stay current with security trends, methods, and resources.  Engage in relevant groups or forums, attend conferences, webinars, and workshops, and attend these events to network with other experts.
Build a Portfolio To demonstrate your abilities and real-world experience to prospective employers or clients, keep track of your experiences, projects, and accomplishments in a portfolio or GitHub repository.

Typical Ethical Hacking Assignments

For different businesses, ethical hackers have distinct duties, but the fundamental hacking tasks are mostly the same.

Threat Modeling

Threat modeling is the process of enhancing network security by identifying vulnerabilities and choosing defenses to thwart attacks or lessen their negative consequences on the system.

A bad incident that could compromise the assets of the business is a matter of concern.  However, it is one of the duties of an ethical hacker to present a thorough analysis of any potential malevolent attacks and probable outcomes.

The goal of threat modeling is to determine which regions need the most attention in order to maintain a system’s security.  This incremental method includes defining assets, developing a security profile for each application, identifying and prioritizing potential threats, and documenting negative actions and events in each situation.

Security Assessment

An enterprise’s security can be evaluated for information security or measured based on risk by an ethical hacker.  These routine drills assess security readiness, look for IT system weaknesses, and offer suggestions for mitigating future attack threats.

They assess the degree to which security-related policies are adhered to, and the result is a report that identifies flaws and makes appropriate recommendations.

Vulnerability Threat Assessment

VTAs are used to detect, measure, and rank a system’s vulnerabilities in relation to the threats that might take advantage of them.

Information technology, water supply, energy supply, transportation, and communication networks should all undergo vulnerability threat assessments.  The evaluations can be carried out on behalf of a variety of enterprises, from small firms to regional or global organizations.

Report Writing

Ethical writers must be able to swiftly gather data, pinpoint vulnerabilities, and connect threats in order to provide clear, concise, and professional reports.  These studies frequently serve as the catalyst for deciding how much to spend on security resources.

Basic Hacking Skills

High ethical standards that set you apart from black hat hackers are the most important criterion for being a successful ethical hacker.  Other crucial hacking abilities include the following:

Learn How to Program

Python is a good place for ethical hackers to start if they have no prior programming experience.  Python is simpler for novices and has excellent design and documentation.  It is strong and adaptable for big tasks.

Java users who want to improve their command of the programming language should first learn C and Lisp.  C++ is extremely closely connected to C, which is the foundational language of Unix.  Therefore, mastering one will make the other simpler.

Learn to Use and Run an Open-Source Unix

The first actions someone who is new might take to learn hacking abilities are:

  • Get a BSD-Unix or a copy of Linux.
  • Install it on a personal computer.
  • Run it

Though there are various other operating systems besides Unix, yet they are distributed in binary, and in a closed-source OS like Microsoft Windows, the code cannot be read or modified.  The finest operating system to learn ethical hacking on is Unix.

Learn How to Write HTML and Use the World Wide Web

Learn HTML, the markup language used on the Web.  Writing HTML is also helpful for non-programmers.  Start by creating a home page, then build upon it by including stuff that will attract and benefit other hackers.

To see the HTML and use it as an example, open the page source info in your browser.  Examine the code by going to Web Developer > Page Source in Firefox.

A basic word processing software program like Notepad or Simple Text can be used to create HTML.  To see your translation, store the documents as “FileName.HTML” and upload them to a browser.

Learn Functional English

English is a crucial working language on the Internet and in hacker culture.  To be successful in the hacker community, ethical hackers need to be fluent in English.

ethical hacking process

FAQs

About How To Start A Career In Ethical Hacking?

1: Is ethical hacker a good career?

Yes, ethical hacking is certainly a good career to start.  However, in order to start a career in ethical hacking, there could be so many ways.  You can adopt any particular methodology or pathway to become a successful ethical hacking professional.

In this regard, Craw Security will help you in so many ways.

2: Is ethical hacking a hard career?

Certainly, ethical hacking is a pretty hard career to choose as it possesses many primetime fundamentals to learn and memorize that you have to do in your day-to-day official chores, such as the following:

  • Python Programming Language
  • Networking Skills
  • Linux Operating System Fundamentals, etc.

3: What is the salary of a ethical hacker?

In Singapore, the salary range for entry-level ethical hackers typically starts around SGD 45,000 to SGD 60,000 per year for entry-level positions.  As professionals gain more experience and expertise, their salaries can increase significantly.

4: Are ethical hackers in high demand?

Yes, due to the sudden surge in cyber attacks on almost every third organization in the world, ethical hackers are nicely in heavy demand that needs to be fulfilled by high-profile certified, skilled, and motivated ethical hackers.

5: Does ethical hacking have a future?

Yes, ethical hacking has a decent future in the upcoming era starting from the present conditions, where a number of IT infrastructures of varied organizations are witnessing several cyber attacks considering the security flaws present in the shapes of programming glitches.

Eligible persons who wish to start a decent career in ethical hacking can opt for the world-class Ethical Hacking Course in Singapore by Craw Security, the best ethical hacking training institute in Singapore.

6: Is ethical hacking in high demand?

Yes, ethical hacking is sincerely in high demand due to the up rise in the number of cyber attacks on diverse IT infrastructures of varied organizations throughout the world.

7: How much money do ethical hackers make?

The income of ethical hackers in Singapore might vary depending on a number of variables, including their level of knowledge, experience, abilities, and certifications.  Nevertheless, to the strong need for cybersecurity experts, ethical hackers, additionally referred to as penetration testers or security analysts, typically earn good incomes.

The typical yearly income of an ethical hacker in Singapore might range from SGD 60,000 to SGD 120,000 or more, subject to a person’s qualifications and expertise, in accordance with salary data from different sources and employment portals.  It’s crucial to remember that these numbers are approximations and may change.

8: Is ethical hacking in high demand?

Yes, there is a big demand for ethical hackers, and the sector is expanding quickly.  Doubts about weaknesses in cybersecurity and the possibility of malicious attacks have grown as a society depends more and more on technology, networked systems, and digital infrastructure.  Businesses from a variety of industries understand how crucial it is to take preventative security steps in order to safeguard their sensitive data, networks, and systems.

9: Which degree is best for hacking?

Following are some degrees and areas of study that are often relevant and beneficial for a career in hacking or cybersecurity:

  • Computer Science,
  • Cybersecurity,
  • Information Technology/Information Systems,
  • Mathematics,
  • Networking,
  • Ethical Hacking/Cybersecurity Certifications, etc.

10: What qualifications do I need to be a hacker?

There are a number of educational requirements and talents that can considerably advance your career if you decide to become a hacker, especially an ethical hacker or a cybersecurity expert.  Although there are no exact requirements or required skills to become a hacker, the following skills are frequently sought after and can support your foundation:

  • Education,
  • Certifications,
  • Hands-on Skills,
  • Ethical Framework,
  • Continuous Learning,
  • Practical Experience, etc.

11: Is ethical hacking future proof?

Cybersecurity in general, as well as ethical hacking, is thought to have a bright future and is anticipated to remain in high demand.  The following are some justifications for why ethical hacking is future-proof:

  • Increasing Cybersecurity Concerns,
  • Evolving Threat Landscape,
  • Regulatory Compliance,
  • Skills Gap in Cybersecurity,
  • Digital Transformation,
  • Career Growth and Opportunities, etc.

12: Do you need a degree to be a hacker?

No, particularly, a degree is not a requirement to become a hacker.  Practical knowledge, practical experience, and ongoing learning are valued in the field of hacking.  Although it is not a required requirement, having a degree in a relevant field can give you a strong educational background and may be helpful.

13: Is ethical hacking stressful?

Like any other profession in the cybersecurity industry, ethical hacking can be stressful at times.  The level of difficulty of the assignments at hand, the subject matter of the work, project deadlines, customer requirements, and other variables can all affect how stressed out a person feels.

Moreover, below mentioned are some key points that should be considered that can contribute to the stress levels in ethical hacking:

  • High Responsibility,
  • Continuous Learning,
  • Time Constraints,
  • Complexity of Tasks,
  • Legal and Ethical Considerations, etc.

14: Which age is best for ethical hacking?

No certain age is thought to be “best” for starting a career in ethical hacking.  Age is not a factor in the realm of ethical hacking; instead, knowledge, experience, and abilities are valued.  Age doesn’t matter when it comes to ethical hacking; success is defined by traits like commitment, passion, ongoing education, and practical experience.

Hence, you can start the ethical hacking course by Craw Security at any particular age when you deem it suitable for you.  However, it is always deemed fit to start a career in ethical hacking in the early times.

15: Does ethical hacking require coding?

Yes, coding knowledge is both highly advantageous and frequently required for a job in ethical hacking.  For ethical hackers to properly evaluate, find, and attack flaws in software, systems, and networks, they must have a thorough grasp of programming ideas and languages.

16: What are the 5 types of ethical hacking?

The 5 types of ethical hacking are as follows:

  • Network Penetration Testing,
  • Web Application Testing,
  • Wireless Network Assessment,
  • Social Engineering,
  • Physical Security Testing. etc.

Wrapping Up

In the bottom line, we have tried to implement every strategy to furnish you with details regarding the highlighted process of how to start a career in ethical hacking by attaining a world-class ethical hacking course in Singapore by Craw Security, the best cybersecurity training institute in Singapore.  To gather more info in the same genre, give us a call at +65-93515400 and have in-depth communication with the education counselors team as soon as possible.

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