How to Become an Ethical Hacker in 2024

Protecting your data from unauthorized access is very important and people want to steal your information through the internet. The field of cybersecurity and the use of the internet is increasing day by day. Securing yourself is the first thing you should do. You have to become aware of those attacks and to be secure, You have to know about Ethical Hacker.

This article will give you the significance of ethical hacking and how to save you from hackers, who want to steal data or harm your machine. This article additionally gives you ideas for becoming an ethical hacker.

An ethical hacker is a person who scans vulnerabilities, does penetration testing and finds any exploits in a system. He does testing and can work with government or private organizations to secure their network/System. They make sure that the network is secure and if anyone attacks the system. He will restore or recover the system from unauthorized users. He prevents the users from accessing the system without the permission of an authorized person in the organization.

Understanding Different Types of Cyber Attacks

Hacking is something to gain access to the victim’s system/computer/network. It is illegal to do and every country has its laws according to them. You will be punished according to the laws if you are performing such types of attacks. There are many hacking techniques used by a hacker to attack the victim from outside the network. There are many types of hacking attacks in the world, some of them are listed below:

• Phishing: These attacks are mostly used by hackers to gain access to the victim. They send Emails or SMS with a link that can redirect the user to the malicious side and the hacker gets access from that site.

• Virus: It is the virus used to exploit the system, some of which are for gaining access, etc.

• Trojan Horse: These are the code files to fill the victim’s PC and gain access. These stay to in the software to remove viruses, but they do a malicious activity.

• DoS: Denial-of-service attacks are performed by the user to deny to any service crashing the server down and not responding until it is restarted by the owner.

• Malware: Hacker uses harmful software such as spyware, viruses, ransomware, and worms known as malware to access your system’s data.

For more detail about these attacks checkout “Types of Cyber Attacks“

You should have good knowledge of hacking and cybersecurity to become an ethical hacker. The person should have these skills, which will help you to master in cybersecurity field. Skills are divided into two parts Soft Skills, and Hard Skills. These skills are given below:

Hard Skills:

• Understanding the Basics of Networking and Programming: Proficiency in programming languages like Python, C++, C, or Java is important for executing hacking strategies. Additionally, clear information on networking ideas which include TCP/IP, DNS, routing, and subnetting is crucial for identifying vulnerabilities in networks.

• Certifications: Obtaining relevant certifications like Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), or CompTIA Security etc. validates technical abilities and enhances credibility in the cybersecurity enterprise.

Knowledge of Essential Tools and Technologies

• Nmap: With the assistance of this program, you can search the network for host and service information.
• Metasploit: It is a multi-tool package that can be used to check for security weaknesses in the locks on a computer’s windows and doors.
• Nessus: It scans the network and looks for anything that might make the system sick (or vulnerable to attack).
• Kismet: This tool is used to see Wi-Fi signals. It helps you find and keep an eye on wireless networks around you.
• Invicti: It closely examines websites to find any weak spots that could let hackers in.

Soft Skills:

• Ethical Mindset: Ethical hacking requires a strong ethical compass and a commitment to legality, integrity, and moral conduct. Prioritizing ethical conduct ensures that hacking sports are carried out responsibly and with an appreciation for privacy and prison boundaries.

• Seeking Opportunities: Actively seeking internships, entry-stage positions, or freelance possibilities demonstrates initiative and a willingness to advantage practical revel in professional cybersecurity. Networking with professionals and attending professional events are essential for coming across activity opportunities and building connections within the enterprise.

• Continual Learning: Cybersecurity is a hastily evolving area, so a mindset of persistent studying is crucial for staying updated with the latest tendencies, technology, and threats. Engaging in self-directed mastering, attending schooling guides, and collaborating in online communities help in increasing know-how and honing abilities.

For Detailed Information About Skills, Check Out “Skills Required to Become a Ethical Hacker“

There are some steps, you should follow to become an ethical hacker. It requires a willingness to learn and dedication. You should follow these steps to become an ethical hacker. Here are the steps to becoming an ethical hacker:

1. Educational Background

Having a strong foundation in PC technological know-how or records technology is vital for aspiring moral hackers. This consists of know-how middle principles together with algorithms, facts systems, and computer architecture. A degree in computer science technology, records era, or a related field can offer important theoretical knowledge to build upon.

Few educational backgrounds an ethical hacker should have:

• BTech in Computer Science
• BTech in Information Technology
• MTech in Computer Science
• MTech in Information Technology

2. Understanding the Basics of Networking and Programming

Proficiency in programming languages which includes Python, C, C++, or Java is essential for moral hackers as discussed in Hard Skills. These languages serve numerous functions in cybersecurity, together with scripting, automation, and the development of custom safety gear. For example, Python is broadly used for its simplicity and versatility in writing scripts to automate tasks or create custom hacking tools tailored to particular wishes. Similarly, languages like C and C++ are precious for growing low-level gadget software programs or exploiting vulnerabilities at a deeper level.

In addition to programming capabilities, clean expertise of networking standards is crucial for ethical hackers. Concepts that include TCP/IP, DNS, routing, and subnetting form the spine of pc networks. Understanding how facts move each across networks, how devices communicate with every other, and how community protocols function is important for figuring out potential vulnerabilities and exploiting them effectively.

By studying networking basics, moral hackers can analyze community traffic, become aware of security weaknesses, and verify the overall safety posture of a machine or community. This understanding enables them to apprehend attack vectors, count on potential threats, and implement powerful protective measures to protect against cyber threats successfully. Ultimately, a sturdy foundation in both programming and networking is crucial for ethical hackers to navigate the complexities of cybersecurity and mitigate dangers efficaciously.

3. Understand Cybersecurity

Explore the world of cybersecurity with the aid of exploring various aspects inclusive of one-of-a-kind styles of hacking (e.g., social engineering, malware, phishing), safety protocols, and common vulnerabilities. Understanding the strategies and techniques utilized by attackers allows moral hackers to count on and guard against capability threats effectively.

Check Out: Cyber Security Tutorial

4. Get Certified

Obtaining relevant certifications no longer only validates your skills but also enhances your credibility and marketability in the cybersecurity organization.

There are many certifications available you can do which can help you become an ethical hacker.

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional: CISSP is a globally identified certification that validates information in designing, enforcing, and managing cybersecurity packages.
• Certified Information Security Manager: It makes a specialty of regions inclusive of statistics threat management, governance, incident control, and program development and management.
• Certified Ethical Hacker: CEH certification demonstrates skill ability in identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities in structures and networks for protective purposes.
• Certified Information Systems Auditor: CISA certification is for experts chargeable for auditing, controlling, monitoring, and assessing an organization’s facts technology, and enterprise structures.
• Certified Cloud Security Professional: CCSP is targeted at people worried about securing cloud environments.
• Offensive Security Certified Professional: OSCP is an arms-on certification centered on penetration trying out and offensive protection techniques.
• Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional: CSSLP is for experts involved in the software program development lifecycle.
• Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control: It covers domains consisting of risk identity, assessment, reaction, and monitoring, as well as governance and threat control frameworks.
• Cisco Certified Network Associate: CCNA certification validates know-how and abilities in networking fundamentals, routing and switching, community access, IP offerings, protection basics, and automation and programmability.
• CompTIA Security : CompTIA Security is an access-degree certification that covers vital cybersecurity standards, such as threats, vulnerabilities, cryptography, identification management, right of entry to management, and protection operations.

These certifications display your skill ability in moral hacking methodologies, systems, and wonderful practices, making you a valuable asset to employers.

5. Get Practical Experience and Seek Opportunities

Gain realistic experience by means of searching for internships, entry-degree positions, or freelance possibilities in cybersecurity companies, IT departments, or consulting companies. These opportunities provide hands-on revel in international scenarios, allowing you to apply your know-how and abilities in a professional setting. Networking with professionals inside the industry and attending professional fairs or cybersecurity events can also assist you in discovering capability job possibilities and constructing connections.

6. Stay Updated

It is necessary to to updated with new threats, vulnerabilities, and technology rising. It is important for you to stay updated with the tools and techniques used in cybersecurity. You can stay updated with the resource of actively reading cybersecurity blogs and attending employer conferences/seminars.

7. Ethical Mindset

Ethical hacking is rooted in the use of your talents for the extra proper and upholding ideas of legality, integrity, and moral behavior. Always prioritize moral conduct and appreciate the limits of authorized checking out whilst undertaking safety exams. Remember that ethical hackers play a critical function in enhancing cybersecurity defenses. They are also responsible for protecting sensitive facts from malicious threats.

9. Continual Learning,

Cybersecurity is a quick-paced and ever-evolving subject, so it’s vital to adopt a mindset of persistent mastering and talent improvement. Stay up to date with the contemporary tendencies, technology, and threats in cybersecurity with the aid of reading industry publications, attending schooling courses, participating in webinars or workshops, and tasty with online communities. Embrace new demanding situations, discover exceptional regions of cybersecurity, and pursue similar training or certifications to live in advance inside the subject. By usually expanding your information and honing your skills, you may remain aggressive and powerful in your role as a moral hacker.

10. Join Communities

Connect with like-minded individuals and experts in the cybersecurity community by becoming a member of online boards, discussion companies, or social media communities. Engage in discussions, percentage insights, and searching for advice from skilled practitioners to increase your understanding and network. Collaborating with friends allows you to change thoughts, learn from others’ reports, and live knowledgeable about the present-day tendencies in the field.

An ethical hacker’s pay may differ according to their level of experience, place of employment, and recruiting company. An ethical hacker’s starting wage in 2024 can be anywhere from ₹6-8 LPA and for more experienced workers, earnings can reach in crores or higher.

Must Read:

• HackerGPT: A Powerful AI Tool for Ethical Hackers and the Cybersecurity Community
• Top 10 Ethical Hacking Tools in 2024
• Cybersecurity vs Software Engineering: What’s the Difference?

In conclusion, data security is paramount in today’s digital landscape. Ethical hackers, also known as white hat hackers, play a vital role in safeguarding sensitive information by uncovering system vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them. This in-demand cybersecurity profession offers lucrative salaries and the opportunity to be at the forefront of technological innovation.