If you are looking for a career in Ethical Hacking we are going to provide you a detailed analysis right from the apt degree , skills, scope along with the expected salary in this blogs. So let us move further to understand the career options in Ethical Hacking.
What is Ethical Hacking ?
Ethical hacking involves an authorized attempt to gain unauthorized access to a computer system, application, or data. Carrying out an ethical hack involves duplicating strategies and actions of malicious attackers. This practice helps to identify security vulnerabilities which can then be resolved before a malicious attacker has the opportunity to exploit them.
What does Ethical Hackers do ?
Generally speaking and depending on the needs of their employers, ethical hackers are engaged in such activities as penetration testing, vulnerability assessments and a range of strategies intended to keep their organizations safe from cyberattacks of all kinds. This can include:
- Preventing malicious attackers from accessing and stealing private data
- Discovering vulnerabilities in their employer’s networks and systems
- Helping to put defenses in place to secure or “harden” those weak spots
- Working to put in place secure networks to deter security breaches
- Helping their organization earn the trust of customers and investors by safeguarding information and assets
For private-sector ethical hackers, this usually means protecting company assets; for those employed by the government, the work will often involve defending national security by protecting systems and secrets from terrorists.
Types of Hackers (White Hat, Black Hat, Gray Hat)
Starting with the white hats, black hats & grey hats there many other types of hackers – Green Hat, Blue Hat, Red Hat but we will talk of the first 3 major types here :
What is a White-Hat Hacker?
The white-hat hacker is a cybersecurity professional hired to find vulnerabilities in software, hardware and networks that may be susceptible to attack, report on those vulnerabilities and often play a role in securing such weak spots. They will disclose vulnerabilities to the vendor whose hardware or software is affected, so it may patch other customers’ systems. White-hat hackers use many of the same methods, tools and techniques as their black-hat counterparts.
What is a Black-Hat Hacker?
The black-hat hackers are the outlaws. They are known for illegally breaking into victims’ networks to disrupt systems, steal or destroy data, conduct espionage or sometimes to engage in some malicious mischief just to prove they can. Black-hat hackers typically have extensive knowledge about circumventing security protocols and cracking into computer networks. Some are also adept at writing malware used to infiltrate systems.
What is a Gray-Hat Hacker?
The gray-hat hacker combines key traits of white- and black-hat counterparts; for example, probing a system for vulnerabilities without malicious intent but also without the owner’s knowledge or permission. If they find vulnerabilities, they would likely report them to the owner, along with a request for a fee to fix the issue. If the owner does not respond or comply, then the gray-hat activity can get a little darker.
Common Careers in Ethical Hacking
Common job titles within the field of ethical hacking include:
- Penetration Tester
- Vulnerability Assessor
- Information Security Analyst
- Security Analyst
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Ethical Hacker
- Security Consultant
- Security Engineer/Architect
- Information Security Manager
Skill required
The skills required for such jobs will vary greatly depending on the position and the organization. Let us check lists which follows skills as needed to become expert in Ethical Hacking profession
- Strong knowledge of networking and computer systems
- Understanding of current security protocols for regularly used operating systems, such as Linux, Windows and Mac
- Ability to hack into network or systems, with permission, to assess vulnerabilities
- Able to perform preventive, corrective and protective countermeasures against malicious attempts
- Should be proficient in identifying and cracking multiple types of passwords
- Know the phases and methodologies of ethical hacking
- Should know how to erase digital evidence of networks and system intrusions
- Understand encryption techniques and cryptography
- Adhere to the code of ethics and professional conduct
- Should be aware of common cyberattacks, such as phishing, social engineering, trojans, insider attacks, identity thefts, etc. and should know how to undertake appropriate evasion techniques and countermeasures.
It is also suggested that aspiring ethical hackers be proficient in multiple coding languages such as Python, SQL, PHP, Java, C and C++.
How to become an Ethical Hacker ?
Education and experience is the key. A strong background or bachelor’s degree in computer science is extremely helpful. Early career experience can be gained by working in network support, network engineering or in any number of positions related to information security.
Ethical hacker certifications
Professional certifications also play a key role in the ethical hacker employment landscape. The CompTIA Security+ certification is often the first one cybersecurity professionals earn; the EC-Council’s Certified Ethical Hacker (C|EH) credential is sought after by many employers hiring ethical hackers. Other popular cybersecurity certifications include:
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
- SANS/GIAC Certification
Also Read : ISC2 Cybersecurity Certifications
Salary for Ethical Hackers in India
The average salary for Ethical Hacker is ₹2,69,000 per month in the India. The average additional cash compensation for a Ethical Hacker in the India is ₹2,19,000, with a range from ₹1,47,000 – ₹5,17,500. Salaries estimates are based on 34 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by Ethical Hacker employees in India.
Refer the Glassdoor Website to understand more for the salary : Ethical Hackers Salary In India