Ethical Hacking: What Is It & How Does It Work?

When most people hear the term “hacking,” the first thing that typically comes to mind is “cyberattacks.” However, in today’s technology-driven society, there is a set of cybersecurity professionals known as ethical hackers who, in essence, hack the hackers themselves. Within the field of cybersecurity, the position of ethical hacker is one that holds significant weight. In this article we will discuss an ethical hacking certificate, an ethical hacker salary, the course they study and their job description.

What Is Ethical Hacking?

Ethical hacking is the process of legally overcoming security measures in order to investigate and report on potential data breaches and other hazards in a network. Hackers with good intentions do research into a system or network in order to identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited by bad actors. They can fortify the system’s defenses to better withstand attacks or deflect them.

Cyber Security engineers are permitted to conduct such tasks by the system’s or network’s owner. This method is thus lawful, approved, and planned, in contrast to illegal hacking.

Hackers with good intentions do research into a system or network in order to identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited by bad actors. They gather and examine the data to discover how to better protect the system, network, and applications. By doing so, the security footprint can be strengthened, allowing it to better withstand attacks or deflecting them.

In addition, companies often employ ethical hackers to investigate their systems and networks for security flaws and create countermeasures to avoid costly hacks. Think of it as a modern twist on the adage “It takes a thief to catch a thief.”

Types of Ethical Hacking

Malicious hackers use a variety of system hacking techniques to obtain access to machines that are part of a larger network. Also,  to obtain a feel for ethical hacking, it helps to know the many methods hackers use to break into systems. 

• Email “phishing” schemes. Email “phishing” is an example of a social engineering assault that targets people who use corporate networks to gain access to sensitive information by convincing them to change their passwords or download dangerous files.
• Web applications. In order to steal credentials, passcodes, and company information from web applications, attackers use glue, ping flood, port scan, sniffing assaults, and social engineering tactics. In many circumstances, this is achieved by using psychological manipulation to obtain confidential information.
• Wireless Network Vulnerabilities. Even wireless networks have security holes. A hacker can easily obtain passwords, credit card details, and other sensitive personal information from unwary internet users by setting up a fake network with a name mimicking that of a familiar and trustworthy one, say at the local coffee shop.

Furthermore, ethical hackers, who work to protect businesses’ IT systems from intrusion, will do reconnaissance and gather as much data as they can on a target. Following this, they’ll employ offensive strategies like password cracking, privilege escalation, malicious software development, and “packet sniffing” to locate security holes in the infrastructure underlying the information system and then attack them in the same way a malicious hacker would. 

Also, among the flaws that ethical hackers find are:

• Attacks through Injection
• Compromised security
• Insecure default settings
• Utilization of Vulnerable Components
• Leakage of Private Information

After conducting their tests, ethical hackers will compile comprehensive reports that contain recommendations for how to fix or work around any vulnerabilities found.

What is an Ethical Hacker?

An ethical hacker is a cybersecurity specialist who is employed by an organization to detect and patch vulnerabilities in its computer systems, networks, and applications. Ethical hackers utilize the same methods as malevolent hackers, but with the objective of strengthening the security of the organization they work for rather than creating harm. They may utilize techniques such as penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, and social engineering to identify holes in an organization’s security posture.

Additionally, businesses that manage sensitive data such as financial institutions, government agencies, and others frequently employ ethical hackers. They work together with other cybersecurity professionals to guarantee that an organization’s systems and data are protected against cyber threats. They must be enlightened about the newest hacking techniques and have a thorough understanding of cybersecurity principles and technologies. An Ethical hacker plays a vital role in helping firms keep ahead of cyber risks and protect sensitive data from attackers.

What Does an Ethical Hacker Do?

Ethical hackers are necessary because they find and report security flaws in computer systems, networks, and applications before bad hackers can take use of them. Furthermore, an ethical hacker assists businesses by revealing vulnerabilities, evaluating the efficacy of security safeguards, and deciding on the best course of action to mitigate risks through permitted and regulated hacking activities. As a result of their efforts, businesses are better able to secure vital data and stave off cybercriminals.

Duties and Responsibilities

An ethical hacker is responsible for the following tasks:

#1. Security Awareness and Training

Working together with businesses to spread knowledge about the value of cybersecurity, typical attack vectors, and best practices for safe computing among the staff. Also, organizations can benefit from having an ethical hacker perform training sessions, workshops, or awareness initiatives to foster a culture of security.

#2. Penetration Testing

Simulating real-world hacking efforts on systems and networks in a controlled and approved manner. To evaluate the efficacy of the security measures in place, ethical hackers will actively seek to breach them through the use of known vulnerabilities. This method aids businesses in identifying security holes and determining which ones should be addressed first.

#3. Collaboration and Consultation

Collaborating with other members of the cybersecurity community, including system administrators, programmers, and network administrators, to find solutions to security issues and propose improvements. In order to help businesses improve their security, ethical hackers frequently offer advice, consultancy, and direction.

#4. Reporting and Documentation

Writing up and submitting a report on all of the testing’s discoveries, flaws, and suggested fixes In order to help businesses strengthen their security, an ethical hacker produces reports explaining the vulnerabilities they exploited, the dangers involved, and the steps that may be taken to reduce those risks.

#5. Vulnerability Assessment

Conducting extensive examinations of computer systems, networks, and applications to detect security vulnerabilities and weaknesses. This involves employing various scanning tools, tactics, and procedures to find potential entry points and vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious actors.

Types of Ethical Hackers

A wide variety of ethical hackers exist, each with its own specializations and sets of skills.

• Red Teamers. Red team members use a variety of hacking methods to mimic real-world intrusions and gauge an organization’s defenses. They do tests including network penetration testing, social engineering, and physical security audits to provide a full picture of a company’s security weak spots so they can better protect themselves.
• Black Hat Hackers turned White Hat. These individuals have made the transition from black hat to ethical hacking. Also,  they use their expertise to advise businesses on how to better protect their data.
• Penetration Testers. Ethical hackers are employed by businesses in order to probe their security measures. With the goal of finding security flaws and fixing them, they employ a wide range of tools and techniques to mimic actual attacks.
• White Hat Hackers. Ethical hackers are employed by businesses to probe their networks and systems for security flaws. They put their knowledge to use to help make security systems better without actually harming anyone.
• Network Ethical Hackers. These crackers have made it their business to evaluate the safety of wired and wireless computer networks. They look for vulnerabilities in routers, switches, firewalls, and network protocols to secure data in transit.
• Gray Hat Hacker. These hackers don’t work for any company, but they nonetheless try to find security flaws in order to alert the proper authorities. Even if they aren’t officially authorized to hack, they do it nonetheless to help strengthen defenses.
• Social Engineering Ethical Hackers. Hackers that employ social engineering strategies rely on deception and other forms of psychological manipulation to obtain access to networks or private data.They may conduct phishing and other social engineering attacks to assess an organization’s susceptibility and advise ways to educate and fortify workers.

What Skills Does an Ethical Hacker Need?

Here is a rundown of some of the most important abilities for an ethical hacker to have:

#1. Communication

While a variety of technical abilities are necessary for this position, candidates should also be fluent communicators. Your work involves technicalities that may seem complex to someone who isn’t familiar with IT. As you start working with more than one team on a regular basis, discussions of strategy and group ideation will become an integral part of your daily collaboration. Also, you need strong communication skills to get your point across to non-IT professionals or worried superiors and get the action you want. When writing a report, it helps to have a clear transcription of your ideas and observations as well as any relevant visual aids.

#2. Networking

Establishing a network connecting computers within an organization paves the way for streamlined data transfer between them. Knowing how to recognize and track the scope of an illegal penetration by unethical hackers is crucial for carrying out your activities with expert precision. Computer viruses are a common tool used by hackers to probe networks for weak spots. 

Furthermore, these viruses can replicate within a network and propagate to other computers. Having a deep understanding of networks will speed up the process of finding this out. An ethical hacker must be proficient on IP, servers, access points, and other network models in order to effectively deal with such situations.

#3. Operating Systems Proficiency

A white hat hacker must be proficient in a variety of operating systems. A hacker has access to a wide variety of high-level operating systems, not just the most popular ones like Windows and Mac. In order to avoid detection, hackers often employ private networks and proprietary operating systems.

However, in order to detect and prevent security breaches, it is helpful to be familiar with more advanced operating systems, such as Linux, Ubuntu, and Red Hat, in addition to the basic operating systems.

#4. Troubleshooting

Although white hat hackers focus mostly on prevention, they also offer response services in the event of a security breach. While it’s important to take precautions, you should also prepare for the possibility that such measures won’t be enough and that hackers will find a way to break your cybersecurity system. Demonstrating problem-solving skills requires the ability to bounce back from setbacks and create a safeguard against impending danger.

#5. Basic Computer Skills

An Ethical hacker spends much of their time in front of a computer, where they may accomplish anything from basic data computation to more advanced hacking jobs. Their less technical responsibilities include keeping a secure database of their notes, plans, and observations. They utilize fundamental computer science principles for many of these tasks. Even if your job description calls for you to conduct complex IT duties, you should be comfortable with the basics.

In addition, you will be expected to perform rudimentary computer tasks such as documenting and amending information, creating spreadsheets, developing presentations, and writing emails. Employers also look for those who can effectively communicate, manage data, and use social media.

#6. Knowledge of Programming Languages

Working in this field may necessitate familiarity with a wide range of databases, computers, machinery, and software applications, all of which may have their own specific code. Writing codes is a regular part of an ethical hacker’s employment, therefore proficiency in multiple languages is crucial. To give a computer very specific instructions or to uncover illegal activity on a system or piece of software, one must write codes. Numerous programming languages are available for study, with C++, Python, Java, and PHP among the most useful.

Also, you should learn and be fluent in at least one high-level programming language, such as Ruby, Kotlin, or Perl. Being a proficient programmer broadens your career options and improves your odds of getting hired and doing well in your chosen field.

How to Become an Ethical Hacker

To become a professional ethical hacker, you can take the following steps:

#1. Enroll in a Computer Science Program

Obtaining a degree in computer science is often the first step for ethical hackers looking to enter the industry. Some occupations demand a bachelor’s degree in computer science or information technology while others accept individuals with an associate degree. Using these tools, you can acquire knowledge of programming and networking fundamentals. Internships can be completed alongside degree programs to provide additional training in areas like cybersecurity and network support.

#2. Obtain Your Foundational Credentials

A computer science professional’s knowledge can be verified through any one of several certification programs, opening the door to entry-level employment opportunities. The CompTIA A+ certification is the first important step. An aspiring ethical hacker can get an A+ credential by passing a pair of tests that gauge their familiarity with PC parts and their hands-on skills with reassembly. After that, individuals can take the next step in their profession by getting a certification like the CompTIA Network+ or the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA). However, this credential attests to an ethical hacker’s proficiency in a range of network-related areas, such as troubleshooting, maintenance, installation, and system administration.

#3. Learn the Ropes of Network Maintenance

Network assistance is the next stepping stone on the path to becoming an ethical hacker. Ethical hackers at this level are trained to test for vulnerabilities in security systems and to upgrade, install, and monitor them. An ethical hacker can get experience in lower-level network support roles, such as that of a technician or specialist, before moving up the ranks to become a network engineer.

#4. Pursue a Career as a Computer Network Engineer

Engineers that specialize in designing and maintaining networks also deal with the security aspects of data management. As a network engineer, you will be able to devote more time to researching security protocols and vulnerabilities. You might also study about penetration testing and try your own ethical hacking skills. The CompTIA Security+ certification is essential for any network engineer.

#5. Gain Your CEH Certification

After gaining relevant job experience in network construction and security, you can apply to the EC Council (International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants) for the CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) credential. This credential opens doors to careers as an ethical hacker, as well as in related areas of security consulting, auditing, analysis, testing, and management. With a CEH credential under your belt, you may apply for and compete for high-paying positions in both the public and commercial sectors of the IT industry.

Furthermore, an CEH ethical hacking certificate can be earned in two different ways. Firstly, there is the option of enrolling in a certified ethical hacking course. The EC Council or a recognized training provider is where you can sign up for this education. You may be able to acquire your certification without taking formal training if you are already executing ethical hacking activities in your job. By sending in a CEH Exam Application, proof of relevant work experience in the field of information security, and the required non-refundable cost, you can become certified by the EC Council.

Why is Ethical Hacking Important?

Let’s take a look at some of the various uses of ethical hacking in the cyber security field to get a feel for its significance. The application of ethical hacking can be found in:

• Password strength testing
• Test for vulnerabilities upon installation of updated software or a security patch
• Put authentication methods to the test. 
• Verify the security of all data transmission paths.

Furthermore, when it comes to protecting sensitive consumer information like birthdays, payment information, and passwords, thwarting attacks from unscrupulous hackers is often a major responsibility for the operators of corporate, e-commerce, banking, and financial systems. Without this safeguard, the effects of a successful cyberattack can be disastrous, including the destruction of data, the imposition of fines and other penalties, the loss of revenue, and the erosion of consumer confidence.

Cybercriminals continue to target the internal systems, software, and servers needed to keep our increasingly digital lives running smoothly. Cyber security measures are an essential part of risk management strategies for institutions like those that deal with sensitive electronic medical information.

66% of healthcare organizations were hit by ransomware attacks in 2017, according to a report by the cybersecurity company Sophos. This demonstrates that adversaries are becoming “considerably more capable at executing the most significant attacks at scale,” and that the complexity of the attacks is growing, according to the report.

Ethical Hacking Certificate

Demand for information security specialists is expected to rise in tandem with the expanding industry. Career opportunities in ethical hacking are essential for preventing data breaches and other forms of cybercrime.

Organizational success is inextricably tied to the efforts of ethical hackers. They achieve this by helping businesses recognize and fix the security holes in their systems. This position is crucial for businesses to strengthen their security measures.

If you’re interested in a career in ethical hacking, you may choose from a variety of certificate programs designed to give you the edge you need to succeed. However, it can be difficult to choose the correct ethical hacking certificate. 

Overview of the Best Ethical Hacking Certificate

IT professionals can learn the basics of ethical hacking and how to think like a hacker at one of the many available certificate courses or bootcamps. Choosing the right cybersecurity certification when there are so many to choose from might be difficult. Aspects of ethical hacking and penetration testing are typically covered in many cybersecurity certifications, including CISSP. Here, however, are the top ethical hacking certificate exams that can help you advance in your IT job, if that’s what you’re after.

#1. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) Certification

The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification, administered by the EC-council, is another globally-recognized credentialing test that emphasizes learning to think like an ethical hacker. Furthermore, it aids in the development of expertise in areas such as attack methodology, detection, and prevention, as well as penetration testing.

Exam topics include security risks, threats, and mitigation strategies. Information security experts can prepare for the certification exam through classroom instruction, video lectures, independent study materials, and practical laboratories taught by industry experts. Experienced professionals can take the exam without taking the training courses if they can prove they have worked in the cybersecurity field for at least two years. Also, read WHITE HAT HACKERS: Who Are They, Salary, How to Become One.

#2. Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)

The Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) certificate is often regarded as the most challenging ethical hacking certification due to its emphasis on practical penetration testing. An online course and a series of Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) spread out over time are required to acquire OSCP.

The courses focus mostly on penetration testing methodologies, however they do include web apps and network security problems. When finished, you’ll have proven that you have what it takes to conduct comprehensive penetration tests on large networks or intricate structures.

Furthermore, the OSCP stands apart from other certifications since it requires candidates to demonstrate their actual level of skill. Although there are no hard requirements to take this test, Offensive Security suggests that students have some familiarity with Linux, Perl, Python, and networking before taking this exam.

Candidates for the OSCP certification are put through a rigorous learning and mastery environment in which their skills are measured against those of other ethical hackers. Learners are subjected to a rigorous testing environment in which they are presented with authentic ethical hacking scenarios.

#3. GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN)

The Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) program offers a professional-level certification called the GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN). Candidates who get the GPEN credential have shown that they possess the expertise required to do penetration testing on network systems.

Both fundamental security ideas and complex ethical hacking techniques undergo evaluation on the GPEN exam. The sections on dealing with legal difficulties and writing up your findings are also included. GAIC has partnered with the SANS Institute to offer pen testing certificates for cloud settings and cloud security to people who are interested in becoming highly trained ethical hackers.

The GPEN curriculum prepares IT professionals to defend against a wide range of assaults, such as Man-in-the-Middle, Denial of Service, and Social Engineering. In addition, they will gain familiarity with a variety of tools for doing penetration testing and writing scripts to automate these procedures. The course places an emphasis on hands-on exercises, so that you may put what you’ve learned into practice right away.

If you’re a professional security tester with at least two years’ experience, you should get your GPEN certification.

#4. Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI)

If you’re interested in a career in digital forensics or forensic analysis, getting your Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI) certification is a great first step. If you work in IT and want to get a career investigating cybercrime, you should get your CHFI certification.

Designed as an intermediate certificate for IT professionals, CHFI certificate is administered by EC-Council. Memory analysis of Windows and other operating systems, mobile device forensics, incident response, and more are all covered on the exam.

Also, this ethical hacking certificate course covers topics like hacking techniques, digital forensics, and evidence analysis in the context of the Dark Web, the Internet of Things, and Cloud Forensics. Students at CHFI will be given the knowledge and skills necessary to perform digital investigations utilizing state-of-the-art digital forensics tools.

#5. Certified Security Testing Associate (CSTA)

For individuals just starting out in the realm of ethical hacking, the Certified Security Testing Associate (CSTA) certificate is a good first step. The Certified Security Testing Associate (CSTA) certification was created by a company based in the United Kingdom called 7Safe and will teach you the fundamentals of security testing.

Information security specialists in the United Kingdom who are interested in expanding their careers into ethical hacking can benefit from the CTSA’s bootcamp-style training and exam.

If you want to reduce the likelihood of an attack, you need to think like a hacker. This can be difficult to do without firsthand experience. To become an ethical hacker, the CTSA’s assistance with performing security testing is crucial.

The CSTA exam probes your knowledge and skills in conducting a wide range of security audits and assessments across a variety of platforms and applications. You will also need to be familiar with the interplay between these tools in the context of a network and during penetration testing.

How To Choose the Right Ethical Hacking Certificate?

In order to develop new skills and advance your career in the growing field of ethical hacking, it is important to earn relevant certificates in this area of cybersecurity.

When looking at certification courses, it’s important to find one that aligns with your professional goals. Follow these four guidelines to select the best ethical hacking certificate:

• Assess the knowledge and skills you currently possess that are relevant.
• Make a list of potential occupations you’d like to pursue.
• Figure out what you’ll need to know to fill these positions.
• The next step is to find a credential that is a good fit for your set of talents.

Furthermore, researching and selecting a suitable certificate for your goals and needs is just as important as studying for the certification itself, given the significant time and effort required to earn any of the many ethical hacking certificates available.

Keep in mind that a formal education is sometimes a necessity in addition to certification for many open positions. There is a rising need for skilled professionals in the sectors of ethical hacking and cybersecurity, therefore now is the time to begin training for such roles. Finding out what organizations want in ethical hackers may be as simple as doing some research on employment roles on networking sites like LinkedIn or ZipRecruiter.

In order to participate in most certification programs, applicants should have some background in the field of information security. However, a combination of a degree, certification, and experience can be most helpful when trying to acquire a position in information security, which can significantly increase your IT career.

Ethical Hacker Salary

As of the 16th of June, 2023, the typical salary for an Ethical Hacker in the USA is $135,269.

For the sake of convenience, that comes out to about $65.03 per hour using a basic wage calculator. This is equal to $11,272 each calendar month, or $2,601 per week.

While ZipRecruiter has salaries for Ethical Hackers ranging from $162,000 to $101,500 per year, the median salary is $127,000, the 75th percentile salary is $141,500, and the 90th percentile salary is $154,000. Since the salary range for an Ethical Hacker is so small (about $14,500), it seems that even with several years of expertise, there are not many chances for greater compensation or progression, regardless of location.

However, recent job posts on ZipRecruiter indicate that demand for Ethical Hackers is high in Chicago and the surrounding area. The average yearly pay of an Ethical Hacker in your region is $0, which is $135,269 (or 100%) less than the average yearly salary of an Ethical Hacker in the United States. pays its Ethical Hackers more than any other state in the union.

In addition, ZipRecruiter regularly checks its database of millions of open jobs published locally throughout the United States to estimate the most accurate annual salary range for Ethical Hacker positions.

Ethical Hacking Job

The field of ethical hacking encompasses a wide variety of job titles, including:

• Security Analyst
• Security Engineer/Architect
• Penetration Tester
• Ethical Hacker
• Information Security Manager
• Vulnerability Assessor
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Information Security Analyst
• Security Consultant.

In addition, the skills and experience needed for an ethical hacking job differs substantially from one position and one company to the next.

Course Ethical Hacking

Take a course in ethical hacking to increase your knowledge on how to create a hacking lab and do penetration testing. Instructors in these courses have real-world hacking experience and teach students how to hack in an ethical way, equipping them with the knowledge and tools they need to keep their networks secure.

Here are some ethical hacking courses you can consider if you want to pursue it as a career.

#1. StationX

When it comes to teaching white-hat hackers, we highly recommend StationX’s The Complete Ethical Hacking Course Bundle. This all-inclusive course covers the fundamentals of ethical hacking and system security and was designed with newcomers in mind.

It begins with definitions of key terms and then on to instructions for setting up a penetration testing lab and installing the necessary software. You will not only become proficient in ethical hacking and penetration testing, but also in web application and network security testing, social engineering, and the use of Android in penetrating and testing computer systems.

Your guide through this course is Zaid Al Quraishi, a computer scientist and ethical hacker.

• Cost: The regular price of this package is $500, but readers of Comparitech can get all five courses for just $65.

#2. Udemy

A complete introduction to ethical hacking and penetration testing for those with no experience in either field. The theoretical parts of penetration testing, such as network node relationships, are not overlooked in favor of the hands-on aspects.

However, you will start by installing Kali Linux on your own computer and learning how to build up a testing environment. If you’re new to Linux, the Kali Linux terminal has a few simple commands you can learn quickly.

• Cost: About $130, though Udemy frequently runs promotions that bring the price down to as low as $29.99.

#3.  Cybrary

If a software writes past the end of a buffer and into neighboring memory locations, this is known as a buffer overflow and presents a security risk. Create a Python script to exploit a Buffer Overflow in a system for this ethical hacking course.

Cybrary’s free courses span a wide range of topics, but a monthly fee (about $99) is required if you want a completion certificate or access to Cybrary’s evaluations and tests. The website is well-organized, allowing users to choose ethical hacking courses tailored to certain professions like penetration testing and network engineering (or to make their own).

You can narrow your search for training by selecting a certain qualification requirement. After signing up, you’ll be sent to your personal dashboard, where you can see details about the courses you’ve taken, the ones you’re currently enrolled in, any certificates you’ve earned, and the contributions you’ve made to the Cybrary forum. In order to choose the right certification(s), you should first build a portfolio showcasing your experience and expertise.

• Cost: Free

#4.  EH Academy

There is a comprehensive video on how to set up a lab in this ethical hacking course. In addition to learning fundamental Windows and Linux commands, you’ll also get an introduction to the Nmap and Metasploit tools. 

EH Academy provides a number of courses for the advanced hacker, each costing between $50 and $200. Training in areas such as VoIP hacking and penetration testing, Metasploit for penetration testing and ethical hacking, and advanced mobile application penetration testing are just a few examples.

• Cost: Free

#5. CyberTraining 365

Just around eight hours of video lessons make up the entirety of Ethical Hacking with Python. This ethical hacking course will teach you the basics of Python, such as how to create and use variables, commands, and dictionaries.

In addition, you can look through guides on ethical hacking like “Buffer overflow and exploit writing with Python” and “Syn Flood attack with Scapy.” There are 23 different lessons varying in length from three to thirty-six minutes. Some instances of lessons are as follows:

• Object-Oriented Programming in Python
• Python File Handling
• Forensics Investigation with Python
• Ping Sweep with Scapy.

However, this ethical hacking course is suitable for those with no prior programming expertise, even experts may learn something. You can see where your knowledge is lacking by taking the quiz at the end of each unit.

You still have time to take advantage of CyberTraining 365’s free five-day trial and maybe take this course for nothing. After the free trial ends, the monthly cost is $59, followed by $9 for the first month. If you commit to either six or twelve months, you’ll save money. This course is also sold separately on Udemy for $19.99 if you’re just interested in taking it for that purpose.

Why Take an Ethical Hacking Course?

You can play a crucial role in protecting the systems and data from assaults if you understand ethical hacking course. Investigate and analyze the target systems from a hacker’s perspective to uncover security or system flaws, then recommend a solution.

An ethical hacker may be employed to try to get into the system within the company’s and country’s policies. In-house training of an existing employee is another option. Sometimes, “geeks” who hack on their own time but not for malicious purposes are the same people who identify as ethical hackers. Hackers “for the fun of it” and bounty hunters can get money by finding security weaknesses.

White hat hackers are in high demand, so you won’t be alone if you decide to get some training. 

Is Ethical Hacking a Crime? 

No. The Librarian of Congress allowed several waivers to the 1998 Digital Millennium Copyright Act in 2015, basically allowing white hat hackers to break into software for research purposes so long as they report any vulnerabilities they discover. The increasing prevalence of computers in formerly uncommon things like vehicles has given new urgency to this difficult topic.

The following are some (unofficial) rules that an ethical hacker should follow:

• To break into a company’s network, you need permission, ideally in writing.
• Follow all of the company’s regulations and guidelines.
• Share your findings of any vulnerabilities or shortcomings with the company.
• Leave the system precisely as you found it; any changes could open it up to attacks in the future.
• Document all actions taken when using the system.
• Do not break local laws, such as those pertaining to copyrights, intellectual property, privacy, etc.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the stakes in the fight to secure sensitive consumer and financial data systems against data breaches and ransomware attacks are growing as more areas of our life are digitized and moved to the cloud and cybercriminals become more sophisticated and motivated. Ethical hackers, working with IT experts in government, corporations, financial institutions, healthcare institutions, and online retailers, should remain an integral part of this effort.

Ethical Hacking FAQs

Similar Articles

1. ONLINE HACKERS: 10 Types of Hackers and the Dangers and How They Will Harm You
2. TRAVEL HACKING: How To Get Started
3. Penetration Test: Meaning, Examples, Types and Stages
4. ETHICAL BEHAVIOR: What Is It, Example & Importance

Reference

• simplilearn.com
• synopsys.com
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• careerexplorer.com
• in.indeed.com
• coursera.org
• ziprecruiter.com