How to Become Ethical Hacker in 2024?

Becoming an ethical hacker requires a strong foundation in computer science, cybersecurity training, and obtaining relevant certifications. Hands-on experience through internships and bug bounty programs is crucial for developing practical skills in penetration testing and vulnerability assessment.

Continuous learning and staying updated on security trends are essential for success in ethical hacking. Pursuing any ethical hacking certification will provide validation to your skills and help you get your dream job.

In this article, we will understand how to become an ethical hacker in 2024. We will discuss the concepts, training, and certifications relevant to becoming an ethical hacker.

Who is an Ethical Hacker?

An ethical hacker, often referred to as a "white hat" hacker, is a cybersecurity expert who legally tests and assesses the security of computer systems, networks, and applications with the owner's permission.

Their primary goal is to identify vulnerabilities that malicious hackers could exploit, thereby enhancing the overall security posture of an organization. Ethical hackers employ the same techniques as their unethical counterparts but focus on improving security rather than causing harm.

They conduct penetration tests, vulnerability assessments, and provide recommendations to mitigate risks, playing a crucial role in safeguarding sensitive data and preventing cyberattacks.

Read more on Ethical Hacker Career Prospects.

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Roadmap to Become an Ethical Hacker

The path to becoming an ethical hacker starts from your decision. Here are 7 prerequisites you should complete to become an excellent ethical hacker and get a maximum salary.

1. Educational Foundation: Start with a degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Alternatively, self-study through online resources can also be effective.

2. Cybersecurity Training: Enroll in cybersecurity training programs that cover essential topics like networking, operating systems, and security protocols.

3. Obtain Ethical Hacking Certifications: Acquire certifications such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), CompTIA PenTest+, or Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) to validate your skills and knowledge.

4. Gain Practical Experience: Participate in internships, bug bounty programs, or ethical hacking competitions to gain hands-on experience in real-world scenarios.

5. Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest trends, tools, and techniques in cybersecurity through workshops, webinars, and advanced courses.

6. Build a Professional Network: Join cybersecurity forums, attend conferences, and connect with professionals in the field to enhance your career opportunities.

Certified Ethical Hacking Course

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) is a qualification you can obtain by demonstrating that you know how to assess the security of computer systems, locate weaknesses and vulnerabilities in target systems, prevent cyber threats, and find the loopholes from where networks and systems can be attacked.

The successful completion of the CEH course prepares you to use the same tools and knowledge as a malicious hacker but in a legal and authorized way to implement solutions and fix possible issues.

Over the past few years, the demand for Certified Ethical Hackers has witnessed a high increment. Most medium enterprises, as well as large enterprises, are looking for ways to protect and transfer their important data.

However, to become a successful ethical hacker and venture into this sensitive work, being enrolled in a CEH course is essential as you will gain deep knowledge and understanding of networks and security.

Important Concepts for an Ethical Hacker

Certifications like CEH  validate the applicant’s knowledge and skills in defending against malware attacks, making the network secure, identifying loopholes, fixing them, and more. You will qualify for the practical exam of CEH to obtain the advanced certification of CEH as a CEH master.

Some key concepts to know as an ethical hacker are:

● Techniques of Network Scanning

● Network Scanning Countermeasures

● Laws and Standards of Information Security

● Footprinting Tools

● Enumeration Techniques (NetBIOS, SNMP, NTP, SMTP, DNS, VoIP, etc.)

● Methodology

● Steganography and Steganalysis Attacks of System Hacking

● Methodologies of Web Server Attacks

● Comprehensive Attack Prevention Strategies

● Mobile Platform Security (Tools and Guidelines)

● Penetration Testing

Ethical Hacker Career

After earning the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification, you will be recognized as an expert in the cybersecurity field, making you an attractive candidate for multinational corporations (MNCs) seeking skilled professionals.

Career Opportunities After CEH Certification:

1. IT Security Administrator

2. Cybersecurity Auditor

3. Cyber Defense Analyst

4. System Security Administrator

5. Warning Analyst

6. Cybersecurity Analyst (L1/L2/L3)

7. Penetration Tester

8. Network Security Engineer

9. Senior Security Consultant

10. Solution Architect

11. SOC Security Analyst

12. Information Security Manager

13. Computer Forensics Analyst

14. Homeland Security Specialist

15. Vulnerability Tester

Suitable Candidate for Ethical Hacking Career

White Hat Hackers are innovative thinkers who approach cybersecurity challenges with creativity and strategic insight. They often employ unconventional methods, such as social engineering, to uncover vulnerabilities.

If you possess a strong understanding of systems, can easily identify flaws, and enjoy engaging in creative yet systematic tasks—similar to quality assurance—then a career as an ethical hacker may be a perfect fit for you.

Key Attributes of an Ethical Hacker:

1. Out-of-the-Box Thinking: Ability to devise unique attack strategies to test system defenses.

2. Attention to Detail: Skill in detecting subtle flaws or errors within systems.

3. Programming Proficiency: Familiarity with multiple programming languages is essential.

4. Security Tool Expertise: Knowledge of various security tools and techniques.

Educational Path for Ethical Hacker:

● Basic Eligibility: Anyone with a 10+2 education can enroll in a Certified Ethical Hacking course.

● Advanced Understanding: Candidates with a diploma or degree in IT or computer science will find it easier to grasp the course material, as they already have a foundational understanding of systems security and programming.

By cultivating these skills and pursuing the appropriate educational background, aspiring ethical hackers can position themselves for a successful career in the dynamic field of cybersecurity.

How to Become an Ethical Hacker - Summing Up!

To become an ethical hacker, start by obtaining a degree in computer science or information security, and master programming languages like Python and Java. Gain specialized skills in ethical hacking methodologies and tools such as Nmap and Metasploit.

Validate your expertise with certifications like CEH or OSCP. Maintain strong ethical principles and stay updated on cybersecurity trends. By following this path and continuously learning, you can build a successful career as an ethical hacker.