Not only governments, but also companies, place a premium on network security. As computer technology advances, new internet security risks are certain to emerge. As a result, the need for ethical hackers with the skills and knowledge necessary to prevent cybercriminals from breaching networks will increase.
The following are some pointers on how to become an ethical hacker.
Getting started
According to PC World, the first step in becoming an ethical hacker is determining your area of specialization in information technology. For those who have not yet entered the IT sector, the military may help jumpstart your career by providing various IT possibilities.
While systems have evolved through time, this does not imply that you should overlook the fundamentals. As such, it is recommended to first enroll in an A+ certificate program to obtain the necessary abilities for employment as a tech support technician. Take another advanced course, such as CCNA or Network+, after a few years.
CISSP, Security+, or TICSA are further courses that you should complete to develop the abilities and knowledge necessary to operate as an ethical hacker. Concentrate more on system penetration testing while completing this course. Then apply for the International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants’ Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification. You may begin promoting yourself as an ethical hacker using the abilities gained in the preceding classes.
Stay legal
Once you begin functioning, you must maintain legality by abstaining from black hat techniques such as accessing private networks without the owners’ permission. Engaging in such unlawful activities may have a detrimental effect on your reputation and possibly your hacking career.
The majority of companies, including governments, that employ ethical hackers need polygraph testing and security clearances. As a result, you must ensure that your track record is spotless to improve your chances of being employed.
Required soft skills
Contrary to common belief, hacking is not entirely technical. To operate in this field, you must possess certain soft skills. Among the soft talents that you will need are the following:
- Solving problems
- Exceptional work ethic
- Excellent communication abilities
- Capacity to remain committed and motivated during the course
Additionally, you must have some degree of skill manipulation and street smarts to convince the target population to do activities directly related to the final objective, such as shutting down systems, executing files, and revealing passwords.