how to become an ethical hacker

How to Become an Ethical Hacker

Ethical hacking is the perfect career choice for those interested in problem solving, communication and IT security. Here's what it takes to become a white hat hacker.

An essential guide to becoming an ethical hacker

I receive lots of emails asking for guidance on how to become an ethical hacker. Most requests are on how to become a black hat hacker which are usually ignored. Let's take a look at the definition of an ethical hacker.

Ethical hacker

An ethical hacker is a person who hacks into a computer network in order to test or evaluate its security, rather than with malicious or criminal intent.

So, if you wish to become an eth i cal hacker, there aren't any easy methods to become one. It is easy to script a kiddie and load up Armitage or Fast-track and fire every exploit known to man at a target. But there is no use at firing Linux exploits at a Windows box.

image : ssdntech

Prerequisite Knowledge Required

In order to enter into the IT security field as a white hat, you should be well versed in the following areas

Networking
Programming
Databases
Operating systems (Linux and Windows)

If you are sure that you have good knowledge in the above-said areas, then you can start learning about hacking. When you have knowledge about the fundamentals of IT, you can learn how to break some of the underlying vulnerabilities within computer architecture.

The below-mentioned activities can help you in this

Stay Legal!

It's important never to engage in "black hat" hacking–that is, intruding or attacking anyone's network without their full permission. Engaging in illegal activities, even if it doesn't lead to a conviction, will likely kill your ethical hacking career. Many of the available jobs are with government-related organizations and require security clearances and polygraph testing

What areas to concentrate on in order to build a foundation

Networking — Cisco courses are really good. There are many CCNA courses available.

Programming — Learn languages like C++, Python/Ruby, and PHP.

Databases — Work with MySQL and MSSQL and make your own database to know how it works.

Operating systems — Most types of Linux are similar to one another, I use Debian on a lot of servers and Kali. Additionally, it is worth understanding the more obscure areas of Windows such as the registry.

Learn UNIX/LINUX

Almost all the best-operating systems for hacking is based on Linux kernel, so favorite operating systems of hackers are always Linux. UNIX/LINUX is an open-source operating system that provides better security to computer systems. It was first developed by AT&T in Bell labs and contributed a lot in the world of security. You should install LINUX freely available open-source versions on your desktops as without learning UNIX/LINUX, it is not possible to become a hacker.

Kali Linux

Parrot Security OS

Linux distro for hacking purposes

Kali Linux
Parrot Security OS
BackBox
BlackArch Linux
Fedora Security Spin
Caine
Read books about hacking

Learn Cryptography

To become a successful hacker you need to master the art of cryptography. Encryption and Decryption are important skills in hacking. Encryption is widely done in several aspects of information system security in authentication, confidentiality, and integrity of data. Information on a network is in an encrypted form such as passwords. While hacking a system, these encrypted codes need to be broken, which is called decryption.

Some of the books worth reading are

Linux Basics for Hackers
The Hackers Playbook 2 & 3
The Web Application Hacker's Handbook: Finding and Exploiting Security Flaws
Hacking: The Art of Exploitation, 2nd Edition
Penetration Testing: A Hands-On Introduction to Hacking
Metasploit: The Penetration Tester's Guide
CEH Certified Ethical Hacker All-in-One Exam Guide
Google Hacking for Penetration Testers

Undertake FREE Ethical hacking courses

It is good if you take some free ethical hacking courses even though it won't give you any industry-recognized qualification. But they are sure to teach you a lot about the various areas of ethical hacking that will make way to recognized qualifications.

You can register for a free Cybrary account to do a free ethical hacking course at Cybrary

Know about Latest Hardware Tools

A skilled hacker always keeps a wide variety of tools so he can complete any task. Here you will find all the hardware tools you will need to get the job done.

Hackerwarehouse
Hack5
Hacker Equipment
HackaDay
SPY Goodies

Undertake recognized online courses

All these courses are paid ones and industry-recognized which will help you to find a job in the IT security sector.

CEH — (Certified Ethical Hacker)
CHFI — (Computer Hacking and Forensic investigator)
OSCP — (Offensive Security Certified Professional)
OSCE — (Offensive Security CertifiedCertified Expert)
OSWP — (Offensive SecurityWireless Professional)
CISM — (Certified Information Security Manager)
CISSP — (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
CompTIA Security+

Communicate and follow other fellow IT security enthusiasts through the following mediums

Facebook (Cybersafe News, The Hacking News, & Other Security Pages )
Instagram (Cybersafe News)
Linkedin (Cybersafe News & CyberSecurity Hub)
Google+
Twitter

Read Hacking and Cyber Security News Channel

Cyber Safe News
The Hacker News

Self-learn by watching online tutorials

Youtube.com
Securitytube.net
pentesteracademy.com
Hackeracademy.com
Udemy.com

Attend Local and International Hacking Conference

Like other IT areas, hacking has conventions and conferences dedicated to it, such as DefCon, one of the oldest and largest of these. Such gatherings can be a great place to meet and network with peers and employers, and to discover more about hacking. DefCon also has affiliated local groups in select areas. Follow Instagram @cybersafe.news for upcoming event info.

Download practice environments to practice and refine newly learned skills

Burb Suite
Ettercap
Wireshark
DVWA (Dam Vulnerable Web Application)
Metasploitable2
Samurai WTF
Linux Security Distro Tools

What does a hacker earn?

Hackers can command a high salary for the work they do. The median yearly pay for information security analysts, which includes ethical hackers and penetration testers, was $90,00 in 2019. The top ten percent of earners in this field made more than $130,000

What are the job prospects?

The amount of money spent worldwide for IT security can be measured in the tens of billions of dollars and has increased significantly over the past few years. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that information security analysts, which includes ethical hackers, can expect to see jobs increase by 28% from 2016 to 2026. This is four times the national average job growth rate for the same time period, which is 7%

What are the long term career prospects for hackers?

With experience, ethical hackers can advance into senior positions in their company, land more lucrative jobs with other companies, or start their own consulting services.

How can I find a job as a hacker?

Hackers can find work with many different kinds of organizations, including the government. Working for the government with groups like the Departments of Defense or Homeland Security typically requires earning a security clearance, which involves passing an extensive background check.

Making contacts within the hacker community can help you find job opportunities. Hackers are heavily recruited by all types of organizations looking to secure their IT systems, and participating in events like hacking conferences and conventions can put you in contact with colleagues and recruiters.

Updated: 05 August 2020