What exactly is ethical hacking?
The term "hacking" has highly negative connotations, but only until the job of an ethical hacker is properly understood. Ethical hackers are the "good guys" in the hacking community, the ones that don the "white hat." So, what exactly is the job of an ethical hacker? Instead of utilizing their extensive computer expertise for malicious purposes, ethical hackers find flaws in data computer security for businesses and organizations all over the world to defend them against hackers with less than honorable intentions.
What Is the Importance of a Career in Ethical Hacking?
Ethical Hacking in 10 Easy Steps:
1. Gain LINUX/UNIX Experience:
Improves computer system security. LINUX/UNIX is an open-source operating system. As an ethical hacker, you should be familiar with LINUX because it is one of the most commonly used operating systems for hacking. It gives a plethora of tools for hackers. Red Hat Linux, Ubuntu, Kali Linux, BackTrack, and other popular Linux distributions are examples. Among these, Kali Linux is the most popular Linux system specifically designed for hacking.
2. Choose the Programming Language Princess:
C, one of the earliest computer languages, is sometimes known as the "mother of all programming languages." Because the UNIX/LINUX operating system is built entirely in C, this programming language serves as the foundation for understanding it. As a result, hackers must understand C programming to fully leverage the open-source operating system Linux.
To get an advantage, try to master more than one programming language. An ethical hacker that is well-versed in two to three programming languages can deconstruct and analyze code. The following are some of the greatest programming languages for hackers:
- Python is often used for exploit writing.
- JavaScript is suitable for web application hacking.
- PHP aids in the battle against malicious attackers.
- SQL is the best language for hacking huge databases.
3. Perfect the Art of Remaining Anonymous:
The most critical stage in ethical hacking is learning how to remain anonymous and disguise your identity online so that no trace is left and no one can track you down. Often, an ethical hacker is unaware of who else is on the network, and if a black-hat hacker discovers that there is someone else on the network, they may attempt to attack their system. As a result, anonymity is essential for ethical hackers as well. The three most promising methods for protecting your identity are Anonsurf, Proxychains, and MacChanger.
4. Learn About Networking Concepts:
Ethical hackers must understand networking ideas and how they are generated. Learning about various networks and protocols might help you exploit flaws. An ethical hacker with an extensive understanding of networking technologies such as Nmap, Wireshark, and others can overcome field problems. Some key networking ideas are:
- TCP/IP Subnetting, Network Masks, and CIDR
- Server Message Block for Simple Network Management Protocol
- The Domain Name System (DNS)
- Protocol for Address Resolution
- Wireless networks
- Bluetooth Connections
- (Modbus) SCADA Networks (Modbus)
- Networks for Automobiles (CAN)
5. Investigate the Secret Web:
The "dark web" refers to the portion of the internet that is hidden or not visible to search engines. Access needs specific authorization or software. Tor, an anonymizing browser, can offer access to the black web. It is a hotspot of illicit activity, yet not everything on the dark web is unlawful. It also has a respectable aspect, and ethical hackers must understand how the dark web operates.
6. Add secret writing to your skill set:
Cryptography, or secret writing, is a valuable skill for an ethical hacker. Encryption and decryption are essential skills in hacking. Encryption is used in a variety of facets of information security, including authentication, data integrity, secrecy, and others. Passwords and other sensitive information are always encrypted on a network. A hacker must understand how to recognize and break encryption.
7. Learn More About Hacking:
Once you've mastered the previous topics, go into hacking ideas and learn about SQL injections, penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and more. Keep up to date on the latest system security developments, as well as the latest tools and methods for hacking and securing a system.
8. Finding Vulnerabilities:
The following are some vulnerability detection tools included in the Kali Linux operating system:
- Vulnerability Scanner Nessus: Detects vulnerabilities in online applications and various systems.
- OpenVAS Vulnerability Scanner: Detects network device vulnerabilities.
- Nikto Vulnerability Scanner: Detects web server vulnerabilities.
- The Nmap Vulnerability Scanner detects flaws across many targets.
- Detects vulnerabilities in online applications such as XSS and SQL
9. Research and Practice Your Hacking Skills:
The keys to success in the world of hacking are practice and experimentation. Ethical hackers must use what they've learned in a variety of situations and circumstances. Examine various assaults, tools, and other features
.
10. Participate in discussions and meet with expert hackers:
Create a community or join forums for discussions with other hackers all around the world to trade and share expertise and collaborate. Discord, Facebook, Telegram, and other platforms all have communities.
What Are the Stages of an Ethical Hacking Career?
Patience is a talent that you must develop if you wish to pursue a career as an ethical hacker. You can't expect to get a high-ranking position and substantial pay right away, but there is enormous potential to attain both in a short period!
1. The First Stage:
Many ethical hackers begin their careers by studying computer science. You can also acquire an A+ certification (Comp TIA) by sitting for and passing two additional tests. These tests assess an individual's understanding of PC components as well as their ability to disassemble and rebuild a PC.
To take the qualifying test, you must have at least 500 hours of practical computer experience. At this stage in your career, you can expect to make $44,000 per year on average. However, before you can advance in your profession, you must gather experience and obtain a Network+ or CCNA certification. The Network+ certification certifies fundamental network expertise, such as network administration, maintenance, installation, and troubleshooting. The CCNA certification guarantees the same skills and strives for foundation-level proficiency.
2. Network Support:
Once qualified, you can advance to the next level of your career in network support. You will be responsible for tasks such as monitoring and upgrading, installing security software, and testing for vulnerabilities. You will obtain expertise in network security, and your goal should be to land a job as a network engineer.
3. System Administrator:
After getting expertise in network support, you may expect to earn between $60,000 and $65,000! Instead of only sustaining networks, you will now be developing and planning them. Your focus should now be on the security part of your quest to become an ethical hacker. This is the time to focus on earning a security certification, such as Security+, CISSP, or TICSA, for example. The US Department of Defense has authorized the Security+ accreditation, which covers testing in critical areas such as access control, identity management, and cryptography.
The CISSP certification is a worldwide recognized security accreditation that validates expertise in risk management, cloud computing, and application development. The TICSA qualification testing covers the same topics and is aimed at the same level of security awareness. Having this expertise and credentials should be enough to help you land a job in information security.
What Can an Ethical Hacker Expect?
Once you've started working as an ethical hacker, you'll use all of your technical and security knowledge to try to break the network security of the company or organization that hired you. The company will want a full analysis of your results as well as recommendations for improving network security. This effort shields them against the hacking operations of people with nefarious and unlawful intent. The typical income for an ethical hacker is $71,000, with incentive payouts ranging from $15,000 to $20,000.
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