How to Become Ethical Hacker with Online Learning

If you want to become an ethical hacker, it's important to understand the basics of ethical hacking. Many people wonder how to learn ethical hacking online. In this article, we’ll explore how to become an ethical hacker by studying ethical hacking online.

The general path to becoming an ethical hacker includes learning computer science, networking, and cybersecurity. By learning these subjects and ethical hacking training, anyone can become a beginner ethical hacker.

To become a certified expert ethical hacker, a person needs to get the CEH certification by studying and practicing cybersecurity.

In this guide, we will dive deep into the career of an ethical hacker and learn how anyone can become a successful ethical hacker after 12th or graduation just by studying online.

What is Ethical Hacking?

Ethical hacking refers to the authorized practice of probing computer systems and networks to identify vulnerabilities before malicious hackers can exploit them. Historically, ethical hacking emerged in response to rising cyber threats, with the first known ethical hackers appearing in the late 1990s.

Today, as cybercrime costs are projected to reach $10.5 trillion globally by 2025, the demand for ethical hackers is growing rapidly. Currently, ethical hackers play a crucial role in enhancing security measures for organizations by conducting penetration tests and vulnerability assessments.

Looking ahead, the field will likely evolve with advancements in technology, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and adaptation to new threats. By staying updated on trends and obtaining relevant certifications, aspiring ethical hackers can position themselves for success in this vital and expanding sector.

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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.

Ethical hacker duties include identifying 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, and vulnerability assessments, and provide recommendations to mitigate risks, playing a crucial role in safeguarding sensitive data and preventing cyberattacks.

Why Become an Ethical Hacker?

Becoming an ethical hacker offers numerous advantages, including a lucrative salary and high demand for skilled professionals. In 2024, entry-level ethical hackers can expect to earn around $72,000 per year, while experienced hackers can make upwards of $200,000. 

This field is very accessible as many companies hire candidates right after high school, making it an attractive option for those looking to enter the tech industry without a formal degree. This means that if you train and gain the relevant skills you can become an ethical hacker after the 12th.

The demand for ethical hackers is rapidly increasing due to a significant shortage of cybersecurity professionals. Reports indicate that there are 3.5 million vacancies expected to persist through 2025. In the U.S. alone, the cybersecurity workforce faces a 50% vacancy rate, highlighting the urgent need for skilled ethical hackers.

As you can see, ethical hacking is a great career choice, as there are a lot of vacancies, and competitive salaries and the field is very accessible to everyone.

How to Become an Ethical Hacker: Roadmap

Here are the steps, you can follow to become a successful ethical hacker in India. By following this ethical hacker roadmap you can ensure a successful career in ethical hacking.

Step 1: Build a Strong Educational Foundation

Start your journey by establishing a solid educational background. While a degree in computer science or information technology is beneficial, it’s not mandatory. Many successful ethical hackers begin their careers right after high school.

With numerous online resources available, self-study can be just as effective, allowing you to learn at your own pace and focus on areas that interest you.

Step 2: Enroll in Cybersecurity Training

Participating in cybersecurity training programs is crucial for developing essential skills. These programs typically cover networking, operating systems, and security protocols. Hands-on training helps you understand how to apply cybersecurity concepts in real-world situations, making you better prepared for challenges in the field.

Step 3: Obtain Ethical Hacking Certifications

Certifications like Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), CompTIA PenTest+, or Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) are vital for validating your skills. These certifications enhance your resume and demonstrate your commitment to the profession.

They provide structured learning paths and often include practical components that help you gain valuable experience.

Step 4: Gain Practical Experience

Hands-on experience is essential for ethical hackers. Participate in internships, bug bounty programs, or ethical hacking competitions to apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios.

This practical exposure will help you develop problem-solving skills and better understand the tactics used by malicious hackers.

Step 5: Stay Committed to Continuous Learning

The cybersecurity landscape is always changing, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest trends, tools, and techniques. Engage in workshops, webinars, and advanced courses to keep your knowledge fresh.

Following industry publications and thought leaders can also help you stay informed about emerging threats and best practices.

Step 6: Build a Professional Network

Networking plays a significant role in career growth within cybersecurity. Join forums, attend conferences, and connect with professionals in the field to share knowledge and opportunities.

Building relationships with other experts can lead to mentorship opportunities and job referrals that enhance your career prospects.

Step 7: Develop Soft Skills

In addition to technical skills, soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and critical thinking are essential for ethical hackers. You’ll often need to explain complex security issues to non-technical stakeholders or collaborate with teams to implement security measures.

Developing these skills will make you a more well-rounded professional in the cybersecurity field.

Best Online Course to Become an Ethical Hacker

UniNets is offering an online CEH ethical hacking course that teaches you the trending ethical hacking techniques and tools.

It is a self-paced course so that you can learn at your own pace. This course will help you prepare for the CEH certification exam and become a Certified Ethical Hacker.

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Important Skills for Ethical Hackers

Here are some core skills you should learn for ethical hacking. We have also mentioned the sub-concepts in these skills that you need to learn to become an ethical hacker for free.

● Programming Languages: Proficiency in languages like Python, SQL, and PHP is essential for scripting, database interactions, and web application security.

● Operating Systems: Strong knowledge of Linux, Windows, and macOS helps in understanding system configurations and security mechanisms.

● Networking: Understanding networking concepts such as TCP/IP, subnetting, and using tools like Nmap is crucial for identifying vulnerabilities in network architectures.

● Techniques of Network Scanning: Familiarity with various scanning techniques, including port scanning and ping sweeps, helps identify active devices and open ports in a network.

● Network Scanning Countermeasures: Knowing how to implement countermeasures, such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems, is vital for protecting networks from unauthorized access.

● Vulnerability Assessment: Skills in using tools like Nessus or OpenVAS are necessary for scanning systems to identify and evaluate security weaknesses.

● Footprinting Tools: Proficiency in tools that gather information about target systems, such as WHOIS and NSLookup, aids in the reconnaissance phase of ethical hacking.

● Enumeration Techniques: Knowledge of enumeration methods like NetBIOS, SNMP, and DNS helps extract valuable information from target systems.

● Steganography and Steganalysis Attacks: Understanding how to hide data within other files (steganography) and detect such hidden data (steganalysis) is important for securing information.

● Methodologies of Web Server Attacks: Familiarity with common web server attacks, such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS), is essential for identifying vulnerabilities in web applications.

● Comprehensive Attack Prevention Strategies: Knowledge of strategies to prevent attacks, including regular updates, patch management, and user training, is crucial for maintaining security.

● Mobile Platform Security: Understanding tools and guidelines for securing mobile platforms ensures that ethical hackers can protect mobile applications from threats.

● Penetration Testing: Skills in conducting penetration tests help ethical hackers simulate attacks to identify vulnerabilities before malicious hackers can exploit them.

● Cryptography: Knowledge of encryption methods and algorithms helps assess the security of data transmissions and protect sensitive information.

● Soft Skills: Strong communication, teamwork, and attention to detail are essential for collaborating with others and identifying subtle vulnerabilities.

Ethical Hacker Tools

To effectively carry out their tasks, ethical hackers utilize a variety of specialized tools designed to enhance security, perform penetration testing, and analyze network traffic. Below is a list of some essential tools used by ethical hackers, along with brief descriptions of their functionalities.

1. Metasploit: A powerful penetration testing framework that provides a suite of tools for developing and executing exploit code against remote targets. It allows ethical hackers to test the security of systems by simulating real-world attacks.

2. Nmap: Known as Network Mapper, Nmap is a versatile tool used for network discovery and security auditing. It helps identify hosts, services, and operating systems on a network, making it essential for assessing network security.

3. Wireshark: An open-source network protocol analyzer that captures and displays network traffic in real-time. Wireshark is invaluable for troubleshooting network issues and analyzing data packets to identify potential security threats.

4. Nessus: A widely used vulnerability assessment tool that scans systems for known vulnerabilities. Nessus provides detailed reports on security weaknesses, helping organizations prioritize remediation efforts.

5. Nikto: An open-source web server scanner that checks for outdated software, dangerous files, and common vulnerabilities in web applications. Nikto helps ensure that web servers are secure from potential exploits.

6. Burp Suite: A comprehensive platform for web application security testing that includes various tools for scanning, crawling, and attacking web applications. Burp Suite is essential for identifying vulnerabilities such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting.

7. Aircrack-ng: A suite of tools designed for assessing the security of Wi-Fi networks. It focuses on monitoring, attacking, testing, and cracking WEP and WPA/WPA2 encryption keys.

8. OpenVAS: An open-source vulnerability scanner that provides comprehensive scanning capabilities across various hosts. OpenVAS helps identify security issues in systems and networks to enhance overall security posture.

9. John the Ripper: A popular password-cracking tool that supports various encryption algorithms. John the Ripper is used to test password strength by attempting to crack encrypted passwords through brute-force attacks.

10. Recon-ng: A web reconnaissance framework that allows ethical hackers to gather information from open sources efficiently. Recon-ng provides modules for data collection and analysis, streamlining the reconnaissance process.

Ethical Hacker Career

The career path of an ethical hacker is both dynamic and rewarding, offering a variety of roles that evolve with experience and expertise. Here's how your career as an ethical hacker may look over the years.

1-3 Years: Entry-Level Positions

In the initial phase of their career, ethical hackers typically start with roles that focus on foundational skills and experience. Common positions include:

● IT Security Administrator: Managing security systems and monitoring network traffic.

● Cybersecurity Analyst (L1): Conducting basic security monitoring and incident response.

● System Security Administrator: Configuring security settings and applying software updates.

3-5 Years: Intermediate Positions

As ethical hackers gain experience, they can move into more specialized roles that require deeper knowledge and skills. Typical jobs in this phase include:

● Penetration Tester: Simulating attacks to identify vulnerabilities in systems.

● Cyber Defense Analyst: Analyzing threats and implementing defensive measures.

● Network Security Engineer: Designing secure network infrastructures.

5-10 Years: Advanced Positions

With significant experience, ethical hackers can take on leadership roles or specialized positions that involve strategic planning and advanced security measures. Roles may include:

● Senior Security Consultant: Advising organizations on security strategies.

● SOC Security Analyst: Monitoring security incidents in a Security Operations Center.

● Information Security Manager: Overseeing an organization’s entire information security program.

10+ Years: Senior-Level Positions

In the later stages of their careers, ethical hackers often move into high-level positions that involve management and strategic oversight. These roles may include:

● Solution Architect: Developing comprehensive security solutions tailored to organizational needs.

● Cybersecurity Auditor: Conducting assessments to ensure compliance with regulations.

● Homeland Security Specialist: Protecting national infrastructure from cyber threats.

As ethical hackers progress through these phases, they not only enhance their technical skills but also develop leadership abilities, contributing to the overall security landscape.

Are you Made for Ethical Hacking?

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

In this section, we will explore the essential attributes that contribute to the success of ethical hackers, highlighting how each one supports their mission to protect digital assets and maintain robust security measures. 

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.

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.