How to Become a Qualified and Professional Ethical Hacker

Last Updated: October 4, 2022

In the last few decades, there's been an increasing demand for ethical hackers (also known as white hat hackers) as they protect the computer systems from dangerous intrusions. Ethical hackers are technically skilled IT pros with a strong desire to solve problems and prevent malicious hackers from causing damage to network systems. To be a professional ethical hacker you require motivation, dedication, initiative, self-education and formal training in ethical hacking.

1

Keep your hacking ethical.

There are three types of hackers—White Hat, Grey Hat, and Black Hat. Newbies who are keen to become a Black Hat need to keep in mind that "A day of glory is not worth years in prison".

2

Seek out job opportunities for ethical hackers.

Ethical hacking can be lucrative in all sectors. Seek positions with government organizations, banks, financial institutions, military establishments and private companies.

3

Keep current on your skills.

Being a great hacker takes practice and commitment. Read on your own to know the areas where you need to improve, and what you need to learn to refine your focus. Technology changes rapidly, and a good ethical hacker must be willing and eager to keep up with the new technological developments.
- Stay connected to the hacker community by sharing technical information and ideas.

4

Choose whether to focus on hardware or software.

Do not think of specializing in both the areas. Though knowledge of both is required but the decision will help you to know where to begin. You must be aware of every function, every component of computer on which you will have to work on.

5

Gain some programming knowledge.

Master one or more programming languages. Languages such as C, Python, or Java are important for hackers. These programming languages can be learned by taking formal programming courses and reading books. It will help you to read and write code.

6

Become a Unix geek.

Learn the UNIX operating system. This operating system is regarded as the original operating system built by hackers. Also learn about Windows and Mac OSX.

7

Take professional certification courses.

Enroll in security-related classes. There are a wide variety of courses available for IT security professionals in "Ethical Hacking” or “Internet Security” which would help you to expand your knowledge in ethical hacking. Get certified as it would help you to succeed in the vanguard of your profession.

8

Experiment on your own.

Mess around with hardware and software. Learn how to take control of the situations and how to prevent a computer from getting hacked.

Community Q&A

Question

How can a hacker be placed in a government job?

Community Answer

Government jobs look for hackers with professional wit, knowledge and skill in protecting their networks from exploits and other intrusions. Hackers who solve cyber crimes can work as a cyber security analyst. There are also Certified Ethical Hacker courses designed to teach students additional hacking skills.
Question

Where do I start if I want to become an ethical hacker?

Chris Sdogkos

Community Answer

If you want to become an ethical hacker, you should learn a programming language first.
Question

What are all the software and tools I need to start the hacking process, and is it okay with Windows, or should I change OS?

Community Answer

Kali Linux OS was designed for hacking purposes, and has all the tools you need.