Spoiler Alert: If you think Ethical Hacking is a cool job, working for the cops and the government, tracking and countering computer hackers and cybercriminals, well then it’s NOT. If you think the job of an Ethical Hacker involves solving crimes, like they show in movies, unfortunately that’s not the case. As an Ethical Hacker, you will not be solving cybercrime, or tacking cyber criminals, or playing detective. You will most likely not be doing anything that would give you an adrenaline rush.
So what is Ethical Hacking and what do Ethical Hackers do?
In simple terms, Ethical Hacking is identify vulnerabilities in computer networks and computer programs, and trying to fix them, so that there are no unauthorized accesses to an organization’s computer systems and data. Many banks, financial companies, government organizations, and several other companies hire Ethical Hackers. The job of an ethical hacker is to test (and retest) the organization’s computer programs and network systems to ensure that they are robust enough to prevent unauthorized access. Broadly speaking, Ethical Hackers specialize in one of these areas:
- Secure Coding – Developing programs that can withstand cyber security threats.
- Network Security – Make network systems efficient enough to prevent unauthorized access
- Virus & Malware Prevention – Analyze security threats from computer viruses and malwares and develop programs to overcome them
- Cryptography – Develop security systems for safeguarding important data and information
At times, government agencies and corporate firms hire ethical hackers to investigate cybercrimes.
How to become an Ethical Hacker
To become an Ethical Hacker you need to have a strong background in Computer Science. So a BE/BTech degree with a specialization in Computer Science/Computer Engineering or a related field is recommended. Those who wish to pursue a career in Ethical Hacking need to have a sound understanding of concepts in Computer Networks, Databases, Operating Systems, and Systems Programming.
There are several certificate as well as degree programs that prepare you for a career in Ethical Hacking.
MSc/Mtech Programs: Some universities offer Masters programs in Cyber Forensics and Information Security. These options are however limited.
Certificate Programs: There are several certificate programs that train you for a career in Ethical Hacking. Some of them are:
- Ankit Fadia Certified Ethical Hacker Course
- PG Diploma in Information Security and System Administration
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Professional Forensics Consultants
- Certified Professional Hacker
Additionally there are some internationally recognized certificate exams that one can give to establish credibility in this domain. These are:
- Certified Ethical Hacker by EC-Council
- Certified Hacking Forensic Investigator by EC-Council
- GIAC Certified Penetration Tester (GPEN) by SAN and GIAC
- Certified Intrusion Analyst (GCIA).
Ethical hacking is indeed a challenging role and offers lucrative career opportunities, provided you are continually willing to learn and upgrade your technical skills.
In 2005 Jay Rege, along with his wife Jothsna Rege, co-founded Academy One, a career guidance and study abroad counseling venture. Prior to co-founding Academy One, he worked as a software developer with HCL Technologies. He holds a computer engineering degree from Mumbai University and a MBA from the Mays Business School at Texas A&M University, USA. He has also been a visiting faculty at a few colleges where he teaches topics related to entrepreneurship.