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Ethical Hacker

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Ethical hacking, also known as penetration testing, is the practice of assessing the security of computer systems, networks, and applications by simulating an attack from a malicious actor.

Day-to-Day

In this role, you will assess the security of computer systems, networks, and applications. You will simulate an attack from a malicious actor to identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited. Once vulnerabilities are discovered, you will report your findings to the organization and provide recommendations for remediation.

Skills

Technical

  • Networking
  • Operating systems
  • Programming
  • Security tools and techniques
  • Cloud computing
  • Data analysis
  • Communication

You should be familiar with a variety of security tools and techniques, including vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, and security information and event management (SIEM). You should also be able to analyze data to identify trends and patterns that could indicate a security threat.

Education

Most Ethical Hackers hold a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Some Ethical Hackers may also hold a master's degree in cybersecurity or a related field.

Certifications

Read more

Ethical hacking, also known as penetration testing, is the practice of assessing the security of computer systems, networks, and applications by simulating an attack from a malicious actor.

Day-to-Day

In this role, you will assess the security of computer systems, networks, and applications. You will simulate an attack from a malicious actor to identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited. Once vulnerabilities are discovered, you will report your findings to the organization and provide recommendations for remediation.

Skills

Technical

  • Networking
  • Operating systems
  • Programming
  • Security tools and techniques
  • Cloud computing
  • Data analysis
  • Communication

You should be familiar with a variety of security tools and techniques, including vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, and security information and event management (SIEM). You should also be able to analyze data to identify trends and patterns that could indicate a security threat.

Education

Most Ethical Hackers hold a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Some Ethical Hackers may also hold a master's degree in cybersecurity or a related field.

Certifications

There are several certifications available for Ethical Hackers, including the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification and the Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) certification. These certifications demonstrate your skills and knowledge in ethical hacking and can help you advance your career.

Career Growth

Ethical Hackers can advance their careers by moving into management positions, such as Security Manager or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). They can also specialize in a particular area of ethical hacking, such as cloud security or mobile security.

Projects

There are many different projects that Ethical Hackers can work on, including:

  • Penetration testing
  • Vulnerability assessments
  • Security audits
  • Security training
  • Incident response

These projects can help you develop your skills and knowledge in ethical hacking and can also help you advance your career.

Personal Growth

Ethical hacking is a challenging and rewarding career. It offers opportunities for personal growth and development, as well as the chance to make a real difference in the world.

Personality Traits

Ethical Hackers are typically:

  • Analytical
  • Curious
  • Detail-oriented
  • Ethical
  • Patient
  • Persevering
  • Problem-solvers

If you have these personality traits, you may be well-suited for a career in ethical hacking.

Self-Guided Projects

There are many self-guided projects that you can complete to better prepare yourself for a career in ethical hacking. These projects can help you develop your skills and knowledge in networking, operating systems, programming, security tools and techniques, and data analysis.

Some examples of self-guided projects include:

  • Building a home lab
  • Setting up a security monitoring system
  • Conducting a penetration test on your own network
  • Writing a security blog or article
  • Giving a presentation on ethical hacking

These projects can help you learn more about ethical hacking and prepare yourself for a career in this field.

Online Courses

There are many online courses available that can help you learn more about ethical hacking. These courses can teach you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this field.

Some examples of online courses include:

  • Ethical Hacking Essentials (EHE)
  • Proactive Computer Security
  • Start Kali Linux, Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing!
  • Practice Your First Penetration Test: Kali & Metasploit Lab
  • The Complete Ethical Hacker Certification Exam Prep Course
  • Curso Completo de Hacking Ético
  • Learn Python & Ethical Hacking From Scratch
  • Wireshark: Packet Analysis and Ethical Hacking: Core Skills
  • TOTAL: CompTIA PenTest+ (Ethical Hacking) PT0-002 + 2 Tests
  • LEARN ETHICAL HACKING AND PENETRATION TESTING 5 COURSES PACK
  • The Complete Ethical Hacking Course
  • Basic Security Concepts for Cisco Networks
  • IT Security Champion: Pen Tests
  • Password and Wireless Attacks with Kali Linux
  • Penetration Testing and Red Teaming
  • Promote the Ethical Use of Data-Driven Technologies
  • Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking Complete Hands-on
  • Ethical Hacking mit Python in der Praxis: Der Komplettkurs
  • The Complete Nmap Ethical Hacking Course : Network Security
  • The Complete Ethical Hacking Course 2.0: Python & Kali Linux
  • Certified Professional Ethical Hacking C)PEH Certification
  • NetScaler: Securing Internal Resources with Gateway
  • Perform Attacks with Metasploit
  • Security Awareness Training
  • Transient-Execution Attacks: Understanding Meltdown and Spectre
  • Network Security & Database Vulnerabilities
  • Working with tcpdump Filters
  • Etik Hacker Olma Kursu
  • Linux Privilege Escalation for OSCP & Beyond!
  • Hacking For Beginners
  • Threat Modeling with the Microsoft Threat Modeling Tool
  • Privilege Escalation and Client Execution with MSFVenom
  • Credential Access with THC Hydra
  • Attacks and Exploits: Network and Application Attacks for CompTIA Pentest+
  • Specialized Exploits: Windows and Linux Shellcode
  • OpenAI Security and Moderations
  • Specialized Testing: Deserialization
  • Generative AI Techniques for Cyber Defense
  • Burp Suite Installation and Basic Functionality
  • Cyber Attack Countermeasures
  • Listeners and Payloads with Cobalt Strike
  • Security and Privacy in TOR Network
  • Advanced Junos Concepts (Firewall Filters, IPv6, CoS)
  • Building and Implementing a Security Awareness Training Program
  • Cybersecurity Fundamentals
  • Cache Side-Channel Attacks and Mitigations
  • Try It: Cybersecurity Basics
  • Introduction à l'éthique de l’IA
  • IT Security: Defense against the digital dark arts
  • Learning how to be safe on the internet

These courses can help you learn the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this field.

Are Online Courses Enough?

Online courses can be a helpful way to learn about ethical hacking, but they are not enough to start a career in this field. Ethical hacking requires a combination of technical skills, knowledge, and experience. Online courses can provide you with the foundation you need to start your career, but you will also need to gain hands-on experience in a real-world setting.

Conclusion

Ethical hacking is a rewarding career that offers opportunities for personal growth and development. If you are interested in a career in cybersecurity, ethical hacking is a great place to start.

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Salaries for Ethical Hacker

City
Median
New York
$186,000
San Francisco
$182,000
Seattle
$168,000
See all salaries
City
Median
New York
$186,000
San Francisco
$182,000
Seattle
$168,000
Austin
$172,000
Toronto
$114,000
London
£83,000
Paris
€76,000
Berlin
€70,000
Tel Aviv
₪461,000
Singapore
S$120,000
Beijing
¥138,000
Shanghai
¥205,000
Shenzhen
¥368,000
Bengalaru
₹634,000
Delhi
₹520,000
Bars indicate relevance. All salaries presented are estimates. Completion of this course does not guarantee or imply job placement or career outcomes.

Path to Ethical Hacker

Take the first step.
We've curated 24 courses to help you on your path to Ethical Hacker. Use these to develop your skills, build background knowledge, and put what you learn to practice.
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Reading list

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Delves into advanced Mac spoofing techniques for bypassing network security controls. It covers advanced spoofing methods, detection evasion techniques, and countermeasures to protect against Mac spoofing attacks.
Comprehensive guide to Macchanger for advanced users. It covers advanced topics such as Mac spoofing in enterprise environments, network forensics, and security auditing.
Covers technological as well as physical countermeasures to provide a complete view of protection methods.
Focuses on social engineering attacks, which involve manipulating people to gain access to sensitive information or systems, and provides countermeasures to protect against such attacks.
Discusses various security monitoring tools and techniques, which are essential for detecting and responding to security incidents.
Provides a complete guide to the cybersecurity interview process, including tips on how to dress, answer questions, and negotiate your salary.
Explores insider threats, which are security breaches caused by individuals with authorized access to systems, and provides countermeasures to address this specific type of threat.
This step-by-step guide provides clear and concise instructions for using Macchanger. It's suitable for beginners and those with limited technical experience.
Is designed for beginners who are just starting to prepare for cybersecurity interviews.
This beginner-friendly guide is designed for those new to Macchanger. It provides clear explanations, step-by-step instructions, and practical examples, making it accessible to all.
Provides a comprehensive guide to the cybersecurity job market, including tips on how to write a resume, prepare for interviews, and negotiate your salary.
Provides a comprehensive guide to the cybersecurity job market, including tips on how to write a resume, prepare for interviews, and negotiate your salary.
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