Data has transformed the entire digital world and has become a key part of everyone's life. Each of us consumes and produces a large amount of information every day which can be used in various industries such as healthcare, banking, marketing, and many others. However, such sensitive information must be fully secured, and this is where certified ethical hacking comes in.
Here we take a closer look at ethical hacking practices, why they're important, and how you can learn about ethical hacking. We will also see some of the jobs and salaries present in the market for which ethical hacking is mandatory.
Well, everyone has a clear idea about ethical hacking, but why is it so crucial? In essence, by consciously finding exploits and vulnerabilities in an organization's system network, it is possible to recover them before unethical hackers can exploit them.
Ethical hackers help organizations identify and eliminate vulnerabilities to enhance their overall IT security. Therefore, when sensitive data is stored in all types of enterprises, networks, and servers, it is very important to secure it. White (ethical) hackers help identify exploits that black (unethical/dangerous) hackers can use.
Of course, cybercrime isn't just about data. A 2020 report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies and security software company McAfee found that cybercrime losses in 2018 amounted to about $522 billion. They attribute this increased cost to better reporting and more effective hacking techniques.
In addition to the data and money loss, cybercrimes can affect public safety, harm the economy, and undermine security of a nation. Obviously, it is very important to secure organizations and their data, and ethical hacking is crucial to play the role in security.
Core of certified Ethical hacking:
Let's get to know more about ethical hacking. While we will not discuss the technical details of hacking, we'll understand some of the roles, responsibilities, and salaries associated with the field. We will also mention courses and resources which can provide in-depth technical information on how ethical hacking executes.
Types of Ethical Hacking:
Given the complexity of IT systems, it is not shocking that there are various ways to use them. As such, there are various ethical hacking methods and key areas that a professional can use. Below we've discussed some of the most common types of ethical hacking:
Web Application Hacking: Web applications are shared over intranet or internet and are based on browsers sometimes. While useful, they can be threatful to script attacks, and ethical hackers test for those vulnerabilities.
Web Server Hacking: Web servers run applications and OS which connect to back-end databases and host web pages. At every point in this process, there are potential vulnerabilities that ethical hackers need to test, identify, and recommend.
Wireless Hacking Network: We all understand wireless networks - computers connected wirelessly to a central access point. However, with that functionality comes several potential security vulnerabilities that white-hat hackers should be aware of.
System Hacking: To access a protected network is one thing, but system hacking aims on gaining access to individual systems on the network. Ethical hackers will try to do just that and offer appropriate countermeasures.
Social Engineering: While other approaches aim at obtaining information through systems and networks, computers, and social engineering aims at individuals. Usually, this means manipulating people into transferring sensitive data or giving them access without suspecting malicious intent.
Types of Ethical Hacking Jobs:
There are many roles related to certified ethical hacking, the scope of which will depend on your expertise area and the organization/sector you work for. Some of the most in-demand ethical hacking jobs include:
Penetration Tester: As mentioned earlier, pen testers conduct official tests on systems and networks to identify vulnerabilities. Penetration testers usually specialize in a particular system type.
Computer Crime Investigator: This role aims more on what happens after a data breach. They investigate various types of crimes ranging from hacking to other patterns of illegal activities.
Data Security Analyst: A data analyst or cybersecurity is usually an internal role focused on identifying potential vulnerabilities in IT systems. They will then take steps to prevent this from happening violations such as creating firewalls and encryption.
Network Administrator: This role aims on managing computer networks and troubleshooting the problems they face. In addition to integrating and configuring the network, they help find and resolve problems that arise in the system.
Careers in ethical hacking and closely related fields are often fairly well paid. The skills required are usually reflected in the annual salary. To give an example, we've mentioned some of the average annual salaries reported by PayScale
Designation | UK | US | Canada | Australia |
Certified ethical hacker | £44,441 | $93,663 | C$79,013 | A$101,029 |
Penetration tester | £39,099 | $118,466 | C$76,942 | A$90,445 |
Cyber security analyst | £30,981 | $76,603 | C$65,976 | A$76,192 |
Information security analyst | £32,759 | $73,037 | C$70,216 | A$86,954 |
How to learn Ethical Hacking Course?
If a career in this domain sounds exciting so far, you may be wondering how to gain skills related to ethical hacking. Fortunately, there are several pathways available. It all depends on the current skills you have along with experience and ambitions.
Take online courses: Whether you already have relevant understanding or are a beginner, online courses can be a great place to initiate ethical hacking.
Of course, you can understand many other related ethical hacking skills, such as foundations of cyber security, digital training related to security and network defense management. These can help you acquire some of the essential skills and knowledge required for a career in the industry.
Earn certificate: There are also options for those seeking ethical hacking certification. In addition to the professional certifications included with our online courses, you can also earn professional credentials.
A good example is the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) qualification run by the EC Council. Once you've learned the basics of ethical hacking, this may be the next logical step.
Other qualifications: If you are considering a career in ethical hacking or in the field of cybersecurity, it may be worth considering a formal qualification such as a degree. The MSc in Cyber Security, for example, provides industry-relevant practical theory and techniques.
Likewise, micro-identity in cybersecurity operations with Cisco will help you hone your professional skills you are required to respond to, and tackle cyberattacks and crime.
Practical experience: Whichever path you choose, you will find that getting hands-on experience is rewarding. Many elements of ethical hacking need hands-on methodology, and there are many resources that can help you build these skills.
Wrapping up:
The ethical hacking and penetration testing world is very interesting. There is no better time to learn ethical learning, for those who are aiming for the cybersecurity branch. The demand for people with these skills is likely to continue to increase as cyberattacks are increasing with each passing day. Ethical Hacking jobs can also pay well and can offer good career stability.
For the professionals who are aiming to dive deep into the ocean of ethical hacking, then we at Vinsys offer Certified Ethical Hacker Certification Course that will help you in earning the credential that you are aiming for.
Click here to register for the training today!
Vinsys is a globally recognized provider of a wide array of professional services designed to meet the diverse needs of organizations across the globe. We specialize in Technical & Business Training, IT Development & Software Solutions, Foreign Language Services, Digital Learning, Resourcing & Recruitment, and Consulting. Our unwavering commitment to excellence is evident through our ISO 9001, 27001, and CMMIDEV/3 certifications, which validate our exceptional standards. With a successful track record spanning over two decades, we have effectively served more than 4,000 organizations across the globe.