Table of Contents
- What is Ethical Hacking?
- How to Improve your Ethical Hacking Knowledge?
- Best Steps to Become an Ethical Hacker
- Which Certifications Are Necessary for an Ethical Hacker to Have?
What is Hacking with an Ethic?
When it comes to the role of an ethical hacker, the term “hacking” is associated with a lot of negative connotations. The good men of hacking, the “white hat” wearers, are known as ethical hackers. What then is an ethical hacker’s job description? To save businesses and organizations worldwide from hackers with less honorable intentions, ethical hackers find flaws in data protection protocols rather than utilizing their sophisticated computer skills for illicit purposes.
Allow us to first define the term “ethical hacking” before learning how to become one.
Experts in information security, ethical hackers employ their hacking prowess to defend computer networks and systems from online threats. We are authorized to examine systems for flaws and vulnerabilities, unlike malevolent hackers. We accomplish this by mimicking actual attacks, occasionally utilizing the same techniques and equipment as malevolent hackers.
Because it helps find and address flaws before malevolent actors can take advantage of them, ethical hacking plays a crucial role in maintaining the security of systems. Strong knowledge of computer networking, cryptography, and programming is usually possessed by ethical hackers.
How to Improve your Ethical Hacking Knowledge?
To become an ethical hacker and be successful at it, one needs a wide range of abilities. The capacity to think like a hacker is arguably the most crucial and necessary aptitude for ethical hacking. This entails being able to predict hackers’ next move by comprehending how they think and behave.
Furthermore, having a thorough understanding of computer networks and systems is essential for ethical hackers. It is necessary for us to be able to recognize weaknesses and vulnerabilities and know how to take advantage of them. To be able to write original scripts and programs, we also need to be proficient with programming languages and tools.
A wide range of abilities are required to become an ethical hacker and to succeed in this field. Thinking like a hacker is one of the most crucial—if not the most important—skills needed for ethical hacking. This entails having the ability to comprehend the methods and thought processes of hackers in order to predict their next move.
Additionally, having a solid grasp of computer networks and systems is essential for ethical hackers. It is necessary for us to understand how to spot flaws and vulnerabilities and how to take advantage of them. Additionally, in order to be able to write original scripts and programs, we must be knowledgeable about programming languages and tools.
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Understanding Cybersecurity Fundamentals
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Networking Skill
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Database Skills
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Cryptography Expertise
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Web Application Security
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Intrusion Detection and Response Skills
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Problem-Solving and Analytical Thinking
Best Steps to Become an Ethical Hacker
Learn about Windows, Android, and Linux/UNIX firsthand.
Improved computer system security is guaranteed by the open-source LINUX/UNIX operating system. Since Linux is one of the most often used operating systems for hacking, you should be well-versed in it if you’re an ethical hacker. It offers hackers a plethora of tools. A few popular Linux distributions are BackTrack, Ubuntu, Kali Linux, Red Hat Linux, and others. Of these, Kali Linux is the most widely used Linux distribution that has been specifically designed for hacking.
Improved your operating system knowledge in windows, android also windows is the closed-source platform but using many tools to in security we can use in windows easily. and android also get the knowledge is important to protect the apk files.
Skills in Programming
A solid foundation in programming is necessary for ethical hacking. After all, ethical hackers simply identify system vulnerabilities using their understanding of programming and then suggest fixes for such flaws. Understanding how systems operate and identifying their flaws would be impossible without programming knowledge. Python, Java, and PHP are the three programming languages that ethical hackers utilize the most.
Here, List of some of best programming language :
- Python: Extensively used for exploit writing
- JavaScript: Suitable for hacking web applications
- PHP: Helps fight against malicious attackers
- SQL: Best for hacking large databases
Skills with Databases
A variety of abilities are needed for ethical hacking to be successful. Working with databases is one of the most crucial ethical hacking abilities. To identify security flaws, hackers must have a thorough understanding of the structure and operation of databases. Furthermore, database management tools are necessary for hackers to change data and gain access to confidential information. It would be exceedingly challenging for ethical hackers to carry out their work without these abilities.
Social Engineering Techniques
A combination of social and technical abilities are needed for ethical hacking. Technically speaking, ethical hackers must be knowledgeable with cybersecurity tools and methods. They also need to be very knowledgeable about computer systems. To be a good ethical hacker, one must possess more than just technical talents.
Additionally, ethical hackers require strong social engineering abilities. This involves having the ability to learn about targets by discussion, investigation, and observation. This knowledge is used by ethical hackers to take advantage of holes in security mechanisms. Moreover, in order to improve your ethical hacking abilities, you can look into taking online Cyber Security training classes.
- phishing
- Scareware
- Pretexting
- Honeytrap
- CEO fraud
Learn All About Networking Concepts
For ethical hackers, understanding networking principles and their creation is essential. Learning about different networks and protocols is helpful when trying to take advantage of weaknesses. An expert in networking technologies like Nmap, Wireshark, and others can help an ethical hacker overcome obstacles in the field. Several key ideas in networking are:
- Wireless Networks
- TCP/IP Network
- Subnetting
- Automobile Networks (CAN)
- Network Masks and CIDR
- Simple Network Management Protocol
- Server Message Block
- Domain Name Service (DNS)
- Address Resolution Protocol
- Bluetooth Networks
- SCADA Networks (Modbus)
Examine Your Vulnerabilities
Loopholes or weaknesses in the system are called vulnerabilities. Learn how to look for security flaws in networks and systems that could allow for a breach. Hackers with a moral code may also attempt to write holes and take advantage of the system. The following are a few Kali Linux OS vulnerability detection tools:
- Nessus Vulnerability Scanner: Finds flaws in several systems and web applications.
- The OpenVAS Vulnerability Scanner finds weaknesses on networked devices.
- Nikto Vulnerability Scanner: Identifies online server vulnerabilities
- Nmap Vulnerability Scanner: finds weaknesses in several targets
- XSS and SQL injection vulnerabilities are detected by the Wapiti Vulnerability Scanner.
Which Certifications Are Necessary for an Ethical Hacker to Have?
Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)
CRISC (Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control)
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN)
In summary
As you can see, there are a wide range of ethical hacking topics that require expertise. Being a great ethical hacker requires having a solid foundation, even though some talents are more fundamental and important than others.