What Is Ethical Hacking? | What Does an Ethical Hacker Do?

Ethical hackers are cybersecurity professionals who locate network vulnerabilities by utilizing cybercriminal hacking techniques and testing security measures.

They contribute to IT security by protecting individuals and organizations from malicious hacking and cyber attacks. Ethical hackers help information security networks stay resistant to cybercrime attempts.

What Is an Ethical Hacker?

Ethical hackers are employed by an organization to test their security by mimicking the strategies that malicious hackers use. They help protect an organization's systems by using cybercriminal hacking methods to locate security vulnerabilities and reinforce security measures.

What Does an Ethical Hacker Do?

Ethical hackers use repeated attempts to hack into computer systems and locate potential areas that are vulnerable to cyberattacks and security breaches.

Vulnerability Assessments

During vulnerability assessments, ethical hackers analyze security systems and identify potential weaknesses.

Penetration Testing

Ethical hackers utilize cybercriminal techniques that are used for malicious hacking. By doing this they can understand where a cyberattack could happen and help the organization improve their security measures.

Security Audits

When conducting security audits, ethical hackers evaluate the implementation and reinforcement of current security policies so that they can assess the risk and recommend solutions for risk management.

Types of Hackers

There are different types of hackers, some with good intentions and some with malicious intentions.

White Hat Hackers

White hat hackers, also known as ethical hackers, are information security specialists. They perform the same techniques as malicious hackers but with the goal of locating weaknesses in security and protecting organizations from cyberattacks. They are employed by organizations to complete vulnerability assessments and penetration testing.

Black Hat Hackers

Black hat hackers are malicious attackers with unauthorized access. They look for vulnerabilities that allow them to hack into computer systems and access sensitive information or install malware. This kind of hacker commits cybercrimes like data breaches and installing ransomware in computer systems, web applications, and wireless networks.

Blue Hat Hackers

Blue hat hackers work with tech companies to test products and identify security vulnerabilities. They play a role in increasing a tech product's security by addressing weaknesses and implementing security measures before they become issues.

Red Hat Hackers

Red hat hackers protect organizations such as government agencies from cyber threats by stopping malicious hackers from causing damage to an information system. They work quickly and aggressively to disrupt cybercriminals and eliminate threats.

Gray Hat Hackers

Gray hat hackers use hacking tools to find system vulnerabilities in information systems. They are ethical because they are not hacking with malicious intent, but they are unethical because they are doing so with unauthorized access.

Are Ethical Hackers Legal?

Yes, ethical hackers are legal. They have the authorization needed to perform their security assessments and hack systems. Ethical hackers are brought on by businesses, government agencies, and even individuals to find security flaws.

Examples of Ethical Hacking

Penetration testing, or pentesting, involves using black hat hacking methodologies to mimic a cyber attack. This example of ethical hacking helps identify weaknesses in operating systems.

Social engineering is another example of ethical hacking in which the ethical hacker tests how prone an organization is to hackers. This can involve sending out a fake phishing email to employees, a tactic used by malicious hackers to gather sensitive information, to see how likely they are to be susceptible to cybercrimes.

How Do I Become a Certified Ethical Hacker?

Becoming a certified ethical hacker (CEH) can be beneficial to your cybersecurity career and help you stand out as an experienced candidate when applying for jobs. EC-Council offers a globally recognized course for earning an ethical hacker certification and gaining recognition as a cybersecurity professional. Once you successfully complete the CEH exam, you can put your ethical hacking skills to use.

What Qualifications Do I Need?

Before becoming a certified ethical hacker, there are qualifications to meet. Earning a technology degree to gain a solid understanding of cybersecurity is the first step. Most certification programs recommend that you have two years of information technology experience. Hands-on experience with network security and system administration prepares you for a CEH certification program.

To earn your certified ethical hacker certification you need to show your ethical hacking skills during the CEH exam.

Best Degrees for Ethical Hacking

Earning a bachelor's degree in the IT field can help you hone your skills and broaden your understanding of computer systems.

Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity

A cybersecurity degree covers topics such as cryptography, risk management, and network security to give you a full understanding of how information systems can be vulnerable to cyber threats. By earning a cybersecurity degree, like the one offered at Purdue Global, you can be prepared to identify weaknesses in network security and implement security measures.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Computer science degrees provide students with an understanding of computer programming and software development, topics that ethical hackers need to be knowledgeable in. This degree is beneficial for aspiring ethical hackers because it equips them with a solid foundation in how systems operate and how software functions.

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology

An information technology degree focuses on managing computer systems with courses that cover system administration, network security, and data management. The BS in information technology degree at Western Governors University prepares graduates for an ethical hacking career by offering cybersecurity certifications as part of the degree program.

Bachelor of Science in Digital Forensics

Digital forensic degrees teach students how to identify and address security breaches so that they have a thorough understanding of cybercrime investigations. This degree program covers malicious attacker methodology and how to preserve evidence of cybercrimes.

Ethical Hacking Career Opportunities

Ethical hackers play an important role in protecting data and their skills as cybersecurity professionals are utilized in various information security roles.

Network Security Engineer

Network security engineers design and implement security systems and put up firewalls to maintain secure computer networks and help protect against cyber threats. They conduct incident response and ensure they are following security standards.

Penetration Tester

Penetration testers identify weaknesses in computer systems by performing authorized cyber attacks. These ethical hackers have permission to use malicious hacker methods to find vulnerabilities. Their goal is to help organizations and individuals strengthen their information security and prevent security breaches.

Information Security Manager

An information security manager is in charge of supervising the information security protocol within an organization. They work with information security analysts to help develop and implement security procedures to help keep sensitive data secure from security breaches and other cyber threats. They play an important role in incident response and problem-solving to come up with security solutions.