Ethical hacker, what is it and how to start a career in cybersecurity

2 January 2025 10 minutes Author: Lady Liberty

Ethical hacking is a promising career in cybersecurity that is becoming increasingly popular in today’s digital world. In this article, we will look at how to become an ethical hacker in 2025, what skills are needed for this profession, and why the demand for such professionals continues to grow rapidly.

A Complete Guide for Beginners and Professionals

Hacking involves breaking into computer systems without permission in order to exploit their weaknesses. However, such skills can serve not only criminal purposes, but also be valuable to cybersecurity experts. Contrary to stereotypes, professionals can use hacking for good, such as finding vulnerabilities in systems and increasing their level of protection.

What is ethical hacking?

Before delving into the topic, it is worth understanding who ethical hackers are and what their role is. Ethical hacking, also known as “white hat hacking,” is the process of identifying vulnerabilities in systems in order to strengthen their security. Unlike criminals, these professionals work with the official permission of the system owners. Their goal is to find out how attackers can exploit weaknesses and develop effective solutions to eliminate them.

Ethical hackers have the same technical skills as criminals, but operate legally and in accordance with professional standards. They are hired to conduct penetration tests, analyze vulnerabilities, and develop strategies to mitigate cyber risks. Their work helps organizations stay ahead of potential threats and protect their data from cyberattacks.

How is an ethical hacker different from a regular hacker?

The main difference between them lies in their intentions and goals. Regular hackers, or attackers, seek to exploit vulnerabilities in systems to cause harm. For example, they may exploit “zero-day” vulnerabilities that have not yet been patched by the system owners. Their motives often boil down to financial gain, gaining access to confidential data, or attracting attention to themselves.

Ethical hackers, on the other hand, act for the good and with permission. Their work is aimed at identifying weaknesses in systems and preventing potential attacks. For their activities, they are rewarded by helping companies avoid significant losses, such as data leaks, theft of personal information, or the shutdown of critical services.

In addition, ethical hackers play a key role in raising awareness about cyber threats, offering recommendations for protecting both individual users and large organizations. They ensure the security of critical infrastructure, protect financial resources, and help maintain the confidentiality of important data.

Is this legal?

Unlike criminals, ethical hackers work only with official permission and in accordance with applicable law. They strictly adhere to legal regulations, such as the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act in the United States or similar legislation in other countries.

The professional activities of ethical hackers are regulated by strict ethical standards developed by organizations such as the EC-Council or ISACA. These standards ensure that the work is carried out legally, transparently and in compliance with all security regulations, emphasizing their role in protecting cyberspace.

What do ethical hackers do?

Ethical hackers perform a number of tasks aimed at ensuring the cybersecurity of organizations. The main areas of their activities include:

  • Penetration testing. This is a key ethical hacking technique that involves simulating cyberattacks to identify weaknesses in systems that could compromise an organization’s security.

  • Auditing security protocols. Ethical hackers analyze existing protocols proposed by cybersecurity teams and provide recommendations for their improvement and strengthening.

  • Vulnerability discovery. Regularly scanning systems can find weaknesses in hardware or software and prevent potential attacks.

  • Risk mitigation. Hackers provide practical recommendations for fixing identified vulnerabilities to reduce the risk of successful attacks and increase security.

  • Monitoring emerging threats. As cybercriminals constantly improve their methods, ethical hackers analyze new threats and inform the organization about them in a timely manner, helping it stay one step ahead.

Their work is an integral part of a modern cyber defense system, ensuring the reliability and security of data.

How to become an ethical hacker?

Now that you understand who ethical hackers are and how they help protect cyberspace, it’s time to learn how to become one. If you’re ready to make a career change, here are some basic steps to get started:
  • Learn programming and systems fundamentals. Learn programming languages ​​like Python, C++, or Java to understand how systems are built and to find vulnerabilities. Develop your knowledge of networks, databases, and operating systems, as these skills are fundamental to analyzing security systems.

  • Understand network protocols. Learn protocols like TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, and routing. Learn the concepts of firewalls, VPNs, and IDS/IPS to understand how data is transmitted and protected.

  • Participate in hands-on programs. Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions and bug bounty programs. For example, HackerOne allows you to join a community of ethical hackers, gaining hands-on experience and rewards for finding vulnerabilities.

  • Learn professional tools. Learn tools like Nmap, Metasploit, Wireshark, and Burp Suite to scan, analyze, and exploit network systems. Visit the Exploit Database regularly to stay up-to-date on current vulnerabilities and penetration testing techniques.

  • Hands-on IT experience. Gain basic experience working in IT support, network administration, or cybersecurity. This will help you understand how systems work from the inside and lay the foundation for your future career as an ethical hacker.

With these steps, you can gain the skills you need to work in the field of ethical hacking and start a career in one of the most in-demand professions in the world of cybersecurity.

Hacking education

Once you have mastered the basics of IT and gained your first practical experience, the next step is to obtain a specialized certification in ethical hacking. This will not only allow you to deepen your knowledge, but also increase your credibility with employers.

For example:

  • Certified Ethical Hacking (EC Council) Certification. This is an AI-powered program with 20 modules that explain the ins and outs of being a hacker for hire. The course involves real-world scenarios where the student must apply their cybersecurity skills.

  • Advanced Web Attacks and Exploitation (OffSec). This training focuses on security testing and penetration testing. It covers topics such as SSRF, JavaScript pollution, remote code execution, network session hijacking, source code analysis, and more.

  • Complete Ethical Hacking Bootcamp. This online course is suitable even for those just starting out in IT. It includes Python training, bug-finding exercises, a detailed look at SQL injections, using Metasploit and Nmap, social engineering tactics, and more.

  • CompTIA PenTest+. This course allows you to practice penetration testing in a variety of environments, such as on-premises, cloud, and hybrid. After completing the course, you will learn how to deal with malware and SQL injections.

  • Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator. This course will be useful for those who want to practice ethical hacking in the specialized field of digital forensics. The certification is provided by the EC-Council and is suitable for people with experience in ethical hacking or other types of IT. You will study topics such as the Dark Web, cloud forensics, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

How much does a certified ethical hacker earn?

The salary of ethical hackers varies significantly, and according to the Infosec Institute, annual income can range from $72,000 to $200,000. The main factors that affect pay levels include:

  1. Level of experience. Beginners earn lower salaries, but as experience increases, income increases significantly. Experienced professionals, such as senior penetration testers or cybersecurity consultants, can earn over $200,000 per year.

  2. Certification. Having certifications such as the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) or Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) significantly increases a professional’s value in the marketplace.

  3. Duties. Hackers in leadership positions or those who perform additional tasks such as developing security strategies receive higher compensation.

  4. Geographic location. Salaries are significantly higher in major technology hubs such as Silicon Valley, New York City, or London due to the high demand for specialists.

  5. Industry. In industries with high cybersecurity requirements, such as financial services, healthcare, or government agencies, professionals can expect more competitive salaries.

  6. Company size. Large corporations or organizations with high security standards, such as international banks or IT giants, offer the highest compensation.

The salary of an ethical hacker depends on many factors, such as experience, certifications, and location. For those willing to invest time in learning and improving their skills, this is one of the most promising and financially rewarding careers in cybersecurity.

Who is the best ethical hacker in the world?

Kevin Mitnick.

Kevin Mitnick, an American cybersecurity expert, is considered a legend in the world of hacking. He was once one of the most notorious malicious hackers, whose actions in the 1980s and 1990s attracted the attention of law enforcement agencies around the world. Mitnick served time in prison for his crimes, but after that he radically changed his life.

After becoming an ethical hacker, he founded Mitnick Security Consulting, a company specializing in protecting corporate systems, and simulated real-life cyberattacks to help organizations eliminate vulnerabilities.

Mitnick also became a popular author and educator, writing books that have become classics in the field of cybersecurity, such as:

  • “The Art of Deception”

  • “The Art of Intrusion”

These works have raised awareness about hacking and taught many professionals effective defense strategies.

Although Kevin Mitnick passed away in 2023, his legacy, educational materials, and contributions to the field of cybersecurity continue to inspire professionals around the world. His story demonstrates how one can turn a negative experience into something useful for society by becoming a true professional in their field.

Key examples of successful ethical hacking

Ethical hacking has repeatedly helped protect companies from serious cyber threats. Here are some notable examples:

  1. Google Chrome hack. During the Pwn2Own hacking competition, a team of ethical hackers from VUPEN Security discovered a serious vulnerability in the Google Chrome browser. This allowed Google to quickly improve its security protocols, ensuring the protection of millions of users.

  2. Oracle WebLogic Server vulnerability. The KnownSec404 team discovered a critical flaw in Oracle WebLogic Server that could threaten the security of applications. Thanks to the quick work of the hackers, Oracle fixed the problem before attackers could exploit it.

  3. Facebook bug. Ethical hacker Khalil Shritah discovered a bug that allowed posting on the pages of any user, regardless of privacy settings. At first, Facebook rejected his report, but to attract attention, he demonstrated the problem by publishing a post on Mark Zuckerberg’s page. As a result, the company fixed the vulnerability.

  4. Bug Bounty from United Airlines. Ethical hacker Jordan Wiens found a critical vulnerability in United Airlines systems that could have disrupted flights. He was rewarded with 1 million bonus miles for his contribution to security.

  5. St. Jude Medical Medical Equipment. Hackers from MedSec and Muddy Waters discovered vulnerabilities in St. Jude Medical pacemakers and defibrillators. They showed how attackers could remotely interfere with the operation of these devices. As a result, the manufacturer implemented a major security update, saving patients’ lives.

These examples demonstrate how ethical hacking can not only prevent cyber threats, but also protect millions of users, financial resources, and even lives, making the world a safer place.

Conclusion: Is white hat hacking right for you?

Ethical hacking is not only an exciting but also a responsible profession. If you are interested in solving complex technical problems, ensuring the security of people and organizations, and working in one of the most promising industries, this path could be for you.

Information was taken from open sources Molfar

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