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Ethical Hacking Learning Path – A Complete Roadmap

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21st Sep, 2023
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    Ethical Hacking Learning Path – A Complete Roadmap

    In today's increasingly interconnected world, data security is more important than ever before. As the name suggests, ethical hacking is all about using your skills to improve security systems and protect organizations from potential cyber threats. It is a form of security testing that is used to identify vulnerabilities in computer systems and help organizations to improve their security and prevent data breaches.

    An ethical hacker course offers a highly skilled and challenging role that can be both exciting and rewarding. It gives you the opportunity to use your skills for good. As the demand for ethical hackers is expected to continue to rise, now is the perfect time to start learning about this important field.

    If you are looking to get started in this field, then you’ve come to the right place. Here, we will give you a complete learning path to being an ethical hacker and choosing a successful career in information security. This learning path will take you from the introduction to ethical hacking and the basics of cybersecurity all the way up to more advanced concepts in ethical hacking. Let’s begin.

    What is Ethical Hacking, and Why is It Increasingly in High Demand?

    Many people view hacking as a criminal activity, but there is such a thing as ethical hacking. Ethical hackers are computer experts who use their skills to find security vulnerabilities in systems and help organizations fix them. While the methods used by ethical hackers are similar to those used by malicious hackers, the intent is completely different.

    Ethical hackers act with the permission of the owners of the systems they are testing and always have the approval of their target before they launch an attack. As a result, CEH certified ethical hacker is valuable for organizations looking to improve their cybersecurity.

    The need for ethical hacking and hackers has increased dramatically in recent years, as businesses and organizations have become increasingly aware of the need to protect themselves from cyber-attacks. With the cost of data breaches rising and the frequency of attacks increasing, businesses are willing to pay for expert help in protecting their systems.

    Ethical hackers can play a vital role in keeping businesses safe, and the demand for their skills is only likely to grow in the years to come. There are many reasons why an organization might want to hire an ethical hacker with a CEH v12 training certificate.

    1. It’s a cost-effective way to assess their security posture: By hiring someone to try and break into their systems, they can quickly identify any areas that need improvement.
    2. It helps mitigate the risk of a real attack: By finding and fixing vulnerabilities before they can be exploited, organizations can reduce the chances of being successfully attacked.
    3. It can help build public trust: By showing that an organization is taking proactive steps to improve their security, they can win the confidence of customers and stakeholders.

    What Does an Ethical Hacker Do?

    An ethical hacker, also known as a white hat hacker, is someone who uses their skills to improve security systems. They do this by finding and exploiting vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks.

    Ethical hackers are employed by organizations to find vulnerabilities in their computer systems and networks and to recommend ways to fix them. In many cases, ethical hackers are able to find weaknesses that have not been discovered by the organization's own security staff. To do this, they use the same tools and techniques that are used by malicious hackers, but they do so with the permission of the organization.

    Ethical hacking and hacking classes can be divided into two main types of activity: proactive and reactive. Proactive ethical hacking involves manually looking for vulnerabilities in systems and trying to exploit them. Reactive ethical hacking involves responding to incidents that have already happened, such as data breaches. In both cases, ethical hackers document their findings and make recommendations to the organization on how to fix the problem.

    The goal of an ethical hacker is not to cause damage or steal data, but rather to help the organization improve their security posture. By doing so, they can prevent future attacks from happening. Ethical hacking can also help organizations to assess their overall security posture and to identify areas where improvements are needed.

    How to Become an Ethical Hacker?

    Ethical hacking is an important skill in the modern world. With the rise of the internet, more and more businesses are becoming reliant on digital systems. This means that there is a greater need than ever for people who can identify and fix security vulnerabilities.

    If you are interested in computer security, then you may be looking to learn hacking for beginners for free. Here are some key steps that you will need to take:

    1. Gain a strong understanding of computer networks and security. 
    2. Start practicing your hacking skills on your own systems. 
    3. Keep up to date with the latest security news and trends. 
    4. Master the cehv11 course and start looking for ethical hacking jobs. 

    Ethical Hacker Education

    If you want to become an ethical hacker, you need to have a strong foundation in IT and computer networking. You should also learn how to code and understand programming languages. And lastly, you need to get certified. 

    The best way to gain all of these skills is to get a degree in computer science or a related field. However, if you don’t have the time or money for formal education, try an ethical hacking course free via online resources to learn everything you need to know. 

    Ethical Hacker Certifications

    Ethical hacking certifications are designed for IT professionals who want to specialize in penetration testing and ethical hacking. These certifications cover the tools and techniques used by hackers to exploit systems, as well as countermeasures that can be used to prevent such attacks.

    The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) from EC-Council can be considered the best ethical hacking course and the most popular ethical hacking certification. This certification requires candidates to complete a training course and pass an exam. Once you have your CEH certification, you’ll be able to find jobs as an ethical hacker in both the private and public sectors. 

    Other ethical hacking certifications include the GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC), Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). While not required, these certifications can give job seekers an edge in the competitive field of information security. 

    Ethical Hacker skills

    Ethical hacking and cyber security are a growing field that requires a range of skills in order to be successful. Perhaps the most important skill for an ethical hacker is the ability to think like their adversaries. This requires not only a technical understanding of how hacking works, but also an understanding of human behavior and the motivations of hackers.

    In addition, ethical hackers need to be creative in order to come up with new ways to test systems and find vulnerabilities. They also need to have strong communication skills in order to clearly explain their findings to their clients. Finally, they must be highly ethical and trustworthy, as they will be working with sensitive information. 

    Computer skills

    In order to become an ethical hacker by obtaining top cybersecurity certifications, one must first possess a strong foundation in computer skills. This includes an understanding of how computer systems work, how to encrypt data, and how to troubleshoot common problems.

    An ethical hacker should know how to code and understand programming languages and have the ability to develop custom code. With these skills, you can get a certified ethical hacker certification to help businesses and organizations keep their systems secure from malicious attacks.

    Penetration testing skills

    It is essential to have strong penetration testing skills. This involves being able to identify and exploit security vulnerabilities in systems and networks. Ethical hackers use a variety of tools and techniques to perform penetration tests, including port scanning, social engineering, and password guessing. 

    In addition to having strong technical skills, ethical hackers must also be able to think like malicious attackers. It includes common attack strategies and being able to anticipate the next move of an adversary. Some of the most important skills you’ll need include: 

    • Knowledge of operating systems (Linux, Windows, etc.) 
    • Ability to use hacking tools and techniques. 
    • Knowledge of networking concepts (TCP/IP, HTTP, DNS, etc.) 
    • Knowledge of coding languages (Java, Python, etc.) 
    • Ability to think like a hacker. 
    • Ability to communicate effectively. 

    With these skills, ethical hackers can help organizations to shore up their defenses against real-world threats. 

    Knowledge of Linux

    To succeed in an ethical hacker course, knowledge of Linux is crucial as ethical hacking relies on a strong understanding of how computer systems work, and Linux is one of the most popular operating systems in use today. While Windows and macOS are both closed-source platforms, Linux is open source, meaning that its code is publicly available and can be modified by anyone.

    This makes it an ideal platform for ethical hackers, who need to be able to understand and alter code in order to find vulnerabilities. In addition, Linux is typically more secure than other operating systems, making it harder for malicious hackers to exploit weaknesses. As a result, knowledge of Linux is essential for anyone interested to learn to be a hacker

    Cryptography skills

    Cryptography is the practice of secure communication in the presence of third parties. It is used in a variety of applications, including email, file sharing, and secure communications. Cryptography is a critical tool for ensuring privacy and security on the internet. Without it, anyone could intercept and read private messages or access sensitive files. 

    It is an important tool for ethical hackers as they use their skills to find security vulnerabilities in systems and help organizations fix them. In order to find these vulnerabilities, they need to complete the ethical hacking certification training and understand how cryptography works and how to break it. Without these skills, ethical hackers would not be able to do their job effectively. 

    Programming skills

    Ethical hacking requires a deep understanding of how computer systems work and how to exploit vulnerabilities. Without strong programming skills, it would be impossible to find and exploit these vulnerabilities.

    Ethical hacking also requires the ability to write custom code to create new tools and programs. This can be achieved while working on ethical hacking projects. Without strong programming skills, an ethical hacker would be limited to using existing tools and programs, which may not be effective against all threats.

    Critical thinking and problem-solving skills

    If you truly want to learn to be a hacker, you need to have strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This is because ethical hacking is all about finding creative solutions to complex challenges. It's not enough to simply identify a security vulnerability; you also need to be able to come up with a plan to fix it.

    As an ethical hacker, you will need to think outside the box and be willing to experiment. This means that you need to be comfortable with failure; not every solution will work, but that's okay. The important thing is that you keep learning and expanding your ethical hacking skillset. This will allow you to identify potential security vulnerabilities and devise solutions to fix them. 

    Ethical Hacker Job Outlook

    The job outlook for ethical hackers is extremely positive, as there is a shortage of qualified professionals in the field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 32 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.

    Ethical hacking is a growing field with immense potential. Jobs for ethical hackers are expected to grow because there is an increasing need for computer and network security. Ethical hackers are in high demand as they possess the skills and knowledge necessary to protect organizations from cyberattacks.

    There are many opportunities for career advancement, and the white hat hacker salary is very commendable. If you are interested in a career in ethical hacking, now is the time to get started. There has never been a better time to enter this exciting and rapidly growing field. There are many different types of jobs for ethical hackers. Some examples include: 

    • Information security analyst 
    • Security engineer 
    • Security consultant 
    • Security researcher. 

    Roles and Responsibilities of an Ethical Hacker

    The roles and responsibilities of an ethical hacker vary depending on the organization they work for. However, some common duties include: 

    • Identifying security vulnerabilities in systems and networks 
    • Developing and implementing plans to mitigate security risks. 
    • Conducting penetration tests 
    • Writing reports on findings
    • Training staff on cybersecurity best practices 
    • Responding to security incidents 
    • Monitoring trends in cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities.

    Ethical Hacker Career Path

    The term "ethical hacker" may conjure up images of a shadowy figure hunched over a computer in a dark basement, but the reality is far different. Ethical hackers are information security experts who use their skills to protect computer systems from malicious attacks. While hackers are often associated with illegal activities, ethical hackers use their knowledge for good, acting as the "white hats" of the cyber world. 

    The demand for ethical hackers is growing as businesses and organizations become increasingly reliant on computer systems. With the rise of online banking, e-commerce, and cloud computing, there is a greater need than ever before for people with the skills to identify and defend against potential threats.

    There are many different paths you can take to become an ethical hacker. Some people choose to get a formal education by earning a degree in computer science or a related field. Others develop their skills through self-study and hands-on experience. No matter which routes you choose, there are certain core competencies that all ethical hackers need to possess. These include strong problem-solving skills, creativity, and technical expertise.

    Ethical Hacker Salary

    The average certified ethical hacker salary in the United States is $82,361 per annum. (Source: PayScale) However, it depends on the level of expertise. For example, entry-level ethical hackers may earn an annual salary of $50,000 while senior-level professionals can earn upwards of $100,000 per year.

    In addition to their base salary, many ethical hackers also receive bonuses and other forms of compensation. Overall, ethical hacking is a well-paid profession that offers plenty of opportunities for growth. If you have the necessary skills and experience, you could be earning a six-figure salary in no time. 

    How to Get Experience as an Ethical Hacker?

    If you want to become an ethical hacker, you’ll need to have strong technical skills and a good understanding of computer systems and networks. The best way to gain these skills is by getting a certified ethical hacker practical. Some of the most common ways include:

    • Completing online courses 
    • Attending bootcamps or training programs 
    • Working as an intern or apprentice 
    • Volunteering for organizations 
    • Participating in bug bounties or capture the flag competitions. 

    No matter how you choose to get experience, make sure you are gaining the skills that will help you succeed as an ethical hacker. 

    Conclusion

    Ethical hacking is a challenging and rewarding field, and those who are skilled in it can help to make the world a safer place. If you wish to join an ethical hacking course to become an ethical hacker, you’ll need to have strong technical skills and a good understanding of computer systems and networks. The job outlook for ethical hackers is positive, so if you have the skills and experience, you should have no problem finding a job!

    While the role of an ethical hacker is critical in today's digital world, it is important to remember that they are not invincible. They are only as good as their skills and knowledge allow them to be. Therefore, it is important to continue to educate yourself with KnowledgeHut’s CEH v12 training on new hacking techniques and tools in order to stay one step ahead of the criminals.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    1What should I learn before ethical hacking?

    Anyone considering a career in ethical hacking and wondering what to study to become a hacker should focus on a strong foundation in computer science and programming. A solid understanding of networking principles is also essential, as is a familiarity with security concepts.

    In addition, ethical hackers should be able to think like their counterparts in the black hat community, anticipating their moves and looking for vulnerabilities that can be exploited. Some skills that you should learn before ethical hacking include: 

    • Basic computer and network concepts 
    • Programming languages such as Python and SQL 
    • Linux operating system fundamentals 
    • Cybersecurity tools and techniques. 
    2What is the path for ethical hacker?

    There are many different paths that an ethical hacker can take. Some ethical hackers work for companies, helping to secure their systems against attack. Others work for government agencies or as independent consultants. 

    Many ethical hackers also get involved in research, developing new tools and techniques that can be used to improve security. Some common career paths for ethical hackers include: 

    • Information security analyst 
    • Security Engineer 
    • Penetration tester 
    • Security consultant 
    • Security researcher 
    3Can a beginner learn ethical hacking?

    Yes, a beginner can learn ethical hacking. However, it is important to note that ethical hacking is a complex topic. As such, beginners should expect to put in a lot of time and effort to master the skills required to be an ethical hacker. 

    4How many days it will take to learn ethical hacking?

    It really depends on your prior knowledge and experience. If you're starting to learn ethical hacking from scratch, it might take anywhere from 3-6 months to learn the basics of ethical hacking. However, if you already have some experience with networking and computer security, you could potentially learn the basics in as little as 2-4 weeks.

    The key is to dedicate yourself to learning as much as you can and to practice what you've learned through real-world exercises. There are a number of resources available online and in print that can help you learn about ethical hacking, and there are also numerous certification programs that can give you a more formal education. 

    5What is ethical hacker salary?

    The average salary for an ethical hacker is $82,361 per annum. However, it can vary depending on skills, experience, and location. For example, entry-level ethical hackers may only earn $50,000 per year. However, experienced ethical hackers who work in high-paying industries such as finance or healthcare can earn upwards of $100,000 per year.

    Profile

    Abhresh Sugandhi

    Author

    Abhresh is specialized as a corporate trainer, He has a decade of experience in technical training blended with virtual webinars and instructor-led session created courses, tutorials, and articles for organizations. He is also the founder of Nikasio.com, which offers multiple services in technical training, project consulting, content development, etc.

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