How Long Does It Take to Become an Ethical Hacker?

Becoming an ethical hacker is an increasingly popular career choice for many people. After all, who wouldn't want to get paid to do what they love? But what does it really take to become an ethical hacker? And is it really as glamorous as it seems? For starters, becoming an ethical hacker requires a significant amount of time and effort. It's not something that can be learned overnight. So why do people still learn how to be hackers? For many, it's the challenge. They enjoy the feeling of being able to outsmart those who would do harm.

They also appreciate the respect and admiration that comes with being an expert in their field. And of course, the pay is quite good too. Becoming an ethical hacker may not be easy, but for many, it's worth the effort. In this regard, we’ll provide you with an overview of the ethical hacking process, as well as a timeline for how long it takes to become an ethical hacker. Let’s begin.

What is Ethical Hacking?

Ethical hacking is the practice of penetrating networks or computer systems with the permission of the owner in order to test and assess security. It is a legitimate activity that is performed by information security professionals in order to find vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious hackers. 

While ethical hacking can be a valuable tool, it should only be conducted with the permission of the owners of the systems being tested. Otherwise, while learning how to become a certified ethical hacker, you may be constituting an illegal act of trespass or computer intrusion. 

Ethical hacking backed by an authentic CEH v12 course can help organizations to strengthen their security posture by identifying weaknesses before they can be exploited. The goal of ethical hacking is not to cause damage or steal data, but rather to raise awareness of potential risks and help organizations to implement more effective security measures.

The Significance of Ethical Hacking

In a world where technology is increasingly becoming a part of our everyday lives, it's important to understand both the risks and the rewards of working with computers. How to being hacker for ethical hacking is one way to do this. Ethical hackers are computer experts who use their skills to find vulnerabilities in computer systems and then recommend ways to fix them.

By doing this, they help to make sure that our computer systems are as secure as possible. In some cases, ethical hackers are even hired by companies to test their systems for weaknesses. This helps to protect our information from being accessed by people who should not have access to it. 

How Do You Become an Ethical Hacker?

Becoming an ethical hacker is not as difficult as it may seem. To start, you need to have a strong foundation in computer science and programming. Once you have this foundation, you can begin to learn the tools and techniques used by hackers.

In addition, it is important to keep up with the latest trends in technology so that you can identify potential security vulnerabilities. It is also beneficial to participate in online forums and attend conferences on how to become an ethical hacker so that you can network with other ethical hackers. 

Simple Steps Involved for One to Become an Ethical Hacker

Many people believe that ethical hacking is a difficult task that requires years of experience and expensive tools. However, this is not necessarily the case.

With the right knowledge and approach, anyone can become an ethical hacker. Below are some simple steps involved in how to become a white hat hacker: 

1. Start by learning the basics of hacking and cybersecurity. You can do this by reading books or online articles, taking courses, or attending training seminars. 
2. Once you have a strong understanding of the basics, start to gain experience by working with an organization or company that specializes in ethical hacking. 
3. After you have sufficient experience, you can then apply for jobs as an ethical hacker.
4. In order to be successful in this field, it's important to think like a hacker and have strong problem-solving skills. 
5. It is important to have a strong ethical code. Ethical hackers only use their skills for defensive purposes, never intending to harm others or gain anything for themselves. 
6. Continuously update your skills and knowledge by attending conferences, taking the industry’s best cybersecurity training courses, or reading new articles and books on hacking. 
7. Finally, you can learn how to become a hacker with a phone by keeping up with the latest trends and developments in the field of hacking and cybersecurity. 

How Long Does it Take to Learn Ethical Hacking?

It can take anywhere from a few months to a few years to become an ethical hacker, depending on your level of experience and expertise. For those just starting out, you can expect to spend at least a few months learning the basics of hacking and cybersecurity.

From there, you'll need to gain experience in the field by working with an organization or company that specializes in ethical hacking. Once you have the necessary experience, you can then apply for jobs as an ethical hacker. 

For those with more experience, it may only take a year or two to become an ethical hacker. However, it's important to note that becoming an ethical hacker requires more than just technical skills.

There is no easy answer when it comes to how long does it take to become an ethical hacker? The time it takes to master the skillset will vary depending on your prior experience and knowledge. However, most experts agree that it takes dedication and a willingness to learn.

The Most Important Ethical Hacker Certifications

There are a variety of different ethical hacker certification programs available, but not all of them are equal. Some certifications are more well-known and respected than others, and some are more specific to certain types of hacking. If you’re looking for how to get into ethical hacking. Here is a list of the most important ethical hacker certifications: 

1. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): This is one of the most well-known and respected ethical hacker certifications. It is offered by the International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants (EC-Council), and it covers a wide range of topics related to hacking. 
2. GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC): This certification is offered by the Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) body, and it focuses specifically on security topics. 
3. CompTIA A+ Certification: This certification is offered by CompTIA, and it covers a broad range of IT topics, including networking and security. While it is not specifically focused on ethical hacking, it is still a valuable credential for any aspiring ethical hacker. 

Top Reasons to Become an Ethical Hacker in 2025

In 2025, the world is more reliant on technology than ever before. And with that reliance comes a new need for ethical hackers. Here are the top reasons to become an ethical hacker in 2025: 

1. Demand for ethical hackers is growing: The demand is growing at a rapid pace. According to a recent study, the number of positions for ethical hackers is expected to grow by 28% by 2025. 
2. High earning potential: Ethical hackers can earn a high salary. In fact, the average ethical hacker salary is $71,331 per year. 
3. Help protect against cyber-crimes: Ethical hackers play a vital role in protecting organizations and individuals against cyber-crimes. By finding and fixing security vulnerabilities, ethical hackers can help make the world a safer place. 
4. To protect your own devices and data: As a hacker, you’ll have the skills necessary to protect your own devices and data from unauthorized access or theft. 
5. Be your own boss: Many ethical hackers work as freelancers or consultants, which gives them the flexibility to set their own hours and work from home. If you're looking for certified ethical hacker jobs that provide autonomy and flexibility, becoming an ethical hacker is a great option.
6. Continuously learn new things: As technology evolves, so do the skills of an ethical hacker. This career allows you to continuously learn new things and keep up to date on the latest trends in the field of hacking and cybersecurity. 

Conclusion

To start off, you'll need to understand what to study to become a hacker. Have a strong foundation in information technology (IT) including knowledge in areas such as systems administration, networking, and security. Once you have a good understanding of IT fundamentals, you can then move on to learning about specific hacking techniques.

It is important to note that the time required to become proficient in ethical hacking will vary depending on your skillset and experience. If you're starting from scratch, then a good rule of thumb is around two years. However, with the right study material and live sessions of KnowledgeHut’s CEH v12 course, you can become a certified ethical hacker in less time.