What is Hacking and How to Become Hacker : Ethical Hacking

When I first heard there is something called ethical hacking, and people get paid to do it, my eyes widened. How cool is that! Many of you must have thought the same thing when you crossed paths with this field. The mystery and allure connected to hacking has attracted many people. It is a common belief that ethical hackers keep hacking websites or systems, and retrieve useful information James Bond Style, but that is only partially true (because that could land you in jail!)

1.What is hacking ?

Hacking is unauthorised intrusion into a computer or a network. The person engaged in hacking activities is generally reffered as a hacker.

2.What is ethical hacking ?

Ethical hacker and ethical hacking are terms used to describe hacking performed by company or individual to help identify potential threats on a computer or network.

3. How to become an Ethical hacker ?

It does not matter in which standered you are to become an ethical hacker, there are many cources and certificates avalible online for learnning.But remember it is only for learning, you can not become an ethical hacker just by doing some certifications and some cources, Because it requires a deep knowladge of networking, computer laguages, skills, practice . and many more things to become an ethical hacker.As the task of an ethical hacker is quite responcive. 

If a company hires you as an ethical hacker and tell you to check the security of their websites so it is not that easy task, in this case you have to have a deep knowlade of your field now it doesn't matter from where you took knowlage either from cources and certificates or from yourself by trying and solving the errors.

4. Which cources and certifications are there for begginers in this field ?

Ethical hacking is the part of cyber security and cyber security is the part of Information technology.

Now if you have Zero knowlage of information technology and computer data science, and have interest in ethical hacking , Do one thing just take out your school or collage Books of computer and clear your basic of knowlage. First you have to clear your basics about computer systems and algoryhtems and how the computer works. 

5.  what type of skills requried to become an Ethical hacker ?

1. Excellent computer skills:

This might seem like a basic knowladge and skills , but it is very important to become a professional ethical hacker. One should be very prompt at handling basic skills related to operating a system and have a firm hold on the command line in windows or operating system, edit the registry adn set their networking parameters.

 

2. Programming skills:

To gain access to the foundation of the software , one needs to have a proper understanding of differnet languages used to develop it. The most common languaes are Python, SQL, HTML, JAVA, CSS, C, C++ and Perl.

3. Database management systems (DBMS):

DBMS is the crux of creating and managing all databases. Access to a database where all the information is stored can put the company in a huge threat, so ensuring that this software is hack-proof is so important. An ethical hacker needs a good understanding of this, along with different databases and data schemas to help the organization build a strong DBMS.

 

4. Linux operating system:

As most servers work on linux based operating system, gaining access to this server to check for loopholes is another must have skill for ethical hackers. Insights into operating system like Redhat, Ubuntu, Fedora, their commands and GUI ( Graphical user interface) will give you a great leverage.

 

5. Cryptography:

Cryptography deals with converting a normal text/message into non-readable form during the transmission to make the data secure and make it incomprehensiblr to hackers. As an ethical hacker you have to ensure that communication between different people within the organization does not leak.

6. Social engineering:

Hackers have a tendency to use tricks such as social engineering, Phishing, and torjans to access personal informations. Social engineering is the psychological manipulation of users to perform actions or give away confidential/personal information that may threaten the business. Ethical hacer replicate these tricks to test the loopholes, which makes it desirable skill in them.

7. Networking skills:

Understanding networks like DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) , NAT(Network adress translation) , subnetting and more will equip ethical hacers to explore the different interconnected computers in a network and the potential security threats that this may create , as well to handle them.

8. Wireless Technologies:

Learning wireless technology like WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPS, etc will help ethical hackers protect  systems from sending informations via waves. A protocol for connection , Authentication, and restrictions on wireless technologies can be put in place by having a deep understanding of the same. 

10. Critical thinking & Self error solving skills:

Apart from technical skills pointed above , an ethical hacker also needs to be a critical thinker and proactive problem solver. They must be eager to learn new ways and ensure all security branches are thoroughly checked. this requires a lots of testing and creative penchant to device new ways of problem-solving.

 

6. What is the salary of an ethical hacker ?
 

According to my personal research the average payout to a proffesional certified ethical hacker is $71,300  per annum. This salary ranges are from $24,760 to $111,502. With a bonus payout between $0.00 and $17,500.