Becoming an ethical hacker requires individuals to possess an inquiring mind, creative thinking abilities, and persistence. It is a career that demands constant improvement in technical knowledge and skills. While there is no one “right way” to become an ethical hacker, there are some common experiences and practices that can serve as examples for aspiring hackers. In this article, we will explore these experiences and provide additional facts to help individuals gain confidence in entering the world of hacking.
First and foremost, it is important to understand what an ethical hacker is. Hackers are individuals who possess extensive knowledge of cybersecurity and use this knowledge creatively to identify and bypass security defenses. They typically spend time familiarizing themselves with a target organization or a specific position within it, and then exploit any security weaknesses they discover. Throughout these operations, hackers exhibit qualities such as patience, determination, cleverness, and curiosity.
However, it is crucial to differentiate between ethical hackers and malicious hackers. Ethical hackers, also known as white hats, have actions that are genuinely meant to benefit the organizations or individuals they are studying. Their goal is not to harm technology or people, nor to profit unfairly from hacking activities. Ethical hackers aim to inform system owners about identified security issues, maintain polite and respectful behavior, and avoid taking unnecessary risks.
Ethical hacking ethics are globally followed by experts working in cybersecurity companies, including Fluid Attacks. This adherence to ethics allows companies like Fluid Attacks to provide their clients with ethical hacking solutions. There are various terms used to refer to hackers, with “white hats” representing ethical hackers and “black hats” representing malicious hackers. Additionally, there are “gray hats,” who fall in between and might probe systems without permission but later request compensation from system owners in exchange for the information gained. However, this article focuses solely on motivating the growth of the white hat hacker community, which involves obtaining permission from system owners to enhance system security.
There are different job titles under which one can work as an ethical hacker, including penetration tester, security analyst, information security analyst, and security consultant. These titles may also open opportunities for individuals to work as red teamers. Red teaming emphasizes assessing security while keeping only a subset of the target organization aware of the ethical nature of the attack simulations. Therefore, individuals aspiring to become ethical hackers should also consider engaging in red teaming exercises to gain a comprehensive understanding of the role.
Now let’s discuss the required skills to become an ethical hacker. Based on the book “Tribe of Hackers Red Team” by Carey and Jin, we will present a summary of the opinions shared by selected hackers, categorizing them into non-technical and technical skills.
Non-technical skills play a significant role in the success of an ethical hacker. Inquiring minds, creativity, and persistence are traits commonly shared by hackers. Curiosity is a driving force that motivates hackers to study and continuously improve their skills. Moreover, hackers must be able to cope with ignorance, accepting it and making efforts to reduce it. Patience and determination are also crucial qualities as hacking often involves mundane tasks. Hackers must be able to overcome these tedious moments to experience the more exciting aspects of the job. It is essential to note that hacking in real-life situations is often slower and more complicated than portrayed in movies, as unrealistic societal expectations often misrepresent the hacking process.
Teamwork skills are also highly valued in the ethical hacking field. Working effectively alongside peers requires transparency and the ability to share progress and documentation. It is crucial to acknowledge mistakes and seek help when necessary, demonstrating a willingness to assist others when needed. Additionally, ethical hackers must develop empathy when dealing with clients, as they often have to deliver bad news. It is important to convey information in a respectful and sympathetic manner, as the goal is to help clients rather than bring them down. Effective communication skills enable ethical hackers to relay risks, mitigation strategies, and supporting information in a way that is easily understood by their audience.
Engaging in networking activities both online and in person can provide ethical hackers with valuable job opportunities and recognition for their skills. Participating in information security events such as conferences, meetups, and online groups allows individuals to expand their knowledge, interact with industry experts, and showcase their abilities.
On the technical side, ethical hackers should aim to build, secure, and hack the systems they are responsible for. While a college degree is not a requirement to become a hacker, pursuing coursework strong in computer science and information technology is advisable. A solid foundation in programming logic and various aspects of hacking, such as systems, networks, virtual environments, web applications, and basic attacks and defenses, is essential. It is worth noting that individuals can learn hacking without engaging in illegal activities. Hacking in controlled environments, such as targeting one’s own systems or using intentionally vulnerable systems, enables individuals to learn and practice hacking techniques legally.
Prior to engaging in offensive hacking techniques, it is recommended to acquire job experience and become proficient in defensive tactics. Gaining cybersecurity skills in roles such as software engineer or systems administrator provides a strong foundation for a hacker career.
Participating in capture-the-flag (CTF) competitions is an excellent way to enhance hacking skills. These challenges involve finding hidden flags, such as files or pieces of code, within vulnerable systems or software products. Engaging in CTF competitions allows hackers to put their skills to the test and gain practical experience.
Finally, earning certifications in offensive security can demonstrate commitment and expertise to potential employers. While certifications are not necessary to obtain a hacker role, they can contribute to an individual’s personal and professional growth. Certifications can be obtained by passing both theoretical and hands-on exams.
In conclusion, becoming an ethical hacker requires individuals to possess an inquiring mind, creative thinking abilities, and persistence. Developing non-technical skills such as teamwork, effective communication, empathy, and networking is crucial for success in this field. Technical skills encompass a range of topics, including programming logic, systems, networks, web applications, and basic attacks and defenses. It is important to gain practical experience, engage in offensive and defensive activities, participate in hacking events and CTF competitions, and consider earning certifications to demonstrate expertise and commitment. Through constant learning, improvement, and adherence to ethical principles, individuals can embark on a successful career as an ethical hacker.