How to Become an Ethical Hacker

With cyber security becoming a major concern, ethical hacking as a career is becoming popular. If you want to improve cyber safety, taking up a course in ethical hacking is the way to go about it. Here is a post to help you understand the what, how and where of ethical hacking.

What is ethical hacking?

Ethical hackers are trained IT professionals who can hack computers with legal permission from the authorities. They help organisations to improve their security systems and prevent or minimise any potential attacks by hackers.   

Educational requirements

An educational background in computer engineering, computer science or IT is required if you want to enter the field of ethical hacking.
Further, knowledge of programming languages like C++, C and Python is also a must. You also need to have thorough knowledge of various operating systems, networks and computer algorithms.

Personal attributes

You must be computer savvy and gadget friendly. You should also be a good analytical thinker and have a problem-solving attitude. Motivation, dedication, adaptability, and a keen interest in the Internet and technology are some other important soft skills.

Ethical Hacking Institutes

A lot of Institutes in India offer both certificate and diploma courses in ethical hacking. Here are the top ones:

• Indian School of Ethical Hacking, Kolkata
• University of Madras, Chennai
• National University of Advanced Legal Studies, Kochi
• Institute of Information Security, Mumbai
• Arizona Infotech Ethical Hacking School, Pune

Ethical Hacking Courses

Here are some of the courses that you can take up to become an ethical hacker.

• Certificate Course in Cyber Laws  
• Certified Ethical Hacker
• MSc Cyber Forensics and Information Security
• Post Graduate Diploma in IT Security
• Advance Diploma in Ethical Hacking
• Post Graduate Diploma in Cyber Laws

Expected pay

Ethical hackers can expect to receive good pay right from the start. There is substantial opportunity for growth as well. You can expect a significant jump after initial years. Here are the expected salaries for hackers with different levels of experience:
Freshers: A minimum of Rs 2.5 lakh per annum
Those with 2-4 years’ experience: Rs 4.5 lakh per annum
Those with over five years of exerience: Rs 10 to 12 lakh per annum

Growth opportunities

With the Internet scaling new heights every second, ethical hackers are the backbone of the IT security industry today. This need will only grow in the future, and hence, there is a huge requirement for ethical hackers.