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How to become an Ethical Hacker

Ethical Hacker

Career progression and salary expectations for an Ethical Hacker

1

Ethical Hacker

| Up to £25,000
2

Senior Penetration Tester

| Up to £50,000

The role of an Ethical Hacker

Looking for the ultimate life hacking? We may have found your perfect position…An Ethical Hacker is a computer expert who intentionally tries to penetrate a company’s network, in order to help them identify potential security threats.With the importance placed on our online security at an all-time high, Ethical Hackers (also known as ‘white hat’ hackers or penetration testers) could be invaluable for a business. They use the same methods as their less-reputable namesakes, but document vulnerabilities instead of exploiting them, preventing potential crises and minimising damage.Typical day-to-day duties for an Ethical Hacker may include:
  • Testing internal servers and systems, and conducting ‘pentests’
  • Searching for areas where security may be breached
  • Documenting weak points in the network
  • Providing recommendations on how to fix any issues
  • Helping mitigate risk
  • Conducting training with developers to improve security awareness
It almost goes without saying that becoming an Ethical Hacker relies heavily on your computer and networking ability. If the only keyboard you feel comfortable with is a Casio, this may not be the job for you.But it isn’t all about technical skills. Being able to convince others around the organisation to reveal confidential security details to you (sometimes referred to in the industry as ‘social engineering’) may also be an important part of the role.Other essential skills for an Ethical Hacker include:
  • Excellent problem-solving skills
  • Communication skills
  • Self-motivation
  • Good attention to detail
  • Flexibility
  • Patience
"Being an Ethical Hacker is a little like being the bad guy, but getting paid for it. I get to try and find little vulnerabilities in a network, and basically forecast how they could be exploited. It may not sound glamourous, but those little vulnerabilities have the potential to become big problems for a business, and I know the work I do could save the company thousands of pounds, not to mention people’s jobs. When you think of it like that, it’s actually pretty great being white hat…"

Get qualified as an Ethical Hacker

You will not necessarily need a degree to become an Ethical Hacker. However, you will need extensive experience with computer systems, and there are a number of   Cyber Security Certification Programme,here. Alternatively, relevant  Cyber Security Introduction Package will help you improve your ethical hacking knowledge and break into the industry.

Recommended Ethical Hacking courses

  • Ethical Hacking and IT Security at QLS Level 7

    Academy for Health & Fitness
    Level 7 QLS Endorsed Advanced Diploma & CPD Accredited Certificate Included! 180 CPD Points> Free Exam> Instant Access
    • Online
    • 615 hours · Self-paced
    • Certificate(s) included
    • 180 CPD points
    • Tutor support
    Great service
    Popular
    24 Hours Left! Don't Let Year-End Deals Slip Away – Enrol Now! This Advanced Diploma in Ethical Hacking and IT Security at QLS Level 7 course is endorsed by The Quality Licence Scheme and accredited by CPDQS (with 180 CPD points) to make your skill development & career pro …
    Save 4%
    £100 £105

  • Certified Ethical Hacking - v11

    Blue Jade Solutions Ltd
    • Online
    • 5 days · Self-paced
    • Tutor support
    Trending
    Why CEH? Since its introduction in 2003, CEH continues to be considered a standard within the information security community CEH course trains you to adopt defence by attacking the systems. This course focuses on offensive tactics in synchronisation with defensive counterm …
    £2,994
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