A Brief Introduction
We often fall prey to hacking while using the internet, browsing websites, checking emails, or using social media. So, we consider hacking as bad.
However, there are Ethical Hackers as well who play a crucial role in keeping information safe. So, if you want to know more about ethical hacking and pursue a career in this field, then keep reading…
Types of Hackers
The word “hacking” usually sounds negative. But not all hackers are bad. Ethical Hackers are the good guys in the hacking world, often called “White Hat” Hackers.
There are mainly 3 types of Hackers:
- White Hat Hackers: These are ethical Hackers who help organizations by finding and fixing security problems.
- Black Hat Hackers: These are malicious Hackers who break into systems to steal data or cause damage.
- Gray Hat Hackers: These Hackers fall between White and Black Hat Hackers. They break into systems without permission but usually report the vulnerabilities without causing harm. They usually do not hack for personal benefits. Grey hat hacking is used for national-level security purposes.
Who is an Ethical Hacker?
Ethical Hackers use their hacking skills for legal and good purposes, thereby helping organisations protect their data from malicious attacks.
These people are part of an organisation’s security team and can access all computer systems to ensure information is secure. They use their skills legally to find and fix weaknesses in the system before bad Hackers can exploit them.
Career Scope as an Ethical Hacker
Ethical Hackers in India have many opportunities. Jobs for Ethical Hackers are expected to grow by 75%, which is much higher than for other jobs.
Defense systems, military, and intelligence agencies such as NSA, Mossad, and CIA also need these skilled professionals.
Cybersecurity is very important in the IT industry, and jobs in this field have grown a lot since 2017. According to the Bureau of Statistics in the US, there was a 75 percent job growth in cybersecurity between 2012 to 2017.
75% of these jobs require certifications, 25% need expertise in programming languages, and 22% look for candidates who can perform security checks.
Role & Responsibilities of Ethical Hackers
Ethical Hackers primarily help organisations by finding and fixing security weaknesses in their computer systems and networks.
Their responsibilities include:
- To secure sensitive data and address any breaches.
- Develop tools to enhance security monitoring and assessment.
- Investigate online fraud at both organisational and individual levels.
- Test intrusion detection systems, intrusion prevention systems, and firewalls to prevent malicious activities.
- Create scripts for penetration testing and assessing system vulnerabilities.
- Monitoring networks for sniffing, cracking wireless encryptions, and hijacked web applications and servers.
- Generating detailed reports on security findings for cross-functional teams.
- Documenting and implementing security policies and best practices for digital protection.
Employment Scope Career Options for Ethical Hackers
Ethical Hackers have vast career scope in various sectors like banking, finance, telecom, IT, software technology, etc.
They work with companies in various job titles such as Security Analyst, Security Engineer, Web Security Administrator, Security System Manager, Application Security Executive, Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), etc. They can also work in government defence organisations, National Security Agencies, CBI departments, etc.
Some of the top companies that recruit Ethical Hackers are: TCS, IBM, Infosys, Deloitte India, Genpact, Wipro, Intel, Capgemini, EY (Ernst & Young), Hewlett Packard Enterprise, etc.
Salary Range
In India, the salary of Ethical Hackers varies based on experience and skill level.
Entry-level Ethical Hackers can earn between 3 to 5 lacs per annum. As they gain more experience, mid-level professionals can expect to earn 6 to 12 lacs annually.
Highly experienced ethical hackers can earn 12 to 20 lacs or more per year, with top experts commanding even higher salaries.
Entrance Exam for Ethical Hacking Course
The entrance exams for ethical hacking courses vary as per institute requirements. There are no requisite entrance exams that are universally accepted across all institutions.
Some of the most common entrance exams for ethical hacking courses are:
- GATE: Conducted by IITs for national-level admission to Master’s in Engineering programs. Students can apply in their third year of a Bachelor’s degree.
- IPU CET: Conducted by Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University for various undergraduate and graduate programs. Students need to check the eligibility requirements before registering.
- VITMEE: For postgraduate programs like M.Tech, MCA, and Integrated PhD at Vellore Institute of Technology, held once a year.
How to Become an Ethical Hacker?
To become an Ethical Hacker in India, follow these steps:
- Start Learning: Begin by learning about computer networks, operating systems, and programming languages like Python and C++.
- Get Certified: Earn certifications like Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) or Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) to validate your skills.
- Practice Skills: Gain hands-on experience through labs and online challenges, and practice on your own systems or virtual machines.
- Stay Updated: Keep up with the latest security trends and techniques by reading blogs, attending workshops, and joining communities.
- Build a Portfolio: Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, certifications, and practical experience to impress potential employers.
- Apply for Jobs: Look for job openings in IT firms, cybersecurity companies, or government agencies that hire Ethical Hackers.
- Ethical Mindset: Always use your skills responsibly and ethically to protect systems and data from malicious attacks.
One can also complete a full-time undergraduate course in ethical hacking after completing grade 12 from a top university.
Skills Required to Become a Successful Ethical Hacker
To become an Ethical Hacker, one needs a diverse set of skills. Proficiency in programming languages like Python, Java, SQL, and C++ is essential for writing scripts and understanding software behavior. Similarly, knowledge of operating systems, particularly Linux is essential.
Technical knowledge about computer software and hardware, malware analysis, cryptography, intrusion detection, powerful Trojans and backdoor codes, reverse engineering, database, web pages, different operating systems, etc. are also important.Apart from technical knowledge, soft skills such as effective communication, problem-solving skills, and good interpersonal skills also hold the key to becoming a successful Ethical Hacker.
Top Colleges for Ethical Hacking Course
Several colleges in India offer ethical hacking courses. Some of the top colleges are: Global Institute of Cyber Security Ethical Hacking (GICSEH), IANT- Institute of Advance Network Technology, S.S. Jain Subodh P.G. College, Pillai College of Arts, Commerce and Arts, Manav Rachna, Rayat-Bahra University, Gujarat University, etc.
Fees for Ethical Hacking Course
The fees for an ethical hacking course depend on the institute. The course fees vary depending on the duration, curriculum, faculty, and facilities provided.
The average course fee in India is around 30k to 4 lacs, depending on the course duration and institute.
Conclusion
A career as an Ethical Hacker offers exciting opportunities to protect data and systems from cyber threats. With the right skills and certifications, Ethical Hackers can find rewarding jobs in various industries. As technology continues to advance, the demand for skilled Ethical Hackers is only expected to grow, making it a promising and impactful career choice.