How to Become an Ethical Hacker After 12th

As the world becomes increasingly dependent on technology, instant access to data provides cyber-criminals/hackers the opportunity to exploit millions of users unaware of the online scams that can occur. This has made ethical hacking an increasingly sought-after skill. If you're interested in pursuing a career in ethical hacking, it's important to start early and develop the necessary skills and knowledge. While many may associate the term "hacker" with illegal activity, the truth is that ethical hacking is a lucrative and rewarding path in Cybersecurity Career Roadmap. Let's understand the basics now.

Hacking means accessing a computer system or network without having the necessary authority. Hackers can be classified into these 3 main categories: 

• White Hat Hackers: Ethical Hackers are known as "White Hat hackers". They are hired by the organization to improve, fix, and protect their networks from cyberattacks. They test and assess weaknesses in the system.
   
• Black Hat Hackers: These hackers are malicious or 'crackers' that infiltrate the systems with unauthorized access for their benefit. They aim to steal business data, violate privacy, and gain money.
   
• Grey Hat Hackers: They are a mix of Black Hat Hackers and White Hat Hackers and lie in between them as they, too, crash into an organization's system without authorized access, but after finding the weaknesses and errors, they inform the owner, so they can ultimately improve on the same. But they are still considered illegal in the eyes of the law.

Ethical Hacking involves modifying the existing features of a system to accomplish positive goals outside the creator's original purpose. Ethical hackers capitalize on their knowledge of IT (Information Technology), Programming Languages and CyberLaws to identify weaknesses in an organization's data security systems and protect them from cyber criminals.

Ethical Hackers use detailed and minute computer system information to offer employers/ organizations suggestions on remediating security issues and enhancing their existing computer network. These professionals are an integral part of any company's IT Management Team.

Hacking and ethical hacking are two terms often used interchangeably, but they are quite different. Hacking involves getting unauthorized access to computer systems or networks to steal data, damage or manipulate systems, or cause other malicious harm. In other words, hacking is illegal and unethical.

On the other hand, ethical hacking is a legal and ethical practice that involves testing computer systems and networks for vulnerabilities and weaknesses. It is also known as "penetration testing" or "pen testing" and is a critical aspect of cybersecurity. Ethical hackers utilise the same techniques as malicious hackers but aim to improve security rather than exploit it.

Hacking and Ethical Hacking have many fundamental differences. Some of the major differences are mentioned below:

Similarly, people often confuse cybersecurity with ethical hacking, but they are distinct concepts. There are various factors that highlight differences between ethical hacking vs cybersecurity.

There is no set educational requirement to become an ethical hacker, but having a solid foundation in computer science, information technology, and cybersecurity is essential. Here are some educational paths that can help you become pursue ethical hacker career:

• Bachelor's Degree: Pursuing a degree in computer science, information technology, or cybersecurity is an excellent way to develop a strong foundation in programming, networking, and cybersecurity principles.
   
• Certification Courses: Many professional certification courses are available for ethical hackers, such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH); this one is the industry standard for professionals starting out in ethical hacking and only authorised certification by US defense department, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP). These courses provide valuable training and knowledge in ethical hacking techniques and tools. But you need to check this ethical hacking course eligibility prior to applying. 
   
• Online Courses: Online courses in cybersecurity and ethical hacking are widely available and can be an excellent way to learn at your own pace. Many websites offer free or paid ethical hacking courses after 12th and graduation, such as by Udacity, Coursera, and edX. Some of the most popular certifications include
  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) Certification
  • CompTIA Security+
  • CompTIA SySa+
  • CompTIA PenTest+
  • Ethical Hacker Nanodegree Program

Ethical Hacking requires many Technical and Soft Skills. A candidate must be well-versed with General Operating Systems, Cyber Security, Penetration Testing, and Offensive Security for ethical hacking eligibility. Other essential skills are classified below:

Soft Skills

The below-mentioned soft skills can come in handy during your career, these will help in better professional growth and development:

• Problem-Solving Abilities: Ethical Hackers must become innovative in handling a threat as cybercriminals find new ways to counter security protocols. Ethical hackers are experts in various IT systems, as they must know to utilize all attack vectors to develop a comprehensive threat analysis. 
   
• Critical Thinking & Social Engineering Skills: Most cybercriminals initiate attacks with targeted social media campaigns, like spamming users with posts/messages with unsecured links to third-party servers. Therefore, knowledge of social engineering tactics, problem-solving abilities and creative solutions can help an ethical hacker better understand and resolve a possible attack.
   
• Updated with Technology: Ethical Hackers must be aware of the current trends. Hackers should have in-depth knowledge of hacking tools and their implementation, computer systems, databases, and networking to estimate the possibility of threats.

Technical Skills

With the below-listed technical skills, you can become an expert in the field of Ethical Hacking:

• Complete Understanding of Programming Languages:  Ethical Hackers must possess good programming skills to implement techniques and secure systems from future threats. An Ethical Hacker must write many codes to continuously improve and address programming issues. Fluency in a wide range of programming languages like Python, JavaScript and C++ is vital for a career in network security & ethical hacking. SQL, PHP, C Programming, and Ruby are all examples of other important programming languages used daily in an ethical hacking job. 
   
• Knowledge of DBMS (Database Management Systems): An Ethical Hacker needs in-depth knowledge of DBMS and an understanding of different data schemas and database engines to help build/optimize/secure integral database management systems. Ensuring all networks and systems are hack-proof with necessary firewalls can prevent access to databases stored with sensitive information. 
   
• Cryptography and Networking & Computer Skills: Modern cryptography and data encryptions have become the base of ethical hacking. It is the most commonly used encryption technology by major industries such as IT and BFSI. Additionally, ethical hackers should be fluent in the core networking concepts. For instance, killing a thread, process injection, and killing a process are all vital. Networking Knowledge, like IP (Internet Protocol) Addresses, MAC (Media Access Control) Addresses, Subnetting, and Routing, are all vital to quickly identify and neutralize data breaches from unknown sources.
   
• Knowledge of OS (Operating Systems): As one of the most widely used operating systems, ethical hackers must be familiar with Windows and its various versions. Apart from this many servers and web applications run on Linux, making it an important operating system to know for ethical hackers. By understanding how these operating systems work, ethical hackers can better identify and exploit vulnerabilities for testing purposes. It's also important for ethical hackers to stay up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates for these operating systems to ensure they are using the most current methods and techniques for their testing.
   
• Hardware Knowledge & Computer Skills: Ethical Hackers can avert Physical data center or server room breaches by understanding the vulnerability of their physical assets and peculiar methods that invaders are likely to use in a physical attack. To succeed, ethical hackers require basic and advanced computer skills, including managing files & data processing, running calculations in spreadsheets and managing databases.

Ethical hacking is a rapidly growing field, and numerous career opportunities are available for skilled professionals. After gaining the necessary knowledge and skills, a candidate can pursue almost any career in ethical hacking after the 12th. Following mentioned are some of the most common career paths in ethical hacking:

• Penetration Tester: Penetration testers, also known as ethical hackers, test computer systems and networks to identify vulnerabilities that malicious actors could exploit. They simulate attacks on systems and networks to find and fix security weaknesses.
   
• Security Analyst: Security analysts monitor computer networks and systems for security breaches and potential threats. They analyze and respond to security alerts, investigate security incidents, and implement security measures to prevent future attacks.
   
• Security Consultant: Security consultants work with clients to assess their security needs and develop security strategies to protect their systems and networks. They may also conduct vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and security audits.
   
• Cybersecurity Engineer: Cybersecurity engineers design and implement security measures to protect computer systems & networks from cyber-attacks. They develop and implement security policies, configure firewalls and intrusion detection systems, and conduct security testing.
   
• Information Security Manager: Information security managers are responsible for overseeing the security of an organization's information systems and data. They develop and implement security policies & procedures, manage security teams, and ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards.

Here is the data on the average annual salary offered for top career prospects in ethical hacking across different geographies:

(Note: Salaries are dynamic and are subject to changes without any notifications)

There are various factors like experience, location, skills that decide the exact Ethical Hacker Salary in India, US or UK.

Ethical hacking has become a critical component of cybersecurity, and there is a high demand for skilled, ethical hackers across a range of industries. Currently, only 32% of professionals work in the ethical hacking industry. That is why there is a demand for competent professionals. Compared to 2022, the number of ethical hackers is estimated to rise roughly 20% by the end of 2023. This will continue to grow in the future.

Companies are willing to pay lucrative salaries to fill growing openings in their cybersecurity departments, but they're having trouble finding qualified professionals. It implies that if you are skilled as an ethical hacker, you can have a great number of career opportunities and career paths.

Here are some of the top industries that hire ethical hackers and the scope of their work:

• Information Technology (IT) and Software Development: Ethical hackers are in high demand in the IT and software development industry, where they help to secure software applications, networks, and systems. They collaborate with developers and system administrators to identify and fix vulnerabilities before attackers can manipulate them.
   
• Banking and Finance: These are prime targets for cybercriminals, and they need to maintain a high level of security to protect their customers' data and financial assets. Ethical hackers help to identify and mitigate security risks in banking and finance systems, including online banking portals and mobile banking applications.
   
• Healthcare: This is another sector that is vulnerable to cyber attacks, with medical records and patient data being valuable targets for cybercriminals. Ethical hackers help to identify and fix vulnerabilities in healthcare systems, ensuring that patient data remains confidential and secure.
   
• E-commerce and Retail: These rely heavily on online transactions and customer data, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals. Ethical hackers help to identify and mitigate security risks in e-commerce and retail systems, ensuring that customer data remains secure.

The job outlook for Ethical Hackers looks incredibly rewarding. The BLS (US Bureau of Labor Statistics) expects almost 50,000 new jobs will hit the market by the time 2030 rolls around. As of 2020, there were over 140,000 positions available, indicating a fair job advancement opportunity in this decade (2030). This exhibits that an ethical hacker roadmap for career opportunities is indeed rewarding regarding monetary compensation and future role advancements. 

With the right certification and skill set, any Cybersecurity/ Computer enthusiast can make a hugely rewarding career in the Information Security and Ethical Hacking field.

In conclusion, ethical hacking is an increasingly important field in the world of cybersecurity. As organizations continue to face ever-evolving threats from cybercriminals, ethical hackers play a critical role in identifying and addressing vulnerabilities in their systems and networks. With the right education, training, and certification, anyone with a passion for technology and an interest in cybersecurity can pursue a career as an ethical hacker.

As the demand for skilled, ethical hackers continues to grow, professionals need to focus on upskilling and ongoing professional development. They must stay up to date with the latest security trends and technologies and continually seek out new learning opportunities to stay ahead of the curve. However, it's important to note that formal education is not the only way to gain the essential skills and knowledge to succeed in this field. Self-learning, practical experience, and participation in cybersecurity communities can also be valuable. We hope you are not aware about how to become hacker after 12th.

So, whether you are just starting out or looking to make a career change, now is the time to focus on upskilling in this exciting and dynamic field.