How to Become an Ethical Hacker: A 10-Step Learn Guide

Ethical hacking involves identifying and exploiting computer systems, networks, or software application vulnerabilities with the system owner's permission. Ethical hacking plays a vital role in safeguarding sensitive information, preventing data breaches, and maintaining the integrity of computer systems. Also known as "white hat" hacking, ethical hackers use their skills to uncover security weaknesses and protect against potential threats.

Individuals often get confused when they hear ‘hacking,’ which brings up the image of a malicious cyber-criminal. It is important to notice that there lies a significant amount of difference between hacking vs ethical hacking. Unlike malicious hackers, ethical hackers work legally and responsibly. They follow a code of ethics, ensuring that their actions are authorized and respecting the targeted systems' privacy and confidentiality. Ethical hackers often collaborate with organizations to assess their security measures and help them improve their defenses.

So, how long does it take to learn ethical hacking? 

The primary objective behind ethical hacking is to identify vulnerabilities before malicious hackers can exploit them proactively. Ethical hacking tools identify weak points in a system's infrastructure, software, or network by simulating real-world cyber-attacks. They employ various techniques, such as penetration testing, vulnerability scanning, and social engineering, to assess the security posture of a target.

Once vulnerabilities are identified, ethical hackers provide detailed reports to the organization, outlining the risks and suggesting measures to strengthen security. These reports often include recommendations to patch or fix the vulnerabilities, update software, and implement security best practices.

An ethical hacker’s job is to employ your knowledge of networking, cybersecurity, computer systems and networks to protect systems from malicious attacks. Simply put, it's like being a digital superhero, fighting against cyber villains to keep our online world safe.

Nowadays, almost everything is connected to the internet, from our smartphones to our homes and even our cars. While this connectivity has made our lives more convenient, it has also opened up opportunities for hackers with malicious intent.

This is where ethical hackers come into play. They are the good guys who use their hacking skills for a noble purpose. Their goal is to identify weaknesses in computer systems before the bad guys do. They perform authorized and controlled hacking attempts to expose weaknesses and security flaws. They mimic the techniques malicious hackers use, but instead of causing harm, they provide valuable insights to improve security.

Although you can also become an ethical hacker after 12th, there are 10 steps that you can take to begin your career in ethical hacking from the bottom. 

• Learn the Different Types of Cyber Attacks
  
  This will give you an idea about what you will be dealing with as an ethical hacker. Here are the common kinds of cyber attacks:
  
  
  • Malware attacks
  • Phishing attacks
  • Denial of service (DoS) attacks
  • SQL injection attacks
  • Cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks
  • Ransomware attacks
  • Zero-day attacks
     
• Get Well-Versed in Networking Concepts
   
  Being well-versed in networking concepts and how they are created is vital for ethical hackers. Getting well-versed in various networks and protocols is beneficial in exploiting vulnerabilities. Some important networking concepts are:
  
  
  • TCP/IP Network
  • Subnetting
  • Network Masks and CIDR
  • Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)
  • Server Message Block (SMB)
  • Domain Name Service (DNS)
  • Address Resolution Protocol (ARP)
  • Wireless Networks
  • Bluetooth Networks
  • SCADA Networks (Modbus)
     
• Learn About Operating Systems
   
  Ethical hackers must be familiar with various operating systems (OS), like Windows, Linux, and macOS. This will allow them to understand how these systems work and how they can be exploited.
   
• Learn about Programming Languages 
   
  Programming languages are essential for ethical hackers. They allow hackers to create their own tools and scripts and understand how malicious code works. Some of the most important programming languages for ethical hacking are:
  
  
  • Python
  • C
  • C++
  • Java
  • JavaScript
     
• Learn about Security Tools
   
  Many ethical hacking tools are available, such as Metasploit, Nmap (Network Mapper), and Burp Suite. These tools can help you automate the process of finding and exploiting vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks and analyze malware. By leveraging security tools, ethical hackers can simulate real-world attacks and assess the resilience of an organization's infrastructure against various threats.  Some of the most popular security tools for ethical hacking are:
  
  
  • Nmap
  • Wireshark
  • Metasploit
  • Burp Suite
  • Nessus
     
• Set Up Your Own Lab
   
  One of the best ways to learn ethical hacking is to set up your lab. This will help in practicing your skills in a safe environment. You can set up your lab using a virtual or dedicated machine.
   
• Get Certified
   
  There are several ethical hacking certifications available. Getting certified is a great way to demonstrate your skills to potential employers. Some of the widely popular ethical hacking certifications are:
  
  
  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
  • Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
     
• Get Involved in the Community
   
  There are several ethical hacking communities available online. Getting involved in these communities is a great way to learn from other ethical hackers and stay current on the prevalent security threats. Some of the widely known ethical hacking communities are:
  
  
  • HackTheBox
  • VulnHub
  • OverTheWire
  • SecurityTube
     
• Practice, Practice, Practice
   
  The best way to become an ethical hacker is to practice your skills. The more you practice, the better you will become at finding and exploiting vulnerabilities.
   
• Stay Up-to-Date on the Latest Threats
   
  The cyber security landscape is constantly changing. It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest threats to protect your systems from attack. You can stay up-to-date on the prevailing threats by reading security blogs, following security researchers on Twitter, and attending security conferences.

These are just 10 steps you can take to become an ethical hacker. If you want a career in ethical hacking, you should start learning today. The skills you learn will be valuable in any IT security career and other alternate careers in the ethical hacking domain. You can work in many different roles under the umbrella of ethical hacking.

The ethical hacking industry has immense scope, but freshers interested in this field often wonder how to gain experience in ethical hacking. Here are some ways to build experience as an ethical hacker:

• Practice Simulated Manual Attacks
   
  Once familiar with vulnerability testing tools, you can practice simulated manual attacks. This will help you develop your skills in identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities without causing harm.
   
• Solve Vulnerable Machines from CTF Platforms
   
  Many CTF (Capture the Flag) platforms offer vulnerable machines to practice hacking. This is a great way to learn about different vulnerabilities and how to exploit them.
   
• Participate in Bug Bounty Programs
   
  Bug bounty programs offer rewards for finding and reporting security vulnerabilities. This is a great way to get real-world experience in ethical hacking and contribute to internet security.
   
• Get Certified
   
  Many ethical hacking certifications are available, such as the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). This globally recognized and widely popular certification highlights your potential as an ethical hacker. By fulfilling the CEH certification requirements and passing the CEH exam, you can demonstrate your skills to potential employers and help you advance your career.

In addition to this, you can also build experience as an ethical hacker by reading books and articles about ethical hacking, attending conferences and workshops, and networking with other ethical hackers. The more you learn and practice, the more experience you will gain.

Here are some additional tips for building experience as an ethical hacker:

• Start Small
   
  Don't try to hack into Google or Facebook on your first day. Start by hacking into less secure systems, such as your home network or a vulnerable machine from a CTF platform.
   
• Be Patient
   
  It takes time and practice to become an ethical hacker. Keep going even if you don't find success right away. Continue learning and practicing, and you will gradually reach your goals.

In conclusion, becoming an ethical hacker requires dedication, continuous learning, and adherence to a strong moral compass. The journey demands a deep understanding of computer systems, networks, and security vulnerabilities. Following this 10-step learn guide, aspiring ethical hackers can lay a solid foundation for their journey. It is important to remember that ethical hacking comes with great responsibility. Ethical hackers must always prioritize ethical considerations, respect privacy and legal boundaries, and obtain proper authorization before conducting security assessments. Becoming an ethical hacker is not a destination but an ongoing journey. It requires perseverance, integrity, and a commitment to making the digital world safer.