How to Become an Ethical Hacker

Types of Ethical Hacking

• Web Application hacking
• System Hacking
• Web Server Hacking
• Hacking Wireless networks
• Social Engineering

Types of Hackers

A hacker is a person who utilizes a computer, the internet, and other hacking skills to solve a technical problem. A hacker is an individual who employs their knowledge to access a system or network to break the law. But all the hackers are not illegal only a few hack the system maliciously without the knowledge of the owner. 

There are different types of hackers:

• White Hat Hackers
• Black Hat Hackers
• Grey Hat Hackers

To find potential threats and data breaches on the network, ethical hacking is a subset of cybersecurity that involves legally breaking beyond a system's security measures. 

Ethical hackers can operate as freelancers, in-house security guards for a business's website or mobile apps, or as simulated offensive cybersecurity experts. 

Importance of Ethical Hacking

• Analysis password strength
• Verify security controls, privilege levels, and data management through exploit testing
• Penetration testing following each software upgrade or update and each time a new security patch is added
• Preventing the interception of data communication channels
• Validity checks for authentication protocols
• Ensuring that programmes have security features that protect corporate and user databases
• Protection from denial-of-service attacks
• The evaluation of anti-intrusion capabilities and information security

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10 Steps to Become an Ethical Hacker

Step 1: Get Hands-on LINUX/UNIX

Better computer system security is ensured by the open-source LINUX/UNIX operating system. Since Linux is one of the most often used operating systems for hacking, you should be familiar with it if you want to be an ethical hacker. 

It gives hackers a lot of tools. Red Hat Linux, Ubuntu, Kali Linux, BackTrack, and other popular Linux distributions are only a few examples. The most well-known Linux operating system that has been expressly modified for hacking is Kali Linux.

Step 2: Opt for the Mother of all Programming Languages

C is considered to be one of the earliest computer languages and is also known as the parent of all programming languages. Since this operating system was entirely created in C, knowing C serves as the foundation for learning UNIX/LINUX. Therefore, to completely leverage the open-source operating system Linux, hackers must learn C programming.

To gain an advantage, try learning multiple programming languages. A programmer that practises ethical hacking and is proficient in two to three programming languages can examine and evaluate a piece of code. The following are some of the top programming languages for hackers:

• Python: Extensively used for exploit writing
• JavaScript: Suitable for hacking web applications
• PHP: Helps fight against malicious attackers
• SQL: Best for hacking large databases

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Step 3: Learn the Art of Being Anonymous

Learning how to remain anonymous and mask your identity online is the most crucial stage in ethical hacking since it leaves no trace and prevents anyone from tracking you down. 

Often, an ethical hacker won't be aware of anyone else is using the same network, and if a black hat hacker discovers that there is another user, they may attempt to hack their system. 

So, privacy is essential for ethical hackers as well. The three most promising approaches to protect your identity involve using Anonsurf, Proxychains, and MacChanger.

Step 4: Get Well-versed in Networking Concepts

Ethical hackers must understand networking ideas and how they're created. Exploiting vulnerabilities provides you with a solid understanding of various networks and protocols. 

An ethical hacker that is well-versed in networking technologies like Nmap, Wireshark, and others can withstand the difficulties encountered in the field. The following are some crucial networking ideas:

• Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol Network 
• Subnetting
• Network Masks and Classless Inter-Domain Routing or supernetting
• Simple Network Management Protocol
• Server Message Block 
• Domain Name Service
• Address Resolution Protocol
• Wireless Networks
• Bluetooth Networks
• supervisory control and data acquisition Networks 
•  Campus area network 

Step 5: Traverse the Hidden Web

The dark web refers to the portion of the internet that is invisible to search engines or that remains secret. For accessibility, you need special software or authorization. Accessibility to the dark web can be made possible through the anonymizing Tor browser. Although the dark web is a haven for crime, it also has a legitimate side, so ethical hackers should become familiar with it.

Step 6: Add Secret Writing to your Skill Set

For an ethical hacker, cryptography or secret writing is a valuable skill. Hacking requires mastery of encryption and decryption arts. Information security uses encryption for several purposes, including authentication, data integrity, secrecy, and more. On a network, important data is always encrypted, including passwords. Hackers must have the skills necessary to recognise and decrypt encryption.

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Step 7: Delve Deeper into Hacking

Once you have mastered the topics covered thus far, go into the principles of hacking and learn about things like SQL injection attacks, penetration testing, vulnerability analysis, and more. Stay track of system security updates and new tools and techniques for hacking and protecting systems.

Step 8: Explore Vulnerabilities

System weaknesses or holes are known as vulnerabilities. 

To prevent a security breach, get proficient in scanning networks and systems for vulnerabilities. Other options for system exploitation by ethical hackers include writing down their vulnerabilities. In the Kali Linux operating system, there are a few tools for finding vulnerabilities, including:

• Nessus Vulnerability Scanner
• OpenVAS Vulnerability Scanner
• Nikto Vulnerability Scanner
• Nmap Vulnerability Scanner
• Wapiti Vulnerability Scanner

Step 9: Experiment and Practice Ace Hacking 

Success in the domain of hacking depends on practice and experimentation. The concepts that they have learned need to be put into practice in various settings and circumstances. 

Try out various assaults, tools, and other things.

Step 10: Attend Discussions and Meet Expert Hackers

Create a community or sign up for forums to engage in conversations with other hackers from around the world to share data and work together. There are several communities on platforms including Facebook, Telegram, and Discord.

How to Become an Ethical Hacker With Zero Experience?

If you don't know anything about computers, the most accessible approach to becoming an ethical hacker is to get a degree. 

• Take the IT security certification exam
• Enrol in a four-year computer science programme and earn an IT security certification.
• Sign up for a two-year programme that focuses specifically on IT analysis and security.

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What Tools Do Ethical Hackers Use?

The following is a list of some of the most popular ethical hacking tools:

• Nmap
• Wireshark
• Burp Suite
• A Debian-based Linux( Kali Linux)

Difference Between an Ethical Hacker and a Penetration Tester

Penetration testing is a method for successfully breaching a certain information system without causing damage. The goal of ethical hacking is still to find a loophole and fix them before criminals can exploit them. Penetration testing involves simulating an attack on a system by a security expert to find vulnerabilities. Although penetration testing is a part of ethical hacking, ethical hackers have a wider range of interests. 

While ethical hackers would take any measure to gain access to a system, penetration testers are particularly interested in network infiltration. Access is only required to the systems that will be used for penetration testing. However, access to a large range of computer systems spread out across an IT infrastructure is required for ethical hacking.

What Can You Expect as an Ethical Hacker?

After taking on a position as an ethical hacker, you will use all of your technical and security know-how to attempt to penetrate the network security of the company or organisation that has hired you. As an ethical hacker, you may anticipate a salary of around Rs. 5.2 LPA.

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How to Gain Experience as an Ethical Hacker?

Since they offer a valuable framework for scanning and addressing vulnerabilities, ethical hackers should become familiar with vulnerability testing tools like Metasploit, OpenVAS, and Nessus. The next step in practising ethical hacking is to launch simulated manual attacks on the target.

Being a part of a company's security team and providing defensive security services is often how one begins a career as an ethical hacker. As an ethical hacker, you can advance through the departmental ranks by demonstrating proficiency and performing well:

security specialist → security administrator → security software developer

Having an understanding of social engineering and physical penetration tests can help you better comprehend the threat landscape and how to advance in your career and accumulate experience. Multiple attacks are launched using intelligence gathered as a result of substantial social engineering efforts.

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Basic Hacking Skills

The most important prerequisite for becoming a successful ethical hacker is having high ethical standards that set you apart from black hat hackers. The skills such as:

Learn How to Program

Ethical hackers can begin with Python if they do not know any programming languages. Python is well-designed, well-documented, and easier for beginners. It is powerful and flexible for large projects. 

Those who prefer Java must learn C and Lisp first to develop a better command of the programming language. C is the core language of Unix, and C++ is very closely related to C. So, learning one will make the other easier. 

If they are unfamiliar with any programming languages, ethical hackers can start with Python. Python is simpler for novices and has excellent design and documentation. For big projects, it is strong and adaptable.

To improve their command of the programming language, Java programmers must first learn C and Lisp. The foundational language of Unix is C, and C++ is closely connected to C. 

Learning one will therefore make the other simpler.

The following roadmap helps in learning how to program:

• Recognize the syntax as well as basic ideas like variables, operators, conditionals, loops, and others.
• Study the function of the programming languages
• Learn some command-line fundamentals
• Learn how to employ data structures and algorithms in practical tasks.
• Learn how to manually code
• Consult online coding tools
• Exercise debugging code.
• Practice creating projects by starting small and simple, like a web application, and working your way up to more complicated ones.
• Learn about computer science, including topics like machine learning, system programming, cloud computing, developing mobile apps, virtual reality, developing websites, and more.

Learn to Use and Run an Open-Source Unix

Any novice can start by doing the following to develop hacking skills:

• Get a copy of Linux / a BSD-Unix
• Install it on a personal machine
• Run it

Moreover, learn How to Write HTML and Use the World Wide Web as well as learn Functional English.

Now that you have understood how to become a hacker, the ethical hacker career, ethical hacking qualifications and prerequisite for ethical hacking. So, if you want to become an ethical hacker, you can join an Ethical Hacking Course in Coimbatore and understand careers in ethical hacking, and the five essential stages of hacking - Reconnaissance, Scanning, Gaining Access, Maintaining Access and Clearing Track.