Ethical hackers use specific tools and abilities to determine how to protect computer systems. This article explores the necessary abilities and education to become an ethical hacker and provides knowledge into potential compensation and employment development.
An ethical hacker is a computer professional who is specifically trained to test the strength of a computer network’s security system. They do this by attempting to access the system without approval. They use hacking abilities to attempt to get past firewalls and other security measures that are in place to protect computer and data storage systems.
Ethical hackers schedule these hacking attempts and use them to gather relevant information about how effective the existing security measures are. They determine what parts of the system are vulnerable to assault and make recommendations about how to improve the system’s security by overhauling computer hardware or software. As a feature of their duties, they produce reports about their hacking attempts, the techniques used to test system security, and their discoveries.
Educational Requirements– Bachelor’s degree
Job Skills– Attention to detail, problem-understanding aptitudes, systematic abilities, relational abilities
Median Salary- $95,000
Job Outlook- 28% (information security investigators)
Sources- *PayScale; **U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Required Education
Employers ordinarily search for ethical hackers who have a bachelor’s degree in a related subject area, for example, computer programming. Relevant work experience in computer technology is additionally typically required so ethical hackers may begin as systems experts or network systems administrators. In spite of the fact that it isn’t constantly required, earning a master’s degree in a relevant discipline can likewise increase job prospects.
Required Training and Certification
So as to prepare for employment as an ethical hacker, it might be necessary to earn certifications to demonstrate the abilities required for this profession. It’s normal for information security investigators to get Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification, which should be possible by completing an exam after earning a bachelor’s degree. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification, which commonly involves five days of training, is additionally available. Those who complete this certification will learn about the latest cybersecurity threats and develop the practical hacking aptitudes needed to work as an ethical hacker.
Required Skills
Ethical hackers must be able to pay attention to details so as to identify any sign of a problem with a computer or data storage system that may result in unauthorized access. They likewise need to have great problem-illuminating aptitudes so as to determine the best method to correct problems with the network’s security. Their work can involve reviewing data from their hacking attempts so they additionally need to have great explanatory aptitudes. Relational abilities are significant because they need to summarize their work and end for others in their organization with the goal that they can understand the reason for any recommended changes to improve network security.
Career Outlook and Salary
Ethical hackers are computer experts who enjoy high salaries. As per PayScale, starting at 2017 ethical hackers brought home $95,000 per year. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) includes ethical hackers with the posting for information security examiners. From 2016 to 2026, the BLS expects information security investigators, including ethical hackers, to see a 28% increase in job opportunities, which is considerably higher than the national average job development rate of 7%.
Related Careers
Ethical hackers are highly trained computer professionals and those interested right now work might be interested in developing firewalls and security software or pursuing other careers that involve security computer networks. A rundown of connections to information about careers that involve a computer and network security is provided here.
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