Certified Ethical Hacking

Ethical Hacking

Ethical hackers discover vulnerabilities in computer and information systems. They duplicate the intentions and actions of malicious hackers. Ethical hacking is also called penetration testing, intrusion testing or red teaming. An ethical hacker uses his defence hacking skills for information system owners.

Hackers detect vulnerabilities in a system and gain unauthorized access to the system. They perform malicious activities ranging from deleting system files to stealing sensitive information. Hacking is illegal and can lead to extreme consequences if caught red-handed.

The term ethical hacker is disapproved of by some who view it as a contradiction. The difference is that white hats use hacking skills to help companies strengthen their security. A blackhat uses hacking skills to exploit weaknesses for personal gain. A true ethical hacker only starts hacking after receiving the owner's express permission. Whitehats aim to test the existing system and find ways to strengthen and improve protection.

When hiring an ethical hacker, a company is looking for someone with cybersecurity experience. This job is suitable for one who can take the perspective of a malicious hacker to replicate realistic attacks. Ethical hackers need advanced knowledge of the methods, skills, and mindsets that blackhats use to compromise security.

Companies are also looking for someone who is professional, communicative and transparent. Companies often have to put a lot of trust in ethical hackers.

How to become an ethical hacker?

Following references can be checked-

• Ethical Hacking for Beginners | What is Ethical Hacking - Career, Scope and Salary in India [Hindi]

• How to be a CERTIFIED ETHICAL HACKER? | Is it necessary? (In Hindi)

• The Complete Ethical Hacking Course for 2020!

Top courses:-

If you want to get certified as an ethical hacker then follow the below courses.

• Udemy – Learn Ethical Hacking From Scratch (Paid – beginners)

• Cybrary – The Art of Exploitation (Free – Intermediate)

• EH Academy – The Complete Cyber Security & Hacking Course (Free – Beginner to Intermediate)

Certified Ethical hacking

• The CEH certificate is a coveted proof of professional certification in the field of computer science. Typical job profiles are a penetration tester, network security specialist, ethical hacker, security consultant, site administrator, etc. Becoming CEH certified is a gateway to lucrative security positions in the government IT sector as well.

What do Ethical hackers do?

Certified ethical hackers can protect a wide range of systems regardless of composition. The CEH certification is manufacturer-neutral. In addition to assessing the security situation of a target system, CEH carries out indicated preventive, corrective and protective measures to protect the system before an actual breach can occur.

This describes

• Goal of ethical hacking

• What the hacker should do

• What measures the hacker is allowed to take

• What the hacker will do when the project is completed

• All limits and restrictions imposed on the hacker.

Both parties sign a release of liability document. This relieves the ethical hacker of any responsibility in the event of a business interruption. This may be a problem caused by authorized measures taken during the ethical hacking operation.

Eligibility

CEH certification exam eligibility requirements:

• Official CEH Training: Instructor-led training, computer-based training (CBT) or live online training, as long as the program is approved by EC-Council.

• Attempt without Official Training: To be considered for the EC-Council certification exam without official training, you must:

  • 2+ years of documented information security experience
  • Remit a non-refundable eligibility application fee of $100.00
  • Completed CEH Exam Eligibility Form including verification from employer
  • After approval, EC-Council emails you a voucher number to get registered for the CEH exam

If you decide to go the unofficial route, you can choose from a wide range of network security courses and degrees that align with CEH and other marketable InfoSec certifications.

Top skills required by Ethical Hackers

• Strong background of networking, telecommunications, web and computer systems.

• Knowledge of current security protocols for popular operating environments, e.g Linux, Windows & Mac OS.

• Can assess weaknesses and vulnerabilities "hack" into an organization's network/systems

• Undertake preventive, corrective and protective countermeasures to safeguard systems against malicious cyber attack.

• Ability to identify and track multiple types of passwords, and counter password attacks.

• Can comprehend the terminology, stages, classes, phases, and methodologies of ethical hacking.

• Can cover their digital footprints

• Knowledge of cryptography & encryption techniques, and private/public key infrastructure.

• Professional conduct & the appropriateness of hacking.

• Knowledge of common cyber-attacks, e.g., social engineering, phishing, identity theft, URL obfuscation, trojans, dumpster diving, insider attacks, etc., and can undertake the appropriate evasion techniques.

An ethical hacker must have extensive computer skills. It is not feasible for every ethical hacker to be an expert in every area. Organizations have a wide variety of computer systems. It is essential for any ethical hacker to have OS and network hardware platform expertise.

Top courses available online

• Bug Hunter University is a great resource developed by Google. It helps emerging hackers create professional vulnerability reports for bug bounties.

• Hack training is a fun, interactive website. It offers lessons in various hacking techniques. EnigmaGroup is a resource to develop their penetration testing skills.

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How much Ethical Hacker make in India?

• Average Salary for an Ethical Hacker in India is Rs 496,930/yr

• The average salary of an Ethical Hacker with less than 1 year of experience is Rs 494,545/yr

• The average salary of Commercial Pilot with 1-4 years of experience is Rs 489,280/yr

• At Senior level (5-9 years of experience) a Psychiatrist in India makes Rs 700,000/yr

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What are the books and Study Materials available?

• CEH V9: Certified Ethical Hacker Version 9 Study Guide.

• CEH Certified Ethical Hacker All-in-One Exam Guide.

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) Version 9 Cert Guide.

• The Basics of Hacking and Penetration Testing: Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing Made Easy.

• Official CEH Courseware – EC-Council