An ethical hacker is an expert who is in charge of protecting an organization’s internet assets. An ethical hacker needs job-specific abilities to prevent unauthorized access through non-physical routes to the computers, servers, and other infrastructure elements of an organization.
As a result of the quick development of technology, an increasing number of companies are embracing cloud-based solutions to migrate their data storage online. Due to the fact that many businesses are now concerned about any security hole that could allow hackers to access their records, cybersecurity has gained increased attention as a result of this action. Their valid concerns have increased the demand for ethical hackers in the IT industry.
On behalf of these businesses, ethical hackers attempt to breach their security protocols in search of any vulnerabilities that might allow for the leakage of customer information. Once vulnerabilities were identified and reported, the company would work to swiftly fix them.
Ethical hacking sounds like an intriguing field. Given the nature of the work, there are a few skills that must be possessed in order to do this job, though.
Let’s look at these core competencies and why ethical hackers need them to be successful in their role.
1. Computer Skills
The knowledge and skills needed to operate computers and related technology are referred to as computer skills. Basic computer skills include things like processing data, organizing files, and creating presentations. Advanced computer abilities include spreadsheet computations, database management, and programming. The most crucial computer abilities include MS Office, Spreadsheets, Email, Database Management, Social Media, Web, Enterprise Systems, and others. An ethical hacker must be an expert in computer systems.
2. Skills In Computer Networking
One of the most important skills to possess if you want to be an ethical hacker is networking skills. The connectivity of numerous hosts devices that are connected to one another via various pathways to send and receive data or media, is all that constitutes a computer network. Ethical hackers can research the numerous interconnected devices in a network, as well as the potential security risks that this may offer, as well as how to handle those threats, by understanding networks like DHCP, Supernetting, Subnetting, and others.
3. Linux Expertise
The Linux Kernel provides the foundation for a community of open-source Unix-like operating systems. The GNU General Public License allows for the free and open distribution of the operating system’s source code to anybody, for commercial or noncommercial use. Linux is the most secure operating system out there, which is the main reason ethical hackers should learn it. This is not to suggest that Linux is fully secure; it does have viruses, but it is less prone to attack than any other operating system. Antivirus software is therefore not needed.
4. Skills In Programming
Another essential qualification for being an ethical hacker is programming knowledge. So what does the word “programming” actually mean in the context of computers? “The act of developing code that a computing system can understand in order to carry out various commands” is how it’s defined. So, writing a lot of code is necessary to develop one’s programming skills. One must first choose the best programming language for their purposes before starting to develop code.
5. Malware
A wide variety of malware must be understood by ethical hackers, as well as how to use them to get access to a system and the most recent variants of malware. Hackers will use malware to either gain access or to tamper with and steal data once they do. Malware toolkits made by others or their own creations can be used by ethical hackers.
6. Reverse Engineering
Reverse engineering is a term used to describe the method of obtaining a product’s design, requirement specifications, and functioning through an examination of its code. It generates a database in software and uses it to produce data. By simplifying a system and creating the necessary documentation for a legacy system, reverse engineering aims to accelerate maintenance work. In order to make sure that the system is free of serious security flaws or vulnerabilities, reverse engineering is frequently used in software security. It contributes to the growth of a system’s durability, protecting it from spyware and hackers.
7. IoT Device Security
IoT devices are a prime target for hackers trying to break into a company’s network since they are usually susceptible. Practically everyone owns a mobile device, and they are frequently directly connected to a company’s network via WiFi. This makes mobile devices particularly prevalent. Hackers should be familiar with the tools used to extract data and gain access, such as Wireshark, BinWalk, and SAINT.
8. Cloud
The majority of organizations primarily rely on the cloud to operate their programs, collaborate on documents, and back up their data. On the other hand, hackers can exploit the cloud to compile data and create an attack platform. Free cloud systems are especially vulnerable because businesses believe the cloud provider is in charge of security. All of the major cloud computing infrastructures, such as Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure, should be understood by ethical hackers.
9. Thinking Analytically
Both a creative and analytic approach are necessary for hacking. To infiltrate a network, ethical hackers must be able to disassemble security systems and develop cutting-edge methods. Thinking beyond the box is also required since social engineering, which uses psychological tactics, is a common tactic used by both white-hat and black-hat hackers to gain access to restricted areas.
10. Knowledge Of Databases
All database development and management are centered on the database management system (DBMS). A database storing all of the company’s data can be accessed, putting the organization at risk, thus it’s crucial to make sure the software is hacker-proof. An ethical hacker needs to have a thorough understanding of this as well as various database engines and data structures to help the organization develop a robust DBMS.
11. Knowledge Of Penetration Testing
In order to find potential security gaps, penetration testing, also known as pen testing, imitates genuine cyber-attacks. It is a vital component of the job description. You will need to be knowledgeable about the various pen test techniques, including server testing both internally and externally, targeted testing, and blind testing.
12. Familiarity With The Various Programming Languages
You would need a firm understanding of the several programming languages used to create the software if you wanted access to it.
You can use your knowledge of programming languages to better comprehend the tools hackers create to compromise security systems in addition to gaining access to the company’s software. You can develop more sophisticated software for the penetration testing you must perform if you are familiar with the numerous hacking tools.