Ethical hacking is a field of cybersecurity that involves testing the security of systems, networks, applications, and data by simulating the techniques and methods of malicious hackers. Ethical hackers, also known as white hat hackers or penetration testers, are hired by organizations to identify and fix vulnerabilities, prevent cyberattacks, and enhance information security.
If you are interested in becoming an ethical hacker in 2023, you will need to develop a range of skills, obtain relevant certifications, and gain practical experience. In this blog post, we will outline the steps you need to take to pursue a career in ethical hacking.
Step 1: Learn the basics of programming, networking, and operating systems
Ethical hacking requires a solid foundation in computer science concepts and technologies. You will need to be familiar with various programming languages, such as Python, Java, C#, C++, Ruby, and PowerShell, as well as scripting languages, such as Bash, Perl, and PHP. You will also need to understand how networks work, including protocols, topologies, devices, and tools. Additionally, you will need to know how to administer and secure different operating systems, such as Windows, Linux, and macOS.
You can learn these skills through online courses, books, tutorials, or self-study. Some of the online courses that can help you are:
– [Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python] by MITx on edX
– [Computer Networks] by Stanford Online on Coursera
– [Linux System Administration] by The Linux Foundation on edX
– [Windows Server Administration Fundamentals] by Microsoft on edX
Step 2: Master the tools and techniques of ethical hacking
Ethical hacking involves using various tools and techniques to perform tasks such as reconnaissance, scanning, enumeration, vulnerability analysis, system hacking, malware analysis, social engineering, session hijacking, evading defenses, web application hacking, wireless network hacking, mobile and IoT hacking, cloud computing hacking, and cryptography.
You will need to master these tools and techniques by practicing them in a safe and legal environment. You can use online platforms that provide virtual labs or cyber ranges where you can access real-world scenarios and challenges. Some of the online platforms that can help you are:
• [Cybrary]: A platform that offers free and paid courses on ethical hacking and other cybersecurity topics, as well as hands-on labs and practice tests.
• [Hack The Box]: A platform that offers free and paid access to vulnerable machines that you can hack and learn from.
• [TryHackMe]: A platform that offers free and paid access to interactive rooms that teach you ethical hacking skills through guided learning paths and challenges.
• [Offensive Security]: A platform that offers paid courses and certifications on ethical hacking and penetration testing, as well as access to their live cyber range.
Step 3: Obtain relevant certifications to validate your skills
Ethical hacking certifications are credentials that demonstrate your knowledge and skills in ethical hacking. They can help you stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs or advancing your career. They can also help you meet the requirements of certain employers or regulations.
There are many ethical hacking certifications available in the market. Some of the most popular ones are:
• [Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)]: A certification from EC-Council that covers the fundamentals of ethical hacking,including various domains such as information security and ethical hacking; reconnaissance; system hacking; network and perimeter hacking; web application hacking; wireless network hacking; mobile,Internet of Things (IoT), and operational technology (OT) hacking; cloud computing; cryptography; etc.
• [GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN)]: A certification from GIAC that validates your ability to perform penetration tests using the latest techniques and methodologies. Topics covered include test planning,scoping, and recon; scanning and exploitation; password attacks; web application pen testing; etc.
• [Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)]: A certification from Offensive Security that proves your practical skills in conducting realistic penetration tests. The exam requires you to hack into several machines in a simulated network within 24 hours.
• [Certified Penetration Testing Engineer (CPTE)]: A certification from Mile2 that teaches you how to conduct penetration tests using a five-phase approach: information gathering, scanning, enumeration,exploitation, reporting. Topics covered include open source intelligence (OSINT), network mapping, vulnerability identification, buffer overflows, password cracking, web application attacks, wireless attacks,etc.
Step 4: Gain practical experience in ethical hacking projects
The best way to become an ethical hacker is to gain hands-on experience in real or simulated ethical hacking projects. You can do this by participating in online competitions, joining ethical hacking communities, volunteering for non-profit organizations, or applying for internships or entry-level jobs in ethical hacking.
Some of the ways to gain practical experience in ethical hacking are:
– [Capture the Flag (CTF)]: A type of online competition where you have to solve various challenges related to ethical hacking, such as finding flags hidden in web pages, cracking encryption, exploiting vulnerabilities, etc. You can find many CTF events on platforms like CTFtime or Hack The Box.
– [Bug Bounty Programs]: A type of program where you can earn rewards for finding and reporting security bugs in websites or applications of various organizations. You can find many bug bounty programs on platforms like HackerOne or Bugcrowd.
– [Ethical Hacking Communities]: A type of online forum where you can interact with other ethical hackers, share your knowledge and skills, learn from others, and get feedback on your projects. You can find many ethical hacking communities on platforms like Reddit, Discord, or Stack Exchange.
– [Non-Profit Organizations]: A type of organization that may need ethical hacking services to protect their data and systems from cyberattacks. You can volunteer your skills and time to help them with their security needs and gain valuable experience. You can find many non-profit organizations that need ethical hackers on platforms like VolunteerMatch or Idealist.
– [Internships or Entry-Level Jobs]: A type of work opportunity where you can learn from experienced ethical hackers and work on real-world projects. You can apply for internships or entry-level jobs in ethical hacking by searching on platforms like Indeed or LinkedIn.
Conclusion
Ethical hacking is a challenging and rewarding career that requires a combination of technical skills, certifications, and experience. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can start your journey to become an ethical hacker in 2023. Remember to always practice ethical hacking in a legal and ethical manner, and never use your skills for malicious purposes. Happy hacking!
Also You can visit more blog post :
(1) How to Become a Programmer in 2023: A Complete Guide
(2) A Beginner’s Guide to Learning Programming
(3) How to Become a Bug Bounty Hunter and Earn Money 2023
(4) Beginner’s Guide to Ethical Hacking and Bug Bounty Programs
(5) Nmap Tutorial 2023: A Comprehensive Guide For Beginner
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