Skills to become an Ethical Hacker | Ethical Hacking Skills

Ethical hacking is a complex job profile. They work in a dynamic and stressful environment. This job is not for everyone who has good computer skills. The knowledge of ethical hacking goes above just using coding. They need to be smart and adaptable to be in this job.

The ethical hacking course can prepare individuals to perform the process smoothly. It can teach them techniques, tools, methods, and terminologies. But certain soft skills also matter when it comes to ethical hacking.

This does not mean that individuals can ignore the certifications. Ethical hacking certifications like CEH and more are important to validate your knowledge. No one can perform this process if they are not certified. Individuals can enroll in them online or through accredited universities.

The point is to have a deeper understanding of everything that revolves around the computer system and network. Be it the hardware or the legalities, ethical hackers need to know everything. We have curated this list of essential skills that an individual needs to become an ethical hacker.

Skills Required to become an Ethical Hacker

1. Computer Networking Skills

This is one of the most crucial skills that ethical hackers must possess. Understanding the network that comprises many devices allows hackers to create a hacking framework.

There are many types of networks like DHCP, Supernetting, Subnetting, etc. which will decide the process of hacking. Hackers must know each of them to identify potential threats and come up with solutions.

2. Computer Skills

A hacker without computer knowledge is good for nothing. Having a basic understanding of computer technologies, data processing. Programming, applications, and more are important.

But ethical hackers should know computers above these basic features. They should know the system inside out to achieve results.

3. Linux Skills

Linux is an open-source operating system that is commonly used commercially. Many experts believe that Linux is a more secure platform in comparison to other operating systems.

Due to high commercialization, ethical hackers must understand the security concerns that come with the platform. It is not entirely safe but just safer than others.

4. Programming Skills

Programming is a process of creating codes for software that is understandable by the computer system. There are many programming languages that hackers learn to get better at coding. They should know them if they want to get into multiple systems for security checks.

Without understanding the code, identifying threats will not be possible. Some famous programming languages are –

• Python
• SQL
• C
• JavaScript
• PHP
• C++
• Java
• Ruby
• Perl

5. Basic Hardware Knowledge

Physical parts of the computer make up the hardware system. They are mainly the central processing unit, mouse, keyboard, etc. Many times, simple issues in them can create a problem for the organizations.

Thus the hackers must know about how the machine will work and how he can access that. Though the job of the hacker is mostly not related to hardware security, zero knowledge about them can become a hindrance when doing security checks.

6. Reverse Engineering

Hackers can identify the design, specifications, and functions of any product by analyzing its code. This process refers to reverse engineering.

The idea is to create a program database and generate information to improve the understandability of a system. The software uses it to check if they are not lacking in any way. This can save them from potential threats and vulnerabilities.

7. Cryptography Skills

Studying various techniques for secure communication in the presence of a third-party refers to cryptography. It develops and analyzes different standards or protocols to avoid security breaches.

It converts normal readable text into ciphertext during transmission. Ethical hackers need to keep things confidential and thus having cryptography knowledge is a must.

8. Database Skills

Ethical hackers follow a process that starts with researching and gathering information about the organizations.

Thus they maintain a database of this information so that companies can use it later. With proper database management knowledge, their work becomes easier and faster.

9. Problem-solving Skills

Ethical hackers work in a very stressful environment. They deal with sensitive information and issues, thus their every step will matter.

They need to have a problem-solving approach to make effective decisions in such an environment. And this process changes with situations thus they need to be versatile as well.

10. Malware

The companies are vulnerable to various types of threats and not just one. Ethical hackers must be able to recognize which vulnerability they are dealing with.

This is the only way they can make the correct decision on time. Having a deep understanding of different types of malware and threats is very important for this process.

11. Framework and Standards

The job of an ethical hacker requires him to follow government regulations at all times. They need to be at a limit while performing the task. For this, they must be aware of the frameworks and standards that exist.

These standards may change with geographic location and thus hackers should know them thoroughly. Some important frameworks are – NICE, NIST, etc.

12. IoT Device Security

IoT devices are famous for their insecure nature becoming a common target for threats. Ethical hackers should know the functionality of such devices to save them from potential attacks. The tools important for this process should be known by the hackers to solve the problem in time.

13. Cloud

Organizations are rapidly shifting to cloud communication and cloud storage for professional reasons. And once things are on the internet, they are always on the internet.

What hackers can do is protect important information from cloud storage. They should know what sorts of vulnerabilities come with cloud platforms and what they can do to prevent them.

14. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Technology changes every now and then, making the industry very dynamic. Hackers use such technologies to identify vulnerabilities, crack passwords, decrypt codes, and much more.

AI is the changing point for these things as it can automatically detect everything in very little time. Hackers here become the monitoring authorities who are responsible for instructing.

15. Analytical Thinking

This may sound like a word but hackers today need to be creative as well. They should be able to get into the network using newer methods and ways.

This is to provide a real-time experience to the company about how they can face threats in multiple ways.

16. Computer Forensics

This is the legal skill in the process of ethical hacking. Hackers often identify the criminal as an attack becoming a part of legal procedure.

They should be aware of criminal forensics to collect data about the perpetrator. And sometimes, the government also hires them to collect such data.

17. Ethical Hacking Software and Tools

There are numerous tools available online for ethical hacking. They all come with specific features according to the situation.

There are some for network security, pen-testing, and even password management. The nature of the threats determines the tool needed. Having a basic knowledge of them can make a hacker’s work easier.

18. Wireless Technologies

Open wifi allows access to many users at the same time. Thus all devices under that network become vulnerable to network threats.

An attacker can easily intercept communication by entering this network. Ethical hackers here become responsible for analyzing how these networks can become secure from such cases.

19. Web Applications

Web applications are what criminals are able to access externally. Ethical hackers are often asked to perform audits to check their security.

They should know how an outsider can use the web to get down the applications. They are highly vulnerable and need very strict security for protection.

20. Identification Skills

Hackers may have a deep understanding of coding and programming. But that becomes useless if thor judgment is wrong.

Yes, this skill will develop with experience but beginners should have a basic understanding too. They should be able to identify the loopholes in the system by proper analysis.

21. Knowledge of Hacking Techniques

Just like tools, there are many ways of hacking into a network. Pen testing remains the most prominent one in this case.

It allows hackers to identify potential threats by performing a simulated attack. Organizations mainly hire hackers to perform a pen test only.

22. Depict Real-time attack

Ethical hackers should provide real-life experience to the companies to make them more secure. They should prepare them for the worst-case scenario.

This can only be done by performing a real-time attack. This will allow companies to see exactly how their security can face threats.

23. Reduces Loss

The aim of ethical hackers should be to minimize loss. Even when the company prepares for everything, some things may fall apart.

Hackers should keep this in mind and provide suggestions to minimize the loss. This is still better than being caught off guard.

Conclusion

These were the top skills that an individual needs to become an ethical hacker. Most of them will come with experience and knowledge while some depend on the nature of a person. There are more such skills that one can explore after entering the field. With the dynamic technological environment, new things will keep adding to this list. It is important to be in the business to know what the future will look like.