Ethical hacking is the act of compromising computer systems to test their security while operating in good faith by warning the person who has been compromised. The ability to ethically hack is essential for many job activities including safeguarding an organization's internet assets. In order to prevent unauthorised access through non-physical channels, the professionals doing these jobs keep the organization's computers, servers, and other infrastructure components in good working order.
Skills-Required-to-Become-a-Ethical-Hacker
Mistakenly, people believe that "hacking" entails swiftly accessing any website. They have only seen hacking in movies, so they only have a hazy concept of what it is or how to do it. To crack passwords or steal data? However, ethical hacking is more than just that. Ethical hacking should be used to check a computer or network for weaknesses and potential threats. When an ethical hacker spots holes or faults in a computer, web application, or network, the organization is informed. Let's look into what skills are required to become an ethical hacker.
1. Computer Networking Skills
One of the most essential skills for ethical hackers is the ability to network successfully. A computer network is nothing more than the interconnection of numerous devices, generally referred to as hosts connected through a number of channels to send and receive data or media. By comprehending networks like DHCP, Supernetting, Subnetting, and others, ethical hackers will be able to study the various interconnected machines in a network and the potential security risks that this can create, as well as how to mitigate such dangers. To learn computer networking, refer to Computer Network Tutorials.
2. Computer Skills
Computer skills are needed to use computers and other related technology. Basic computer skills frequently include data processing, managing computer files, and creating presentations. Advanced computer abilities include managing databases, coding, and doing calculations in spreadsheets. The most important computer skills include those related to MS Office, Spreadsheets, Email, Database Management, Social Media, Web, Enterprise Systems, etc. An ethical hacker must be a specialist in computer systems.
3. Linux Skills
The Linux operating system family is a group of open-source, free Unix-like platforms built around the Linux Kernel. The GNU General Public License permits the modification and distribution of the source code to anybody for commercial or noncommercial use. It is a free and open-source operating system. Linux should be the primary focus of an ethical hacker because it is the most secure operating system. Linux is less prone to malware than any other operating system, despite the fact that it does exist. This does not necessarily mean that Linux is 100 percent secure. Consequently, antivirus software is not required.
4. Programming Skills
Yet another necessary ability for ethical hackers is programming knowledge. So what does "programming" in the context of computers actually mean? The act of creating code that a computing system can comprehend and use to execute various instructions is what it is defined as. One needs to write a lot of code if they want to improve as programmers. Before writing any code, one must choose the best programming language for their needs. Here is a list of the programming languages used by ethical hackers, along with links to learning materials.
5. Basic Hardware Knowledge
Computer hardware comprises the physical parts of a computer, like the central processing unit (CPU), monitor, mouse, keyboard, computer data storage, graphics card, sound card, speakers and motherboard, etc. By contrast, the software is the set of instructions that can be stored and run by hardware. For example, suppose one wants to hack a machine that is controlled by a computer. First, he needs to know about the machine or how it works. Last, he has to get access to the computer that controls the machine. Now, the machine will have a very good software security system; however, hackers don’t care about hardware security, so he can play with the hardware if he can access it. If one doesn’t know about hardware, then how will he/she know how the motherboard works, how USBs to transfer data, or how CMOS or BIOS work together, etc.? So one must have basic hardware knowledge also to become an ethical hacker.
6. Reverse Engineering
Reverse engineering is the process of determining a product's design, functional requirements, and design through an analysis of its code. It creates a programme database and uses this to produce information. Reverse engineering's goal is to create the necessary documentation for a legacy system and speed up maintenance work by making a system easier to understand. Reverse engineering is frequently used in software security to make sure the system is free of any significant security flaws or vulnerabilities. It contributes to a system's robustness, defending it against spyware and hackers. Some developers even go so far as to ethically hack their own system in order to find flaws.
7. Cryptography Skills
The study of and use of methods for secret communication in the presence of outside adversaries is known as cryptography. It requires designing and assessing methods that stop nefarious third parties from getting information sent between two entities in order to preserve the many components of information security. During transmission, a plain text message or conversation is converted into ciphertext, which is unintelligible and unreadable to hackers. Making sure that information does not leak within the organisation is the responsibility of an ethical hacker. Consult Network Security and Cryptography to comprehend the principles of cryptography.
8. Database Skills
The foundation for building and maintaining all databases is DBMS. Accessing a database where all the information is kept can pose a serious threat to the business, thus it's crucial to make sure this software is hacker-proof. To assist the company in creating a robust DBMS, an ethical hacker must have a solid understanding of this as well as various database engines and data structures. Refer to Database Management System to learn more (DBMS).
9. Problem-solving Skills
Problem-solving skills allow one to identify the cause of a problem and find an efficient solution. In addition to the previously described technical skills, an ethical hacker must also have the capacity for swift problem solving. They must be eager to learn new skills and make sure that any security gap is carefully examined. This necessitates a tonne of testing and the willingness to be creative in order to tackle challenges in novel ways.
