Ethical hacking uses many malevolent hackers’ tools to detect and address computer networks and systems vulnerabilities. To become an ethical hacker, you must learn to think and use hacking tactics like real hackers to prevent actual assaults and improve the security of a company’s digital infrastructure. The following are a few of the formal designations used for IT security and cybersecurity professionals specializing in ethical hacking:

• Penetration tester
• Security architect
• Systems engineer
• Cybersecurity analyst
• Computer network vulnerability analyst  

The primary goal of ethical hacking is to improve the security of IT systems by exposing them to the types of assaults that malicious hackers might use, identifying specific weaknesses, and collaborating with other IT security professionals to improve overall system security.

Skills And Training Required For Ethical Hacking

Ethical hacking necessitates diverse technical abilities and hands-on expertise in IT systems management and cybersecurity. The following are the skills, training, and educational requirements that an ethical hacker needs:

• Experts recommend having a basic working knowledge of Windows, Linux, and other common operating systems. 
• Familiarity with TCP/IP protocols and the use of common programming and scripting languages such as C, C++, Java, and Python serves as a foundation for ethical hacking. 
• Ethical hackers should be well versed in data storage systems, SQL programming, and computer network design.  
• Ethical hackers must study the means of hacking, such as viruses, worms, denial-of-service (DOS) assaults, server hijacking, network scanning, and phishing. 
• They should have extensive knowledge of employing various cybersecurity tools, such as encryption protocols, firewalls, and software debug, to counter the threats mentioned above. 
• Ethical hackers reverse-engineer various attack scenarios to utilize various techniques to conduct penetration tests and other diagnostic processes to secure an organization’s IT infrastructure.
• A bachelor’s or a master’s degree program in cybersecurity, information security, information assurance, IT systems management, and digital forensics can provide adequate academic instruction in many of the skills utilized by ethical hackers. 
• Studying computer science, computer programming, or computer engineering at the various degree levels can also help them prepare for penetration testing and ethical hacking careers.
• Military training programs, tutorials provided by professional groups or private corporations, and acquiring hacking techniques on your own are also good options for developing important ethical hacking skills. 

As the field of cybersecurity has matured, businesses are increasingly looking for applicants who have completed rigorous training and certifications in information security and ethical hacking.

Taking The Certified Ethical Hacker’s Exam

To become a certified ethical hacker, you first need to pass the CEH exam. The CEH exam will test your concepts and practical approach to ethical hacking.

You must fulfill the following criteria to become eligible to take the CEH exam. If you have obtained training from an authorized EC-Council training partner in the form of computer-based training, online training, or tutor-led training, you are to appear for the CEH exam. 

If you want to take the test without training, you will need to put in a minimum of two years’ worth of experience in the information security industry. On top of that, you must pay a non-refundable application fee, submit an eligibility application form, and also purchase the official exam voucher from the EC-Council store. Once all this has been approved, you can finally take the CEH exam.

Cybersecurity is a rapidly evolving field. If you’re interested in becoming an ethical hacker, visit our page that discusses on how long does it take to study for CEH. Visit ULeadNet’s blog resources to learn more about other certifications you can obtain to enhance your prowess as a cybersecurity professional.