IT security is a growing industry in the United States. By 2026, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts a 28% increase in job growth. This is significantly higher than the combined job growth forecast of 7%, which increases the demand to get certifications in ethical hacking.

Aside from practicing using different cybersecurity tools — like encryption protocols, firewalls, and debugging software — ethical hackers must also be familiar with data storage systems, SQL programming, and computer network design. 

Ethical hackers also study other types of cyber attacks, including:

• Viruses
• Worms
• Denial-of-service (DOS) assaults
• Server hijacking
• Network scanning
• Phishing

Acquire The Skills And Knowledge

Various bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in cybersecurity, information security, information assurance, IT systems management, and digital forensics address many of the skills that certified ethical hackers need. 

Studying computer science, computer programming, and computer engineering at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree levels can also set you up for a career in penetration testing and ethical hacking.

Military training programs, tutorials supplied by professional groups and private corporations, and acquiring hacking techniques on your own are all options for developing ethical hacking skills. However, as the subject of cybersecurity has matured, it has become more customary for businesses to hire cybersecurity experts.

Who Is Typically An Ethical Hacker?

Applicants for ethical hacking positions need to demonstrate advanced cybersecurity skills. An aspect of the desired experience is offering mitigation and remediation solutions. The term ‘ethical hacker’ includes all security professionals that provide offensive services, whether pentester, red team, or freelance offensive consultant.

Security analysts or engineers are also job titles that may include harsh elements. This offensive security service is often rolled up into a threat and vulnerability management group within the organization.

Take The CEH Exam

An IT professional interested in detecting and stopping dangerous hackers should consider obtaining the CEH exam. The vendor-neutral certification goes a step further by asking recipients to sign a written agreement agreeing to follow the law and adhere to an ethical code.

EC-Council is a not-for-profit organization that offers the CEH and 20 other cybersecurity certifications. CEH candidates must pass a four-hour, 125-question multiple-choice exam that assesses knowledge in five major areas:

• Network reconnaissance
• Network access
• Network enumeration
• Sustaining network access
• Concealing evidence of a network breach

It is also necessary to have at least 500 hours of practical computing experience to qualify for the test. Before advancing in your career, you need Network+ or CCNA certification. The Network+ certification verifies fundamental network expertise, such as network management, maintenance, installation, and troubleshooting.

If you want to learn about certified ethical hackers, check out the rest of ULeadNet’s resources today!