A professional programmer knowledgeable in computer operating systems and machine code was initially what the term "hacker" denoted. A person who regularly engages in hacking activities and has adopted hacking as a way of life and philosophy is now referred to as a "hacker." Hacking is the act of changing a system's functionality to achieve a purpose other than that for which it was originally designed.

Let's first gain a better idea of the function of an ethical hacker before learning how to play one.

Ethical hacking: What is it?

The word "hacking" has a bad reputation, however that only applies while the function of an ethical hacker isn't completely understood. The "white hat"-wearing ethical hackers are the good guys in the hacking community. So what exactly does an ethical hacker do? Ethical hackers find gaps in data security for businesses and organisations around the world instead of using their advanced computer skills for illicit activities, protecting them against hackers with less honourable intentions.

Let's first define ethical hacking before learning how to practise it as a profession.

The function of an ethical hacker

A subcategory of cybersecurity known as "ethical hacking" involves lawfully bypassing a system's security safeguards in order to find possible threats and data breaches on the network. Ethical hackers can work for businesses as simulated offensive cybersecurity specialists, in-house security guards for their website or mobile apps, or as independent freelancers. Although the in-house ethical hacker may just need to be knowledgeable in a certain class of software or digital asset, all of these career options require knowledge of current attack tactics and tools.

Why Would Someone Choose a Career in Ethical Hacking?

A career in ethical hacking can be alluring if you're a professional who enjoys the challenges of the computer world and enjoys a challenge. You have the chance to use your expertise to hack into computer systems, and you get paid well for it. It is difficult to get started in the industry, as it is in many careers, but if you put in the early work, you will be able to create a highly prosperous career for yourself. Aside from that, law-abiding hackers are always ethical!

After looking at the stages in an ethical hacker's career, let's learn how to become one.

10 Steps to Become an Ethical Hacker

Step 1:  Get Exposure to LINUX/UNIX

Better computer system security is ensured by the open-source LINUX/UNIX operating system. Since Linux is one of the most often used operating systems for hacking, you should be familiar with it if you want to be an ethical hacker. It gives hackers a lot of tools. Red Hat Linux, Ubuntu, Kali Linux, BackTrack, and other popular Linux distributions are only a few examples. The most well-known Linux operating system created specifically for hacking is Kali Linux.

Step 2:  Choose the most powerful programming language available.

C is considered to be one of the earliest computer languages and is also known as the mother of all programming languages. Since this operating system was entirely created in C, knowing C serves as the foundation for learning UNIX/LINUX. Therefore, in order to fully leverage the open-source operating system Linux, hackers must learn C programming.

To gain an advantage, try learning multiple programming languages. A programmer that practises ethical hacking and is proficient in two to three programming languages can deconstruct and evaluate a piece of code. The following are some of the top programming languages for hackers:

Python : widely used for creating exploits

JavaScript : is effective for breaking into online apps.

PHP:  Aids in the defence against nefarious intruders

SQL : ideal for breaking into huge databases

Step 3:  Become adept at remaining anonymous.

Learning how to remain anonymous online and mask your identity is the most crucial stage in ethical hacking because it leaves no evidence behind and makes you impossible to track down. If a Black hat hacker discovers that there is another user in the network, they may attempt to attack that user's system because ethical hackers frequently are unaware of who else is using the same network. Anonymity is therefore essential for ethical hackers as well. The three most promising methods for protecting your identity are Anonsurf, Proxychains, and MacChanger.

Step 4: Learn the Principles of Networking

For ethical hackers, understanding networking principles and how they are made is essential. Exploiting vulnerabilities requires knowledge of numerous networks and protocols. The difficulties in the industry can be overcome by an ethical hacker who has in-depth understanding of networking technologies like Nmap, Wireshark, and others. Several significant networking ideas include:

Network subnetting in TCP/IP

CIDR and Network Masks

Message Block for a Simple Network Management Protocol Server

Internet Domain Service (DNS)

Protocol for Address Resolution

Wi-Fi Networks

Networks for Bluetooth

Networks for SCADA (Modbus)

Vehicle Networks (CAN)

Step 5: Explore the Secret Web

The dark web refers to the portion of the internet that is hidden or invisible to search engines. Access requires specialised authorization or software. The dark web can be accessed with the anonymous Tor browser. Although the dark web is a haven for criminal activity, not all of it is unlawful. The dark web has a respectable side as well, and ethical hackers need to understand how it operates.

Step 6: Consider learning secret writing.

For an ethical hacker, cryptography or secret writing is a valuable skill. Hacking requires mastery of the encryption and decryption arts. Information security uses encryption for a number of purposes, including authentication, data integrity, secrecy, and more. On a network, important data is always encrypted, including passwords. Hackers must have the skills necessary to recognise and decrypt encryption.

Step 7: Learn more about hacking

Once you've covered everything there is to know about hacking, go in-depth and learn about things like SQL injections, penetration testing, vulnerability analysis, and more. Keep up with the most recent system security updates, as well as the newest hacking and system security tools and techniques.

Step 8: Examine the weaknesses

System flaws or gaps are called vulnerabilities. Acquire the skill of scanning networks and systems for security gaps. Ethical hackers may also attempt to identify and exploit their system's flaws. Following are a few tools used by the Kali Linux operating system to identify vulnerabilities:

Nessus Vulnerability Scanner: Finds flaws in a variety of systems, including web applications.

Detects vulnerabilities on networked devices using the OpenVAS vulnerability scanner.

Web server vulnerabilities are acknowledged by the Nikto Vulnerability Scanner.

Nmap Identifies vulnerabilities across various targets using a vulnerability scanner.

Web application problems like XSS and SQL injection are found by the Wapiti Vulnerability Scanner.

Step 9: Hacking requires practise and experimentation.

The secret to becoming successful in the world of hacking is practise and experimentation. Ethical hackers must put their newly learned notions into practise in a variety of settings and circumstances. Check out different attacks, tools, and more.

Step 10: Participate in Discussions and Meet Professional Hackers

Create a community or sign up for forums to engage in talks with other hackers from around the world to share information and collaborate. There are a number of communities on platforms including Facebook, Telegram, and Discord.

Conclusion

I really hope that this essay helped you to grasp the breadth and requirements for being an ethical hacker in 2023. We strongly advise checking out the Post Graduate Program in Cybersecurity offered by Simplilearn if you want to improve your cybersecurity abilities. In 2023, this course can assist you in developing the necessary abilities to work as an ethical hacker.

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