Ethical Hacking: Skills & Training

The term "hacker" has negative connotations, but not all hackers have malicious intentions. Ethical hacking, also known as white hat hacking, involves the use of hacking techniques and tools for legitimate and legal purposes. Ethical hackers are cybersecurity professionals who test computer systems and networks to find vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious actors, and then provide recommendations to improve security.

The importance of ethical hacking in today's world cannot be overstated. With the rise of technology, our personal and professional lives are increasingly dependent on computer systems and networks. Cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated and frequent, with the potential to cause significant harm to individuals, organizations, and even nations. Ethical hacking helps prevent such attacks by identifying weaknesses in systems and networks before they can be exploited by malicious actors.

The need for ethical hackers and their skills is also growing rapidly. According to a report by Cybersecurity Ventures, the cybersecurity industry will have 3.5 million unfilled jobs globally by 2023. Ethical hackers are in high demand, with many organizations looking to hire professionals who can help them identify and mitigate cybersecurity risks. 

Both technical and non-technical skills are required for ethical hacking, such as a deep understanding of computer systems, programming languages, and cybersecurity concepts, as well as excellent communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Technical skills for ethical hacking

Ethical hacking requires a wide range of technical skills to successfully identify and exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks. The following are the key technical skills required for ethical hacking:

1. Knowledge of computer networking: Ethical hackers should have a solid understanding of computer networking principles and technologies. This includes an understanding of the TCP/IP protocol stack, network protocols, routing, switching, and firewalls. They should also be familiar with network topology and be able to read and interpret network diagrams.

2. Understanding of operating systems and programming languages: Ethical hackers must have a good understanding of operating systems, including their architecture and configuration. They should also be proficient in programming languages such as Python, Java, and C++, as they will be required to write scripts and tools to automate tasks and perform complex analyses.

3. Proficiency in penetration testing and vulnerability assessment: Penetration testing involves simulating an attack on a system to identify vulnerabilities that can be exploited by malicious actors. Ethical hackers should have experience in performing penetration testing, using tools such as Nmap, Metasploit, and Burp Suite. They should also be able to analyze the results of penetration testing and recommend remediation strategies.

4. Expertise in malware analysis and reverse engineering: Ethical hackers should have experience in analyzing malware and reverse engineering. They should be able to analyze malicious code, identify the behavior of the malware, and determine how it can be detected and removed.

5. Familiarity with web application security and database security: Ethical hackers should have a good understanding of web application security and database security. They should be able to identify vulnerabilities such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting and provide recommendations to mitigate them. They should also be familiar with database security concepts such as authentication, authorization, and encryption.

Ethical hacking requires a wide range of technical skills, including knowledge of computer networking, operating systems, programming languages, penetration testing, and vulnerability assessment, malware analysis and reverse engineering, and web application and database security. These skills are essential for identifying and mitigating cybersecurity risks in computer systems and networks.

Non-technical skills for ethical hacking

In addition to technical skills, ethical hackers also require a range of non-technical skills that are critical for success. The following are the key non-technical skills required for ethical hacking:

1. Ethical and legal knowledge: Ethical hackers must have a strong understanding of ethical and legal principles. They must be aware of the ethical guidelines and codes of conduct that govern their work, and must always act within the law. Ethical hackers must also be aware of the potential consequences of their actions and must take steps to ensure that they do not cause harm to individuals or organizations.

2. Excellent communication skills: Ethical hackers must have excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. They must be able to clearly explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and must be able to write detailed reports that can be easily understood by clients. They must also be able to work collaboratively with other members of their team and must be able to explain technical details to non-technical stakeholders.

3. Attention to detail and critical thinking: Ethical hackers must have strong attention to detail and must be able to think critically. They must be able to analyze complex systems and networks, identify potential vulnerabilities, and develop effective solutions. They must also be able to identify patterns and trends and must be able to use their analytical skills to make informed decisions.

4. Creativity and adaptability: Ethical hackers must be creative and adaptable. They must be able to think outside the box and develop innovative solutions to complex problems. They must also be able to adapt to changing circumstances, and quickly respond to new threats and vulnerabilities.

5. Persistence and determination: Ethical hackers must be persistent and determined. They must be willing to spend long hours working on complex problems and must be willing to keep trying until they find a solution. They must also be able to work under pressure and must be able to manage their time effectively.

Ethical hacking requires a range of non-technical skills, including ethical and legal knowledge, excellent communication skills, attention to detail and critical thinking, creativity and adaptability, and persistence and determination. These skills are essential for working effectively as an ethical hacker and for identifying and mitigating cybersecurity risks.

Training and certifications

Ethical hacking is a specialized field that requires a unique skillset, and as such, there are various training and certification programs available for individuals looking to pursue a career in ethical hacking. The following are the key aspects of training and certification for ethical hacking:

Recommended certifications for ethical hacking 

There are several certifications available for ethical hackers, and some of the most recommended certifications include Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), and CompTIA Security+. These certifications demonstrate that an individual has the necessary skills and knowledge to perform ethical hacking activities in a professional manner.

Read our detailed guide to ethical hacking certifications for more information.

Tips for getting started with ethical hacking

To get started with ethical hacking, individuals should start by familiarizing themselves with the basics of computer networking, operating systems, and programming languages. They should also be comfortable working with different software tools and should have a strong understanding of cybersecurity concepts. It is recommended that individuals start with basic penetration testing exercises and gradually work their way up to more advanced exercises.

Ethical hacking training - resources & platforms 

There are numerous training programs and online resources available for individuals looking to pursue a career in ethical hacking. These resources include online courses, boot camps, and certification programs. Some of the most popular training programs for ethical hacking include those offered by the International Council of E-Commerce Consultants (EC-Council), Offensive Security, and SANS Institute. In addition to these training programs, there are also numerous online resources available, such as blogs, forums, and YouTube videos, that can provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a successful ethical hacker.

We've put together a list of online platforms that you can use to get started with Ethical hacking:

Snyk Learn

Snyk Learn teaches developers how to stay secure with free interactive lessons exploring vulnerabilities across a variety of languages and ecosystems.

Cybrary

Cybrary is a free online learning platform that offers a range of cybersecurity courses, including ethical hacking. It has a wide range of courses, from beginner to advanced levels, and includes hands-on labs and assessments. In addition to ethical hacking, Cybrary also offers courses on penetration testing, network security, cryptography, and more.

Udemy

Udemy is an online learning marketplace that offers courses on various topics, including ethical hacking. It has both paid and free courses, and the courses are taught by industry experts. Udemy offers a wide range of ethical hacking courses, from beginner to advanced levels, covering topics such as penetration testing, network security, and web application security.

Pluralsight

Pluralsight is a subscription-based online learning platform that offers courses on various topics, including ethical hacking. It has a range of courses, from beginner to advanced levels, and includes hands-on labs and assessments. In addition to ethical hacking, Pluralsight also offers courses on other cybersecurity topics, such as incident response, threat hunting, and cloud security.

Coursera

Coursera is an online learning platform that offers courses from top universities and companies around the world. It has a range of courses on ethical hacking, from introductory to advanced levels. Coursera's ethical hacking courses cover topics such as penetration testing, cryptography, and digital forensics.

Offensive Security

Offensive Security is a company that offers various certification courses in ethical hacking, including the popular OSCP certification. These courses are hands-on and require a significant amount of self-study. In addition to the OSCP certification, Offensive Security also offers other certification courses, such as the OSWE (Offensive Security Web Expert) and the OSCE (Offensive Security Certified Expert).

HackTheBox

HackTheBox is an online platform where you can practice your ethical hacking skills on various challenges and machines. It has a range of challenges, from beginner to advanced levels, and provides a community for learning and sharing knowledge. HackTheBox offers both free and paid subscriptions, with the paid subscription providing access to additional features and challenges.

TryHackMe

TryHackMe is another platform where you can practice your ethical hacking skills through various challenges and virtual machines. It has a gamified approach to learning and provides a community for learning and sharing knowledge. TryHackMe offers both free and paid subscriptions, with the paid subscription providing access to additional features and challenges.

JuiceShop

OWASP Juice Shop is probably the most modern and sophisticated insecure web application! It can be used in security training, awareness demos, CTFs, and as a guinea pig for security tools! Juice Shop encompasses vulnerabilities from the entire OWASP Top Ten along with many other security flaws found in real-world applications!

Ethical hacking skills & training wrap-up

Ethical hacking is an essential aspect of cybersecurity that helps organizations identify and address vulnerabilities in their systems before they can be exploited by malicious actors. To be a successful ethical hacker, individuals need to have a combination of technical and non-technical skills. Technical skills required for ethical hacking include knowledge of computer networking, understanding of operating systems and programming languages, proficiency in penetration testing and vulnerability assessment, expertise in malware analysis and reverse engineering, and familiarity with web application security and database security. Non-technical skills required for ethical hacking include ethical and legal knowledge, excellent communication skills, attention to detail and critical thinking, creativity and adaptability, and persistence and determination.

In addition to the skills required, training and certifications are critical for individuals looking to pursue a career in ethical hacking. There are various certification programs available that demonstrate an individual's skills and knowledge in ethical hacking. There are also numerous training programs and online resources available, such as online courses, boot camps, and certification programs, that can provide individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to become successful ethical hackers.

Ethical hacking is critical in today's world, where cybersecurity threats continue to evolve and become more sophisticated. With the right combination of technical and non-technical skills, along with training and certifications, individuals can build a successful career in ethical hacking and contribute to the growing field of cybersecurity.