Becoming an ethical hacker requires advanced knowledge of computer and network security protocols, often obtained through college-level IT and networking courses. Ongoing education through industry workshops and conventions is necessary to remain competitive. Companies may use ethical hacking contests to find qualified individuals.
To become an ethical hacker, you must have an advanced understanding of how computer and network security protocols work. In most cases, this position will require at least a few years of college-level training in information technology (IT) and computer networking protocols. Schools often offer certification courses that allow a student to apply their current knowledge of penetration testing techniques, commonly called hacking, while continuing to study. While it is completely possible to learn to be an ethical hacker without such formal training, most companies are more likely to hire network security consultants with verifiable credentials.
An ethical hacker is sometimes called a white hat hacker or computer security consultant. While they use the same exploits and software used by computer criminals, individuals in these positions are given the ethical or white hat designation because the goal of their attack on a system is to find and fix security flaws before criminal hackers do. these entries. Due to the nature of the business, the ethical hacker needs to have an ongoing education routine to remain viable in the field.
This continuing education criterion is often met through industry workshops, symposiums and conventions. Many computer security consultants attend four or more of these meetings each year to maintain an edge in the field. For those looking to become an ethical hacker, attending these industry workshops and conventions is often an effective way to make connections with others in the industry and build a professional network.
After receiving the necessary education to become an ethical hacker, the next step is to actually secure work in this industry. One method of doing this is to send resumes and credentials to companies in the usual way. Being an out-of-the-box type of industry, however, it gives the white-collar hacker field a broader foothold on how to choose the best computer security professional for the job.
One method used to successfully find qualified individuals is to launch an ethical hacking contest. Many tech companies, such as Google and Microsoft, sponsor contests for anyone working in the field or wanting to become an ethical hacker. Sometimes these contests involve penetration testing a new operating system, web browser, or network to find backdoor entries that could compromise system security. In many cases, the rewards offered in these contests include cash, merchandise, or job opportunities as an incentive for entrants to find the biggest holes in a specific piece of software or network.
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