Careers in Ethical Hacking

With the rise of cyber-crime, ethical hacking has become a powerful strategy in the fight against online threats. In general terms, ethical hackers are authorized to break into supposedly 'secure' computer systems without malicious intent, but with the aim of discovering vulnerabilities in order to bring about improved protection.

Ethical hacking and ethical hacker are terms used to describe hacking performed by a company or individual to help identify potential threats on a computer or network. An ethical hacker attempts to bypass system security and search for any weak points that could be exploited by malicious hackers. This information is then used by the organization to improve the system security, in an effort to minimize or eliminate any potential attacks.

The term "ethical hacker" has received criticism at times from people who say that there is no such thing as an "ethical hacker". However, the work that ethical hackers do for organizations has helped improve system security and can be said to be quite effective and successful. Individuals interested in becoming an ethical hacker can work towards a certification to become a Certified Ethical Hacker, or CEH. This certification is provided by the International Council of E-Commerce Consultants (EC-Council). The exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions in version 8 of the test (version 7 consisted of 150 multiple-choice questions.

Since an ethical hacker must always be a step ahead from the rest when it comes to diagnosing problem areas in information systems, he/she needs to have a diverse set of skills. Since not too many institutes in the country offer undergraduate courses in cyber security, students who have completed their BTech or BSc in the relevant fields are eligible to become ethical hackers. However, they must supplement their graduate study with a postgraduate diploma or certificate course which focuses solely on security of systems.

Nasty, evil, devious, manipulative: adjectives commonly planted in front of the term 'hacker'. But stick the word 'ethical' in front of it, and you may just have struck on a useful concept. Of course, 'ethical hacker' sounds like an oxymoron: how can such a disruptive, destructive coder ever lay claim to a code of ethics?

Some computer security professionals have objected to the term "ethical hacker" as a "contradiction in terms". Part of the controversy may arise from the older, less stigmatized, definition of hacker, which has since become synonymous with computer criminal. According to EC-Council, there has been an increase of careers where CEH and other ethical hacking certifications are preferred or required. US government accepts this association and requires CEH accreditation for some jobs.(Source-Wikipedia).

Hacking isn't all technical. It also requires so-called soft skills, just as any other IT job does. You'll need a strong work ethic, very good problem-solving and communications skills, and the ability to stay motivated and dedicated.

Ethical hackers also need to be street smart, must have people skills, and even some talent for manipulation, since at times they need to be able to persuade others to disclose credentials, restart or shut down systems, execute files, or otherwise knowingly or unknowingly help them achieve their ultimate goal. You'll need to master this aspect of the job, which people in the business sometimes call "social engineering," to become a well-rounded ethical hacker.

Ethical hackers are expert coders, capable of immersing themselves completely in whatever computer security network confronts them. Well-coordinated penetration tests can often be months in the making, and include outlining the systems to be targeted and the amount of 'damage' to be inflicted.

Most organizations prefer the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification provided by the International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants (EC Council). There are several course and test centers across the country to train students and also different levels of certification. Global certifications like CEH, CISA and CISSP are most valued in the industry.

 From an educational point of view you can have a -
Certified Ethical Hacking Course from various institutes across India. These courses vary in duration and take up maximum of 3-6 months to complete. Graduates and IT professionals are best suited and most eligible to take up this course.
Certain online e-learning modules are also available.

 Companies Hiring:
 TATA CONSULTANCY SERVICES LIMITED
 Paladion Networks
 Wipro Technologies Ltd.
 Deloitte & Touche LLP
 Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp

A fresher may work as an intern for a couple of months and can start with a minimum of Rs 2.5 lakh per annum. With experience, one can expect up to Rs 4.5 lakh per annum. Those with work experience five years or more can get from 10-12 lakh per annum.

Ms. Radhika Kulkarni
MA (Counseling Psychology)
Disha Counseling Center