Cybersecurity is evolving quickly alongside the equally fast-paced evolution of cybercriminals themselves. Unfortunately, despite deploying layered systems that encompass everything from advanced firewalls to multi-factor authentication, threat actors continue to find and exploit vulnerabilities, leading to trillions of dollars of damage.
On the front lines of this never-ending battle against increasingly sophisticated cybercriminals are ethical hackers, who strive to expose flaws in security systems. This is a growing field that represents an amazing opportunity for tech-savvy professionals with a penchant for digital problem-solving.
Previously, ethical hacking was regarded mainly as a grassroots effort, functioning largely as a reaction to major breaches. That has changed in recent years, however, and ethical hacking is now highly structured and proactive. Today, there is a strong demand for thoroughly trained ethical hackers who can align their cybersecurity skills with distinct corporate policies and objectives.
Employers want to feel confident that ethical hackers will provide results. This can be verified through targeted training, and we’re not talking about conventional computer science or even information systems degree programs.
By enrolling in information assurance programs, aspiring ethical hackers can acquire an impressive technical skill set, along with the agility and problem-solving skills needed to keep up with rapidly evolving cybersecurity concerns. Keep reading to discover the abundant possibilities in cybersecurity and information assurance, especially as they relate to ethical hacking.
What Is Ethical Hacking?
Ethical hacking, like conventional hacking, seeks to gain access to protected applications, networks, or systems. With ethical hacking, though, these efforts are fully authorized. The goal: to uncover vulnerabilities that bad actors could find and exploit. As these vulnerabilities are detected and analyzed, they can be addressed to reduce the risk of future cyberattacks.
The Ethical Hacker’s Toolkit
Ethical hackers rely on various tools and technologies to bring vulnerabilities to light. Known as the ethical hacking toolkit, this series of hardware, software, and open-source solutions can help ethical hackers adapt to a range of situations or circumstances. Common components include:
- Antivirus solutions – As the foundation of any cybersecurity toolkit, antivirus software provides a solid baseline, allowing for the swift detection and removal of malicious software.
- Network scanning tools – Today’s top network scanning solutions promise to reveal open ports, which—if not properly configured or protected—can leave organizations at risk. These entry points can be revealed via impactful techniques such as TCP or SYN scanning.
- Vulnerability scanning tools – Similar to network scanning, vulnerability assessments uncover weaknesses that could be exploited and ultimately used to gain unauthorized access. A variety of automated tools scan for known weaknesses and can also reveal issues with system configuration.
- Lockpicking tools – There is no denying the importance of physical security, and some ethical hackers are just as adept at picking locks as they are at cracking passwords or finding open ports.
Depending on the needs of the organizations they serve, ethical hackers may also utilize external WiFi adapters, password-cracking tools, or network sniffing devices.
Common Types of Ethical Hacks
Ethical hacking takes many forms and provides numerous opportunities for professionals to specialize. We touched on several key tools and techniques, but now, we’ll delve into the specific processes that ethical hackers complete in their effort to crack protected systems.
Penetration Testing (Pen Testing)
Simulated attacks known as penetration tests reveal whether exploitable vulnerabilities are present. While the term ‘pen test’ is sometimes confused with the broader concept of ethical hacking, it actually represents a specific tactic that ethical hackers may use in their day-to-day work.
Through active exploitation of both known and unknown vulnerabilities, penetration testers gain extensive insight into the true status of cybersecurity systems. This process provides a clear roadmap for how actual cybercriminals might exploit flaws.
Vulnerability Assessment
Automated vulnerability assessments provide recurring insight into vulnerabilities and general system protection. This is a quick and effective solution for revealing major flaws, but it typically does not provide as deep of a dive as pen testing or other ethical hacking strategies. Although pen testing is largely manual, vulnerability assessments rely on computer software to provide broad insights.
Web Application Testing
Centered on security issues unique to web applications, this targeted form of testing can pinpoint common issues such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS). Dynamic application security testing (DAST) employs front-end strategies to identify vulnerabilities without requiring access to the source code. DAST focuses on applications that are running by observing how they respond to simulated attacks.
Social Engineering
Some of the most alarming attack strategies rely on social engineering to manipulate human emotions and gain access to sensitive systems—even when advanced technical solutions are not available to bad actors. Common examples of social engineering include phishing, baiting, and DNS spoofing.
Social engineering can be challenging for even the most sophisticated cybersecurity teams to uncover. To understand whether organizations can withstand these sophisticated schemes, ethical hackers need to think like cybercriminals. This might involve simulated phishing emails and other attempts to manipulate or trick employees.
Wireless Network Testing
From weak passwords to poorly configured devices, wireless networks can be vulnerable to a variety of security concerns. Unfortunately, many organizations neglect to bring the same scrutiny to wireless access points and devices as they do for web applications.
This is where wireless network testing comes into play. This brings a systematic approach to uncovering frequently overlooked wireless security concerns. Following thorough reconnaissance efforts, ethical hackers rely on controlled environments to exploit possible vulnerabilities related to firmware, encryption protocols, and more.
Skills Required to Become an Ethical Hacker
Ethical hacking is a dynamic field that calls for a robust skill set. This incorporates both technical acumen and competencies known as soft skills. Information systems degree programs bring structure to the long-term process of developing these skills. We highlight several essentials below:
Technical Hacking Skills
Above all else, ethical hackers need to understand how to carry out a successful and fully ethical hack. This process typically encompasses five phases:
- Reconnaissance – Gathering information about the target
- Scanning – Identifying the easiest ways to gain access
- Gaining access – Using vulnerabilities revealed while scanning to breach security systems
- Maintaining access – Continuing to exploit systems to reveal further vulnerabilities
- Covering tracks – Eradicating evidence that might uncover malicious activity
Knowledge of Programming Languages
Programming language competence is essential across the full scope of cybersecurity and information assurance. With ethical hacking, programming languages deliver enhanced opportunities for navigating databases and spotting errors.
Different languages enable ethical hackers to target different components, so ideally, these professionals would master a range of procedural, functional, and object-oriented languages. Essentials include:
- C++
- Python
- JavaScript
- SQL
Networking Skills
To effectively analyze traffic and identify network vulnerabilities, ethical hackers should develop a well-rounded understanding of network protocols such as Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) and Domain Name System (DNS). Packet analysis is also a must; this allows ethical hackers to thoroughly examine data packets as they move in and out of various networks.
Cryptography
An important strategy for obfuscating data, cryptography provides reliable protection in transmission and storage. Ethical hackers utilize cryptographic measures as they examine vulnerabilities or conduct penetration tests. Solid encryption safeguards the test environment by preventing unauthorized individuals from deciphering sensitive information.
Reverse Engineering
Reverse engineering helps ethical hackers and other cybersecurity professionals gain a more nuanced understanding of malware. This can spark insights that help cybersecurity professionals remove malware or produce more effective defenses to avoid it in the future. Reverse engineering can help cybersecurity teams determine how malware might evolve and which strategies must be deployed to avoid associated cyber risks.
Soft Ethical Hacking Skills
In addition to developing a sizable set of technical skills, ethical hackers must be mindful of soft skills, too, which determine how they work within broader cybersecurity teams and how they convey key findings. Today’s employers demand a blend of technical and soft skills, including these essential soft skills below.
Problem-Solving
Ethical hacking is, at its core, a structured approach to cybersecurity problem-solving. The takeaway? Highly developed problem-solving skills are crucial. By leveraging their unique technical skills, ethical hackers can define cybersecurity problems, determine their root causes, and overcome a variety of obstacles as they seek solutions to today’s greatest cyber threats.
Ethical Responsibility and Integrity
Integrity is a must for ethical hackers, who should fully understand the possible implications of their work and must operate according to a strict ethical code. This means respecting the privacy of the organizations and individuals they serve while also remaining mindful of legal boundaries.
Communication
Upon detecting vulnerabilities, ethical hackers should be capable of accurately conveying what these issues involve and how they can be addressed. They may need to adjust their communication style to reflect the unique needs of various stakeholders, including those who lack a strong technical background.
Continuous Learning
Change is the only constant in the modern cybersecurity landscape, and as new attack vectors (and software solutions) emerge, ethical hackers must keep up. This means constantly researching new risks and opportunities as well as being willing to expand their technical skill set over time.
Teamwork and Collaboration
Ethical hacking is not, as some people assume, a solitary pursuit. Rather, ethical hackers work closely with cybersecurity teams, where many specialists bring targeted skills to the table. Through strong collaboration, they can uncover vulnerabilities that lone ethical hackers might struggle to pinpoint.
How to Become an Ethical Hacker
There is no single way to develop cybersecurity skills or to prepare for a career in ethical hacking. However, if you’re not sure where to begin, these tried-and-tested suggestions should help:
1. Build Your Educational Foundation
Success in ethical hacking begins with a solid foundation in cybersecurity and information systems. This is best obtained with a relevant degree, which provides a structured process for developing the technical and soft skills discussed above. Consider pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems that could help you develop crucial competencies in programming languages, software testing, and application security.
2. Gain Practical Experience
As you explore the theoretical underpinnings of cybersecurity, take advantage of opportunities to apply newly developed skills in simulated or real-world environments. Opt for a degree program that emphasizes practical application through projects and other hands-on learning experiences.
3. Earn Certifications
Lending extra credibility as you embark on your ethical hacking career, industry certifications reveal your competence as a cybersecurity professional. Your degree program can provide a solid framework as you study for rigorous exams—and you may emerge with a valuable credential to add to your resume. Examples include:
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
- Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
- Practical Network Penetration Tester (PNPT)
4. Gain Work Experience
There are many ways to get your foot in the door as you pursue exciting ethical hacking opportunities. Cybersecurity internships, for instance, help you hone your penetration testing skills. Other options worth considering include:
- Volunteering – Many organizations actively seek out talented individuals who can help them pinpoint and address cybersecurity issues. This is a great way to expand your skill set while making a meaningful difference where it’s needed most.
- Hackathons – Bringing together ethical hacking novices and experienced hackers alike, hackathons encourage enthusiasts to work collaboratively to find solutions to issues that might otherwise take weeks or even months for smaller hacking teams to resolve. This is an excellent way to boost collaborative hacking skills while also expanding your professional network.
- Part-time or entry-level positions – A variety of small businesses and non-profit organizations require cybersecurity assistance or IT support and may be willing to hire currently enrolled information systems students or recent graduates.
The Value of an IS Degree in Information Assurance for an Ethical Hacking Career
A targeted degree program can provide a solid blueprint for an exciting educational journey that helps you develop a broad spectrum of cybersecurity skills.
When in doubt, look to the Bachelor of Science in Information Systems to equip you with the numerous technical and soft skills vital to success in ethical hacking. Advantages of this degree program include:
Comprehensive Skill Set
We have already outlined a wide range of skills that contribute to ethical hacking success, but it isn’t always easy to find structure and support if you attempt to develop these competencies on your own.
Through a blend of foundational computer science coursework and targeted classes in data administration, you can expect to gain the full spectrum of technical skills you need. Meanwhile, general education coursework helps you develop comprehensive skills such as critical thinking and communication.
Understanding of Ethical and Legal Frameworks
Ethical hackers do not enjoy unrestricted access to security systems. They must abide by strict ethical and legal frameworks, which can be difficult for aspiring ethical hackers to understand. These principles are thoroughly explored within information systems courses that also provide an up-to-date overview of relevant rules and regulations.
Certification Preparation
Acquiring the certifications highlighted above can be demanding, but the right degree and concentration can help immensely. Information systems coursework aligns with the topics covered in rigorous exams for becoming a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) or a Certified Information Systems Security Professional. Additionally, networking opportunities and degree-facilitated work experiences may help aspiring ethical hackers satisfy certification work requirements.
Hands-On Experience
From labs to capstones, the ideal degree program will provide a wealth of opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in realistic scenarios. Through projects, labs, and simulations, information systems students can gain hands-on experience and, with it, the confidence to apply their newly developed skills in the real world. These programs provide training opportunities within the field as well, which may span several weeks or months.
Keeps Pace with Evolving Threats
Up-to-date coursework should keep you abreast of the latest cybersecurity developments. Your degree program will introduce you to the most cutting-edge solutions and the emerging cyber threats they can be used to combat. This could grant you much-needed confidence as you enter a fast-paced field.
The right program can also instill a mentality of continuous learning so you feel motivated to seek out additional learning opportunities long after you’ve graduated.
Jumpstart Your Career in Ethical Hacking at Baker College
Ethical hacking is an opportunity-filled career field, and with high-level training, you can play a powerful role in combating today’s greatest cyber threats.If you’re ready to take the next step, consider enrolling in Baker College’s Bachelor of Science in Information Systems program with a concentration in Information Assurance. Reach out to learn more or to complete your application.