Have you ever been a victim of hacking or heard someone share their story of when they got hacked? It might seem like hacking is an activity that only causes trouble. But that is not entirely true.
If you want to be saved from hackers who steal personal information, we need ethical hackers for that purpose who protect us from being victims of cybercrimes.
If computer science and hacking interest you, you can definitely consider pursuing a career as a Hacker. In this blog, we shall be discussing everything you need to know about the field of hacking. Read on!
What does a Hacker do?
To pursue a career as a hacker, you will have to perform the following functions.
- Ethical hackers must conduct research, compile documentation, and share their findings regarding security with management and IT teams.
- Ethical hackers will offer feedback and confirmation as a company makes security improvements.
- Working with ethical hackers enables security professionals to better anticipate and respond to the constantly evolving nature of online threats.
- They create scripts for system and network vulnerability testing and penetration testing.
- To combat online fraud at both the organizational and personal levels monitor sniffing networks, wireless encryption flaws, and compromised web applications and servers.
- To breach firewalls, intrusion prevention systems, and intrusion detection systems to verify there is no malicious activity.
- To monitor sensitive information and address any intrusions.
- To create low-level tools to enhance security monitoring and evaluation.
- To produce comprehensive reports on the most recent security discoveries and distribute them to the cross-functional teams.
- Conduct risk analysis across every piece of hardware and software in the network of the organization.
- To compile and put into practice security guidelines and best practices for online safety.
Job roles for a Hacker
If you want to pursue a career as a Hacker, you can consider the following profiles.
- Information security analyst: An information security analyst works to protect the company’s confidential data and information from online fraud and other threats. By developing solutions that prevent any kind of data compromise, they ensure that no information is lost or damaged.
- Mobile app security executive: As the number of mobile internet users rises, more tests are run on mobile apps. An executive in charge of mobile application security has the responsibility of working with his or her team to test the applications thoroughly to prevent any kind of user data breach.
- Security Consultant: A security consultant looks for any vulnerabilities that could lead to a data breach in a variety of software, computer systems, and networks. In order to prevent any kind of data compromise, they also devise and create security solutions for the business or organization they work for.
- Chief Information Security Officer: Also referred to as a CISO, a chief information security officer holds a senior executive position within a business or organization. They are supported by a team that develops security plans in order to safeguard the company’s various data assets from all forms of cyber theft.
Career path to become a Hacker
If you want to pursue a career as a hacker, you can follow this path.
Path 1:
Complete your 10+2 in the Science stream with Mathematics. Take up a Bachelor’s degree in Cyber Security, IT, or Computer Science followed by a master’s degree in Ethical Hacking.
Salary of a Hacker
Job Profile | Salary |
Security Engineer | Rs. 7.0 Lakhs |
Security System Analyst | Rs. 8.0 Lakhs |
Security Architect | Rs. 22.0 Lakhs |
Information Security Lead | Rs. 15.70 Lakhs |
Mobile Application Security Executive | Rs. 10.0 Lakhs |
Skills to become a Hacker
The following skills are necessary to succeed in your career as an ethical hacker:
Technical Skills
- Knowing how to detect intrusions, use strong Trojans, and crack backdoor codes
- Working knowledge of, among others, Cisco network switches, Microsoft and Linux servers, Citrix and Microsoft Exchange, and virtualization
- Proficiency with malware analysis and encryption
- Basic familiarity with programming languages like Shell, C++, PHP, Perl, and Java
- Knowledge of network identity and access management, as well as Internet of Things (IoT) security
- Database expertise, risk analysis, and risk reduction
- Logics in networking and programming
- Understanding of websites
- Kali and Parrot were recommended by a Linux machine expert.
- Knowledge of different operating systems, such as Windows, Linux, and Mac Os
- Knowledge of assembly language and microprocessors
Is Hacking a good career?
In India, there are many upcoming opportunities for ethical hackers. The industry for ethical hackers is predicted to grow by 75% in terms of employment. In comparison to other occupations, it is incredibly higher.
Ethical hackers can find work at any organization that is connected to the internet or cyberspace. An ethical hacker is necessary for private businesses like data warehousing and logistic services, as well as academic institutions like MIT. Defence systems like the military and intelligence organizations like the NSA, Mossad, and CIA are also included in the list of ethical hacking jobs.
The most crucial element of the IT sector is cybersecurity. Since 2017, the number of cybersecurity-related jobs has grown significantly.
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Industries hiring a Hacker
To establish a career as a Hacker, you can consider working in the following industries.
- Government/Private Firms
- Network Security Administrator
- Network Security Engineers
- Penetration Tester
- Security Consultant
Top recruiters in India
- Deloitte India
- Ernst & Young
- Genpact
- Infosys
- Paladion Networks
- Philips
- Tata Consultancy Services Ltd.
- WhiteHat Jr.
- Wipro Technologies Ltd.
Courses to upskill as a Hacker
Courses | Duration |
Cybersecurity | 3-6 months |
Cybersecurity Analyst | 3-6 months |
Hacking & Patching | 1-4 weeks |
Introduction to Cyber Attacks | 1-4 weeks |
Introduction to Cybersecurity Tools & Cyber Attacks | 1-4 weeks |
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Educational qualifications to become a Hacker
To establish a career as a hacker, you can consider taking these programs in India.
Degrees in India
Here’s a list of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees you can consider in India.
Undergraduate courses for Hackers in India
- Bachelors in Networking and Security
- B Tech in Cybersecurity and Forensic
- B Tech IT and Cybersecurity
Postgraduate courses for Hackers in India
Courses | Duration |
MSc in Cyber Security | 2 years |
MSc Cyber Security & Digital Forensics | 1-3 years |
Degrees abroad
Here’s a list of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees you can consider abroad.
Undergraduate courses for Hackers in India
- Computer Science and Mathematics BSc (Hons)
- Cyber Security BSc (Hons)
- Computer Science with Multimedia BSc (Hons)
- Computer Science BSc (Hons)
- Computer Science with Business (ITMB) BSc (Hons)
Postgraduate courses for Hackers abroad
Courses | Duration |
MS/PgDip in Ethical Hacking and Cyber Security | 1-2 years |
References
Books to read
- Applied Cryptography Protocols Algorithms Source in C by Bruce Schneier
- CISSP All One Guide by Shon Harris
- Hacking-The Art of Exploitation by Jon Erickson
- RTFM Red Team Field Manual by Ben Clark
Famous Hackers
The top 10 well-known ethical hackers from India that you should be aware of in 2022 are listed below.
- Ankit Fadia
- Vivek Ramachandran
- Sunny Vaghela
- Koushik Dutta
- Rahul Tyagi
- Trishneet Arora
- Sangeet Chopra
- Sai Sathish
- Falgun Rathod
- Aseem Jakhar
That’s all you needed to know about how to pursue a career as a hacker. We hope this blog helped you and answered all your questions about the field of ethical hacking. Good luck!
FAQs about the career as a Hacker
What job roles can I pursue as a Hacker?
Information security analyst
Mobile app security executive
Security Consultant
Chief Information Security Officer
What does a Hacker do?
Applying social engineering concepts
Evading
Examining
Finding vulnerabilities
Malware analysis
Network security
Can I get a bachelor’s in information security without having computer science in my 10+2?
If you received a minimum of 50% of the possible points in the three science-related subjects of physics, chemistry, and math when you completed your 10+2 coursework. You are then qualified for a bachelor of science in information security or BSc.
What is the cost of the certified ethical hacker exam?
The Certified Ethical Hacker test, which costs around Rs.37,000, is one that students must pass. For self-study graduates, there is an additional Rs.7,500 application fee and applicants must submit proof of two years of work experience in cyber security that the employer has authorized.
What qualifications do I need to become a hacker?
Anyone who has finished Class 10 is eligible to enrol in the ethical hacking certificate programs. However, a candidate with an IT program, computer science diploma, or degree will better comprehend the ethical hacking course.
What is the typical salary for ethical hacking graduates in cyber security?
Graduates in cyber security ethical hacking can expect an average salary of between Rs.4 Lakhs and Rs.8 Lakhs.
Can I learn ethical hacking online?
There are offline and online courses for ethical hacking. An individual interested in taking an Ethical Hacking course can choose from a wide variety of certification programs offered online. The article mentioned above also mentions that various levels of ethical hacking degrees are available via correspondence.