The modern business, data and systems are digital connected and billions of people use them everyday for various purposes like communication, banking, entertainment, healthcare and education.
Today we live in a world where every click, transaction, and login leaves behind a trail worth protecting. Thus, it is of utmost importance to protect these systems from external threats such as hackers, malware and cyberattacks.
As cybercrimes are rising across the globe, the demand for professionals who can outsmart hackers both legally and responsibly is at an all-time high.
Therefore, we need ethical hacking professionals who use their skills to identify security loopholes, strengthen systems, and safeguard data from malicious attacks.
Who is an Ethical Hacker?
An ethical hacker is the computer or networking expert who hacks the computer network in order to test security vulnerabilities that a malicious hacker could potentially exploit.
Ethical hacking is not just about breaking codes; it’s about safeguarding systems, data, and people while building a rewarding career in cybersecurity.
In this article, we will explore in detail about Career in Ethical Hacking, courses, eligibility criteria, job opportunities and salary !
Career Roadmap to become an Ethical Hacker
Here is a step by step career guide to become a certified Ethical hacker or Cybersecurity professional.
Built a strong foundation in Computer Science and Programming
- Take computer science in 10+2 with Physics & Mathematics subject combination.
Pursue UG Courses
Gain Technical Skills
- Learn Networking & Operating Systems, programming (python, C, C++) and tools like Metasploit, Kali Linux, Wireshark,Nmap.
Go for advanced Certifications and PG Courses
Pursue M.Tech or M.Sc for deeper knowledge and Certifications like CEH, OSCP, CISSP.
Get Practical Skills
- Look for internship opportunities in cybersecurity firms, IT companies
- participate in open source projects and hacking competitions.
Start your Career
- Apply for jobs as a Security Analyst / Penetration Tester or cybersecurity consultant.
Courses in Ethical Hacking
To become a certified ethical hacker, candidates have to pursue various courses and certifications offered by the competent authorities.
These certifications provide practical knowledge and skills in penetration testing, cryptography, network security and vulnerability testing:
Certification Programs
Below we have listed, some of the high in demand certifications, accepted across the globe:
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) – EC-Council
- Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
- CompTIA Security+
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN)
- Diploma/PG Diploma in Cybersecurity & Ethical Hacking
Candidates interested in building a career in cyberspace, network security, and ethical hacking can choose from the following courses.
UG Courses
- B.Sc. in Information Technology (with Cybersecurity specialization)
- B.Tech in Computer Science & Engineering (Cybersecurity / Information Security)
- B.Sc. in Digital Forensics & Cyber Security
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PG Courses
- M.Sc. in Cybersecurity or Information Security
- M.Sc. in Information Security and Digital Forensics
- M.Tech in Cybersecurity / Information Security
- MBA in Information Security Management
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for pursuing ethical hacking courses are listed below:
For UG Courses
- Completion of 10+2 from a recognized board
- Background in Science/Maths/Computer Science preferred
- Basic knowledge of computers and networking
For PG Courses
- A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, IT, Engineering, or a related field
- Some institutes may accept candidates from any stream with strong computer knowledge
For Certifications (CEH, OSCP, etc.)
- No strict educational requirement (basic IT skills sufficient)
- Ideal for students or professionals with networking or programming knowledge
- Minimum age: usually 18 years
Career Scope
With the growth of the Internet, computer security has become a major concern for businesses and governments.
Here is why experts in “Ethical Hacking” are required.
From the last few years, there is an increasing demand for ethical hackers. They are highly demanded in various organizations to solve problems and prevent malicious hackers from causing damage to network systems.
If you are a certified ethical hacker and you have a degree or diploma in computer science then your chances of getting a job are very high.
If you are a passionate ethical hacker and have got great skills and can find the network flaws, weak points or vulnerabilities in a network system, then you could be easily hired by an organization or any government agency.
Ethical hacker or a cyber security professional can work in Tech companies, banking/financial instituions, governments or MNC’s.
Some of the job profiles related to ethical hacking include the follwing roles:
- Penetration Tester
- Security Analyst
- Cybersecurity Consultant
- Network Security Engineer
- Information Security Manager
- Forensic Analyst
- Security Auditor
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
Top Recruiters
Some of the top recrtuiters in this field, include the following:
- Microsoft
- IBM
- Wipro
- Infosys
- TCS (Tata Consultancy Services)
- HCL Technologies
- Accenture
- Deloitte
- KPMG
- PwC
- EY (Ernst & Young)
- Tech Mahindra
- Amazon
- Cisco
- Intel
- Capgemini
- Cognizant
- Government Agencies (DRDO, ISRO, CERT-In, Defense Cyber Agencies)
Salary & Payscale
The salary of a certified ethical hacker is based on his skills and caliber. As a fresher you can start anywhere between Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 30,000 per month. After some experience you can easily get Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 50,000.
If you are passionate about this field and always keep yourself updated about the latest trends in the computer and hacking world, then there are lots of opportunities and career scope in the future.
Professionals working with IT companies, cyber security firms, banking & financial institutions generally earns more.
Candidates having 5-6 years of experience and working in senior roles earns in the range ₹9 – ₹18 LPA.
Professionals having international certifications (OSCP, CISSP, OSEE) and work experience with global firms earn a handsome amount typically in range ₹25 – ₹40 LPA.
Also Check – High Salary Engineering Courses after 12th
Books & Study Materials
Students generally remain confused in selecting the right book for study. The market is well-stocked with many books of ethical hacking.
After the complete analysis, here we are listing some books that help the study for better preparation.
- CEH Certified Ethical Hacker Study Guide by Kimberly Graves
- The Basis of Hacking and Penetration Testing by Patrick Engebretson
- Hacking: The Art of Exploitation by Jon Erickson
- The Web Application Hacker’s Handbook: Finding and Exploiting Security Flaws by Dafydd Stuttard, Marcus Pinto
- Hacking Made Easy by Rajendra Maurya
- Introduction To Ethical Hacking by Neel Kamal
- The Ethical Hack: A Framework for Business Value Penetration Testing by James S. Tiller
- Ethical Hacking For Beginners by Jack Simpson
FAQ’s
For any queries regarding Career in Ethical Hacking or Cybersecurity, feel free to ask us by commenting below.
Focus on basics of computer networks, operating systems (Linux/Windows), and programming (Python, C basics). Also I suggest you to pursue B.Tech or B.Sc IT and along with that get certifications in CompTIA Security+, GIAC Penetration Tester or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).
I am a student who is studying in class 12 science and within 50 days my 12 standard will complete and I want to become an ethical hacker and want to get job fast and I want to work like hidden after 12 under some type of organisation what should study now and what are the skills I required and where can I get them