In the modern era, hacking has become a hot subject, and since everybody wants to safeguard their data and information, a few want to hack. The term ‘hacking‘ is commonly regarded as a negative aspect of society, but it is not always how it sounds.
Almost everyone must have thought of acquiring hacking skills once in their lifetime. If you were the one, here is what you have always looked for. Read the article till the end to get familiar with the top hacking skills one requires.
Isn't hacking illegal?
It is, and it is not. Ethical hacking is utterly legal, while all other methods are considered illegal in IT.
What is "Ethical Hacking?"
In simple terms, ethical hacking is much more than cracking passwords, stealing data and breaking codes. It is not just about hacking someone’s Facebook, Instagram, or WhatsApp account.
Hackers infiltrate to find potential weak points, loopholes and vulnerabilities that might lead to a severe attack or threat and work tirelessly to safeguard data and systems, ensuring ultimate security and are known as “Ethical Hackers.”
What exactly does an ethical hacker do?
The ethical hacker implies an entire focus on uncovering the following-
- Susceptibilities in information or systems that attackers can exploit.
- What information can an attacker access?
- Potential measures an attacker can take with the available information.
- The current monitoring or responses occurring to detect intrusion attempts.
But how can I become an ethical hacker? Let’s understand it in detail.
What are the prerequisites and required hacking skills to become a hacker?
To become an ethical hacker, you need a degree in computer science or Information Technology to unlock the door to the cybersecurity world. The crucial hacking skills you must be aware of are as follows-
- Programming Knowledge: To become an ethical hacker, you must master languages like Python, Java, C++, and Ruby.
- Networking Skills: To become an ethical hacker, you must have a deep learning of TCP/IP, HTTP, DNS, and network protocols.
- Cryptography: To become an ethical hacker, you must understand thoroughly encryption and decryption methods.
- Database Management: To become an ethical hacker, you need to get familiar with the skills required in SQL and MySQL and understand database vulnerabilities.
- Operating Systems: To become an ethical hacker, you must have expertise in Windows, Linux, and UNIX systems.
- Web Application Security: To become an ethical hacker, you must know web vulnerabilities like XSS, SQL injection, and CSRF.
- Social Engineering: To become an ethical hacker, you must have skills in manipulating people to gain confidential information.
- Penetration Testing: To become an ethical hacker, you must know how to simulate cyber-attacks to find security weaknesses.
- Reverse Engineering: To become an ethical hacker, you must understand how software and hardware systems work by deconstructing them.
- Scripting: To become an ethical hacker, you must understand how to automate tasks using Bash, PowerShell, and other scripting languages.
Is there only an ethical hacker? Or should I be aware of more hackers as well?
Indeed, diverse other kinds of hackers are also available in the industry. They may be no one else but your neighbours or the most trusted ones.
What are the other types of hackers?
The types of hackers other than an ethical hacker are as follows-
- Black Hat Hackers: Those who exploit vulnerabilities for personal gain, causing harm or stealing data.
- White Hat Hackers: Those who use their skills to find and fix security issues to protect systems.
- Grey Hat Hackers: Those who operate between ethical and malicious hacking, sometimes breaking into systems without permission but usually with good intentions, such as exposing vulnerabilities.
- Script Kiddies: Those who use pre-written tools or scripts to launch attacks without fully understanding how they work.
- Hacktivists: Those who use their skills for political or social activism, often targeting organizations to promote a cause.
- State-Sponsored Hackers: Those employed by the government to conduct cyber spying or cyber warfare against other nations or organizations.
- Red Hat Hackers: Those similar to vigilantes aim to stop black hat hackers by using aggressive methods, sometimes even attacking them.
- Blue Hat Hackers: Those invited by organizations to test the security of their systems before launch.
- Green Hat Hackers: Those keen to learn and become skilled hackers in the industry using a professional degree.
- Cyber Terrorists: Those who use their skills to create fear or turmoil, often targeting critical infrastructure or systems for political or ideological purposes.
Wrapping Up!
Since you are familiar with the required hacking skills and have understood the kinds of hackers, you know it is not a cakewalk to become a hacker. One needs to acquire proper ethics and mastery to outshine in the industry.
Therefore, Network Kings is here to help you become an ethical hacker and learn all the abovementioned hacking skills in detail with its specially curated Cybersecurity Master Program. Enroll today to learn directly from a cybersecurity engineer and shape your career.
We are happy to assist you.
HAPPY LEARNING!