How to Be an Ethical Hacker

For as long as the Internet has been around, network security has been an issue. In the last few decades, there's been an explosion of interest in ethical hacking. Whereas traditional hackers exploit networks for nefarious purposes, ethical hackers work on the side of the "good guys" to protect computer systems from dangerous intrusions.

Instructions

1. Evaluate your strengths and interests. All good hackers, ethical or not, have exceptional programming skills. Beyond that, a good hacker also must be a lifetime learner. Technology changes very rapidly, and hackers are at the forefront of those changes. You must be willing and eager to keep up with new developments.

2. Seek out job opportunities. There are great jobs available in both the pubic and the private sectors. For example, consumer fraud and identity theft are major issues in the commercial marketplace, so there are plenty of jobs available with businesses dealing in e-commerce. Alternately, many departments of the federal government must maintain secure websites and internal networks, so good ethical hackers are constantly in demand.

3. Take a course. There are a wide variety of courses available for IT security professionals, including EC-Council's course in "Ethical Hacking and Countermeasures." A course like this not only expands your knowledge of the world of ethical hacking, it also makes you a more valuable employee and prepares you for certification, if you choose to take the exam.

4. Get certified. Certification ensures that your associates and any potential employers know that you are in the vanguard of your profession. Sample tests are available on the EC-Council website. You can study on your own using their guides, or you can take the course mentioned above. Your job may pay for professional development, so be sure to see if your current employer will cover the associated costs.

Resources

• Visit the EC-Council website.