Have you ever tried to guess another persons password or hacked into a simple network? For some, the feeling of accessing restricted information can be exhilarating. Perhaps some of you are wondering how you can make a career out of hacking. Although, it can be conflicting as many people still consider hacking to be malicious or an invasion of privacy. However today some hackers can be seen as people who create security awareness by using their skills for good. So how do they use their skills for good and where can you get these skills certified? How do hackers go from unemployed cyber ‘criminal’, to cyber security professional? Certified Ethical Hacking (CEH) training is the kick-start you need for a career in cyber security. If you’re looking into a career in ethical hacking the best place to start is with an internationally recognised certification. As technology improves and advances, so our need for ethical hackers increases. Before we look at what training is involved, we’re going to look at why ethical hackers are an important part of the online community.

Why do organisations need ethical hackers ?

In today’s modern society, we are moving into a world where we are becoming more and more connected. We use the internet as a means of connecting with friends and family over social media, we use it to run our businesses on websites and even to store our information. However, as everybody supposedly gets more tech-savvy and the internet becomes part of our daily lives, do we really understand how much we are trading off convenience and connection for privacy and security.

Perhaps we can look past personal data for a moment and consider larger organisation’s privacy and security. Certain data needs to be made publicly visible, for instance a news broadcast or a company’s annual accounts. However if say this public information had to be altered by an unauthorised personal, privacy boundaries would be breached as they have breached a company’s security. The lines between privacy and security have been blurred and this is when ethical hackers need to step in.

Knowledge is power

Ethical hackers are mainly needed to prevent security breaches. An Ethical hacker is someone who is able to channel their enquiring mind to solving problems for the greater good. Some refer to them as the ‘immune system’ of the internet. Organisations need ethical hackers to protect their systems and information from malware and security breaches. Ethical hackers make vulnerabilities known so that a solution can be implemented hopefully before any damage is be done.

The way they identify vulnerabilities is by harnessing their ability to think like a hacker. “To defeat a hacker, you must think like a hacker”, which is exactly what ethical hackers do. Their inside knowledge and experience allow them to protect organisations from a hacking perspective. So how do hackers make the transition from cyber criminal to cyber security professional?

How do I become a certified ethical hacker?

International Council of E-Commerce Consultants (EC-Council)

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

The International Council of E-Commerce Consultants (EC-Council) initiated the world’s leading information security training. They are the world’s largest cyber security technical certification body. They developed and own the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) program which trains students on how to defend networks by following a hacking methodology. This hacking methodology has 5 steps which include:

Information gathering Scanning Gaining Access Maintaining Access Covering tracks

This 5 step methodology includes 18 modules which go into greater detail. In order to become CEH certified you need to pass the CEH exam. To pass the exam you need to receive training through an accredited course provider.

Where can I do CEH training ?

CEH training can be completed online or in a classroom setting. If you’re looking for the most convenient and cost effective way to study, then online learning is the most desirable option. Online learning gives you option of studying from the comfort of your home and at your own pace.

We all know however that being an ethical hacker requires more than completing an online training course. In order to start your career you need to put this knowledge to good use, you need to match it with work experience. However if hacking is often considered illegal, how can you start your career without some work experience?

How can I get hacking experience without getting into trouble?

LiveLabs

Simulate

Safe environment

Hacking is a profession which is pretty hands on. It requires you to test your knowledge in real life scenarios. However In most cases, hacking is considered illegal. So how do you get experience without landing up in hand-cuffs?

ITOnlineLearning offers LiveLabs which simulate the hacking process. They give you access to routers, servers and switches to exercise your skills in a safe environment. This allows you to measure your progress and improve on the skills you already possess. These LiveLabs help you to prepare for the CEH exam and give you the experience you need to start your career.

What can I do with certified ethical hacking training?

Ethical hacking career

Trust

Professional

As technology improves so does the need for updated security measures and so we need people who can keep this security up to date. We need people who have the ability to foresee threats so that they can prevent them from happening.

Being trained and certified means that you can make a career out of ethical hacking. When you enter this career, due to the confidential nature of the business, it is imperative to be someone the company can trust. Having an accredited certification that is internationally recognised gives the impression that you can be trusted. You will be treated as a professional who takes his career seriously as you have invested your time and money in your development. As a large part of your time will be dedicated to protecting and having access to sensitive data, its important that you can be trusted.

Conclusion

Hacking is the constant pressure that forces technology to improve. Hackers force us to fix things or demand something better. The demand for ethical hackers is high and it will continue to grow as security becomes inherently part of our lives. Certified Ethical Hacking training is the start for a career in cyber security. Being a certified ethical hacker is like being armed with digital weapons. So use those weapons wisely and help protect society through an ethical hacking career.