10 answers
Rajat
Student
Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
7
Questions
Asked
1409 views
How Can I Become A Hacker
Which Courses Are There And What Are The Qualifications Needed For Joining The Course And What Is the Average Salary Of A Hacker (Black Hat).#hacking #technology #information-technology
10 answers
Dennis Crawford
Business Development Manager
17
Answers
Syracuse, New York
Updated
Dennis’s Answer
Rajat, I started my career working in the university as a consultant in the computer labs. Not sure if that still exists, but one good place to start is in the computer science department -- quite possibly they have some form of mentor program where you could help other students with their assignments, labs, coding projects, etc. Hacking, while it may seem glamorous, as Bornventure mentions is important to stress ethical hacking methods. Companies may employ you because of your unix skills, but only if they feel you aren't a threat to their systems. There's a fine line there. You will see some companies employ hackers to do penetration testing, but often times they steer clear of what you would consider HACKERS because of the stigma against them.
Learn skills by taking online courses, unix server administration is always a skill that's in demand. (it's the underlying OS for Android and plenty of others - like MacOS, etc.) You can learn firewall, server hardening, and do penetration/hack testing on your own servers to ensure they're safe to connect to the internet. There's lots of directions you can go -- just remember to be ethical at all times and to learn skills that make you marketable - like server administration, shell programming, security and then on top - you can learn coding like HTML, CSS, Java, etc. that goes right on top of your solid core knowledge. Learning IP and basic networking is essential as well so at least you know the framework for server communication. From there you can take on wireless, mesh, and cellular technologies -- and with networking comes ... you guessed it, security of the networks. I hope I've given you some good solid information and stirred your interest in something. I love my job and every day comes with it excitement.
Online courses in areas not currently studying
Learn skills by taking online courses, unix server administration is always a skill that's in demand. (it's the underlying OS for Android and plenty of others - like MacOS, etc.) You can learn firewall, server hardening, and do penetration/hack testing on your own servers to ensure they're safe to connect to the internet. There's lots of directions you can go -- just remember to be ethical at all times and to learn skills that make you marketable - like server administration, shell programming, security and then on top - you can learn coding like HTML, CSS, Java, etc. that goes right on top of your solid core knowledge. Learning IP and basic networking is essential as well so at least you know the framework for server communication. From there you can take on wireless, mesh, and cellular technologies -- and with networking comes ... you guessed it, security of the networks. I hope I've given you some good solid information and stirred your interest in something. I love my job and every day comes with it excitement.
Dennis recommends the following next steps:
Jason Fitch
A+ Technician
1
Answer
Silver Spring, Maryland
Updated
Jason’s Answer
The most comprehensive way to become a "hacker" is to study security. I would highly recommend CompTIA's Security+ certification as a guide on topics that must be learned. Your education will involve a multitude of crossover topics such as: networking, social engineering, various operating system inner-workings, cryptography, malware defense, etc.
The official compTIA Security+ Exam Objectives Sheet gives a very good and detailed list of topics you would learn in this curriculum. however, experience eventually will be needed as others have noted. But if you're approaching from a purely academic route first, go full on learning the theoretical and underlying concepts. however, you can effectively fake such experience by doing what you should be doing anyway while you are learning: develop your own documentation. Beginning a blog featuring exclusivity your own exploits in learning how to ETHICALLY hack, such as how to defend your workstation from certain malware or which hardening steps can be taken in Terminal and what settings can be modified.
In any case, you have all of the knowledge at your fingertips.
See the following file for Security+ Topics: https://www.comptia.jp/pdf/Security%2B%20SY0-501%20Exam%20Objectives.pdf
Enroll in various cybersecurity fairs, conventions, expos, etc.
Keep a blog on your own ethical exploits & education
Explore optional credentials such as compTIA, CISCO, etc.
The official compTIA Security+ Exam Objectives Sheet gives a very good and detailed list of topics you would learn in this curriculum. however, experience eventually will be needed as others have noted. But if you're approaching from a purely academic route first, go full on learning the theoretical and underlying concepts. however, you can effectively fake such experience by doing what you should be doing anyway while you are learning: develop your own documentation. Beginning a blog featuring exclusivity your own exploits in learning how to ETHICALLY hack, such as how to defend your workstation from certain malware or which hardening steps can be taken in Terminal and what settings can be modified.
In any case, you have all of the knowledge at your fingertips.
Jason recommends the following next steps:
Munjal Joshi
Employed
2
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Munjal’s Answer
The real question should be, why you want to become hacker?
Typically ethical hacking is well known branch and give an opportunity to learn great amount of technology in the pursuit.
Knowledge of Computers, Protocols, Networking, Security and Cloud are essential to attain the expertise where you would understand the vulnerabilities of a given system/network. This will present immense opportunity to harden your network in way that will render security to the network and protect from malicious attempts of hacking.
Simple Google search on "Ethical Hacking" would provide loads of options to choose from. There are also mentors available who would guide during your learning journey.
Typically ethical hacking is well known branch and give an opportunity to learn great amount of technology in the pursuit.
Knowledge of Computers, Protocols, Networking, Security and Cloud are essential to attain the expertise where you would understand the vulnerabilities of a given system/network. This will present immense opportunity to harden your network in way that will render security to the network and protect from malicious attempts of hacking.
Simple Google search on "Ethical Hacking" would provide loads of options to choose from. There are also mentors available who would guide during your learning journey.
shivakesh ranjan
tech support
20
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
shivakesh’s Answer
I would say start off with learning basic courses(udemy, coursera or pluralsight) about the Linux/Windows fundamentals, OS, Python or Java, read blogs that tell you about using the security tools like nmap, sqlmap, dirbuster, burpsuite, etc..
Then start hacking the machines in HacktheBox(easy linux ones first), Vulnbox, keep checking Ippsec videos in youtube for a better understanding on the approach. Write your own walkthrough on each machine you hack.
This provides a good knowledge to work on bug bounty programs.
If you want to pursue a degree in cybersecurity check usanews and other relevant websites before choosing a university and course.
Don't worry about the salary, rather worry about the exciting work you are about to do in this field.
And above all start thinking like a hacker.
Then start hacking the machines in HacktheBox(easy linux ones first), Vulnbox, keep checking Ippsec videos in youtube for a better understanding on the approach. Write your own walkthrough on each machine you hack.
This provides a good knowledge to work on bug bounty programs.
If you want to pursue a degree in cybersecurity check usanews and other relevant websites before choosing a university and course.
Don't worry about the salary, rather worry about the exciting work you are about to do in this field.
And above all start thinking like a hacker.
Ajith Junneti
Graduate Student
1
Answer
College Park, Maryland
Updated
Ajith’s Answer
I would say start off with learning basic courses(udemy, coursera or pluralsight) about the Linux/Windows fundamentals, OS, Python or Java, read blogs that tell you about using the security tools like nmap, sqlmap, dirbuster, burpsuite, etc..
Then start hacking the machines in HacktheBox(easy linux ones first), Vulnbox, keep checking Ippsec videos in youtube for a better understanding on the approach. Write your own walkthrough on each machine you hack.
This provides a good knowledge to work on bug bounty programs.
If you want to pursue a degree in cybersecurity check usanews and other relevant websites before choosing a university and course.
Don't worry about the salary, rather worry about the exciting work you are about to do in this field.
And above all start thinking like a hacker.
Lastly andrew mentioned better be a white hat hacker....
Happy Hacking!!!
Then start hacking the machines in HacktheBox(easy linux ones first), Vulnbox, keep checking Ippsec videos in youtube for a better understanding on the approach. Write your own walkthrough on each machine you hack.
This provides a good knowledge to work on bug bounty programs.
If you want to pursue a degree in cybersecurity check usanews and other relevant websites before choosing a university and course.
Don't worry about the salary, rather worry about the exciting work you are about to do in this field.
And above all start thinking like a hacker.
Lastly andrew mentioned better be a white hat hacker....
Happy Hacking!!!
Raveendra Padala
Software Senior Principal Engineer
3
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Raveendra’s Answer
Know how to use the internet and search engines effectively to gather information. Get a Linux-based operating system and the know the basics commands that every Linux user should know. Practice makes perfect, a good hacker should be hard working and positively contribute to the hacker community. He/she can contribute by developing open source programs, answering questions in hacking forums, etc.
Ethical hackers are the good guys of the hacking world. Ethical hackers identify weaknesses in data computer security for business and organizations across the globe, to protect them from hackers with less honest motives.
Programming, Networking, SQL skills are essential to becoming an effective hacker. Hacking tools are programs that simplify the process of identifying and exploiting weaknesses in computer systems.
Stages of a Career in Ethical Hacking:
To secure an exceptionally high ranking job and earn a large salary right from the beginning, there is immense potential to achieve both in a short span of time!
1. Starting Out
Many ethical hackers start out by obtaining a computer science degree. You also have the option of obtaining an A+ certification (CompTIA) that requires taking & clearing two separate exams. These exams test an individual's knowledge of the components of a Personal Computer and their ability to take a PC apart and re-build it.
To take the test for the qualification, you are expected to possess at least 500 hours of practical computing experience. Before you can advance in your career, however, you need to gain experience and gain a Network+ or CCNA qualification. The Network+ certification validates foundation-level knowledge in networks, including management, maintenance, installation, and troubleshooting. The CCNA qualification ensures the same abilities and aims at foundation-level expertise.
2. Network Support
Once you are qualified, you can embark on the next stage of your career, in network support. Here, you will undertake activities like monitoring and updating, installing security programs, and testing for weaknesses. You will gain experience in the field of network security, and your aim should be to secure a position as a network engineer.
3. Network Engineer
From now on, your journey towards becoming an ethical hacker should have you concentrate on the Security aspect. Now is the time when you need to be working towards obtaining a certification in security, such as Security+, CISSP, or TICSA, for example. The Security+ accreditation is approved by the US Department of Defense and includes the testing of such vital topics as access control, identity management, and cryptography.
CISSP is a globally recognized security qualification that attests to knowledge in risk management, cloud computing, and application development. Testing for the TICSA qualification covers the same areas and is aimed at the same level of security understanding. Gaining this experience and the accreditation should be sufficient to help you secure a role in information security.
4. Working in Information Security
This is a major step on the ladder to becoming an ethical hacker as, for the first time, you are dealing with Information Security itself! . An information security analyst examines the system and network security, deals with security breaches, and works toward putting security measures in place. For this role, you should concentrate on penetration testing so as to get hands-on experience of some of the tools of the trade.
At this point in your career, you should be aiming at getting a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification from the International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants (the EC Council). The training you receive will take you through everything you need to know to become an efficient, ethical hacker. You will be completely immersed in a hands-on environment where you are taken through the process of hacking into a network and identifying any security problems that exist. Once you have gained this certification, you can start marketing yourself as a professional ethical hacker.
Let us learn how to become an ethical hacker after understanding what are the expectations of the job.
Outlook for Ethical Hackers
Cyberwarfare is extremely common, and many high profile enterprises have been subject to major hacking issues. In this day and age, spending on IT security on a global scale is reaching the trillion-dollar mark.
The demand for ethical hackers is at an all-time high and rising. Many experienced, ethical hackers can expect to earn in excess of $120,000 per year, especially if they are running their own consultancies or penetration testing companies! All set to become an Ethical Hacker?
Ethical hackers are the good guys of the hacking world. Ethical hackers identify weaknesses in data computer security for business and organizations across the globe, to protect them from hackers with less honest motives.
Programming, Networking, SQL skills are essential to becoming an effective hacker. Hacking tools are programs that simplify the process of identifying and exploiting weaknesses in computer systems.
Stages of a Career in Ethical Hacking:
To secure an exceptionally high ranking job and earn a large salary right from the beginning, there is immense potential to achieve both in a short span of time!
1. Starting Out
Many ethical hackers start out by obtaining a computer science degree. You also have the option of obtaining an A+ certification (CompTIA) that requires taking & clearing two separate exams. These exams test an individual's knowledge of the components of a Personal Computer and their ability to take a PC apart and re-build it.
To take the test for the qualification, you are expected to possess at least 500 hours of practical computing experience. Before you can advance in your career, however, you need to gain experience and gain a Network+ or CCNA qualification. The Network+ certification validates foundation-level knowledge in networks, including management, maintenance, installation, and troubleshooting. The CCNA qualification ensures the same abilities and aims at foundation-level expertise.
2. Network Support
Once you are qualified, you can embark on the next stage of your career, in network support. Here, you will undertake activities like monitoring and updating, installing security programs, and testing for weaknesses. You will gain experience in the field of network security, and your aim should be to secure a position as a network engineer.
3. Network Engineer
From now on, your journey towards becoming an ethical hacker should have you concentrate on the Security aspect. Now is the time when you need to be working towards obtaining a certification in security, such as Security+, CISSP, or TICSA, for example. The Security+ accreditation is approved by the US Department of Defense and includes the testing of such vital topics as access control, identity management, and cryptography.
CISSP is a globally recognized security qualification that attests to knowledge in risk management, cloud computing, and application development. Testing for the TICSA qualification covers the same areas and is aimed at the same level of security understanding. Gaining this experience and the accreditation should be sufficient to help you secure a role in information security.
4. Working in Information Security
This is a major step on the ladder to becoming an ethical hacker as, for the first time, you are dealing with Information Security itself! . An information security analyst examines the system and network security, deals with security breaches, and works toward putting security measures in place. For this role, you should concentrate on penetration testing so as to get hands-on experience of some of the tools of the trade.
At this point in your career, you should be aiming at getting a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification from the International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants (the EC Council). The training you receive will take you through everything you need to know to become an efficient, ethical hacker. You will be completely immersed in a hands-on environment where you are taken through the process of hacking into a network and identifying any security problems that exist. Once you have gained this certification, you can start marketing yourself as a professional ethical hacker.
Let us learn how to become an ethical hacker after understanding what are the expectations of the job.
Outlook for Ethical Hackers
Cyberwarfare is extremely common, and many high profile enterprises have been subject to major hacking issues. In this day and age, spending on IT security on a global scale is reaching the trillion-dollar mark.
The demand for ethical hackers is at an all-time high and rising. Many experienced, ethical hackers can expect to earn in excess of $120,000 per year, especially if they are running their own consultancies or penetration testing companies! All set to become an Ethical Hacker?
karthik M
Tech Support Engineer
88
Answers
India
Updated
karthik’s Answer
Learn To Program In C
Learn More Than One Programming Language
Learn UNIX
Learn More Than One Operating Systems
Learn Networking Concepts
Start Simple: Read Some Tutorials About Hacking
Learn Cryptography
Experiment A Lot
Read Some Good Books From Experts
Participate In Hacking Challenges
Learn More Than One Programming Language
Learn UNIX
Learn More Than One Operating Systems
Learn Networking Concepts
Start Simple: Read Some Tutorials About Hacking
Learn Cryptography
Experiment A Lot
Read Some Good Books From Experts
Participate In Hacking Challenges
Andrew Wong
Engineer
21
Answers
New Haven, Connecticut
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
Well, better be a white hat hacker... The easiest way is to join bounty platforms like hackerone. In it there are communities with learning materials for you to get started.
Phani Gottumukkala
Software Engineer
10
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Phani’s Answer
The path to finding work as an ethical hacker will almost invariably pass through many years as a member of a security team providing defensive security services. Assignment to an elite offensive team is most commonly a progression through the ranks of the department.
For more details how to become ethical hacker:
https://cybersecurityguide.org/resources/ethical-hacker/#:~:text=The%20path%20to%20finding%20work,the%20ranks%20of%20the%20department.
For more details how to become ethical hacker:
https://cybersecurityguide.org/resources/ethical-hacker/#:~:text=The%20path%20to%20finding%20work,the%20ranks%20of%20the%20department.
Rohit Khubnani
Network Consultant
22
Answers
Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
Updated
Rohit’s Answer
What skills do I need to learn to become a computer hacker?
What's new in the Huawei HMS Core 5.0?
On 29 June 2020, Huawei launched Huawei Mobile Services (HMS) Core 5.0 for global developers on the official Huawei Developer web
Hacking is one of the foremost untrusted fields to work in. If you wish to become a hacker, then you should have a curiosity of studying and adapt new skills. To become a hacker, the needs are to have the deepest knowledge of all of the operating systems available.
Almost everybody thinks that hackers are criminals and often do illegal activities however they’re wrong. Many huge companies hire hackers to protect their systems and information and are extremely paid. Which means a hacker can even hack all of the systems legally for which they get paid. So, I have bought you 10 Simple Steps To Become A Hacker.
Here are 10 Simple Steps to Become A Hacker
Step 1. Learn LINUX/ UNIX to Become A Hacker
LINUX/ UNIX is an open source operating system that gives better security to computer systems. It was first developed by AT&T in Bell labs and contributed a lot in the world of safety. You should install LINUX freely out there open source versions in your desktops as without learning UNIX/LINUX, it isn’t possible to become a hacker.
Step 2. Learn Programming to Become A Hacker
As an elite hacker, programming is something you couldn’t neglect. Even though it’s still possible for one to be a hacker without knowing even a bit of programming, it’s always better to have some basic understanding of programming languages like C, HTML, PHP, JavsScript and so on. If you are unsure about programming, you can even decide on it later after you finish pursuing your ethical hacker’s course.
Step 3. Learn Networking Concepts
Another important and essential step to becoming a hacker is to be good at networking concepts and understanding how the networks are created. You want to know the variations between different kinds of networks and must have an explicit knowledge of TCP/IP and UDP protocols to exploit vulnerabilities (loopholes) in the system.
Understanding what’s LAN, WAN, VPN, Firewall is also necessary. You must have a clear knowledge and use of network tools such as NMAP for packet analyzing, Wireshark, network scanning, etc.
Step 4. Learn More Than One Operating Systems
One of the primary need to turn into a hacker is to learn at least two operating system. As there are a lot of OS available. Each system has a loophole; a hacker wants it to exploit it. Else you can try these recommended Top 10 OS for Hackers.
Step 5. Experiment A Lot to Become A Hacker
After learning some concepts, sit and observe them. You need a good computer system to start with as some tools may require the highly powerful processor, RAM, etc. Strive different possible methods some will give the result.
What's new in the Huawei HMS Core 5.0?
On 29 June 2020, Huawei launched Huawei Mobile Services (HMS) Core 5.0 for global developers on the official Huawei Developer web
Hacking is one of the foremost untrusted fields to work in. If you wish to become a hacker, then you should have a curiosity of studying and adapt new skills. To become a hacker, the needs are to have the deepest knowledge of all of the operating systems available.
Almost everybody thinks that hackers are criminals and often do illegal activities however they’re wrong. Many huge companies hire hackers to protect their systems and information and are extremely paid. Which means a hacker can even hack all of the systems legally for which they get paid. So, I have bought you 10 Simple Steps To Become A Hacker.
Here are 10 Simple Steps to Become A Hacker
Step 1. Learn LINUX/ UNIX to Become A Hacker
LINUX/ UNIX is an open source operating system that gives better security to computer systems. It was first developed by AT&T in Bell labs and contributed a lot in the world of safety. You should install LINUX freely out there open source versions in your desktops as without learning UNIX/LINUX, it isn’t possible to become a hacker.
Step 2. Learn Programming to Become A Hacker
As an elite hacker, programming is something you couldn’t neglect. Even though it’s still possible for one to be a hacker without knowing even a bit of programming, it’s always better to have some basic understanding of programming languages like C, HTML, PHP, JavsScript and so on. If you are unsure about programming, you can even decide on it later after you finish pursuing your ethical hacker’s course.
Step 3. Learn Networking Concepts
Another important and essential step to becoming a hacker is to be good at networking concepts and understanding how the networks are created. You want to know the variations between different kinds of networks and must have an explicit knowledge of TCP/IP and UDP protocols to exploit vulnerabilities (loopholes) in the system.
Understanding what’s LAN, WAN, VPN, Firewall is also necessary. You must have a clear knowledge and use of network tools such as NMAP for packet analyzing, Wireshark, network scanning, etc.
Step 4. Learn More Than One Operating Systems
One of the primary need to turn into a hacker is to learn at least two operating system. As there are a lot of OS available. Each system has a loophole; a hacker wants it to exploit it. Else you can try these recommended Top 10 OS for Hackers.
Step 5. Experiment A Lot to Become A Hacker
After learning some concepts, sit and observe them. You need a good computer system to start with as some tools may require the highly powerful processor, RAM, etc. Strive different possible methods some will give the result.
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