Augusta Irechukwu
What are some steps that I can take to become a White Hacker?
I am almost done with my undergraduate degree in Applied Computing Technology (Computer Science and Business) and I wanted to know if there are steps I should take to right now to make it into this profession. Thank you.#technology #tech #information-technology #information-technology-and-services #ethical-hacking #hacking #college #university #career #job #professional
6 answers
Safi Mahmood
Safi’s Answer
Great question and congrats on your recent accomplishment! Have you had any internships? Experience is an important step to grow to a successful career. Don't get discouraged if your internship or first job isn't the job you want. Remember there are steps in the ladder to reach your goal.
Something you can do to build your degree is to pursue certifications in cybersecurity. A good order would be to get the Security +, CSA+, CEH, and OSCP.
To be white hat, you need to stay ethical as possible. Don't practice hacking on random networks and companies. Set up your own environment. Check out sources like VulnHub. There are plenty of ethical ways to practice.
Marcel Badia
Marcel’s Answer
Congratulations on your achievements, I am glad you want to be a good one.
Attend a white hacker conference if you can, networking will give you the best insights.
Jackson A. Munuo
Jackson A.’s Answer
I suspect your question is geared towards white hat hackers and the training for that is you can do different kind of certifications and hands on training in information security. The popular certifications are CEH, CISSP, etc.
Patty Mikels PMP
Patty’s Answer
Check out this ink with some information that may help.. https://www.simplilearn.com/cyber-security/ceh-certification?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=search-dsa-cybersecurity-cybersecurity-na-na-us-main-cp-desktop-adgroup-ceh&utm_term=&utm_content=213383317891&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIi4mTwNLE2gIVAo1pCh0Ciw1ZEAAYASAAEgIWf_D_BwE
Patty recommends the following next steps:
Regina Stevenson, CGFM, CIA, CAMS, CFE
Regina’s Answer
Academic Foundation: Begin by building a robust base in computer science or a related area. This could be through a formal degree from a university, online classes, or independent study. Courses on networking, system administration, and database management are particularly beneficial.
Master Programming and Scripting: Get comfortable with programming languages like Python, Java, C++, or Ruby, and scripting languages such as Bash or PowerShell. These skills are vital for identifying and exploiting software vulnerabilities.
Grasp Networking and Systems: Develop a profound understanding of the workings of networks and systems. Dive into network protocols, operating systems (like Windows, Linux, and MacOS), and network security.
Learn Security Principles: Immerse yourself in cybersecurity principles, practices, and tools. Explore areas like cryptography, intrusion detection systems, firewalls, vulnerability assessment, and incident response.
Practice Makes Perfect: Experiment safely. Use virtual machines to create test systems and networks. Practice using tools like Metasploit, Nmap, Wireshark, and OWASP ZAP.
Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing: Delve into ethical hacking. Learn how to perform penetration testing (pen testing) in an ethical and legal manner to identify and report security vulnerabilities.
Earn Certifications: Think about earning certifications such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), or CompTIA Security+. These certifications can showcase your skills and knowledge and are highly regarded in the industry.
Stay Current and Connect: The cybersecurity landscape is ever-changing. Keep up with the latest security trends, vulnerabilities, and tools. Engage in forums, attend conferences, and become part of local cybersecurity communities.
Legal and Ethical Aspects: Understand the legal and ethical responsibilities involved in hacking. Always ensure you have permission before testing a network or system.
Gain Hands-On Experience: Start with internships or entry-level roles in IT or cybersecurity. Experience in positions like network administrator, system administrator, or security analyst can offer valuable skills and insights.
Join Bug Bounty Programs: Participate in legal hacking through bug bounty programs. Platforms like HackerOne or Bugcrowd link ethical hackers with companies that want to test their systems.
Showcase Your Work: Document your projects, achievements, and case studies. A portfolio can be a powerful tool when applying for ethical hacking roles.
Remember, becoming a white hat hacker is a commitment to ongoing learning and ethical conduct. It's a field that demands not just technical prowess but also a strong sense of responsibility and integrity.
Dr. Drew Lehman
Dr. Drew’s Answer
"White Hat Hacking" is also known as "ethical hacking" and often involves "penetration testing" of systems. There are many certifications that can help get you on the way to becoming and ethical hacker.
Here is an article on some of the certifications and course you can take: https://www.csoonline.com/article/3230444/certifications/the-best-ethical-hacking-courses-and-certifications.html
EC-Council is also a good place to start (https://www.eccouncil.org/programs/certified-ethical-hacker-ceh/)