Who is an ethical hacker:
An ethical hacker, also known as a white hat hacker, is a computer security expert who uses his or her specialized knowledge to assess the security of an organization’s information systems. Ethical hackers’ services are often employed to supplement an organization’s security measures and use an array of tools and strategies to identify and deflect vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious attackers.
The term “hacking” often carries a negative connotation. Generally, hackers are individuals who break into secure networks and systems with malicious intent, and consequently, ethical hacking is often misunderstood. But ethical hackers, who also sometimes referred to as “security consultants” and “information security specialists”, work to prevent malicious hackers from trespassing and gaining access to important information. The goal of the ethical hacker is to simulate the actions of an outside attacker, discovering and patching these weaknesses before a malicious hacker can leverage them. However, there are some important guidelines that ethical hackers must adhere to, such as only working within authorized systems and refraining from introducing viruses or other malicious software into an environment.
Ethical hackers come to the table with a variety of tools, techniques and best practices. They have expertise in application and network security, cryptography, malware and even the psychology of cyber-criminals. Ethical hackers use a combination of automated scans, manual testing and social engineering tactics to attempt to access a system or network and find vulnerabilities before they become a problem. Once the vulnerabilities are identified, they can inform system and security administrators who, in turn, can work to rectify the weaknesses.
When considering hiring ethical hackers, it is important that organizations look for individuals who have been certified by an accredited industry organization such as the International Information Security Certification Consortium. These certifications demonstrate an individual’s experience in system and information security as well as providing assurance that they are working in a responsible and ethical way.
What are the Roles & Responsibilities of an Ethical Hacker:
An ethical hacker is an individual who is responsible for carrying out legally sanctioned security testing of an organization’s systems and applications. This testing is done to identify potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious hackers, enabling organizations to patch those weaknesses and improve their security posture. The responsibilities of an ethical hacker are vast and comprise far more than just pointing out potential vulnerabilities in a system.
The first responsibility of an ethical hacker is to ensure that all information related to the security testing and the tested system remains safe and secure. This means that all findings related to vulnerabilities and exploits must remain confidential. The ethical hacker must also ensure that they are not introducing any new risks while assessing system or network vulnerabilities and should avoid making unauthorized changes.
The ethical hacker must also adhere to strict ethical standards when performing tests. They should refrain from attempting any unauthorized activities, such as attempting to gain access to sensitive information or systems, or attempting to disrupt the normal operations of the system. They should also avoid causing any damage to the security posture of the system during their tests.
The ethical hacker must also be able to determine the severity of a vulnerability and provide recommendations for mitigating them. This could include a wide range of activities, such as providing guidance regarding the best-suited solution to address the vulnerability, or providing advice on how to increase security controls in the environment.
Additionally, the ethical hacker should be able to provide detailed reports of their testing process, findings and recommendations. These reports should be easy to understand and should contain useful details and metrics to enable effective remediation.
Finally, an ethical hacker must also be able to provide advice regarding security policies and procedures, as well as keep up to date with industry best practices. This could include providing advice regarding development processes to ensure that applications and systems are built securely, as well as providing guidance for users regarding password best practices and safe computing behavior.
The responsibilities of an ethical hacker are broad and varied, and it’s important for organizations to have knowledgeable and ethical individuals performing these tasks. Having ethical hackers who are up to date on the latest technologies and best practices enables organizations to better protect their systems and data from malicious actors.
Future of an Ethical Hacker:
The future of ethical hacking as a profession has been an immensely interesting one. First of all, what is an ethical hacker? Generally, an ethical hacker is an individual who is seen to cyber security and uses the same methods of malicious hackers to test an organizations security system for possible loopholes.
As technology advances and more businesses turn to the digital domain, the need for skilled ethical hackers increases exponentially. Ethical hackers will be in demand to assess potential risks and vulnerabilities of firms’ online infrastructures in order to protect the businesses from cyber-attacks and data breaches.
As the prevalence of malicious hackers grows, so does the demand for ethical hackers. Becoming a certified ethical hacker can open up a variety of job opportunities. For instance, an ethical hacker could be shortlisted for a position of Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). This involves managing and developing the security infrastructure of an organization, as well as raising awareness of best practices for cyber security. The opportunities for ethical hackers also extend to working for government organisations and defense contractors, where their expertise can be used to build secure networks for critical information.
Moreover, ethical hackers can also apply their skills to the world of white hat hacking, which sees them being employed as problem solvers in order to combat real-world cyber threats. This can include the development of testing methods, the defense of networks, and the production of assessments detailing potential threats and how to counteract them. Such services are increasingly needed due to the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, which remain vulnerable to hacking or manipulation.
Overall, the future of being an ethical hacker looks positive, as the demand and complexity of these roles increases with the advancement of technology. As businesses look to protect and defend against malicious hackers, ethical hackers will become an invaluable part of ensuring cyber security. Furthermore, this profession will also provide opportunities to work on unique and challenging problems in an ever-evolving technological field.
Ethical Hacker Salary around the globe:
As technology advances and our reliance upon the internet increases, so too does the demand for ethical hackers. Ethical hacking is a career that combines computer science and technology with the principles of ethical behavior, allowing them to use their expertise to identify vulnerabilities and defects in computer networks. This profession has become increasingly important around the globe and the salaries of ethical hackers are reflecting this.
The salary of an ethical hacker varies widely depending on the region and the employer, but there are some common trends. Generally, the salary range for an ethical hacker starts at around $50,000 and can reach up to $150,000, depending on experience and qualifications. Salaries also vary depending on the industry. For instance, cybersecurity positions in government institutions and banks tend to have higher salaries than those in private technology companies.
In the United States, ethical hacking salaries tend to be higher when compared to other countries. For instance, according to PayScale, the median salary for an ethical hacker in the United States is $85,827. This is higher than the median salary for ethical hackers in the United Kingdom, which stands at $61,864.
In India, ethical hackers tend to make slightly less than their American counterparts. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for an ethical hacker in India stands at Rs 555,586, or approximately $7,223. This is lower than the salaries seen in the United States and United Kingdom, but it is still significantly higher than salaries for IT professionals in India who do not specialize in ethical hacking.
In Australia, ethical hacking salaries tend to be on par with the United States and the United Kingdom. According to PayScale, the median salary for an ethical hacker in Australia is $87,883. This is slightly higher than the median salary for ethical hackers in the United States and United Kingdom.
Finally, in the Middle East and Africa, ethical hacker salaries tend to be lower than those seen in Europe and the Americas. Reports suggest that the median salary for an ethical hacker in South Africa is $43,000 and in Dubai is $83,000, while those in Qatar and Saudi Arabia range from $100,000 to $120,000.
In conclusion, the salary range for ethical hackers around the globe varies significantly depending on the region and the industry. In general, ethical hackers tend to make more in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and the Middle East, while those in India and Africa tend to make slightly less.