Ethical hacking and penetration testing are two of the most exciting and interesting IT jobs out there. The former involves breaking into computer systems in an attempt to discover vulnerabilities. The latter involves identifying security flaws in a system before a criminal or malicious actor can exploit them.
The main certification is the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) test. This is a four-hour test, which doesn't require any prior knowledge of the subject. CEH candidates will also demonstrate their skills in the context of an entire organization's security posture. Afterward, they will document and classify vulnerabilities and roll them up into a comprehensive pen-test report.
Aside from the CEH test, there are many other reputable courses available online. For example, the EC-Council offers a series of ethical hacking and penetration testing certifications. These include the Certified Penetration Testing Professional, the Licensed Penetration Tester, and the Certified Security Analyst (CSA).
In order to perform ethical hacking, the individual should have an interest in cybersecurity and have a background in software development. These individuals also must be familiar with the latest tools and technologies. The use of modern hacking tools is essential to successfully complete a penetration test. In some cases, the user may need to research different SQL attack tools before the actual testing begins.
The other important role of an ethical hacker is to identify security vulnerabilities within an organization's computer systems. This is done through the use of hacking methods such as MetaGooFil, Nmap, and Backtrack Linux. In addition to finding weaknesses, an ethical hacker also demonstrates how an attacker might break into a system. This information is used as a basis for further assessment and remediation.
Aside from a thorough understanding of how to operate a variety of hacking tools, an ethical hacker should also have a solid grasp of how to write foolproof reports. In addition, they should have the ability to imitate the steps of a malicious attacker in order to find and exploit vulnerabilities.
An ethical hacker is often hired by a company in order to identify vulnerabilities and to enhance the company's overall security. They may also help to build the foundations of a new cybersecurity system. However, not all companies react well to disclosures of vulnerabilities. Some companies will take legal action if the disclosed flaw is exploited. Therefore, the best practices of an ethical hacker are to proactively disclose vulnerabilities to an organization and to follow up with the company on any potential issues.
The most important thing to remember about an ethical hacking or penetration testing is that it is not a substitute for a real-life penetration test. The former is a time-limited engagement, while the latter is an ongoing process. If an organization has sensitive data on its system, it is advisable to validate any vulnerability before proceeding with a penetration test.
For those interested in pursuing a career as an ethical hacker, the best course of action is to explore a variety of online tools. In addition, a certified ethical hacker can help an organization become more secure by demonstrating the best practices of an organization's cybersecurity systems.