Introduction
You have decided to enter the world of hacking, but where should you begin? Don’t worry; even if you are not from a technical background, you can pursue a hacking career. Here we have put together a detailed guide to help you learn the principles of coding, acquire a hacker mindset, and polish your new expertise. After reading this article, you will be one step closer to achieving all of your hacking aspirations and goals.
What is Ethical Hacking?
The term “hacking” has highly negative connotations. However, this will only be true until the job of an ethical hacker is properly understood. Ethical hackers are professionals in the hacking field, called the white hat hackers. So, what exactly is the role of an ethical hacker? Instead of utilizing their extensive computer expertise for criminal purposes, ethical hackers find flaws in data computer security for businesses and organizations across the globe to safeguard them against hackers with less than noble objectives.
Roles and Responsibilities of Ethical Hackers
An ethical hacker is responsible for a diverse range of tasks:
- An ethical hacker should avoid breaking the law and acting in the form of a black hat hacker. Hackers should always operate within the bounds of the law to uncover and fix weaknesses in a computer system so that attackers are unaware of their presence. As a result, the judgment and expertise of an ethical hacker are key factors to consider when considering integrity and competence.
- An ethical hacker should be able to infiltrate systems, diagnose problems, and repair them. To do so, they must understand how to learn ethical hacking from scratch.
- The purpose of ethical hacking is to impersonate an attacker while examining the security of a company’s IT assets. They look for attack routes against the target. During the analysis stage, the goal is to obtain as much information as possible. They utilize the data gathered to seek weaknesses in the asset. Even advanced systems can contain complicated countermeasure methods that are susceptible to compromise.
- They don’t just find security issues. Exploits are used by ethical hackers to demonstrate how hostile attackers can leverage the vulnerabilities.
Some of the most common vulnerabilities discovered by ethical hackers are as follows:
- SQL injection threats
- Authentication failures
- Misconfigurations in cyber security
- Personnel utilizing components with known flaws
- Exposed sensitive data
Following the testing period, ethical hackers compile a comprehensive report. This documentation covers techniques for exploiting and resolving any flaws uncovered during the test.
How to Learn Ethical Hacking Step by Step?
Step 1: Gain Experience in LINUX/UNIX
LINUX/UNIX, an open-source operating system, improves computer system security. As an ethical hacker, you should be familiar with LINUX because it is one of the most used operating systems for hacking. It gives a plethora of tools for hackers. Red Hat Linux, BackTrack, and other popular Linux distributions are examples. Kali Linux is the most widely used Linux system specifically designed for hacking.
Step 2: Learn Programming Languages
C is one of the basic computer languages and is known as the mother of all programming languages. Because the UNIX/LINUX operating system is built entirely in C, this programming language serves as the foundation for understanding it. As a result, hackers must understand C programming to fully leverage the open-source operating system Linux.
To get an advantage, try to master more than one programming language. An ethical hacker that is well-versed in two to three programming languages can deconstruct and analyze code.
The following are some of the top programming languages for hackers:
- Python is used for exploit writing.
- JavaScript is suitable for web application hacking.
- PHP assists in fighting against malicious activities.
- SQL is the best language for hacking databases.
Step 3: Master the Art of Staying Anonymous
The most critical stage in ethical hacking is learning how to stay anonymous and disguise your online persona so that no one can track you down. Often, an ethical hacker is unaware of other people on the network, and if a black hat hacker discovers there is somebody on the network, they can attempt to attack their network. Therefore, being invisible is essential for ethical hackers as well. The three most effective methods for protecting your anonymity are Proxychains, Anonsurf and MacChanger.
Step 4: Become Familiar with Networking Concepts
Ethical hackers must understand networking ideas and how they are generated. Learning about various networks and protocols can help you target weaknesses. An ethical hacker with an extensive understanding of networking technologies such as Nmap, Wireshark, and others can overcome field problems. Some key networking principles are:
- TCP/IP Network
- Network Masks and CIDR
- Subnetting
- Simple Network Management Protocol
- Domain Name Service (DNS)
- Server Message Block
- Address Resolution Protocol
- Automobile Networks (CAN)
- Bluetooth Networks
- Wireless Networks
- SCADA Networks
With the best course for ethical hacking, you can learn ethical hacking step by step and get your dream job. The ethical hacking online program will teach you hacking concepts using practical examples.
Step 5: Explore the Dark Web
The dark web refers to the portion of the internet that is not visible to search engines. Access needs specific authorization or software. Tor, an anonymizing browser, can offer access to the black web. It is a hotspot of illegal activity, yet not everything on the dark web is unlawful. It also has a real website, and ethical hackers must educate themselves about the dark web and how it operates.
Step 6: Complement Your Skills with Code Writing
Cryptography or secret writing is a valuable skill for an ethical hacker. Encryption and decryption are vital expertise for ethical hacking. Encryption is used in many facets of information security, including authorization, data integrity, secrecy etc. Passwords and other sensitive information are protected on a network. A hacker must understand how to recognize and crack security.
Step 7: Learn More about Hacking
Once you’ve mastered the previous topics, go into hacking ideas and learn about SQL injections, penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and more. Stay updated on the newest system security developments, and the latest tools and methods for hacking and safeguarding a system.
Step 8: Investigate Vulnerabilities
Vulnerabilities are faults or gaps in the system. Learn how to scan systems and networks for vulnerabilities that result in a security incident. Ethical hackers can write weaknesses to exploit the system. The following are some vulnerability detection tools included in the Kali Linux operating system:
- Nessus Vulnerability Scanner: Detects faults in online applications and various systems.
- OpenVAS Vulnerability Scanner: Detects vulnerabilities on network devices.
- Nikto Vulnerability Scanner: Detects web server vulnerabilities.
- Wapiti Vulnerability Scanner: Detects online application vulnerabilities such as XSS and SQLi.
- Nmap Vulnerability Scanner: Detects vulnerabilities on numerous targets.
Step 9: Practice and Strengthen Your Hacking Skills
The keys to success in the world of hacking are practice and experimenting. Ethical hackers must use what they’ve learned in different situations and circumstances. Experiment with various assaults, tools, and other features.
Step 10: Participate in Forums and Interact with Professional Hackers
Create a community or join forums for conversation with other hackers all around the world to discuss and share expertise and interact. There are several communities on Facebook, Discord, Telegram and other platforms.
Conclusion
Whatever pathway you pursue or how long it takes, remember one thing tremendous hacking expertise comes with a huge responsibility.
Being an ethical hacker entails taking on the responsibility of safeguarding cyberspace. People and organizations will approach you, and you must never betray their confidence. You must always operate responsibly, honestly, and legally. To become an ethical hacker, you must first be meticulous before you can breach.
If you are aiming to become an ethical hacker, check out Knowledgehut best course for ethical hacking, the course will cover everything you need to become an efficient ethical hacker. The ethical hacking course will engage you in a hands-on environment in which stages of hacking into a network, determining security risks, and learning about the tools offered to you.
FAQs
Q1: Is ethical hacking difficult?
It is simple but not easy to become an ethical hacker. There are several things to learn when using a programming language and tools to assist you in the industry. Furthermore, hacking is an ever-changing field, and you must stay up with the latest trends and technologies.
Q2: What do ethical hackers comprehend?
To become an ethical hacker, a candidate should be familiar with wireless and wired networks. They should know how to work with Operating Systems, particularly Linux and Windows and must be acquainted with firewalls and file systems.
Q3: What skills are required to become an ethical hacker?
Some of the top ethical hacking skills are:
- Networking Skills.
- Linux Skills.
- Computer Skills.
- Programming Skills.
- Cryptography.
- Hardware Knowledge.
- SQL Skills.
- Knowledge in Reverse Engineering.
