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wikiHow to Become a Qualified and Professional Ethical Hacker

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In the last few decades, there's been an increasing demand for ethical hackers (also known as white hat hackers) as they protect the computer systems from dangerous intrusions. Ethical hackers are technically skilled IT pros with a strong desire to solve problems and prevent malicious hackers from causing damage to network systems.

To be a professional ethical hacker you require motivation, dedication, initiative, self-education and formal training in ethical hacking.


  1. 1
    Know about the pros and cons of different types of hackers, such as White Hat, Grey Hat and Black Hat hackers. Newbies who are keen to become a Black Hat need to keep in mind that "A day of glory is not worth years in prison".
  2. 2
    Seek out job opportunities for ethical hackers. There are lucrative jobs available in government organizations, banks, financial institutions, military establishments and private companies.
  3. 3
    Analyze the basic requirements to become an ethical hacker. Try to find out the areas where will you need to work really hard.
  4. 4
    Decide the area where you would prefer to work primarily with hardware or software. Do not think of specializing in both the areas. Though knowledge of both is required but the decision will help you to know where to begin. You must be aware of every function, every component of computer on which you will have to work on.
  5. 5
    Evaluate your strengths and interests and gain some programming knowledge such as C, Python or Java. These programming languages can be learned by taking formal programming courses and reading books. It will help you to read and write code.
  6. 6
    Learn the UNIX operating system as it is regarded as the original operating system built by hackers. Also learn about Windows and Mac OS.
  7. 7
    Take a professional course. There are a wide variety of courses available for IT security professionals in "Ethical Hacking” or “Internet Security” which would help you to expand your knowledge in ethical hacking.
  8. 8
    Do the experiments on your own to know the actual happening of a situation.
  9. 9
    Start experimenting with hardware and software to learn how to take control of the situations and how to prevent a computer from getting hacked.
  10. 10
    Read on your own to know what are the areas where you need to improve and what need to be learned to refine your focus. Technology changes rapidly, and a good ethical hacker must be willing and eager to keep up with the new technological developments.
  11. 11
    Get certified as it would help you to succeed in the vanguard of your profession.
  12. 12
    Stay connected to the hacker community by sharing technical information and ideas.

Community Q&A

Add New Question
  • How can a hacker be placed in a government job?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Government jobs look for hackers with professional wit, knowledge and skill in protecting their networks from exploits and other intrusions. Hackers who solve cyber crimes can work as a cyber security analyst. There are also Certified Ethical Hacker courses designed to teach students additional hacking skills.
  • How do I become a black hat hacker?
    wikiHow Contributor
    A black hat hacker is not recommended, though the process for becoming one is basically the same as it is for white hat hackers. Keep in mind that black hat hackers are often sentenced to prison.
  • Can I learn ethical hacking online?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Yes, you can. Look at a forum that supports VNC or RDP, and get trained to use use backdoors or exploits.
  • What are all the software and tools I need to start the hacking process, and is it okay with Windows, or should I change OS?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Kali Linux OS was designed for hacking purposes, and has all the tools you need.
  • Is a master's degree mandatory for becoming an ethical hacker?
    wikiHow Contributor
    No, a degree is not mandatory to be an ethical hacker.
  • What do I do next if I have completed my CCNA and CEH to be an ethical hacker?
    wikiHow Contributor
    CCNP and then CISSP and OSCP would be a great thing to add to your skillset after you have achieved your CCNA and CEH. Security+ and Linux + would be great too.
  • What A levels are required to become an ethical hacker?
    There are no levels required for hacking. You just have to learn a programming language.
  • What are the qualifications needed to be an ethical hacker?
    wikiHow Contributor
    There are no specific qualifications, but you should understand basic ethics.
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    • Always keep learning new things.
    • Keep you focus intact in your job.
    • Don’t do it just for fun.
    • Never do it just for money.
    • Always work within the law and never try to break it.

    Things you’ll need:

    • Computers
    • Zeal to learn new things
    • Enjoy your work
    • Be Anonymous.

    Article Info

    Categories: Hacks

    In other languages:

    Español: ser un hacker ético, calificado y profesional, Deutsch: Ein qualifizierter ethischer Hacker werden, Português: Se Tornar Um Hacker Ético Profissional e Qualificado, Italiano: Diventare un Hacker Professionista Qualificato ed Etico, Русский: стать высококвалифицированным этическим хакером

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