Skills and Resources to Become Ethical Hacker in 2023

What is Ethical Hacking ?

Ethical hacking, also known as white hat hacking, is the practice of simulating a cyber attack on a computer system, application, or data, but with the permission and oversight of the system’s owner. This is done to identify and address vulnerabilities in the system before they can be exploited by malicious actors. In other words, it’s a legal and authorized way of attempting to gain unauthorized access to a system to test and improve its security.

Scope of Ethical Hacking in 2023.

The field of ethical hacking has experienced significant growth in recent years, as organizations and businesses become increasingly dependent on technology and the internet. The increasing number of cyber attacks and data breaches has highlighted the need for professionals who can proactively identify and address vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks.

Demand for ethical hackers is expected to continue growing as organizations invest in cybersecurity measures to protect their sensitive data and systems. In addition to traditional employment opportunities, many ethical hackers also work as consultants or start their own businesses offering ethical hacking services.

So now with that being discussed, let’s look at the skills one needs to become an Ethical Hacker in 2023.

01. Computer Networking Skills.

A crucial skill for anyone interested in becoming an ethical hacker is a strong understanding of computer networking. This includes knowledge of the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) model, which is the foundation of all internet communication, as well as other related concepts like subnetting, DHCP, and DNS. However, many beginners in the field of ethical hacking tend to overlook the importance of learning computer networking, focusing instead on learning hacking tools and techniques. But, without a solid understanding of networking, it can be difficult to effectively identify and exploit vulnerabilities in a computer system.

Here are Top 3 Free resources that will help you learn Computer Networking :-
01. Neso Academy [ Youtube ]
02. Networking [ Youtube ]
03. Freecodecamp [ Youtube ]

02. Programming Skills.

Programming knowledge is a crucial component for those seeking to become ethical hackers. This is because being proficient in programming enables ethical hackers to comprehend, alter and streamline code, identify security flaws in systems and applications, and automate repetitive tasks. In essence, without programming abilities, an ethical hacker would not be able to successfully execute their role of ensuring the security of systems.

There are several programming languages that are important for ethical hackers to learn. Some of the most commonly used include:-

Python: Python is a versatile programming language that is widely used in ethical hacking, due to its simplicity and ease of use. It has a large collection of libraries and frameworks that are useful for hacking tasks.

C and C++: These languages are commonly used to develop operating systems and other low-level software, so it’s important for ethical hackers to understand how they work.

Java: Java is a popular programming language for developing web applications, and ethical hackers need to be familiar with it to identify vulnerabilities in these types of applications.

JavaScript: JavaScript is a widely used language for creating dynamic web pages, and it’s important for ethical hackers to understand how it works in order to identify vulnerabilities in web applications.

SQL: SQL is a language used for managing databases, and ethical hackers need to understand how to use it to identify vulnerabilities in databases.

PHP: PHP is a popular language for web development, and it’s important for ethical hackers to understand how it works in order to identify vulnerabilities in web applications.

Here are Top 3 Free resources that will help you learn Programming Skills :-
01. CodewithHarry [ Youtube ]
02. Telusko [ Youtube ]
03. Freecodecamp [ Youtube ]

03. Linux Operating System.

Linux is a free and open-source operating system that is based on the Unix architecture. It is known for its stability, security, and flexibility, which makes it a popular choice among ethical hackers. One of the main reasons Linux is important for ethical hackers is that it provides a wide range of tools and utilities that can be used for penetration testing, network scanning, and other security-related tasks. Additionally, Linux is often used as the primary operating system on servers and other network devices, making it essential for ethical hackers to understand how it works in order to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in these types of systems.

Here are Top 3 Free resources that will help you learn Linux Operating System :-
01. Programming Knowledge [ Youtube ]
02. WsCubeTech [ Youtube ]
03. Learn LinuxTV [ Youtube ]

04. Basic Hardware Knowledge.

Having basic hardware knowledge is important for ethical hackers as it enables them to understand how computer systems and networks function at a fundamental level. This knowledge can be used to identify vulnerabilities in hardware components and to develop strategies for protecting against physical attacks. Basic hardware knowledge can include understanding the inner workings of computer components such as motherboards, CPUs, and memory, as well as knowledge of networking components such as routers, switches, and firewalls. Familiarity with hardware troubleshooting methods, as well as knowing how to build and configure a computer from scratch, can also be a great asset for ethical hackers.

05. Cryptography Skills.

Cryptography skills are essential for ethical hackers as they play a critical role in ensuring the security of information and communications. Cryptography is the practice of using mathematical algorithms to encrypt and decrypt data, providing a secure means of transmitting and storing sensitive information. Ethical hackers should be familiar with various encryption methods and protocols such as symmetric-key encryption, asymmetric-key encryption, and hashing. Knowing how to use and implement these algorithms can help ethical hackers to identify vulnerabilities in encryption systems and develop strategies to protect against attacks.

Here are Top 3 Free resources that will help you learn Cryptography Skills :-
01. Simplilearn [ Youtube ]
02. NesoAcademy [ Youtube ]
03. Nerd’s Lesson [ Youtube ]

06. Database Management Skills.

Having knowledge of databases is important for ethical hackers as it allows them to understand and identify vulnerabilities in systems that store, process and retrieve large amounts of data. Understanding how databases work, how data is stored, and how data is retrieved, can aid an ethical hacker in identifying vulnerabilities in these systems and help in developing strategies to protect them. Additionally, knowledge of database management systems (DBMS) such as MySQL, SQL Server, and Oracle, is important as it allows ethical hackers to understand how data is stored, how it is retrieved, and how it is protected.

Here are Top 3 Free resources that will help you learn Data Management Skills :-
01. Gate Smasher [ Youtube ]
02. Scaler [ Youtube ]
03. Neso Academy [ Youtube ]

07. Reverse Engineering Skills.

Reverse engineering is the process of analysing and understanding the design and functionality of a system, product, or software. This can include examining the code, hardware, or other components of the system in order to understand how it works and identify vulnerabilities. Reverse engineering is an important tool for ethical hackers, as it allows them to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in systems that they are testing. Reverse engineering can also be used to create patches or updates to fix identified vulnerabilities, or to create new software or products that are based on existing designs.

Here are Top 3 Free resources that will help you learn Reverse Engineering Skills :-
01. Dr Josh Strochien [ Youtube ]
02. Guided Hacking [ Youtube ]
03. John Hammond [ Youtube ]

You can also checkout our post on TOP 7 FREE COURSES TO LEARN ETHICAL HACKING to learn Ethical Hacking for free from top Instructors.

Conclusion :- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are also crucial, as ethical hackers need to be able to identify vulnerabilities and develop solutions to address them. Having a strong understanding of ethical hacking principles and regulations is also important, as ethical hackers must operate within legal and ethical guidelines. Finally, it is important to have a passion for learning and staying up-to-date with the latest developments in the field of cybersecurity, as technology and threats are constantly evolving.