How to Become a Certified Ethical Hacker in 2024

Do you dream of sitting in a coffee shop in a hoodie on a computer where you’re furiously typing until you hit one final button and say, “I’m in” with your best Rami Malek impression? Good news! There is a way for you to build a legitimate career as a hacker! A Certified Ethical Hacker works as a part of a cybersecurity team to see security from an attacker’s perspective.

They identify weak points in a system and point them out to the people in charge so they can get fixed, making the system and everyone who uses it safer. Companies hire ethical hackers, or white hats, to test their cybersecurity and prevent breaches and attacks on systems from criminal hackers, or black hats.

This is a lucrative and in-demand career, so read on to learn how to become a certified ethical hacker!

What is Ethical Hacking?

Ethical hacking, also known as “white hat hacking,” is about using hacking skills for good. While a criminal hacker (or “black hat”) breaks into systems to steal data or disrupt services, an ethical hacker uses similar skills to strengthen security. Think of it as being a security tester: ethical hackers explore a system just like an attacker would, but their goal is to identify weak spots that real attackers might exploit. They work for companies or individuals who want to ensure their systems are safe from cyber threats.

In a way, ethical hackers are the friendly “break-in experts” of the tech world. Imagine a museum hires someone to try and break into their vaults—not to steal anything but to find out where the security is weak. The ethical hacker goes through the system, tries different ways to get past security, and then reports exactly how they did it. This lets the organization patch up any vulnerabilities and secure their defenses before real criminals try to get in.

Key Differences Between Ethical and Criminal Hacking

Aspect	Ethical Hacking	Criminal Hacking
Purpose	To protect systems by finding weaknesses	To exploit systems for personal gain
Legality	Completely legal and authorized by the organization	Illegal and unauthorized
Approach	Reports vulnerabilities to improve security	Hides attacks to avoid detection
Compensation	Paid by companies to enhance security	Seeks monetary or data theft gains, often secretly

Why Ethical Hacking is Important

In a world where cyberattacks are becoming more common and sophisticated, ethical hackers are crucial. They help keep sensitive information—like financial data, personal identities, and confidential business plans—safe from cybercriminals. Ethical hacking also plays a big role in public safety since hackers target hospitals, transportation systems, and other critical infrastructures. By finding vulnerabilities first, ethical hackers help prevent the chaos and damage that criminal hackers could cause.

Who Makes a Good Ethical Hacker?

If you’re curious, a problem-solver, and enjoy experimenting with technology, ethical hacking might be a natural fit. This career demands creativity, out-of-the-box thinking, and patience to explore and test different possibilities in tech. Many ethical hackers come from backgrounds in programming, cybersecurity, or IT. However, anyone with a passion for technology and a willingness to learn can get started.

Becoming an ethical hacker requires technical skills and a commitment to integrity. You’re trusted with a company’s sensitive information, so ethical hackers must follow a strict code of ethics. They handle critical vulnerabilities responsibly without misusing that knowledge.

Why Become a Certified Ethical Hacker?

Cybersecurity is constantly changing. The need for professionals who think like hackers to keep data safe is growing. If you’re passionate about computers and want to protect people and businesses from cyber threats, ethical hacking could be the perfect career for you.

As an ethical hacker, you’ll work on the “good side” of hacking. Unlike malicious hackers, you’ll be hired by companies, government agencies, or cybersecurity firms to find weaknesses in their systems. By identifying these vulnerabilities before criminals do, you’ll help secure sensitive information, customer data, and even national security systems. It’s a career that lets you make a real impact by stopping cybercriminals in their tracks.

The Unique Appeal of an Ethical Hacking Certification

Gain Industry-Recognized Credentials: The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification, awarded by the EC-Council, is a well-regarded qualification that opens doors to cybersecurity roles around the globe. This credential shows employers you have specialized skills and understand how to handle high-stakes security challenges.
Versatile Career Paths: Ethical hacking skills are highly adaptable, meaning you can work in various industries—from finance to healthcare to government. Whether you prefer to work in-house at a corporation, consult as a freelancer, or even specialize in a niche like forensic analysis, your CEH certification will be highly relevant.
Join a Fast-Growing Field: With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated, demand for skilled, ethical hackers is only increasing. As companies become more aware of cybersecurity needs, certified professionals will be in even higher demand, ensuring you’ll have ample job opportunities.
High Earnings Potential: Ethical hacking is not just a fulfilling career—it’s also financially rewarding. Professionals in this field can earn substantial salaries, with even more experienced hackers reaching six-figure incomes.
Job Satisfaction and Positive Impact: If you’re someone who enjoys problem-solving and making a difference, ethical hacking offers both. Knowing that your skills protect people and organizations from significant security threats can be incredibly rewarding.

How Much Ethical Hackers Earn

One of the key advantages of becoming a certified ethical hacker is the earning potential. Salaries in this field vary widely depending on experience, location, and industry, but generally, ethical hacking offers strong financial rewards, especially as you gain more expertise.

Entry-Level Ethical Hackers: Just starting out, certified ethical hackers can expect to earn between $40,000 and $70,000. Entry-level roles may involve junior positions within a cybersecurity team, learning the ropes, and supporting more experienced team members as you develop your skills.
Mid-Level Ethical Hackers: After gaining some experience and building a portfolio, ethical hackers in mid-level positions can make between $70,000 and $100,000. At this stage, you’re likely handling more complex security challenges, leading smaller security assessments, and working more independently.
Senior and Specialized Ethical Hackers: For seasoned professionals with strong portfolios, expertise in niche areas, or leadership roles, earnings can range from $100,000 to $145,000 or more. Senior ethical hackers often lead penetration testing teams, advise on company-wide cybersecurity policies, and take on consulting roles.

Many ethical hackers also work as consultants or freelancers, which can lead to higher earnings. Specializing in areas like incident response or advanced threat detection can boost income even more. This field offers a good balance of job security, freelance flexibility, and the satisfaction of making a meaningful contribution to cybersecurity.

Becoming a Certified Ethical Hacker

To become a certified ethical hacker, you need to build a foundation of skills and knowledge. Certified ethical hackers come from various backgrounds, but they all develop a solid grasp of essential cybersecurity tools, programming, operating systems, and network security. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to study and practice to succeed in this field.

1. Master Linux/Unix Systems

Linux/Unix is an essential operating system for ethical hackers. Unlike more restrictive systems like Windows or Mac, Linux/Unix is open-source and highly customizable, making it the ideal choice for learning how systems work under the hood. Here’s why it’s important and how to get started:

Why Linux/Unix? Many servers, especially in tech companies, run on Linux because of its flexibility and security features. Learning Linux also exposes you to command-line skills, essential for network management, scripting, and hacking tasks.
Getting Started: Begin by installing a Linux distribution, such as Ubuntu or Kali Linux, on a virtual machine or secondary device. Kali Linux is particularly popular among ethical hackers because it comes with pre-installed security tools like Nmap, Wireshark, and Metasploit.
Practice Modifying and Navigating the System: Familiarize yourself with common Linux commands (like ls, cd, chmod, and grep), practice writing scripts, and explore Linux’s file structure to understand system processes.

While Linux/Unix is foundational, understanding other operating systems is also helpful. Knowing the basics of Windows and Mac OS will prepare you for interfacing with and securing systems across different environments.

2. Learn Essential Programming Languages

Programming is a crucial skill for ethical hackers. Understanding how software and systems work at the code level allows you to spot vulnerabilities and predict how attackers might exploit them. Here are some key languages and why they’re relevant:

C and C++: Often called the “mother of all languages,” C gives you a fundamental understanding of how systems manage resources, memory, and operations, while C++ builds on it with object-oriented features.
Python: Python is highly favored in cybersecurity for its simplicity and versatility. It’s excellent for writing scripts to automate tasks, process network data, and create small hacking tools.
JavaScript: As the language of the web, JavaScript is essential if you plan on doing any web-related hacking or security testing. Knowing JavaScript helps you identify vulnerabilities in web applications, such as cross-site scripting (XSS).
SQL: SQL (Structured Query Language) is crucial for database hacking and security. Understanding SQL injection—a common vulnerability where attackers can access or alter data in a database—is a must.

Tip: Start by learning one language deeply (like Python or C), then branch out into others based on your career focus. Mastering these languages will make navigating different systems and identifying vulnerabilities more intuitive.

3. Get Comfortable with Essential Tools of the Trade

Ethical hackers use a variety of tools to test and secure systems. Here’s a rundown of some of the most common tools you should be familiar with:

Vulnerability Scanners: Tools like Nessus, OpenVAS, and Qualys help identify weaknesses in systems by scanning for known vulnerabilities. Understanding how to read and interpret scan reports is vital for spotting weaknesses.
Network Monitoring Tools: Tools like Wireshark let you analyze network traffic and detect potential breaches, while Nmap helps you map out a network and identify open ports or services.
Encryption Software: Encryption is a critical part of cybersecurity. Tools like VeraCrypt or PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) help protect sensitive information, which is essential when testing data security.
Anonymous Browsing Tools: Browsers like Tor and VPN services protect your identity during certain tests or if you’re accessing sensitive data in a way that needs to be secure and untraceable.

Practice Tip: Start with vulnerability scanners and work your way up to more complex tools. Explore each tool’s features, run sample tests, and try to interpret the results.

4. Dive into Hacking Concepts and Start Practicing

Once you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to practice. Ethical hacking is a hands-on skill, so the more you can test and apply your knowledge, the better prepared you’ll be for real-world scenarios. Here are ways to start:

Set Up a Home Lab: Create a virtual lab using VirtualBox or VMware to safely practice hacking techniques without risking real-world consequences. Install virtual machines with different OSes, set up sample networks, and test your skills.
Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) Challenges: Many online platforms, like Hack The Box, TryHackMe, and CTFtime, offer simulated hacking challenges that let you test and hone your skills. These are excellent ways to build your experience and even add to your portfolio.
Take Online Courses or Certifications: Learning from real instructors and going through structured courses can help you fill in knowledge gaps and introduce you to best practices. Many ethical hackers start by taking courses in ethical hacking, penetration testing, and cybersecurity fundamentals.

The more you explore, the more confident you’ll become. Each skill you practice—whether scripting, using security tools, or navigating networks—will build up your experience and prepare you for the next step in your ethical hacking journey.

Becoming a certified ethical hacker is a challenging but rewarding process. It requires dedication, practice, and a passion for solving problems and securing systems. With the right skills and hands-on experience, you can confidently step into this in-demand field and start making a real impact on cybersecurity.

The Career Path of an Ethical Hacker

The path to becoming a certified ethical hacker can be highly individualized. However, most successful ethical hackers follow a structured roadmap that combines education, practical experience, and specialized certifications. This step-by-step journey not only builds your technical skills but also helps you establish credibility in the cybersecurity world.

What degree do you need to become an Ethical Hacker?

While there’s no single degree required to enter ethical hacking, certain educational backgrounds can set you up for success. The most beneficial degrees for this career include:

Cybersecurity: A bachelor’s or master’s degree in cybersecurity is highly valued. This program covers critical topics like network security, data protection, and risk management, all directly relevant to hacking.
Computer Science or Software Engineering: A solid understanding of software and computing basics is crucial. Degrees in computer science or software engineering will provide you with programming and algorithmic skills, as well as an understanding of how software interacts with hardware—key insights for identifying vulnerabilities.
Information Technology (IT): An IT degree equips you with broad skills in managing and supporting computer networks, which is helpful for understanding how systems function and fail.

These degrees can lead you to roles like security analyst, network engineer, or IT administrator, which build a foundation for an ethical hacking career.

Tip: If you don’t have one of these degrees, some certifications can make up for that gap, especially if combined with practical experience. Employers are increasingly open to self-taught skills and certifications in this evolving field.

Working in Information Security

To qualify for the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification, the EC-Council typically requires at least two years of hands-on experience in information security. This experience is critical, as it gives you exposure to real-world cybersecurity issues, allowing you to develop practical skills and insights that go beyond textbooks.

Here’s how to gain that valuable experience:

Start with an Entry-Level IT Position: Begin in a role like IT support or network administration. These positions expose you to the basics of computer systems and help you understand how networks function and how they can be secured.
Move to Information Security Roles: Once you’ve built a foundational understanding, aim for roles directly related to security, like junior security analyst or information security specialist. These jobs provide hands-on experience with security tools, firewalls, and vulnerability assessments.
Consider Specialized Training: The EC-Council offers a weeklong Ethical Hacking course designed to prepare candidates for the CEH exam. Although this course can be a quick path to certification, it’s highly recommended to gain some real-world security experience first.
Exam Costs and Discounts: The CEH exam costs around $1,755, though you may find discounts or employer reimbursements. Some companies even sponsor the exam fee as part of employee development, so inquire if your organization offers this benefit.

Tip: Take time to build your resume with quantifiable achievements in your roles. Highlight any specific projects where you identified and resolved security vulnerabilities, as this experience will be valuable when you apply for ethical hacking roles.

Earning Your Certification

The next big step is earning the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification. The CEH is a rigorous exam designed to test your understanding of hacking techniques and countermeasures, making it a core credential in this field. Here’s what you need to know:

Study Materials and Online Courses: You’ll need to prepare extensively, as the exam covers a broad range of topics, from network scanning and cryptography to social engineering. Consider enrolling in an online course specific to the CEH exam. These courses often include video lectures, practice tests, and downloadable resources to support your study.
Hands-On Practice: Hacking is best learned through practice. Set up your own virtual lab or use platforms like Hack The Box or TryHackMe to simulate real-world hacking scenarios. These environments allow you to test your skills legally and gain a deeper understanding of various hacking techniques.
Code of Ethics: Ethical hackers must follow a strict code of ethics outlined by the EC-Council. Once certified, ethical hackers are expected to use their skills responsibly. Violating this code can lead to revocation of your certification, so it’s essential to stay on the right side of the ethical line.

Tip: After passing the exam, network with other ethical hackers through professional groups and online communities. Connections in the field can lead to job referrals and even mentorship opportunities.

Moving Up the Ladder

Once you have the CEH certification, your journey is far from over. The field of cybersecurity is always evolving, so continued learning and advancement are critical. Here are a few next steps to consider:

Practical Ethical Hacking Certification: Some ethical hackers go on to earn the Practical Ethical Hacking certification, a hands-on credential that demonstrates advanced hacking skills. This certification helps you specialize and can open doors to higher-paying, more complex positions.
Specialize in Advanced Roles: With the CEH certification, you can pursue advanced positions like penetration tester, vulnerability assessor, or cybersecurity consultant. Each of these roles allows you to focus on specific aspects of ethical hacking, and they typically offer increased pay and responsibility.
Consider a Master’s in Cybersecurity: For those interested in leadership roles or teaching, a master’s degree can be a powerful addition to your qualifications. Advanced degrees can help you move into positions like chief information security officer (CISO) or security consultant.
Stay Up-to-Date: Technology and hacking techniques are constantly changing. Staying current is essential to remain effective and valuable in your role. Attend conferences, enroll in workshops, and continuously expand your toolkit with the latest security tools and trends.

Tip: Cybersecurity is all about problem-solving and thinking creatively. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new methods, and stay curious. The more adaptable and skilled you become, the more career opportunities will open up to you in this dynamic field.

The career path of an ethical hacker is diverse and flexible. It requires a blend of formal education, hands-on experience, and specialized certifications. With hard work and continuous learning, ethical hackers can advance to rewarding roles. These roles come with high responsibility and make a real impact in cybersecurity.

FAQs on Becoming a Certified Ethical Hacker

1. What is the difference between an ethical hacker and a traditional hacker?

An Ethical Hacker uses their skills to find and fix security vulnerabilities within a system. They help organizations improve their cybersecurity defenses. Unlike traditional hackers (often called black hats), ethical hackers, or “white hats,” work legally. They are hired by companies to protect against potential attacks. Their work involves identifying weak points and vulnerabilities. They do this without any intention of causing harm or stealing data.

2. Is certification necessary to become an ethical hacker?

It is possible to gain ethical hacking skills without certification. However, the CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) certification adds credibility and boosts job prospects. Employers highly value this certification because it proves you have the knowledge and integrity needed for ethical hacking tasks. Without it, gaining trust and securing higher-level positions may be more challenging.

3. What are the key skills required to become a successful ethical hacker?

Ethical hackers need a range of technical skills, including:

Proficiency in Operating Systems: Especially Linux/Unix, but also Windows and MacOS.
Programming Knowledge: Languages like C, Python, and JavaScript are essential for understanding systems and creating scripts.
Familiarity with Security Tools: Including vulnerability scanners, encryption tools, and anonymous web browsers.
Understanding Network Security: Knowing how data flows through networks and where vulnerabilities may appear.
Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Essential for thinking like an attacker and finding creative solutions.

4. How long does it take to become a certified ethical hacker?

The time required can vary depending on your background. If you have an IT or cybersecurity background, it may take you less time to gain the necessary skills and pass the certification exam. Generally, with study, practice, and some hands-on experience, it may take between six months to two years to prepare thoroughly for the CEH exam and become certified.

5. Are there any ethical standards certified ethical hackers must follow?

Yes, certified ethical hackers are bound by a strict code of ethics, often outlined by certifying bodies like the EC-Council. This code emphasizes integrity, respect for privacy, and a commitment to using hacking skills for protection and defense rather than exploitation. Violating these ethical standards can lead to loss of certification and damage to one’s professional reputation.

6. How much does the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) exam cost?

The CEH exam costs around $1,755, though the price can vary. Many training programs and EC-Council-approved courses offer discounts. Some organizations may also cover the exam fee for their employees as part of professional development.

7. Do I need a degree to pursue a career in ethical hacking?

A degree is not strictly necessary, but having one in fields like cybersecurity, computer science, or information technology can provide a solid foundation and increase your job opportunities. A combination of a degree and CEH certification, along with some hands-on experience, will position you well in this competitive field.

8. What kinds of companies hire certified ethical hackers?

Certified ethical hackers are hired by a wide range of organizations, including technology companies, financial institutions, government agencies, healthcare providers, consulting firms, and educational institutions. These entities need to safeguard sensitive information, making ethical hackers essential in protecting their digital assets.

9. Can I work as a freelance ethical hacker?

Yes, many ethical hackers work as freelancers or consultants. Freelance ethical hackers often perform security assessments, penetration testing, and vulnerability analysis on a contract basis for multiple clients. This path can offer flexibility, but building a reputation and reliable client base may take time.

10. What are some common tools ethical hackers use?

Some of the essential tools for ethical hackers include:

Nmap: A network scanning tool for discovering hosts and services.
Wireshark: A packet analyzer for network troubleshooting.
Metasploit: A penetration testing framework.
Burp Suite: A web vulnerability scanner.
Kali Linux: A Linux distribution designed for penetration testing. These tools help ethical hackers assess vulnerabilities and test network defenses.

Conclusion

Becoming a certified ethical hacker is an exciting, challenging, and rewarding career path that allows you to make a difference in the world of cybersecurity. By mastering essential skills, learning to think like an attacker, and earning your certification, you’ll be well-positioned to enter a high-demand field with ample opportunities for growth. The path may take time, dedication, and ongoing education, but the result is a career that not only offers financial rewards but also allows you to contribute positively to the security and privacy of organizations and individuals alike. Whether you choose to work in a large corporation, government agency, or as a freelance consultant, your role as an ethical hacker will be integral in the fight against cybercrime.

So, if you have a passion for technology, an analytical mind, and a commitment to using your skills for good, ethical hacking could be your ideal career path!