Careers in Ethical Hacking for Creative Students

Do you love computers, networking and programming? Do you like the idea of looking for ways to extract information from systems by finding loopholes? Are you an out-of-the-box creative thinker, with strong problem solving skills and quick decision making? Then you may be interested in a career in cyber security in general and ethical hacking in particular. Ethical hacking is one of the most challenging, yet the most in-demand professions of the modern IT world. It is an innovative career role which requires sound technological knowledge, great communication combined with strong work ethics.

In this write-up you will get an overview of what ethical hacking is, what are the attributes and skills of a successful ethical hacker and what you require to enrol in UG program in cyber security. Read on to know more.

What is Ethical Hacking?

Hacking is the process of gaining unauthorised access of a system, network, database or an online account with malicious intentions. Vulnerabilities in the system, network or database can lead to such incidents. Hacking may be done to extract sensitive information, crash IT infrastructure or cause harm in other ways.

Ethical hacking on the other side is hacking done with permission of the owner of the system, network or IT infrastructure. Ethical hacking is done to know the vulnerabilities and take necessary steps to prevent security breach. With digitalization of business operations and the increased use of the internet ethical hackers are in great demand today

There will be 3.5 million unfilled cyber security positions across the globe by 2021. 350% increase in open positions from 2013.– Cybersecurity Venture report

What are the Qualities Required to Become an Ethical Hacker?

Government of India launched the Aarogya Setu app for contact tracing during COVID-19 situation. Did you know that a French Cyber Security Researcher (Ethical Hacker) named Robert Baptiste brought to light various issues with the app which could potentially compromise the data related to millions of Indians?

An ethical hacker is someone who plays a key role in a digitalized world by helping protect information and in a way the life of the people itself. So how can one become an ethical hacker? What are the qualities required for a successful cyber security researcher? Here’s what we know.

Ethical hacking is a challenging career role. It not only requires sound technical knowledge but also needs out-of-the-box thinking, continuous learning and strong work ethics. This is one of the reasons why not everyone can become successful in this field.

An ethical hacker will normally have the following attributes/skills.

• He/she will be an expert in computer systems, networks or web servers
• Possess unparalleled programming knowledge
• Patience and perseverance will be some of the greatest strengths
• Ethical hackers must have good communication and must display work ethics by honestly reporting all the findings from the penetration attempt to the hiring organization in order to prevent dangers.

Who can take up cyber security degree?

Most of the institutes offering B.Tech Information Security require the students to have studied Physics, Mathematics and one of Computer Science, Biology or other technical subjects at the Class 12 level. Some institutes may conduct their own aptitude tests and personal interview for admissions.

BCA or B.Sc in Information Security degree may be taken up by students who have studied Mathematics and Computer Science at Class 12 level. Since Information Security involves the study of programming languages, networking, database management systems etc. it is good if students have basic knowledge of computers and programming.

Institutions offering B.Tech Cyber Security in India

Cyber security is presently one of the fastest growing domains of the IT sector. There is growing demand for qualified professionals in this domain. Many institutes across the country are offering various courses in cyber security, both online and offline. For students who want to take up cyber security after class 12, there are colleges that offer full-time degree programs. In the North, colleges such as MUIT, Lucknow, GD Goenka University and CT University offer the courses. In the Southern part of the country there are many reputed colleges such as Jain University, CMR University, Rathinam College and Srinivas University offering the program in information security. ADYPU, Assam down town University, Teerthanker Mahaveer University and Sharda University are other reputed educational institutions offering the cyber security degree course in India.