How to Become an Ethical Hacker

Two ethical hackers review code on a monitor.

Ethical hackers, also known as white hat hackers, play a critical role in the modern cybersecurity landscape. These professionals use their skills to identify vulnerabilities in systems before they can be exploited by cybercriminals, making them highly prized assets for organizations that value security.

For those interested in how to become an ethical hacker, the process involves learning the responsibilities of the role, gaining practical experience and obtaining recognized certifications. Ethical hackers also benefit from gaining the foundation that a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity degree program offers.

What Is Ethical Hacking?

Ethical hacking refers to the authorized use of hacking skills to identify weaknesses in an organization’s computer systems, networks and applications. Ethical hackers use the same methods and tools as those used by individuals with malicious intent (sometimes called crackers or black hat hackers), but their goal is to enhance the organization’s network and company security rather than cause damage.

Ethical hacking acts as a practice run for real-world cyberattacks, allowing organizations to identify weaknesses that cybercriminals might exploit and assess the damage they could cause.

Organizations hire ethical hackers to perform simulated attacks, known as penetration tests, that reveal the vulnerabilities their internal teams have overlooked. Organizations also use these professionals to assess their system vulnerability, perform malware analysis and provide a wide range of other support services that improve their network resiliency against cyberattacks.

Ethical hackers’ work provides valuable insights into how organizations’ defenses, such as firewalls, encryption and intrusion detection systems, perform under pressure.

Ethical hackers follow a strict code of conduct, including by always doing the following:

Obtaining permission before testing systems
Avoiding causing harm or stealing sensitive data
Keeping findings confidential and sharing them only with the organization
Operating strictly within legal boundaries

By approaching cybersecurity from an attacker’s perspective, ethical hackers help organizations close critical gaps, reduce their risk of being attacked and protect their sensitive information. This proactive approach is a cornerstone of modern cybersecurity strategies, ensuring that vulnerabilities are addressed before they can be exploited.

What Do Ethical Hackers Do?

Ethical hackers are cybersecurity professionals who simulate cyberattacks to uncover weaknesses in organizations’ systems, networks and applications. They are typically employed by corporations, government agencies and consulting firms, though some work independently on a contractual basis.

Typical duties and responsibilities of ethical hackers include:

Conducting penetration tests to identify vulnerabilities in systems and applications
Performing vulnerability assessments and risk analyses
Documenting findings and recommending security improvements
Collaborating with information technology (IT) and security teams to patch weaknesses
Ensuring compliance with industry regulations and standards
Researching emerging threats and attack methods
Providing training or guidance on secure coding and system design

7 Steps to Become an Ethical Hacker

Becoming an ethical hacker requires a combination of education, experience and professional development. Below is a step-by-step guide to developing the skills for the role.

Step 1: Build a Strong Educational Foundation

Many ethical hackers begin by earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology or cybersecurity. Their coursework typically covers networking, operating systems, programming and security fundamentals. Gaining a formal education provides prospective ethical hackers with credibility and a structured path toward mastering essential skills.

Step 2: Gain Hands-On IT Experience

Before specializing in ethical hacking, professionals often work in IT roles such as system administrator, network engineer or security analyst. These positions provide individuals with practical knowledge of how systems operate, which is required to be able to identify vulnerabilities.

Step 3: Learn Core Ethical Hacking Skills

Ethical hackers must master skills in scripting, penetration testing and network analysis. They should be familiar with tools like Nmap, Metasploit, Burp Suite and Wireshark. Developing expertise in cyber risk management is also essential, as ethical hackers must not only find vulnerabilities but also assess their potential impact.

Step 4: Earn Relevant Certification

Certifications validate a professional’s technical skills and are sometimes required by employers for specific positions. Popular options include:

Certified ethical hacker (CEH)
Offensive security certified professional (OSCP)
CompTIA Security+
Certified information systems security professional (CISSP)

Step 5: Develop a Portfolio of Projects

Employers want to see proof of a candidate’s skills. Aspiring ethical hackers should document penetration tests, vulnerability assessments and security audits they have performed in a professional portfolio. Portfolios complement an applicant’s resume and demonstrate their real-world problem-solving abilities.

Step 6: Stay Current With Emerging Threats

Cybersecurity is a rapidly evolving field. Ethical hackers must continue to learn about new attack vectors, malware and defense strategies. Attending conferences, joining online communities and participating in capture the flag (CTF) cybersecurity competitions are excellent ways for professionals to stay sharp.

Step 7: Network and Seek Mentorship

Building connections with other cybersecurity professionals can open doors to job opportunities and mentorship. Attending conferences, joining local meetups and participating in team capture the flag challenges can lead to new connections. Networking also helps ethical hackers stay informed about industry trends and best practices.

Launch Your Ethical Hacking Career

Becoming an ethical hacker requires dedication, technical expertise and continued learning. By following the above steps, you can position yourself to succeed in this growing field.

The path to this role is challenging yet highly rewarding, and can offer you the opportunity to protect organizations from evolving cyberthreats. If you’re ready to take the first step, earning a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity from the University at Albany is an ideal way to develop the basis for a career as an ethical hacker.

The UAlbany program can provide you with the technical background, hands-on skills training and professional credibility you need to thrive in cybersecurity. Coursework in the program covering topics like database principles, malware analysis and cybersecurity policy and law can give you a foundation in the key principles of the field.

With both online and on-campus options, UAlbany makes it easy to pursue your education on your own terms. Take your first step toward a career making a meaningful impact in the fight against cybercrime.