Introduction
When we think of the word hacking, we think of illegal intrusions into security systems to steal sensitive data and more. In fact, usually, in many films, hackers are almost always portrayed as evil or an anti-hero. However, did you know that in the real world there is a situation where hacking is not only legal but ethical? So, in contrast to their portrayed stereotypes, there are hackers that are your local dark knights who protect you from cyber crimes every day behind the scenes. Those who do this fall under this umbrella term of “ethical hacking”.
What is Ethical Hacking?
Just like the hackers we see, they infiltrate security systems, only, they do it with permission. You heard that right, so people who do ethical hacking are basically, authorized hackers. Sounds weird does it not? Allowing a hacker to hack into your database that contains sensitive information. Well, it is usually done for two different purposes, education and security.
Educational Hacking
This is exactly as it sounds. This is where someone gives you permission to hack their systems in order to teach you. There is usually a platform whereby they allow you to hack a website in order to transfer the basic skills of hacking to you. Although this can definitely backfire, these kinds of websites will clearly state that their purpose for this website is to educate coders or website developers on how malicious hackers can manipulate codes and how they can best curb against these cyber attacks.
Security Hacking
With the world moving to a cyber one and everything becomes more connected, this increases the need for cybersecurity. This is especially so for companies who rely heavily on the cyber domain to store confidential data. So, they will usually hire ethical hackers as their in-house team or hire outsource security firms. When the security systems are up, these ethical hackers then attempt to hack the system in order to sieve out any loopholes.
How lucrative is Ethical Hacking?
You might think that such an occupation that toes the line between legality and illegality would not be a job that brings much sustenance. However, as we mentioned, the world is only going to become more cyber-oriented. This means that the demand for ethical hackers will only continue to increase. In fact, simple research done will tell you that this is one of the rare industries where demand still far exceeds supply, and what happens when demand is more than supply? The prices increase, and in this case, the remuneration for ethical hackers increases. Infosec has discovered that the ethical hacker can earn an average of $71,000 a year. This sum is honestly more than what you can earn in most industries. Hence, not only is this a good industry for those who are intrigued by problem-solving, it pays you relatively well and you can go ahead to invest in this career. Furthermore, this career is also sustainable because of software changes over time, which means there will always be chances to learn more and apply more. Those who are interested in a career in ethical hacking can learn more through a reputable cyber security course.
Is Ethical Hacking doing more evil than good?
Of course, you might wonder, if there were no such platforms to learn how to hack, would there have been no need for ethical hackers at all? Well, that could have been possible. But, the problem now is that people are already equipped with the knowledge to do so. Even if countries were to stop all education on cybersecurity, the infamous dark web still exists. And the dark web is where all the information on hacking will still exist. Then, the ability and knowledge to hack will only remain with the bad guys, leaving important data vulnerable to hackers. So, our conclusion is that at this very moment, ethical hacking is essential because it is the only way to put out the fires of cybercrimes. In order to get another hacker, you need to send another hacker off on their trail.
Why Is Ethical Hacking Legal?
Taking courses on ethical hacking may seem like a dubious choice given that you basically still do the same thing as malicious hackers. A classic worry of how you either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become a villain. However, reality never gives you just two options. Ethical hacking has to be legal so that we can attract the third kind of people as much as possible. There will always be people whose desire is to protect businesses and people from these vulnerable situations. So, classes like these will only better equip them to fulfill this desire. Furthermore, if you look around you, it is inevitable that companies and businesses are definitely walking on the digitized path. It is better that we can offer opportunities for unsung heroes can rise to help us defeat the evils of the cyber world. This is the same concept as if we stopped people from buying knives, no one would ever get stabbed. Although offering courses to teach people how to hack into someone’s security seems alarming, ethical hacking is actually a very necessary job.
Conclusion
Hopefully, we were able to convince you why ethical hacking is essential and inspired you to want to become an ethical hacker yourself. If you have the time and resources, we recommend starting off with a degree in cybersecurity because they provide the whole package on educating you about all things cybersecurity. Do not worry whether this is morally acceptable because the main purpose of these degrees and courses are always to teach people how to hack ethically rather than promoting the idea of hacking. What they normally teach will be things like identifying the steps that cyber attackers will take and stepping in to intervene before they are able to take action. Thus, if you are ready to be a cyber protector, wait no more!
