If you’re looking for a job that features a slightly clandestine work-day without having to creep through the brush and dodge enemy fire, how about standing up to those who seek to disrupt society through hacking computer information systems? An ethical hacker is a term coined to describe professionals who use similar tactics to their more anarchist counterparts to find computer security vulnerabilities with the goal of protecting businesses and organizations from the dangers posed by malicious hacking efforts. While hacking is typically considered illegal, ethical hacking takes place with the authorization of the entity hiring the ethical hacker, thus legitimizing their efforts.
Ethical Hacker Certification
Most ethical hackers start out with a good deal of IT experience and choose to step to the next level by obtaining a Certified Ethical Hacker credential, which is provided by an organization called the International Council of E-Commerce Consultants (EC-Council). The typical certification course takes five days, and ethical hackers may be required to undergo background checks and possibly high-level security clearances, especially when working for important government entities.
While malicious hackers who’ve turned over a new leaf often turn to the business as a way to clean up their act, especially in the younger days of the profession, the certification holds these ex-outlaws to a higher letter of the law, having acquired a promise to uphold certain legal and ethical behavior standards.
On top of the certification requirements, ethical hackers need two or more years of employment experience in a security field. If you lack this experience, however, you may be able to get the experience requirements waived by providing additional information relating to your personal and educational background.
Ethical Hacking Salary
Ready to put on your “white hat” and pit your computer skills against the black hat hackers of the world? The money is definitely out there. A promising career requiring specialized, in-demand skills, ethical hacking pays very well. According to Indeed.com, the ethical hacker average annual salary is over $100,000 in the United States as of April 2013. This slightly higher than most other comparable information security occupations.
Find Ethical Hacking Schools
By using the search widget to the right, you can find online ethical hacking courses or schools that offer an ethical hacking certificate in your area. For a solid “shortcut” into an ethical hacking career, consider enlisting in the military, where you’ll get top-notch training, great work experience, and all the clearance you could possibly be eligible for.