The term white hat refers to an ethical hacker whose job involves hacking into computer systems to detect security risks. The term and its definition derive from old movie westerns, where law-abiding heroes always wore white hats. White hat hackers have good intentions, unlike those who break into computers to destroy or steal data.
What does a white hat do?
When a company needs to test its information system’s security, it hires white hats to attempt to hack information systems. This ethical hacking process helps detect vulnerabilities in a system. Depending on the company you work for, your duties as a white hat hacker might include:
Reverse engineering malware and viruses
Analyzing attacks and security incidents for their root causes
Scanning a target network with vulnerability scanners
Designing plans of attack to try and exploit (and then patch) vulnerabilities
Providing technical support
Reviewing and updating documentation
Jobs for white hats
These days, the demand for ethical hackers is higher than ever in both private and public sectors.
Private sector vs. government jobs
There are many types of private sector companies that need stringent security for their information systems. Examples include:
Financial institutions like banks, credit card companies, and mortgage companies
Technology companies
Educational institutions
Aerospace companies
Cell phone companies
Healthcare businesses
Utility companies
Large retail and wholesale establishments
Entertainment and media companies
Artificial intelligence (AI) companies
Ethical hackers who want a government job might work for the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, Intelligence, Justice, or Revenue. These are just a few government agencies that hire white hats to secure their information systems.
Some common job titles for ethical hackers in the private and public sector include:
Data security analyst
Data security manager
Network administrator/manager
Network security consultant
Penetration tester
Security engineer
Vulnerability assessor
Ethical hacker skills
There are two types of skills that help with job performance: technical skills and workplace skills. Technical skills are learned through training or education, while workplace skills are those that involve your personality or work ethic. To become a white hat, plan to develop a unique combination of technical and workplace skills, including:
Computer programming skills
Databases and networks
Cryptography (study of encryption and decryption)
Web applications and wireless technologies
Problem-solving
Organization
Communication
Ability to remain calm in high-pressure situations
Degree types for a white hat
Although some white hat hackers develop their expertise from working with computers, many get bachelor's degrees as well. Degrees that might benefit ethical hackers include:
Computer science
Computer engineering
Information technology
Cybersecurity
Should I get a master’s degree?
You may not need a master's degree to get a job as a white hat hacker. But if you have an undergraduate degree in a field like math, physics, computer science, or engineering, you can go on to get a Master of Science in Cybersecurity.
This program may offer opportunities to develop a deep understanding of cybersecurity principles, practices, and techniques. A full-time student might obtain a master's degree in cybersecurity in one to two years.
Alternatives to getting a degree
If you aren't interested in going to college, you can pick up valuable ethical hacking experience by joining the military and advancing up a cybersecurity or intelligence track. Another bonus of joining the military is the security clearance you'll likely get while you're there. This is a valuable asset to many public and private sector employers when it's time for you to move on from the military.
Certifications for career prospects
If you're hoping to work as an ethical hacker, certifications can give you a chance to show employers that you have those skills. The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) Certification offered through the EC-Council (International Council of E-Commerce Consultants) is one of the most respected and comprehensive certifications in the industry.
This program is globally recognized, and participants who complete it might get top positions as ethical hackers. To enroll in the course, you must have at least two years of experience in information security and pass a pre-enrollment exam. The CEH exam costs $1,199 and retakes cost $450. Applying to take the exam costs $100. The class focuses on these topics and more:
Cryptography
Enumeration
Firewalls
Footprinting
Honeypots
Latest trojans, worms, and viruses
Penetration testing
Server hacking
Session hijacking
Social engineering
SQL injection
Part of the process of getting this certification is agreeing to the EC-Council's code of ethics, stating that participants of the program must always protect intellectual property and promise never to engage in malicious hacking activities.
Salary
As with most jobs, your salary as an ethical hacker depends on your level of education and experience. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for an ethical hacker in the United States is $105,153 (September 2022) [1].
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