Top 7 Ethical Hacking Skills A Professional Ethical Hacker Required

By Author: Prasanjit Roy
Total Articles: 3
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Many people believe that hacking means penetrating a website within a few minutes. In most movies, a hacker exactly does the same. Also, he is always the bad guy who steals information or sensitive data. However, the truth is far beyond this conception. Hackers can be classified into various types depending upon their objective of hacking, such as black hat hackers, white hat hackers, and grey hat hackers. Thanks to several ethical hacking training institutes that have popped up in the last few years, people are gradually becoming aware of the role of ethical hackers (White Hat Hackers) and how they can help organizations with their skills. So, if you are wondering about the skills, here are the 7 ethical hacking skills a professional ethical hacker needs.

1. Computer Networking
A computer network connects several independent computers for sending and receiving data. It is also used to share resources. So, for an ethical hacker, strong networking skills are a must. An ethical hacker must know the concepts of Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, Suoernetting, and so on to figure out the computers connected ...
... to a particular network.

2. Proficiency in coding
Coding skills are a fundamental requirement. An ethical hacker must know how to write codes that a computer can interpret and perform functions accordingly. Some of the most common programming languages for coding are Ruby, Python, Perl, JavaScript, SQL, and C++.

3. Fundamental knowledge of hardware
As we all know that computer hardware includes all the physical components, and the software is the set of instructions that the hardware executes. Now, sometimes it happens that the software security is robust. In such a case, an ethical hacker must try to find the vulnerabilities within the hardware to prevent any potential hacking by a hacker.

4. Database Management
DBMS means the Database Management System used for managing all kinds of databases within an organization. Here, it is vital to know that unauthorized access to a database can seriously jeopardize its security. So, it is essential to keep the database secure. An ethical hacker must know everything about database management to prevent the same from any such threats.

5. Wireless Technologies
While there are different types of wireless devices, there are various wireless technologies too. Thorough knowledge of these technologies helps an ethical hacker in protecting data. Some of the popular wireless technologies about which an ethical hacker must develop an understanding are WEP, WPS, WPA, WPA2, and so on.

6. Reverse Engineering
Although it is said that an ethical hacker must know the art of cryptography, a detailed understanding of reverse engineering can do wonders! In cyber security, it can be used to spot all the details of a security breach.

7. Social engineering
While it is often difficult for hackers to find a loophole, it is easier to manipulate users to release sensitive data with social engineering. Today, many hackers use techniques of social engineering. They exploit people and their willingness to help others or manipulate them to access their intended information. Usually, an expert ethical hacker knows all the social engineering techniques to keep the system robust.

Lastly, an ethical hacker must develop skills like problem-solving, analytical thinking, and critical thinking to
become successful ethical hacker in this field.