It is important to have a Bachelor's degree (BSc, BTech, BE, BCA) in Information Technology or

Computer Science to become an ethical hacker. Candidates having an advanced diploma in

network security can also opt for ethical hacking as a career.

What constitutes ethical hacking?

 For hacking a computer system ethically, the hacker must obey the following rules:
 Written permission to explore the network and attempt to identify potential security risks.
 While performing hacking or related tasks, a hacker must respect the individual's or company's privacy.
 After completing his/her work, the hacker must not leave anything open for someone else to exploit it
later.
 Before starting the hacking, an ethical hacker must inform software developers or hardware
manufacturers to know of any security vulnerabilities in their software or hardware

.
Eligibility for Ethical Hacker
It is important to have a Bachelor’s degree (BSc, BTech, BE, BCA) in Information Technology or Computer
Science to become an ethical hacker. Candidates having an advanced diploma in network security can also opt
for ethical hacking as a career. A certification from a reputed institute enhances the chances of getting hired by
some big names in the IT sector. The list of international certifications are:
 Certified Ethical Hacker (EC-Council)
 Certified Hacking Forensic Investigator (EC-Council)
 GIAC Certified Penetration Tester (GPEN) by SAN and GIAC
 Certified Intrusion Analyst (GCIA) can further improve the job prospects
 Technical skills required
 Extensive experience in the area of network security
 Working knowledge of various operating systems
 Sound working knowledge of Microsoft and Linux servers, Cisco network switches, virtualization, Citrix
and Microsoft Exchange.
 Sound working knowledge of the latest penetration software

Institutes offering Courses for Ethical Hacker

Institute Name Course Offered

DOEACC/NIELIT, Calicut PG Diploma in Information Security and System Administration

Reliance World Outlets Ankit Fadia Certified Ethical Hacker Course

CISSP Training Certified Professional Forensics Consultants Certified Information

Institute of Information Security
Security Consultant Certified Professional Hacker

University of Madras MSc in Cyber Forensics and Information Security

International Institute of Information

MTech in Computer Science and Information Security
Technology

SRM University MTech in Information Security and Computer Forensic

Kalasalingam University MTech in Information Assurance and Security

Ethical hacking course content
Training Area Topics Covered

Cyber Ethics-Hacking Introduction

Information Gathering 1
Information Gathering 2
Scanning 1
Scanning 2
Google Hacking Database
Ethical Hacking Virus, Worms – Virus Analysis
Trojans & Backdoors
Sniffers & keyloggers
Social Engineering
Email, DNS, IP spoofing
HoneyPots
System Hacking & Security

Vulnerability Research
SQL Injection 1
SQL Injection 2
XSS Attacks & Countermeasures
LFI/ RFI Attacks & Countermeasures
Website Hacking & Security
Information Disclosure Vulnerabilities
Buffer Overflow & Session Hijacking Attacks
Vulnerability Assessment & Penetration Testing
Exploit Writing
Secure Coding Practices

Wireless Hacking & Security

Mobile & Wireless Security SMS Forging & Countermeasures
VoIP Hacking & Countermeasures

Ethical Hacking: Career Prospects

Growing cases of computer hacking have forced renowned companies, financial institutions, and government
organizations to recruit ethical hackers. Ethical hackers help these companies in finding out vulnerabilities and
possible security leaks of their computer systems and also to protect them from any potential threat. So Ethical
Hacking as a career has promising prospects in the near future.
According to a survey conducted by the International Data Corp, there is a demand for over 60,000 information
security personnel worldwide. In India alone, the number is expected to grow by over 77,000 and 188,000
worldwide in the next few years. Talented Ethical Hackers can look for making their career in some of the big
names in the IT sector including Wipro, Dell, Reliance, Google, Accenture, IBM, and Infosys.
A Graduate degree in computer science or similar technology with certification in Ethical Hacking or any of the
related stream ensure a good chance of getting a job in reputed companies.

Ethical Hacker Salary

In the present scenario, a fresher Ethical Hacker can expect to get Rs 4.8 lakh per annum. However,
candidates with higher academic qualifications and work experience draw up to Rs 30 lakh per year.