Have you heard about what does an ethical hacker do? What are their responsibilities? Don’t worry; today, we will explore the different roles and responsibilities of Ethical hackers and their contribution to the business.

As per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of information security analysts, which includes ethical hackers, is projected to grow 31% between 2019 and 2029 as compared to the average for all occupations.

An ethical hacker must understand computer networks, operating systems, programming languages, and cybersecurity concepts. Proficiency in tools and techniques for vulnerability assessment, penetration testing, and forensic analysis is crucial. Ethical hackers must also possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and moral integrity. Let’s discover their practices within business.

What is an Ethical Hacker?

An ethical hacker is a cybersecurity expert with in-depth computer systems, networks, and security knowledge. They are well-versed in potential threats and vulnerabilities that can hack or bring down business systems. They are involved in the authorised attempt to gain access to computer systems, applications, or data by duplicating the methods and strategies that a malicious hacker would use. Check out Certification in Ethical Hacking Foundation to understand more about this.

Role of an Ethical Hacker

The role of an ethical hacker is to support businesses in enhancing their cybersecurity by identifying vulnerabilities in their systems before malicious hackers can exploit them. They use these techniques to attempt to open a business's defences, but with the business's permission and for generous purposest. 

Importance of an Ethical Hacker

Top ethical hackers play a critical role in safeguarding digital assets and protecting against cyber threats. Proactively identifying vulnerabilities and security weaknesses in systems, networks, and applications helps organisations mitigate the risk of data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage. 

Top ethical hackers simulate real-world cyber-attacks through penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, and security audits, providing valuable insights into security flaws and gaps in defences. Ethical hackers also contribute to incident response and digital forensics efforts, assisting in investigating and mitigating security incidents. 

What does an Ethical Hacker Do?

The primary function of an ethical hacker within the business is to proactively identify and address vulnerabilities in systems, networks, and software programs to enhance cybersecurity defences and prevent cyberattacks. Ethical hackers, also known as white hat hackers, simulate real-world cyberattacks to think and act like malicious hackers, aiming to anticipate and prevent potential security breaches.

Ethical hackers play a crucial role in safeguarding sensitive information, defending against cyber threats, and strengthening overall security posture by conducting security assessments and penetration testing. Their expertise lies in identifying weaknesses in digital systems, allowing organisations to mitigate risks, improve defence strategies, and stay ahead of evolving cyber threats.

Key responsibilities associated with the ethical hacker

• Hacking their systems: Ethical hackers hack their systems to find potential threats and vulnerabilities. They are hired to find out the system's vulnerabilities before they are discovered through hackers. 

• Diffuse the determination of hackers: They are hired as a precaution against hackers who aim to breach computer security. When detected early, vulnerabilities can be fixed, saving confidential details from being exposed to hackers with malicious intentions.

• Document their findings: Ethical hackers must probably document all their findings and potential threats. The central part of the work they are hired to do through the business is appropriately reporting bugs and vulnerabilities that threaten security. 

• Keeping confidential information safe: Ethical hackers must keep all their findings secure and never share them with others. They should never agree to share findings and observations. 

• Sign non-disclosure agreements:They must sign confidential agreements to keep their information regarding the businesses safe with them. This will prevent them from giving out confidential details, and legal action will be taken against them if they indulge in such acts. 

• Handle the loopholes in security: As per their observations, ethical hackers should restore them. It will prevent them from breaching the security of the business from attacks. 

• Inspecting patch installations: Ethical hackers should inspect patch installations to prevent them from being exploited. They also examine this to evaluate the hacking process and the employees' performance. In most cases, the supervisor may determine the employee. The installation's evaluation procedure is often discussed in a meeting.
  

Technical skills and knowledge required to excel in the role

• Network Skills: Understanding networking protocols, the TCP/IP stack, subnetting, routing, and network topologies is crucial for identifying vulnerabilities and attack vectors. 

• Operating systems proficiency: Proficiency in different operating systems, such as Windows, Linux, and macOS, along with command-line tools and scripting languages, helps identify system-specific vulnerabilities.

• Web Technologies: Knowledge of web application architecture, common vulnerabilities and web development frameworks is essential for identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities in Web applications. 

• Programming and Scripting: An ethical hacker does not need hard-core coding skills, but it is difficult for a non-programmer to be effective. Several mainstream ethical hacking techniques, such as XML injections and buffer overflows, require a working knowledge of computer languages. A highly skilled ethical hacker requires proficiency in C, C++, Java, Python, Javascript, HTML, PHP, C#, and .NET programming languages.

• DBMS Skills: Hackers need to know how to fix the vulnerabilities and security threats of databases such as SQL, MySQL or Oracle. To generate a safe and protected environment for businesses, data relevant to database management skills are essential to perform operations on the database, including CRUD that creates, reads, updates and deletes operations. 

• Penetration testing skills: The penetration test, commonly known as the pen test, is authorised simulated attacks performed on a computer system to evaluate its security. This is important for ethical hackers, as they perform these tests to check the system for vulnerabilities. 

• SQL Skills: Proficiency in SQL is crucial for ethical hackers, as it's among the programming languages indispensable for hacking endeavours. Additionally, SQL serves as a means to interact with databases in Cross-platform Web Hacking. SQL injection, for instance, proves invaluable for circumventing feeble web application login protocols, manipulating database data, and more.

• Knowledge in Cryptography: Cryptography is another area for ethical hackers. It's the study of techniques for secure communication in the presence of third parties known as advertisers. It also deals with generating and analyzing protocols that prevent the exchange of details between two entities with the help of malicious third parties. Therefore, having practice and knowledge is essential for ethical hackers. 

• Knowledge in Reverse Engineering: Reverse engineering is the method of retrieving the product's architecture, needs, and features from the analysis of its code. It generates a database of programs and takes knowledge from it. Reverse engineering expedites maintenance tasks by improving system comprehension and producing documentation for legacy systems.

In software security, reverse engineering is frequently employed to identify potential security flaws or vulnerabilities within the framework. This process aids in fortifying a system, making it more resilient against spyware and malicious hackers. Additionally, some developers use ethical hacking to identify weaknesses within their systems.

Soft skills and personal attributes essential for ethical hacking

• Problem-Solving Skills:  Ethical hackers often encounter complex challenges and puzzles when identifying vulnerabilities and securing systems. 

• Critical Thinking: Ethical hackers need to think critically and analytically to assess potential security risks, evaluate system vulnerabilities, and anticipate potential threats. 

• Attentive nature: Ethical hacking involves scrutinising systems and applications for vulnerabilities, which requires a keen eye for detail.

• Curiosity and Continuous Learning:  The field of cybersecurity is constantly evolving, with new threats and attack techniques emerging regularly.

• Communication Skills: Effective communication is essential for ethical hackers to convey technical findings, security risks, and recommendations to clients, developers, and management. 

• Teamwork and Collaboration: Ethical hacking often involves working as part of a multidisciplinary team, including cybersecurity professionals, developers, and IT administrators. 

What are the different career growth in Ethical Hacking?

The job prospects for ethical hackers are bright in the future. The demand for cybersecurity professionals is expected to rise significantly in the coming years. Ethical hacking indeed has different job opportunities including government, corporate enterprise, healthcare, entertainment, banking and others which are fast expanding in this sector. To have more knowledge regarding this you must explore essence of ethical hacking. 

Following are the various career opportunities in Ethical Hacking:

• Penetration Tester

• Vulnerability Assessor

• Information Security Analyst

• Security Analyst

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

• Ethical Hacker

• Security Consultant

• Security Engineer/Architect

• Information Security Manager

Overview of Daily Tasks and Responsibilities of Ethical Hacker

What are the primary responsibilities of the ethical hacker?

On a typical day, an ethical hacker may conduct security assessments, including vulnerability scans and penetration tests, to identify weaknesses in systems and applications. They analyse findings, prioritise vulnerabilities based on risk, and develop recommendations for remediation. 

Communication with stakeholders, including clients, developers, and management, is essential for conveying technical findings and recommendations effectively. Ethical hackers may also continuously learn to stay updated on the latest security trends and techniques. 

Additionally, top ethical hackers may participate in meetings, document findings, and collaborate with team members to address security concerns and implement solutions, ensuring systems and data protection.

Challenges Faced by Ethical Hackers

• Quality inconsistencies: Many businesses provide ethical services and penetration testing services. Therefore, it's complex to identify the right quality provider to align with the firm’s security objectives. 

• System Interruptions: System interruptions,ues, or business disturbances mostly occur during operations. They lead to data loss and the exposure of sensitive information, which affects the brand image. 

In addition, they face issues in navigating legal and ethical boundaries, staying abreast of constantly evolving attack techniques, and managing time constraints during security assessments.

List of Tools used in ethical hacking

To understand the in-detailed reviews of tools used by an ethical hacker you must check ethical hacking tool’s features. 

• Nmap

• Metasploit

• Wireshark

• Burp Suite

• John the Ripper

• Hydra

• Aircrack-ng

• SQLMap

• Nessus

• Snort

• OpenVAS

The Average Ethical Hacker Salary in 2024 

The station.net showcases that, In the United States, an Ethical Hacker makes approximately $65.03 an hour, or $135,269 per year.

Even as a beginner, individuals have the potential to generate significant earnings. At the entry level, competitive salaries are within reach, owing to the field's high demand and the lack of proficient practitioners. Furthermore, the earning capacity of top ethical hackers extends beyond the initial stages.

With increasing expertise and familiarity, progression up the career hierarchy becomes feasible. Advancement pathways encompass senior penetration tester positions, cybersecurity consulting, and managerial responsibilities. This prospect of upward mobility renders ethical hacking an enticing and enduring career path for numerous individuals.

Start your ethical hacker journey with GSDC

The Global Skills Development Council is one of the reputed platforms for the Ethical Hacking Foundation Certification.

The certification program is among the industries best regarded and recognised by leading businesses globally. Let’s start your journey with GSDC and unlock various opportunities in ethical hacking.  

Final Thoughts

Ethical hackers are indispensable guardians of digital security. They are tasked with preemptively identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities within systems, networks, and software. Their multifaceted role encompasses technical prowess, ethical integrity, and continuous learning, culminating in a proactive defence against cyber threats. 

Through penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, and meticulous documentation, they fortify organisations against malicious incursions, safeguarding sensitive data and preserving brand integrity. With organisations increasingly prioritising cybersecurity, the role of ethical hackers remains pivotal, making them instrumental agents in the ongoing battle against cybercrime.