The term “hacker” has negative connotations attached to it. When you hear the word hacker you get an image of someone working undercover, breaking into the system and stealing all the data. Yes! that’s the stereotype of a hacker. Now turn the picture around and imagine all the breaking and hacking into a system for the good. That’s exactly what an ethical hacker does.
Instead of causing harm, they help companies find flaws in their security and fix them before cybercriminals can exploit them.
There’s a huge risk of cyber threats in times like today, making cyber security and ethical hacking one of the most in-demand careers. If you’re a BCA student, you already are on the right track. Your background in programming, networking, and databases can help you transition into the world of ethical hacking smoothly.
But how to become an ethical hacker while you are still pursuing a BCA degree? Let’s break it down step by step.
What is Ethical Hacking?
An ethical hacker tests systems, networks, and applications for vulnerabilities and fixes them before a cyber-criminal attacks them. Companies hire certified hackers to protect their data and prevent cyber attacks.
There’s a difference between an ethical hacker and a malicious or non-ethical hacker. An ethical hacker works within legal boundaries, unlike malicious hackers who break laws for personal gain.
Why should BCA Students Consider Ethical Hacking?
If you are pursuing BCA, ethical hacking could be a great career option as it’s one of the highest-paying jobs in cyber security. With increasing technology, ethical hackers are high in demand as companies need them to protect their data.
You get to work with government agencies and top tech firms, and if working in corporate is not your thing then you could work as a freelancer as well.
Ethical hacking comes with a lot of challenges and if you love finding issues and solving them then you should definitely consider becoming one.
Essential Skills to Become an Ethical Hacker
To become a successful ethical hacker, you need to develop a few essential skills. Let’s see what those skills are.
1. Learn about Fundamentals
Learning about networking and security fundamentals is essential because it helps ethical hackers identify vulnerabilities in systems and protect them from cyber threats. You need to learn about:
- TCP/IP, DNS, and firewalls.
- How data travels across networks.
- Basic security protocols that protect information.
2. Programming Knowledge
It’s not mandatory to know about computer programming, but programming language helps you identify vulnerabilities in a system.
- Python – Great for writing automation scripts.
- C and C++ – Helps understand system-level security.
- JavaScript – Useful for web security testing.
These are some of the major computer languages that you can start with.
3. Operating Systems
Cybercriminals tend to attack Windows devices that’s why ethical hackers prefer Linux-based operating systems as it is more secure. Linux is difficult to target accurately because it comes in many different distributions.
4. Penetration Testing and Web Security
Penetration testing is the process of simulating a cyberattack to find weaknesses. Ethical hackers use tools like:
- Metasploit – For testing system vulnerabilities.
- Burp Suite – For analyzing web application security.
- Wireshark – For monitoring network traffic.
5. Cryptography and Encryption
Learn about hashing, public-key cryptography, and secure password storage techniques as these are a few techniques ethical hackers use in order to encrypt and protect sensitive data from cyber-attacks.
Certifications
These days anyone can learn almost anything over the internet on their own. While learning on your own is great, getting certified can make you stand out in the job market.
Let’s see some of the best certifications for ethical hackers.
- CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker): One of the most recognised certifications in cyber security.
- OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional): Focuses on hands-on penetration testing.
- CompTIA Security+: Covers basic security concepts and best practices.
Getting a certified hacker credential proves your skills and increases your chances of landing a good job.
Experience: The Key to Becoming an Ethical Hacker
Certifications are helpful, but practical experience is what truly makes an expert ethical hacker. Here’s how you can gain hands-on experience:
1. Set Up a Virtual Lab
A safe way to practice hacking is by setting up a virtual lab on your own computer. Use tools like VirtualBox or VMware to run Kali Linux and practice ethical hacking techniques without causing any harm.
2. Participate in CTF (Capture The Flag) Competitions
CTF is an exercise in which participants attempt to find text strings, called flags, which are secretly hidden in purposefully vulnerable programs or websites. These events improve your problem-solving skills and give you real-world hacking experience.
3. Join Bug Bounty Programs
Many companies offer bug bounty programs, where they pay hackers to find security flaws in their systems. Platforms like HackerOne and Bugcrowd allow you to earn money while practising your ethical hacking skills.
4. Contribute to Open-Source Security Projects
Joining cybersecurity communities and working on open-source security projects can help you learn from experienced professionals and improve your skills.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
While ethical hacking is legal, hacking without permission is a crime. Certified ethical hackers must always work with proper authorisation. Staying on the right side of the law is essential to building a successful career.
How to Get a Job as an Ethical Hacker
So, now you have been certified and have enough skills as a hacker, it’s time to look for some opportunities. Let us go through how you can get those.
1. Build a Strong Portfolio
Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, CTF achievements, and bug bounty reports. Employers want to see what you can do, not just what you know.
2. Network with Professionals
Networking helps in any industry you are or want to break into. Nowadays it’s easier to connect to people through social media. Join cybersecurity forums, LinkedIn groups, or attend conferences, etc to connect with industry experts.
3. Apply for Internships
An internship provides valuable hands-on experience and helps you get your foot in the door. Many cybersecurity firms offer internships to BCA students.
4. Freelancing
If you don’t want a traditional job, you can earn money through bug bounty programs or freelance cybersecurity projects.
Conclusion
The world we live in today involves a lot of technology and with the increased number of technical devices, there are high chances of cyber attacks. All this calls for a cyber security expert. Becoming a certified hacker while pursuing a BCA is completely possible.
You need to focus on developing technical skills, getting relevant certifications, and gaining practical experience. If you are inclined towards tech and good at problem-solving then becoming a certified ethical hacker is going to be the best career choice for you.
Read Also – Top 5 Skills That Make An M.Com Student Industry-Ready
