1 – Computer Skills
Computer skills are knowledge and ability which allow one to use computers and related technology. Typically, basic computer skills include data processing, managing computer files, and creating presentations. Advanced computer skills include managing databases, programming, and running calculations in spreadsheets. Some of the most essential computer skills are MS Office, Spreadsheets, Email, Database Management, Social Media, Web, Enterprise systems, etc. An ethical hacker needs to be a computer systems expert.
2 – Networking Skills
One of the most important skills to become an ethical hacker is networking skills. The computer network is nothing but the interconnection of multiple devices, generally termed as Hosts connected using multiple paths to send/receive data or media.
You need to understand the basics of networking, such as the following.
- DHCP
- NAT
- Subnetting
- IPv4
- IPv6 Public v Private IP
- DNS
- Routers and switches
- VLANs
- OSI model
- MAC addressing
- ARP
As we are often exploiting these technologies, the better you understand how they work, the more successful you will be.
3 – Linux Skills
Linux is a community of open-source Unix like operating systems that are based on the Linux Kernel. It is a free and open-source operating system and the source code can be modified and distributed to anyone commercially or non commercially under the GNU General Public License. The main reason to learn Linux for an ethical hacker is, in terms of security, Linux is more secure than any other operating system. It does not mean that Linux is 100 percent secure it has some malware for it but is less vulnerable than any other operating system. So, it does not require any anti-virus software.
4 – Security Concepts & Technologies
A good hacker understands security concepts and technologies. The only way to overcome the roadblocks established by the security admins is to be familiar with them. The hacker must understand such things as PKI (public key infrastructure), SSL (secure sockets layer), IDS (intrusion detection system), firewalls, etc.
5 – Scripting & Programming Skills
Without scripting skills, the hacker will be relegated to using other hackers’ tools. This limits your effectiveness. Every day a new tool is in existence loses effectiveness as security admins come up with defenses.
To develop your own unique tools, you will need to become proficient at least in one of the scripting languages including the BASH shell.
Another most important skill to become an ethical hacker is Programming Skills. So what does the word programming in the computer world actually means? It means, “The act of writing code understood by a computational device to perform various instructions.” So, to get better at programming, one will be writing a lot of code! Before one writes code he/she must choose the best programming language for his/her programming.
6 – Database Skills
If you want to be able to proficiently hack databases, you will need to understand databases and how they work. This includes the SQL language. I would also recommend the mastery of one of the major DBMS’s such SQL Server, Oracle, or MySQL.
7 – Basic Hardware Knoweledge
Computer hardware comprises the physical parts of a computer, like the central processing unit (CPU), monitor, mouse, keyboard, computer data storage, graphics card, sound card, speakers and motherboard, etc. By contrast, the software is the set of instructions that can be stored and run by hardware. For example, suppose one wants to hack a machine that is controlled by a computer. First, he needs to know about the machine or how it works. Last, he has to get access to the computer that controls the machine. Now, the machine will have a very good software security system; however, hackers don’t care about hardware security, so he can play with the hardware if he can access it. If one doesn’t know about hardware, then how will he/she know how the motherboard works, how USBs to transfer data, or how CMOS or BIOS work together, etc.? So one must have basic hardware knowledge also to become an ethical hacker.
8 – Web Applications
Web applications are probably the most fertile ground for hackers in recent years. The more you understand about how web applications work and the databases behind them, the more successful you will be. In addition, you will likely need to build your own website for phishing and other nefarious purposes.
9 – Reverse Engineering
Reverse Engineering is a process of recovering the design, requirement specifications, and functions of a product from an analysis of its code. It builds a program database and generates information from this. The objective of reverse engineering is to expedite the maintenance work by improving the understandability of a system and to produce the necessary documents for a legacy system. In software security, reverse engineering is widely used to ensure that the system lacks any major security flaws or vulnerabilities. It helps to make a system robust, thereby protecting it from hackers and spyware. Some developers even go as far as hacking their system to identify vulnerabilities – a system referred to as ethical hacking.
10 – Forensics
To become good hacker, you must not be caught! You can’t become a pro hacker sitting in a prison cell for 5 years. The more you know about digital forensics, the better you can become at avoiding and evading detection.
11 – Cryptography Skills
Cryptography is the study and application of techniques for reliable communication in the presence of third parties called adversaries. It deals with developing and analyzing protocols that prevent malicious third parties from retrieving information being shared between two entities thereby following the various aspects of information security. Cryptography deals with converting a normal text/message known as plain text to a non-readable form known as ciphertext during the transmission to make it incomprehensible to hackers. An ethical hacker must assure that communication between different people within the organization does not leak.
12 – Problem-solving Skills
Problem-solving skills help one to determine the source of a problem and find an effective solution. Apart from the technical skills pointed above, an ethical hacker also must be a critical thinker and dynamic problem solver. They must be wanting to learn new ways and ensure all security breaches are thoroughly checked. This requires tons of testing and an ingenious penchant to device new ways of problem-solving.