What does ethical hacking mean?
You read that right! Ethical hacking might sound like a contradiction, but it is one of the most in-demand certifications for cybersecurity professionals today. While the digitization of public and private life has many perks and conveniences, with technology comes the threat of it being misused. Cybersecurity experts, using ethical hacking, are one of the first lines of defense in protecting valuable digital information. Basically, ethical hackers learn how to defend and secure digital systems. They use their skills to keep information safe from hackers with malicious intent.
Ethical Hacking as an Element of Cybersecurity
When it comes to government documents, information and even access to utilities, hacking is a major threat. By gaining access to these fundamental elements of society, terrorists, individuals and international organizations can exploit countries and businesses all over the globe, extorting funds or power through blackmail. A variety of tools such as worms, malware, viruses and ransomware are capable of giving hackers access to precious online resources. To avoid this, ethical hackers are needed to detect system weaknesses, so they can be fixed or monitored before a third party finds them.
Ethical Hacking Certification
Ethical hacking is a credential earned through training programs designed to teach cybersecurity students the ins and outs of online security. This security certification helps companies all over the world hire for enhanced cybersecurity positions.
Ethical Hacking Job Opportunities
A few of the industries that rely heavily on ethical hackers are: healthcare and medical companies, financial institutions, energy companies and government operations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the information security industry is expected to grow 32% in the next decade, with a median salary of nearly six figures.
Elements to Ethical Hacking
In the process of becoming a certified ethical hacker and preparing for the CEH exam, students learn a number of principles and methods during hacking courses that are essential in the field of cybersecurity.
Ethical Hacking Principles
Ethical hacking involves a few different processes that ensure the safety of vital information and resources. The first step in ethical hacking operations involves identifying what most needs protection, and what, if any, lapses in security exist. Knowing where the weak points are does not necessarily mean you can fix them, but you can at least know what to watch for.
Ethical hacking programs also provide you with the knowledge you need to run tests and check for malware, and teach you how to enter systems secretly in case of an emergency. Particular entry points are hidden by security experts from the day-to-day operations of the company, and are known only to those defending the system from attack. This ensures no one else is entering the at-risk system, and that security can gain access to the system during an attack.
Learn More About Ethical Hacking
LeTourneau University offers certification in ethical hacking, as well a number of other cybersecurity degrees and programs. As a cybersecurity student, you'll have the opportunity to learn from faculty who have decades of real-world experience fighting cyber crime. With an emphasis on Christian values and a focus on hands-on learning, the experience of studying ethical hacking online at LeTourneau University prepares aspiring professionals of any age to become the first line of defense in today’s growing cybersecurity industry.
