Today we are looking at ethical hacking. With cyber-security becoming more and more of a priority for governments, businesses, and individuals, ethical hackers are already in high demand.
Why Become An Ethical Hacker?
Ethical hackers are data-focused, detail-oriented problem-solvers and critical thinkers. They aim to find and fix problems and loopholes in systems, networks and/or applications. Ethical hackers are responsible for outsmarting malicious hackers and protecting highly valuable information from potential attacks. They work well in teams, love solving puzzles, and have a keen curiosity about how things operate.
Ethical hackers are basically the ‘white hats’ (or ‘good guys’) of the hacking world. They are trained professionals hired by companies to use their skills for good, working professionally and ethically on the right side of cybersecurity.
As an ethical hacker, one will be working for big companies, government agencies, security firms or other organisations who will hire them to keep their information safe and secure. These clients will require the person to legally hack into company networks to look at network security, find and fix potential dangers, and create solutions to patch serious security risks or fight off harmful attackers. One will become a trusted advisor, developing IT policies and provide valuable strategies to individuals or companies about how they can fight back against cyber threats.
Ethical Hackers Think Outside The Box
Ethical hackers are the ultimate problem-solvers. To stop dangerous hackers from accessing sensitive information, one will have to think creatively, like a hacker. That means staying one step ahead of criminals and fraudsters in order to beat them at their own game before they can do any major damage.
Ethical Hackers Constantly Challenge Themselves
The world of cybersecurity is an ever-changing space, so one will always be on their toes, racing against the clock to find and fix vulnerabilities and prevent fraud. They will be at the forefront of technological innovation, constantly putting their abilities to the test.
One Will Learn Skills That Employers Are Looking For
If one studies to become an ethical hacker, they will learn key skills in Java, SQL, SharePoint, Adobe Photoshop and website development — all job-specific skills commonly requested by employers. Working in teams, the person will also develop skills in collaboration, communication and customer service. They will also immerse themself in project management, honing their abilities in quality assurance and project planning, and being detail-oriented.
Ethical Hackers Are In-demand All Over The World
With more connectivity between countries and people, cyber-attacks are increasing — and are making more impact across the world than ever before. The need for strong cybersecurity has never been more important, so more and more big organizations, companies, and government institutions are actively hiring ethical hackers to test their systems and keep them safe and secure.
Students who study subjects within the Technologists Cluster have adaptable, flexible employability and strong career prospects. In particular, security specialists are more in demand locally and overseas.
Education Pathways To Ethical Hacking
To qualify to become an ethical hacker and work in cybersecurity, one may need to complete a relevant Bachelor qualification in a related field. Relevant career pathways may include:
- Information technology
- Software engineering
- Web design and production
- Entrepreneurship and innovation
What Makes A Successful Hacker?
“The best coders are those who play around by themselves,” says Glenn ‘Devalias’ Grant, a developer, ethical hacker, mentor, entrepreneur and highly successful graduate of Canberra University’s Technologist Cluster. “That self-motivated curiosity and learning make all the difference.”
Grant began playing with computing and coding around the age of 12, developing a keen interest in how things work. After graduating from Canberra University’s Bachelor of Software Engineering program in 2009, Grant worked as a security analyst (as a part of the government’s Department of Human Services’ graduate program), and joined a local tech startup (Welcomer), before co-founding his own company, HACT.
He’s since made a successful career out of ethical hacking, receiving a number of innovation and entrepreneurial grants, and mentoring younger students interested in coding.
For Grant, studying to be an ethical hacker has been an incredibly rewarding pursuit.
“Penetration testing and ethical hacking are like what the bad guys do, but the big difference is that you’ve got permission to do it,” Grant says. “It’s all about thinking how the program might be put together, and where the vulnerabilities might be.”
Want To Study For A Future Career In Ethical Hacking?
Check out the multiple study pathways on offer at the University of Canberra by visiting their website. From Information Technology, Software Engineering, and Web Design and Production, to Entrepreneurship and Innovation, there’s a course that will help one on their path towards becoming an ethical hacker.
One can also check out the University of Canberra’s Future Career Finder to look up where one fits in the Technological Cluster, or find out whether ethical hacking is the perfect career for them.
The Bachelor of Information Technology (Networking and Security) in ATMC-Federation University enables a student to equip themself with critical knowledge in data and network security. Employment in this area has experienced strong growth over the last 10 years. The specialization in security will allow them to be on the frontline of the war in cyberspace and to become familiar with the methods attackers use. They will learn to investigate how security breaches occur, how private information is vulnerable and ways to protect it. They will develop an understanding of the security models provided by major operating systems involved in modern computer networks. Through lecture and lab work one will delve into networks, their protocols and hardware and investigate how these systems can be vulnerable to a malicious attack.
Throughout the program, a student will become familiar with the latest developments in IT and understand the different types of information technology tools and their applications. A student will develop an understanding of the organizational settings in which security systems are used and recognize the threats and opportunities of technology in business.
Career Opportunities
The constantly expanding information infrastructure has opened up many career opportunities for information systems graduates, ranging from the very technical to the very business-oriented. A variety of career opportunities exist in small, medium and large business and government in the major areas of Network administrator, Ethical Hacker, ICT security specialist, Network architecture and designer, Network and security officer and product security manager.
This course was accredited to the Professional Level by the Australian Computer Society (ACS).
(ATMC CRICOS CODE: 03013D)