May 28, 2025 Across the globe, cyber threats remain a growing threat for businesses and individuals alike. In fact, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC), approximately 343 million people fall victim to cyberattacks each year.
As a result, organizations need skilled cybersecurity professionals more than ever to test their security systems for vulnerabilities and defend against cyberattacks. Today, ethical hackers (also commonly known as white-hat hackers) use their skills legally and ethically to strengthen cybersecurity defenses and mitigate attacks for businesses and individuals.
Could a career in ethical hacking be right for you? There are a few things to know about this career path before you decide for yourself.
What Is Ethical Hacking?
The National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (NICCS) defines an ethical hacker as "an information security or network professional who uses various penetration test tools to uncover or fix vulnerabilities, [...] which can then be corrected to strengthen overall security."
Compared to malicious hackers, ethical hackers tend to work with companies, organizations, and government agencies to protect against threats before they are exploited. Typically, this is done through the use of penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, and other cybersecurity tools.
Why Is Ethical Hacking Important?
Perhaps more than ever, the work of ethical hackers has become incredibly important and relevant. With data breaches and cyber crimes becoming more frequent, companies rely on ethical hackers to:
- Identify vulnerabilities in their cybersecurity systems
- Address/fix security flaws before they can be exploited
- Protect sensitive information in industries like finance, healthcare, and government
- Ensure compliance with cybersecurity regulations, which prevents legal issues and maintains customer trust
What Does an Ethical Hacker Do?
While the exact duties and responsibilities of an ethical hacker may vary slightly from one organization to the next, the end goal remains the same: to test for, pinpoint, and rectify any security vulnerabilities within an organization's network systems.
Responsibilities of an Ethical Hacker
As part of their work, some common responsibilities that an ethical hacker may need to carry out on a regular basis include:
- Maintaining confidentiality between themselves and organizational leaders
- Carrying out detailed security assessments and simulations
- Addressing and responding to cybersecurity attacks or threats as they arise
- Maintaining compliance with regulatory standards that may apply to the organization regarding data handling, storage, or responding to a cyber attack
- Training employees on cybersecurity best practices and strategies to avoid falling victim to an attack
Common Ethical Hacking Techniques
Ethical hackers also use a variety of cybersecurity techniques in executing their work, including:
- Reconnaissance - Gathering information about an organization's cybersecurity systems and network to perform a more comprehensive and effective security assessment
- Scanning & Enumeration - Probing a network to gain more information on active hosts, usernames, network shares, and resources as a means of identifying vulnerabilities
- Exploitation & Privilege Escalation - Utilizing vulnerabilities to gain access or control over systems while gradually attempting to gain a higher level of control or permissions on the system/network itself
- Post-Exploitation & Reporting - Compiling information on proven security vulnerabilities to demonstrate weaknesses and making recommendations to decision-makers in an effort to minimize future risks
Ethical Hacking vs. Malicious Hacking
The difference between ethical hacking and malicious (or black-hat) hacking ultimately boils down to intent. Malicious hackers aim to gain unauthorized access to computer systems and networks, often with the end goal of stealing personal information or other data. With ethical hacking, on the other hand, professionals have permission to test computer networks and systems for vulnerabilities. Even if/when they gain access to these systems, they act ethically and do not steal or misuse any information. Instead, they use their skills to help organizations address gaps in their cybersecurity strategies and reduce the risk of falling victim to real attacks.
Real-World Ethical Hacking Examples
Now that you have a better understanding of what ethical hacking entails, what does it look like in the real world? On any given day, an ethical hacker may decide to perform a mock social engineering attack on the organization they're assessing.
This may include, for instance, sending out a bogus email from an IT administrator instructing employees to click on a link and log in using their network credentials. From there, ethical hackers can get a better idea of how many employees would fall for a similar phishing scheme. If needed, ethical hackers can provide additional training to help employees recognize signs of a phishing email and avoid clicking on links that could lead to malware or other threats.
Career Opportunities for Ethical Hackers
Because cybersecurity has become such a hot topic, there is no shortage of career opportunities out there for ethical hackers with the right skills, experience, and credentials.
Industries Hiring Ethical Hackers
Many industries are actively hiring ethical hackers to help them test and improve their cybersecurity systems. Some of the industries that most commonly employ ethical hackers include:
- Government Agencies
- Financial Institutions
- Healthcare Organizations
- Technology & Software Companies
Entry-Level Ethical Hacker Jobs
Explore some common entry-level jobs for ethical hackers below:
- Security Analyst - Monitors security threats, performs vulnerability assessments, and assists in cybersecurity incident response
- Penetration Tester (Pen Tester) - Conducts controlled hacking attempts to test an organization's security defenses
- IT Security Specialist - Focuses on securing networks, systems, and applications against cyber threats
- Cybersecurity Analyst - Detects and mitigates security breaches using forensic analysis and threat detection tools
- Vulnerability Analyst - Identifies and reports security flaws in networks, applications, and operating systems
Mid-Level Ethical Hacker Jobs
As you gain more experience as an ethical hacker, you might advance into such mid-level roles as:
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) - Performs ethical hacking tasks, including penetration testing and security risk assessments
- Cybersecurity Consultant - Advises organizations on best security practices and strategies to strengthen their cyber defenses
- Red Team Operator - Works in ethical hacking teams simulating real-world attacks to identify vulnerabilities
- Incident Response Analyst - Investigates cybersecurity incidents, analyzes attack vectors, and helps prevent future breaches
- Security Engineer - Develops and implements security measures, working with penetration testers and security analysts
Senior-Level Ethical Hacker Jobs
More advanced roles in ethical hacking require extensive experience and may include:
- Senior Penetration Tester - Leads ethical hacking projects, manages security testing teams, and provides security recommendations
- Threat Intelligence Analyst - Gathers and analyzes cyber threat intelligence to predict and prevent attacks
- Security Architect - Designs and oversees the implementation of security solutions for enterprise networks and applications
- Ethical Hacking Team Lead - Manages a team of penetration testers and security researchers
- CISO (Chief Information Security Officer) - Oversees an organization’s entire cybersecurity strategy and ethical hacking efforts
How to Become an Ethical Hacker
Could a career in ethical hacking be right for you? Here are some steps you'll need to follow to break into the cybersecurity field as an ethical hacking professional.
Step 1: Earn a Cybersecurity or Information Security Degree
A relevant undergraduate degree, such as an information security or cybersecurity bachelor's, can provide you with the foundational knowledge and skills that you'll need to understand better computer systems, networking, penetration testing techniques, and more.
Step 2: Develop Technical and Cybersecurity Skills
Ethical hackers must have a wide range of technical skills under their belts. These can be developed as part of your degree program and beyond with additional practice. Some examples of the most critical technical proficiencies for ethical hackers include networking protocols, programming languages (including Python, Java, and C++), and operating systems. Ethical hackers must also know how to use ethical hacking tools, SQL, and data encryption/decryption in their everyday work.
Step 3: Earn an Ethical Hacking Certification
While not required for every ethical hacking role, having a formal certification can help you stand out from other job applicants and propel your career. One of the most in-demand certifications is Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), which you can obtain through the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Other popular certifications to consider include:
- CompTIA PenTest+
- Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI)
- Certified Security Testing Associate (CSTA)
Step 4: Gain Hands-On Experience
A little hands-on experience can also go a long way when it comes to advancing your career as an ethical hacker. In a degree program, you'll have plenty of opportunities to apply the techniques and skills you've learned in the classroom to ethical hacking practice. In some cases, you may even be able to secure an internship or mentorship role in the field.
Step 5: Apply for Ethical Hacker Jobs
With your degree and relevant certifications, all that's left to do is apply to entry-level ethical hacker jobs. These roles can be a great way to start earning money in the field while putting your skills into practice and gaining valuable experience.
Learn More About Shawnee State's Information Security Degree
For those who enjoy experimenting with computer/network systems and want to use their knowledge for good, a career in ethical hacking can be extremely fulfilling and rewarding. Whether you decide to work as an independent contractor, a government agency, or a large corporation, becoming an ethical hacker allows you to make a difference in the ongoing battle against cybercrime.
Interested in taking the next step towards becoming an ethical hacker? Shawnee State University's Information Security (Cybersecurity) Bachelor's Degree program could be right for you. This program's curriculum focuses on empowering students to detect and defend against network infrastructure attacks through penetration testing, digital forensics, and other methods. Learn more by reaching out to request information or get started with your online application today.