Introduction：
1、How to Become an Ethical Hacker： Career & Salary Guide
2、Ask an Expert： Where Do Ethical Hackers Work？
How to Become an Ethical Hacker： Career & Salary Guide ♂
Is hacking ever considered a good thing? You might be surprised to learn that hacking, when done ethically, can play a crucial role in enhancing cybersecurity measures. Ethical hacking has increased in popularity, especially due to updated policies from the U.S. Department of Justice that guarantees those conducting “good faith security research” — in other words, ethical hacking — cannot be prosecuted.
Ethical hackers, also known as white hat hackers, are an increasingly important position in the cybersecurity landscape, often using their skills and knowledge to help protect key digital information by assessing an organization’s vulnerabilities and risk.
This guide will explore the details of the ethical hacker position, including the skills, education and certifications needed to succeed in the field and the various career opportunities available for anyone interested in pursuing this type of important role, which InfoSec describes as a? “legitimate and fast-growing profession.”
Ethical hacking involves identifying vulnerabilities in an organization’s applications, systems or infrastructure that could be exploited by attackers. Ethical hackers legally infiltrate these systems to proactively detect and address weak points and potential security risks, thereby preventing cyberattacks and security breaches.
In short, ethical hackers are paid to try to break into computer systems. It is often said that, to excel at their jobs, these professionals must think like a malicious hacker in order to block intruders from illegally infiltrating networks and systems to engage in criminal activity.
Generally speaking, and depending on the needs of their employers, ethical hackers are engaged in such activities as penetration testing, vulnerability assessments and a range of other strategies intended to keep their organizations safe from attacks of all kinds. This can include:
For private-sector ethical hackers, this usually means protecting company assets; for those employed by the government, the work will often involve defending national security by protecting systems and secrets from terrorists or hostile nations.
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Here is a breakdown of the different types of hackers:
White hat hackers are cybersecurity professionals who are hired to find vulnerabilities in software, hardware and networks that may be susceptible to attacks. They report on those vulnerabilities and often play a role in securing such weak spots. White hat hackers use many of the same methods, tools and techniques as their black hat counterparts.
Black hat hackers illegally break into victims’ networks to disrupt systems, steal or destroy data, conduct espionage or sometimes to engage in some malicious mischief just to prove they can. Black hat hackers typically have extensive knowledge about circumventing security protocols and cracking into computer networks. Some are also adept at writing malware used to infiltrate systems.
The gray hat hacker combines key traits of both white and black hackers; for example, probing a system for vulnerabilities without malicious intent but also without the owner’s knowledge or permission. If they find vulnerabilities, they would likely report them to the owner, along with a request for a fee to fix the issue. If the owner does not respond or comply, then the gray hat activity can get a little darker.
Those are the big three, but there are also lesser-known designations, as well:
Green hat hacker typically describes an amateur, novice or newcomer — someone who is eager and intrigued about hacking but lacks advanced technical skills and education. Many in this category are interested in expanding their skills and becoming more deeply involved in the world of hacking.
The term blue hat hackers can apply to two very different individuals. One is an amateur hacker who is motivated by seeking revenge. The other, typically styled “BlueHat,” refers to a security professional who is contracted by a company to inspect software for vulnerabilities (such as Microsoft and Windows).
The red-hat hacker is the sworn enemy of the black-hat — often characterized as vigilantes because of their reputation for going after the lawbreakers. Red hats seek out malicious hackers, but not just to report them; they are known for using sophisticated techniques to shut them down or even to disrupt or destroy their computers.
Hacktivists are hackers-activists who are politically motivated and hack into the network of a government agency, multinational corporation or other entity to further their goals.
Script Kiddies
“Script kiddie” is slang for an inexperienced hacker who relies on pre-existing scripts and software to execute attacks.
Gaming hackers exploit video game tactics,trends and vulnerabilities to trick online players into disclosing personal information such as payment details or login credentials.
These elite hackers are among the best in the field, possessing the remarkable ability to identify and create new security breaches and attacks.
Though the positions are closely related, there are some distinct differences between ethical hackers and penetration testers.
Ethical hackers may have a variety of responsibilities, including vulnerability assessments, social engineering and penetration testing. Penetration testers, also known as pen testers, try to exploit vulnerabilities in a specific way; their main goal is to test an organization’s cybersecurity measures.
Penetration tester positions may also require more specific certifications, such as the? Certified Penetration Testing Professional.
The cybercrime epidemic is an increasingly expensive one that requires multiple layers of solutions. No system is impenetrable, and many have vulnerabilities or back-end points of access that developers or administrators may not know about — leaving them vulnerable to hackers. Ethical hacking is considered essential both for companies looking to safeguard their information and assets, and for governments looking to defend people and shared infrastructure from wrongdoers.
With trillions of dollars at stake, data breaches are so common that the ever-growing list of high-profile victims is filled with well-known names across all sectors, including:
In 2023, the global average cost of a data breach was $4.45 million, which is a 15% increase over three years, according to IBM.
Here are some additional numbers to keep in mind:
Amid the ongoing wave of cybercrime, it is easy to see why demand is so high for cybersecurity professionals in general and ethical hackers, in particular. According to BuiltIn, the top companies looking for ethical hackers include IBM, Google, Synack, Raxis and VikingCloud, but the list of companies looking to employ skilled professionals is much longer.
A recent search for “ethical hacking” jobs on LinkedIn reveals several thousand positions at a range of well-known organizations, including Bank of America, the National Football League, Freddie Mac, Raytheon, GEICO, Campbell’s, Garmin, JetBlue, Citi and more.
Common job titles within the field of ethical hacking include:
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The skills required for such jobs will vary greatly depending on the position and the organization. To earn the highly sought-after Certified Ethical Hacker credential, the EC-Council, which administers the certification program, lists the following skills as needed to pass the exam:
The EC-Council also suggests that aspiring ethical hackers be proficient in multiple coding languages such as Python, SQL, PHP, Java, C and C++.
Salary estimates for cybersecurity positions related to ethical hacking vary significantly based on the methodologies used and because figures are often adjusted in real time based on changing data. Here are some recent ethical hacker salary snapshots from leading online employment and cybersecurity websites:
In addition, another type of ethical hacker — freelance “bug bounty” hunters — can earn large paychecks. Private companies and government agencies both augment their security systems by inviting freelance hackers to hunt down bugs that threaten their overall security.
Education and experience are key. A strong background or bachelor’s degree in computer science is extremely helpful. Early career experience can be gained by working in network support, network engineering or in any number of positions related to information security.
It’s also important to stay on top of the latest cybersecurity trends and news. Join cybersecurity-related networks and associations and consider participating in relevant conferences such as Black Hat and DefCon.
To gain additional experience, consider freelance work, which would allow you to create a portfolio. Continuous education such as a bootcamp or master’s degree program can also provide additional industry knowledge and skills.
Professional certifications also play a key role in the ethical hacker employment landscape. The CompTIA Security+ certification is often the first one cybersecurity professionals earn; the EC-Council’s Certified Ethical Hacker (C|EH) credential is sought after by many employers hiring ethical hackers. Other popular cybersecurity certifications include:
Some cybersecurity employers require or prefer a master’s degree, but advanced education is not called for in all roles. However, earning an advanced degree is attractive to many current and aspiring cybersecurity professionals for important reasons. For example, earning your degree:
The University of San Diego, a highly regarded cybersecurity industry thought leader and education provider, offers a 100% online Master of Science in Cyber Security Operations and Leadership and a Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering degree (online or on-campus) that can be completed in as little as 20 months.
Cybersecurity is a fast-growing, high-paying field with a range of different types of job openings. Which role might be ideal for you? Take a moment to explore some of the other exciting careers in cybersecurity:
Cybersecurity Architect
Penetration Tester
Security Consultant
Network Administrator
System Administrator
Cybersecurity Analyst
Security Auditor
Cybersecurity Specialist
Cybersecurity Consultant
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Public Affairs, “Department of Justice Announces New Policy for Charging Cases under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/department-justice-announces-new-policy-charging-cases-under-computer-fraud-and-abuse-act.”
InfoSec, “The rise of ethical hacking: Protecting businesses in 2024, https://www.infosecinstitute.com/resources/hacking/rise-ethical-hacking/.”
Panda Security, “14 Types of Hackers to Watch Out For, https://www.pandasecurity.com/en/mediacenter/14-types-of-hackers-to-watch-out-for/.”
Check Point, “What is Hacktivism?, https://www.checkpoint.com/cyber-hub/threat-prevention/what-is-hacktivism/.”
Norton, “15 types of hackers + hacking protection tips for 2024, https://us.norton.com/blog/emerging-threats/types-of-hackers.”
University of San Diego, “Penetration Testers on the Front Lines of Cyber Security, https://onlinedegrees.sandiego.edu/vulnerability-and-penetration-testing/.”
EC-Council, “Introduction to Certified Penetration Testing (C|PENT), https://www.eccouncil.org/train-certify/certified-penetration-testing-professional-cpent/.”
Fortinet, “What Is a Data Breach?, https://www.fortinet.com/resources/cyberglossary/data-breach.”
IBM, “Cost of a Data Breach Report 2023, https://www.ibm.com/reports/data-breach.”
Forbes, “Cybersecurity Stats: Facts And Figures You Should Know, https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/it-and-tech/cybersecurity-statistics/.”
Help Net Security, “1 out of 3 breaches go undetected, https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2024/06/24/detecting-breaches-struggle-in-organizations/.”
The HIPAA Journal, “Healthcare Data Breach Statistics, https://www.hipaajournal.com/healthcare-data-breach-statistics/.”
BuiltIn, “Top 5 Companies Hiring Ethical Hackers, https://builtin.com/articles/companies-hiring-ethical-hackers.”
University of San Diego, “How to Become a Security Consultant [Career Guide], https://onlinedegrees.sandiego.edu/how-to-become-a-security-consultant-career-guide/.”
University of San Diego, “Cybersecurity Architect [Career Outlook, Job Duties, Salaries], https://onlinedegrees.sandiego.edu/cyber-security-architect/.”
EC-Council, “97% Choose (C|EH) for Career Growth, https://www.eccouncil.org/train-certify/certified-ethical-hacker-ceh-v12/.”
University of San Diego, “A Complete Guide to Cybersecurity Coding, https://onlinedegrees.sandiego.edu/cyber-security-coding/.”
ZipRecruiter, “Penetration Tester Salary, https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Penetration-Tester-Salary.”
Cyberseek, “Cybersecurity Career Pathway, https://www.cyberseek.org/pathway.html.”
Salary.com, “Ethical Hacker Salary in the United States,?https://www.salary.com/research/salary/posting/ethical-hacker-salary“
Dark Reading, “White-Hat Bug Bounty Programs Draw Inspiration from the Old West, https://www.darkreading.com/application-security/white-hat-bug-bounty-programs-draw-inspiration-from-the-old-west.”
University of San Diego, “Cybersecurity Bootcamps vs. Degrees, https://onlinedegrees.sandiego.edu/cybersecurity-bootcamp-vs-degree/.”
University of San Diego, “Top Cyber Security Certifications: Which Ones Are Right for You?, https://onlinedegrees.sandiego.edu/is-a-cyber-security-certification-right-for-you/.”
University of San Diego, “Is the CEH Certificate Worth It? [12 Points to Consider], https://onlinedegrees.sandiego.edu/ceh-certification/.”
University of San Diego, “Is the CISSP Certification Worth It?, https://onlinedegrees.sandiego.edu/blog-cissp-certification/.”
University of San Diego, “Getting Your CISA Certification [10 Points to Consider], https://onlinedegrees.sandiego.edu/cisa-certification/.”
University of San Diego, “10 Reasons Why a Cyber Security Degree is Worth It, https://onlinedegrees.sandiego.edu/10-reasons-to-get-your-masters-degree-in-cyber-security/.”
University of San Diego, “How to Become a Network Administrator [Career & Salary Guide]“https://onlinedegrees.sandiego.edu/network-administrator-career-salary-guide/.”
University of San Diego, “Cybersecurity Holds Opportunity for Systems Administrators, https://onlinedegrees.sandiego.edu/systems-administrator/.”
University of San Diego, “How to Become a Cybersecurity Analyst: 7-Step Career Guide [+ Salary], https://onlinedegrees.sandiego.edu/cybersecurity-analyst-career-guide/.”
University of San Diego, “How to Become a Security Auditor [+ Career & Salary Guide], https://onlinedegrees.sandiego.edu/cyber-security-auditor-career-guide/.”
University of San Diego, “How to Become a Cybersecurity Specialist [+ Career & Salary Guide], https://onlinedegrees.sandiego.edu/cyber-security-specialist-career-guide/.”
University of San Diego, “Is a Career as a Highly Paid Cybersecurity Consultant Right for You?, https://onlinedegrees.sandiego.edu/how-to-become-cybersecurity-consultant/.”
University of San Diego, “What is a Chief Security Officer? — High Demand, ‘Skyrocketing’ Pay for CSOs, https://onlinedegrees.sandiego.edu/what-is-a-chief-security-officer-high-demand-skyrocketing-pay-for-csos/.”
KnowledgeHut, “Top 18 Most Famous Ethical Hackers in the World, https://www.knowledgehut.com/blog/security/most-famous-ethical-hackers.”
Ask an Expert： Where Do Ethical Hackers Work？ ♂
When you have a difficult question, it’s always best to turn to a subject matter expert for answers. In our blog series, Ask An Expert, National University faculty take turns answering challenging questions in their areas of expertise.
In this post, we put the focus on ethical hacking. We spoke with Alan Watkins, Core Adjunct Professor in Cybersecurity & Information Assurance at National University, about the role of the ethical hacker and the employment opportunities in this exciting field.
If you are interested in pursuing a cybersecurity career, ethical hacking offers an opportunity to work in? a rapidly evolving area of IT where you will join dedicated professionals who keep us all safe from the ever-present and growing threat of cybercriminal activities. So what exactly is an ethical hacker, and where do ethical hackers work?
The word “hacker” conjures up all sorts of negative imagery, often linked to criminality and the darker side of the web. But not all hackers work in seedy, darkened rooms, seeking to exploit the vulnerabilities of the computer networks and systems that corporations, governments, and individuals use every day. Ethical hackers are the good guys, charged with keeping us safe, and they work for some of the biggest and brightest (not to mention law-abiding) organizations in the world.
According to Professor Alan Watkins, who continues to work in the cybersecurity industry as a consultant while teaching in National University’s bachelor degree in cybersecurity online program, there is very good reason why ethical hackers, or “penetration testers” as he prefers to call them, are becoming a more common presence in the workplace.
“Criminal hacking is a business,” says Watkins. “In fact, it’s more than that. It’s a ten-hundred billion dollar business annually in the criminal cyberworld.”
As this illicit business continues to threaten the economic security of companies, organizations, and governments, the job of defending our networks, systems, and digital assets becomes more “business critical.”
According to Watkins, cybercriminals have a diverse agenda, ranging from wanton mischief-making to theft and extortion and even active terrorism and cyber warfare. Regardless of their motivation, the criminal hacker is a persistent and virulent threat.
“Cybercriminals are always one-step-ahead of cybersecurity experts,” says Watkins. “As the tools to attack networks and systems become more readily available on the dark web, the threat widens to include less sophisticated criminal gangs who can launch cyberattacks by simply renting, leasing or buying illicit software and following the instructions that come with the package.”
As cybercriminals continue to apply more pressure on the networks and systems they attack, the demand for skilled IT security professionals to fight back and devise robust defensive strategies is on the increase.
Watkins believes that there is already a dramatic shortfall of qualified people to fill these roles and estimates there could be as many as 2.5 million unfilled positions in the cybersecurity industry in the next 12 months. As demand far outstrips supply, this increases the earning potential of cybersecurity professionals with the right skill set and qualifications. In this “seller’s market” salaries are often in excess of $100,000.
You will find ethical hackers employed across a wide range of industries and government agencies, from big technology and internet companies to law enforcement agencies — and even in the military where Cyber Command plays an increasingly important role in the defense of the nation.
At any given time, a quick search on the professional social network LinkedIn reveals the names of many instantly recognizable brands recruiting ethical hackers. You’ll find names like Bank of America, Boeing, Citi, Deloitte, IBM, Lenovo, Verizon, and Walmart all looking for these highly-skilled professionals.
There is also a significant opportunity for ethical hackers to offer their services on a freelance basis, providing consultative services to small and medium-sized businesses or bounty hunting for security vulnerabilities, something a growing number of companies actively promote to the ethical hacking community.
The National University bachelor degree in cybersecurity online and on-campus program provides students with the skills they need to launch and advance their career as an ethical hacker.
As well as developing the technical skills and strategies required to defend systems and networks against cyberattack (often using the same tools used by criminal hackers), students also work on their communication skills. These skills are especially important for helping students to become more effective security resources in any type of organization.
“Translating the risk cybercriminals present into ‘business reality’ so that everyone understands the threat, is often the first step to securing an organization’s systems,” says Watkins.
To take your first step into the world of ethical hacking and to explore the skills you need to begin a career in the cybersecurity field, please visit our program page to request more information.
Related questions
If you're preparing for HackerEarth challenges as part of ValueLabs' hiring process, here's a structured guide to help you prepare effectively:
1. Understanding the Process
- ValueLabs (an IT services and consulting company) often uses platforms like HackerEarth to assess coding, problem-solving, and technical skills.
- Challenges typically involve algorithmic problems, data structures, system design, or domain-specific tasks (e.g., web development, automation, or QA for roles like SDET).
2. Challenge Format
- Coding Questions: Solve 2–3 problems within a time limit (e.g., 60–90 minutes). Difficulty ranges from easy to medium-hard (arrays, strings, trees, dynamic programming, etc.).
- MCQs: May include topics like programming concepts, databases, OOP, or logical reasoning.
- Domain-Specific Tasks: For specialized roles (e.g., front-end development, API design, or automation scripting).
3. Key Topics to Focus On
- Algorithms: Sorting, searching, recursion, DP, graph traversal (BFS/DFS).
- Data Structures: Arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, hash tables.
- Problem-Solving: Practice efficiency (time/space complexity) and edge cases.
- System Design Basics (for senior roles): Scalability, APIs, database design.
- Language Proficiency: Java, Python, C#, or JavaScript (align with ValueLabs' tech stack).
4. Preparation Tips
- Practice on HackerEarth: Use their practice portal for mock challenges.
- LeetCode/CodeChef: Solve problems tagged under "interview preparation."
- Review Core Concepts: OOP, SQL, OS fundamentals, and debugging.
- Time Management: Simulate timed tests to improve speed.
- Mock Tests: Take HackerEarth's sample tests to adapt to the platform’s interface.
5. Day of the Challenge
- Read instructions carefully (input/output format, constraints).
- Start with easier problems to secure quick points.
- Test code with edge cases (empty inputs, large values).
6. After the Challenge
- Shortlisted candidates may face further rounds (technical interviews, HR discussions).
- Prepare to explain your solutions and discuss projects/resume.
7. Stay Updated
- Check ValueLabs’ careers page or HackerEarth’s challenges section for updates on openings.
- Follow ValueLabs on LinkedIn for hiring announcements.
Example Problem (Medium Difficulty)
Task: Given an array of integers, find the longest subarray with a sum less than or equal to k.
Approach: Use a sliding window or prefix sum + binary search.
Code Skeleton (Python):
def longest_subarray(arr, k):
max_length = 0
current_sum = 0
start = 0
for end in range(len(arr)):
current_sum += arr[end]
while current_sum > k:
current_sum -= arr[start]
start += 1
max_length = max(max_length, end - start + 1)
return max_length
Final Notes
- ValueLabs may emphasize clean code, modularity, and testability in solutions.
- For roles like SDET, expect questions on automation frameworks (Selenium) or testing methodologies.
Good luck! Practice consistently and analyze past solutions to improve efficiency.
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