should hackers be hired by companies to identify system vulnerabilities

Introduction：

Ethical Hacking Jobs ♂

　　Ethical Hacking is highly in demand as it helps businesses identify weaknesses in IT systems and create security measures. Organizations use ethical hacking to streamline an uninterrupted and dynamic digital infrastructure. To tackle the impending threat of cyber attacks, organizations need ethical hacking expertise. There are a great many certified ethical hacker jobs from around the world which you can explore with Tutorial Point’s assistance.

　　Ethical hacking is a profound practice in businesses to look for vulnerabilities in a system or an application. It helps in identifying crucial points in infrastructure that hackers can use to exploit. Ethical hacking has proven to be an efficient way to prevent security breaches and cyberattacks. It involves breaking into the networks lawfully and looking for vulnerabilities.

　　Ethical Hacking Jobs page is a dedicated space created to bring all prominent ethical hacker vacancy roles from around the world to your screen. It is a subpart of the Tutorials Point Jobs page that uses an ever-amplifying database of job opportunities across prominent industries.

　　Millions of learners benefit from Tutorials Point as it provides a great many resources for self-paced upskilling. From free text tutorials library to organized video courses and certifications, the platform hosts all kinds of learning material for your growth. With the latest Job Search feature, the platform intends to help learners land their dream jobs along with learning a new technology.

　　Ethical hackers conduct controlled authorized hacking that would uncover flaws in the security systems, strengthen access controls, and help in creating measures to mitigate risks. Organizations require ethical hackers as they are capable of identifying and exposing vulnerabilities in networks, applications, and computer systems before they can be exploited by someone with malicious intent.

　　Ethical hackers help organizations in overall security, prevent potential cyberattacks, and protect crucial and sensitive information. Let us look at some of the common responsibilities of an ethical hacker:

　　Ethical hackers must conduct thorough security audits of the networks, systems, and applications. They must review the security measures in place, security policies drafted, configurations, access control, etc., and identify areas that need to be improved and recommend methods to enhance security. They must also check if the security measures currently in place are in compliance with industry standards, regulations, and best practices.

　　Ethical hackers must conduct detailed assessments of the networks, applications, and computer systems. Doing this will help identify the vulnerabilities and weaknesses in the security systems before a hacker does. The assessment involves examining all entry points in a system using various scanning tools and techniques.

　　Simulating real-world attacks by performing controlled and authorized hacking attempts on systems and networks. In this process, ethical hackers exploit identifiable vulnerabilities and gain unauthorized access to the system. This helps in assessing the security controls that are in place, understanding the gaps in the security systems, and creating better security measures.

　　Reporting and documenting the findings will help in keeping a check on vulnerabilities and suggest recommendations for the system. The reports have information on the vulnerabilities that can be exploited and potential risks. The reports also include strategies to mitigate those risks and help organizations improve their security standards.

　　Ethical hackers must collaborate with network administrators, system administrators, software developers, and other cybersecurity professionals to discuss vulnerabilities and recommend security measures and controls. They provide consultation and expert advice to the management on improving the security system.

　　Ethical hackers are expected to know how to tackle the new emerging threats in the IT industry. So, it is important for them to stay current with the latest trends in cyber security. Keep a check on the latest hacking techniques, new emerging vulnerabilities, attack vectors, tools, and technologies to understand and counter potential threats.

　　Cyber threats are constantly evolving resulting in a promising job security for ethical hackers. As organizations and individuals are relying more and more on new avenues of technology, the need for skilled ethical hacking professionals is becoming more crucial to fight cyber threats. There is a tremendous growth potential for ethical hackers as they are the ones that stand forefront of the defense.According to the Cost of Data Breach Report 2023 by IBM, the average cost of a data breach in 2023 globally was $4.45 million USD. This is a 15% increase over 3 years.According to the Cybersecurity Ventures Cybercrime Report, global cybercrime losses are estimated to cost up to $10.5 trillion by 2025.In March 2023, a National Cybersecurity Strategy 2023 was announced by the administration of US President, Joe Biden. It is intended to boost the resilience of public and private sector cyber security and tackle cyber criminals.According to the World Economic Forum, the demand for skilled cybersecurity experts will continue to grow as the cybersecurity market itself is projected to become $370 billion worth by 2029.

　　If you are looking for specific Ethical Hacking certifications, the following are the popular and crucial certifications that can boost your ethical hacking career.CompTIA PenTest+GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN)Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) CertificationComputer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI)Certified Security Testing Associate (CSTA)Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)

　　The following ethical hacking roles are some of the high-paid and high-in-demand job positions in the IT industry.

　　Penetration testers or pen testers play an important role in identifying security vulnerabilities and resolving them before they affect digital assets and networks. Penetration testers are expected to have an understanding of the IT and security systems and know how to test them for vulnerabilities. Network and application security, and programming languages such as Python, BASH, Ruby, Java, and Perl, are some of the skills necessary for this role.

　　A Security Consultant pinpoints the vulnerabilities in networks, computer systems, applications, and software programs, and designs solutions to protect them from cyber-attacks. Pen testing, Firewall safety, programming, strategizing, problem-solving, troubleshooting, and communication are some of the crucial skills required for this role.

　　Ethical hackers are often also referred to as ‘white hat hackers’. They break into computers and networks legally to put the overall security of an organization to the test. They possess all the skills a hacker needs but use their knowledge to enhance the security of an organization instead of exploiting or damaging it. Networking, database handling, operating systems, Python, etc., are some of the essential skills required for an ethical hacker.

　　A Cyber Security Analyst is responsible for preventing cyber attacks on a company’s network and systems. They are expected to create contingency plans, review suspicious activities, report security breaches, educate the team and rest of the organization on security measures, and research the latest IT trends. Cybersecurity Analysts need to have good practical knowledge of various security techniques and technologies, including network and application firewalls, host intrusion prevention, and anti-virus. They must also be able to identify and assess threats, risks, trends, and patterns.

　　Information Security Analysts must monitor the networks in an organization to identify security breaches. They must be skilled in using and maintaining software such as firewalls and data encryption programs to protect crucial and sensitive information. They also check the computer and network systems to check for vulnerabilities. Network infrastructure, analytical, security management frameworks, data privacy and regulations, and communications, are some of the crucial skills required to become an Information Security Analyst.

　　Below is a non-exhaustive list of top companies that are hiring ethical hackers:LenovoGoogleBank of AmericaHackerRankStellantisIBMTestLittle CaesarsBreachLockSynackBugcrowdRaxisCrowdStrikeHackerOne, and more!

　　Check out the ethical hacking openings posted on the Ethical Hacking Jobs page to find other profound organizations that are looking for ethical hackers.

　　Follow the tips below to create a compelling ethical hacking resume:

　　Make sure your contact information is comprehensive and that you state your objective, clearly and concisely. In your objective or summary show your passion for ethical hacking and what you bring to the organization.

　　Give a brief on your education. An IT or computer science background has more chances of getting your resume picked. If you have worked on any projects related to ethical hacking in your college, mention it.

　　Certifications are a great way to emphasize your expertise with or without a college degree. Mentioning A certification in popular ethical hacking programs such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) or Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) can benefit you greatly.

　　Mention all the ethical hacking skills you possess in this section so that employers and recruiters can find the required skills effortlessly. Mention proficiency in cyber security tools such as Metasploit and Wireshark, operating systems, and programming languages such as Python or Java. As vulnerability assessments and pen testing are crucial for an ethical hacker, explain how you’ve implemented them clearly.

　　Give details on your work experience as an ethical hacker in this space. Mention your work, your job title, the name of the organization, and your responsibilities. Highlight your achievements more than your participation. If you are a fresher, explain the projects you have worked on so far.

　　Projects are a great way to show your expertise for any IT role. Even without any full-time experience as an ethical hacker, you can still land a high-paying ethical hacker salary job if you can show your expertise. Take projects through internship for ethical hackers or freelancing and build a portfolio that would speak of your knowledge in the field.

　　Along with technical skills, ethical hackers need to have soft skills as they have to collaborate with diverse teams constantly. Mention soft skills like team player, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

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Arguments in Favor

Proactive Security:
- Ethical hackers simulate real-world attacks, uncovering weaknesses that internal teams might miss due to familiarity or resource constraints.
- Example: Bug bounty programs (e.g., Google, Microsoft) crowdsource vulnerability discovery, leveraging diverse expertise.
Cost-Effectiveness:
- Preventing breaches is cheaper than remediation. IBM's 2023 report found the average data breach cost $4.45 million, which proactive testing could mitigate.
Regulatory Compliance:
- Industries like finance and healthcare (under regulations like PCI DSS, HIPAA) often require third-party security assessments.
Enhanced Trust:
- Demonstrating commitment to security boosts customer and investor confidence.
Skill Gap Mitigation:
- Many organizations lack in-house expertise. Ethical hackers provide specialized skills on-demand.

Key Considerations & Risks

Legal and Ethical Boundaries:
- Authorization is critical: Unauthorized testing is illegal. Contracts must define scope, methods, and data handling.
- Reputation risks: Poorly managed programs might lead to public leaks or distrust.
Vetting and Trust:
- Hire certified professionals (e.g., CEH, OSCP) or vetted platforms like HackerOne.
- Background checks and non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) mitigate insider threats.
Operational Risks:
- Aggressive testing could disrupt systems. Clear rules of engagement (e.g., no denial-of-service attacks) are essential.
Response Preparedness:
- Companies must prioritize and patch vulnerabilities quickly to avoid exploitation post-discovery.

Best Practices

Structured Programs: Use bug bounties, penetration testing, or red-team exercises tailored to organizational needs.
Transparency: Inform stakeholders (e.g., employees, clients) to maintain trust.
Continuous Testing: Cyber threats evolve; regular assessments are crucial.
Collaboration: Integrate ethical hackers with internal IT/security teams for knowledge transfer.