becoming a certified ethical hacker

Network Security Degrees: Becoming a Certified Ethical Hacker

Network security is a growing concern for anyone who works with or uses computers and the internet. Unsecure networks and security breaches can have devastating effects when unauthorized users gain access to sensitive information or when systems are shut down due to a network attack. Certified Ethical Hackers strive to increase overall network security and to combat malicious attacks before they occur.

What is a Certified Ethical Hacker?

The term ‘hacker’ is most often associated with computer virus attacks, Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, malicious software and system breaches that compromise secure, private information. Hackers who perform malicious and illegal acts are known as ‘black hat’ or unethical hackers.

‘White hat’ hackers use the same skills and abilities as ‘black hat’ hackers, except they work to help prevent virus attacks, stop DDoS attacks and work to make networks impenetrable to keep information safe. While hacking is generally illegal and done with the intent of causing harm, Certified Ethical Hackers operate within the law and help businesses and organizations maintain secure networks by testing, hacking into and securing their systems.

Through training and experience, Certified Ethical Hackers demonstrate the skills, knowledge and code of ethics necessary to differentiate themselves from malicious hackers.

Who Hires Ethical Hackers?

With the increase in technology use and reliance, the demand for ethical hackers continues to increase. Viruses become more complex, DDoS attacks become more sophisticated, and security issues become the highest priority. Malicious hackers continue to find ways to penetrate even the most secure systems and threaten the privacy and security of the networks they attack.

Anti-virus and network security companies often hire Certified Ethical Hackers to test the effectiveness of their software and services before offering them to the public. Private companies and government organizations hire Certified Ethical Hackers to find holes in their security systems, build stronger and more secure networks, and to help detect and prevent malicious attacks. 

Degree Requirements for Becoming a Certified Ethical Hacker

While it is possible to become a certified ethical hacker without a specific degree, most companies and government organizations will expect a CEH to have a related degree and experience in the field. The certificate program is most beneficial to those who are already working in the network security field or who currently have (or are working towards) a network security degree.

Other degree programs that fit well with the ethical hacker certification program include those related to information technology, network security, computer information systems and homeland security. Experience in writing code and working with systems such as Linux is also beneficial.

How to Become Certified as an Ethical Hacker

In order to obtain certification as an ethical hacker, you will need to take certification preparation courses where you’ll learn many of the same techniques used by malicious hackers to scan, test, hack and secure personal information systems, secure web servers and wireless networks.

Ethical hacking courses also cover the differences between ethical and unethical hacking, legal issues related to hacking and appropriate hacker ethics and behavior. You will learn how to identify and investigate a specific target, find vulnerabilities in different operating systems and web servers, and perform various hacking techniques.

By the end of the certification program, you will have completely penetrated both a personal and wireless network, eliminated the threat, and secured the network. Once you have completed the preparation courses, you can schedule to take the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) Exam.

Take the First Step Toward a Degree as a Certified Ethical Hacker

Interested in hacking to help? Contact ECPI University today for more information about becoming a certified ethical hacker. To get the foundation you need to succeed in computer security, ask about enrolling in our Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer and Information Science with a concentration in Network Security. Call today—it could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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