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How To Learn Ethical Hacking Your Step-by-Step [2025]
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How To Learn Ethical Hacking?
Do you want to make a career in the IT Industry with Ethical Hacking Skills? You can read this article explaining “How To Learn Ethical Hacking.” Moreover, several organizations are already offering a huge amount of career opportunities for IT Aspirants with ethical hacking skills.
In the end, we also mentioned one of the most reputed training grounds offering a dedicated training & certification program on ethical hacking skills for IT Aspirants. What are we waiting for? Let’s get straight to the point!
What is Ethical Hacking?
Testing computer systems, networks, or applications to find security flaws in a morally and legally acceptable manner is known as ethical hacking. Identifying and addressing flaws before malevolent hackers take advantage of them, helps businesses improve their cybersecurity.
White-hat hackers, another name for ethical hackers, adhere to stringent rules and get authorization before performing security audits. Let’s move forward and learn about “How To Learn Ethical Hacking?”
Understanding Different Types of Hackers
| S.No. | Types | What? |
| 1. | White Hat Hackers (Ethical Hackers) | Security experts use hacking expertise to find and address vulnerabilities with authorization. |
| 2. | Black Hat Hackers | People who take advantage of weaknesses for nefarious ends, like data theft or harm. |
| 3. | Gray Hat Hackers | Hackers work in the gray area, usually without malicious intent but occasionally discover vulnerabilities without authorization. |
| 4. | Red Hat Hackers | Hackers actively seek out and assault black-hat hackers in an effort to halt their malevolent actions. |
| 5. | Blue Hat Hackers | People frequently test the software before it is released to find vulnerabilities. |
| 6. | Green Hat Hackers | Novice hackers who are keen to learn and acquire experience. |
| 7. | Script Kiddies | People who use pre-made scripts and hacking tools without having a thorough understanding of the underlying technology. |
| 8. | Hacktivists | Hackers who support social or political causes through hacking. |
Why is Ethical Hacking Important?
Ethical Hacking is important for the following reasons:
- Proactive Vulnerability Identification: It enables businesses to identify security flaws before malevolent hackers can take advantage of them.
- Data Protection: It aids in preventing data breaches and leaks by protecting private information from unwanted access.
- Risk Mitigation: Organizations can evaluate and reduce possible security threats by simulating actual attacks.
- Improved Security Posture: It fortifies infrastructure and general security systems, increasing their resistance to cyberattacks.
- Regulatory Compliance: It assists businesses in adhering to data security compliance standards and industry regulations.
- Customer Trust: Using ethical hacking to show a dedication to security increases stakeholder and customer trust.
- Preventing Financial Losses: It can stop expensive monetary losses brought on by system outages, reputational harm, and data breaches.
- National Security: It is employed to defend sensitive government data and vital infrastructure against online attacks.
Essential Skills for Ethical Hacking Beginners
| S.No. | Skills | What? |
| 1. | Networking Fundamentals | Knowing the network protocols, DNS, TCP/IP, and routing. |
| 2. | Operating System Knowledge | Knowledge of the Windows and Linux operating systems. |
| 3. | Basic Programming | Knowledge of programming languages such as Bash or Python. |
| 4. | Cybersecurity Concepts | Awareness of malware, security best practices, and common vulnerabilities (such as SQL injection and XSS). |
| 5. | Virtualization | The capability of using virtual machines as a precaution. |
| 6. | Basic Cryptography | Comprehending the principles of hashing and encryption. |
| 7. | Problem-Solving Skills | Analytical reasoning and the capacity to solve challenging problems. |
| 8. | Ethical Awareness | Being aware of moral and legal limits. |
The Basics of Networking and Security for Ethical Hackers
The fundamentals of networking, such as IP addressing, protocols (TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP), and network equipment (firewalls, switches, and routers), must be understood by ethical hackers. Finding vulnerabilities requires an understanding of security principles like threat analysis, intrusion detection, encryption, and authentication.
Gaining an understanding of these ideas enables ethical hackers to successfully defend systems and stop online threats.
Building Your Ethical Hacking Lab: What You Need:
| S.No. | Factors | How? |
| 1. | Virtualization Software | Tools for creating isolated environments include VMware and VirtualBox. |
| 2. | Operating Systems | a) Vulnerable operating systems like Metasploitable and Linux distributions like Kali Linux (for penetration testing).
b) For testing, use Windows OS. |
| 3. | Networking Equipment (Virtual) | Your virtualization software contains virtual switches and routers. |
| 4. | Target Systems | Systems and apps that are susceptible to exploits. |
| 5. | Network Monitoring Tools | For recording and examining network traffic, use Wireshark. |
| 6. | Penetration Testing Tools | Nmap, Metasploit, and additional security evaluation tools. |
| 7. | A Separate Network | A separate network to prevent your personal network from being impacted by lab activity. |
| 8. | Adequate Hardware | A computer with enough processing power and RAM to support virtual machines. |
How to Pass Ethical Hacking Certifications (CEH, OSCP, etc.)?
To pass ethical hacking certifications such as CEH and OSCP:
- Thorough Study of Exam Objectives: Recognize the particular subjects and abilities addressed in the certification curriculum.
- Hands-on Practice in a Lab Environment: Use simulations and hands-on activities to put your theoretical knowledge into practice.
- Utilize Official and Reputable Study Materials: Make use of suggested readings, practice tests, and official course materials.
- Join Online Communities and Forums: Interact with other students to exchange ideas, advice, and experiences.
- Consistent Practice and Perseverance: Set aside time for studying on a regular basis and keep a positive outlook on learning.
Tools Every Aspiring Ethical Hacker Should Know
Following are some of the tools every aspiring ethical hacker should know about:
- Nmap (Network Mapper): For security auditing and network discovery.
- Wireshark: A tool for recording and examining network traffic is a network protocol analyzer.
- Metasploit Framework: A vulnerability-exploiting framework for penetration testing.
- Burp Suite: A set of tools for testing the security of web applications.
- John the Ripper: A tool for cracking passwords.
- Aircrack-ng: A collection of instruments for evaluating the security of Wi-Fi networks.
- Kali Linux: An operating system with many security tools for penetration testing.
- Hydra: A quick cracker for network logons.
- SQLmap: An automated tool for database takeover and SQL injection.
- OWASP ZAP (Zed Attack Proxy): An additional web application security scanner.
Career Opportunities After Learning Ethical Hacking
| S.No. | Job Profiles | What? |
| 1. | Penetration Tester | Finds weaknesses in networks and systems by simulating cyberattacks. |
| 2. | Security Analyst | Keeps an eye on and evaluates security systems to identify and address threats. |
| 3. | Information Security Consultant | Offers knowledgeable guidance on risk reduction and security best practices. |
| 4. | Vulnerability Assessor | Determines and assesses hardware and software flaws. |
| 5. | Security Auditor | Ensures compliance by assessing security policies and procedures. |
| 6. | Network Security Engineer | Creates and puts into use safe network infrastructure. |
| 7. | Computer Forensics Investigator | Examine cybercrimes and gather digital proof. |
| 8. | Security Engineer/ Architect | Creates and deploys safe IT systems. |
| 9. | Incident Responder | Reacts to security breaches and lessens their effects. |
| 10. | Security Software Developer | Creates applications and tools for security. |
How to Get Started with Ethical Hacking: Step-by-Step?
Now that you have read about “How To Learn Ethical Hacking?” you might be thinking about where to get reliable training resources. For that, you can get in contact with Craw Security, offering a dedicated training & certification program, “Best Ethical Hacking Training Course in Delhi,” for IT Aspirants.
During the sessions, students will be able to try their skills on live machines via the virtual labs introduced on the premises of Craw Security. With that, online sessions will facilitate students with remote learning.
After the completion of the Best Ethical Hacking Training Course in Delhi offered by Craw Security, students will receive a dedicated certificate validating their honed knowledge & skills during the sessions. What are you waiting for? Contact, Now!
Frequently Asked Questions
About How To Learn Ethical Hacking?
1. Is ethical hacking easy to learn?
Ethical hacking is not “easy,” as it necessitates a combination of technical expertise, ongoing education, and real-world application.
2. What is an ethical hacker’s salary?
On average, an ethical hacker in India makes about ₹51,251 a month.
3. What are the 5 stages of ethical hacking?
Following are the 5 stages of ethical hacking:
- Reconnaissance,
- Scanning,
- Gaining Access,
- Maintaining Access, and
- Clearing Tracks.
4. Which hacker has the highest salary?
A Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is usually the hacker position with the highest monthly salary in India, with an average salary that ranges from ₹50 lakhs to ₹1 crore annually.
5. Can I self-study ethical hacking?
It is possible to learn ethical hacking on your own, but it takes a lot of commitment and focused study.
6. Is hacking harder than programming?
Programming and hacking are two different skill sets; programming stresses software creation and logic, whereas hacking frequently calls for a deeper understanding of systems and vulnerabilities.
7. Do I need a degree to be a hacker?
Although relevant certifications and measurable skills are highly valued, a degree is not strictly necessary to be a hacker.
8. Which course do hackers study?
One of the best courses for hackers to study is “Best Ethical Hacking Training Course in Delhi” offered by Craw Security.
9. What is the salary of a Red Hat hacker?
In India, a mid-level ethical hacker can anticipate making between ₹6 lakhs and ₹12 lakhs annually.
10. Do hackers get a job?
“White hat” or ethical hackers are highly sought after and do land positions in cybersecurity.