Career Profile: Ethical Hacker

Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology offers students interested in a career in ethical hacking the Cyber and Network Security program. There are three levels to his program that students can pursue:

During these programs, students learn the technical and foundational skills needed to have a successful career in ethical hacking. 

Each program includes exam preparation for essential IT and cyber security certifications. These certifications solidify your expertise in that particular area of knowledge, with one of these certifications being in ethical hacking.

What Does an Ethical Hacker Do?

An ethical hacker is responsible for identifying weaknesses in systems, networks and technology assets. They report these weaknesses to their organization and give advice on how to make security patches and strengthen their defenses.

The difference between ethical hackers and malicious hackers is that ethical hackers help secure any cyber weaknesses, whereas malicious hackers exploit these weaknesses. Ethical hackers obtain legal permission to perform hacks and prevent potential threats from breaching a system.

The typical duties of an ethical hacker include:

  • Meeting with clients or employers to assess their current security system
  • Researching an organization’s system and network
  • Conducting hacks and tests to identify system vulnerabilities
  • Identifying any vulnerabilities or security flaws
  • Compiling reports of any cyber and network security vulnerabilities
  • Giving advice and recommendations for security patches and system upgrades
  • Implementing any corrective measures

What Certifications or Degrees Do I Need to Become an Ethical Hacker?

Ethical hacking is an important job, but a sensitive one. Employers need ethical hackers to be certified and have a strong foundation of cyber and network security.

You’ll want to obtain a certificate or degree in cyber and network security. It’s possible to gain entry-level employment with all three program types, with the higher levels setting you up for faster career advancement. 

Ethical hackers can also boost their careers with certain IT certifications, including the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification. These certifications prove to employers you have the required expertise to perform your job duties. Plus, they make you more attractive for employment.

At Cambridge, we help students stand out to employers by preparing them for certification exams, including:

  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
  • Systems Security Certified Practitioner (ISC2 SSCP) 
  • Certified Internet Webmaster Web Security Associate (CIW-WSA)
  • CompTIA A+
  • CompTIA Security+

What’s the Employment Outlook for an Ethical Hacker?

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), the projected job growth for Ethical Hackers, or Information Security Analysts, is 33% between 2020 and 2030. The average median salary is $102,600.

According to Glassdoor, ethical hackers have an average base pay rate of $94,995 per year. 

Learn More About a Career In Ethical Hacking

All of our Cyber and Network Security programs offer flexible, online classes that work around your busy schedule. From a team of career advisors to hands-on training, we have the resources necessary to help you experience career success. To learn more, call us at 877-206-4279 or send us a message.