Top 20 Ethical Hacker Skills: Cybersecurity & Penetration Testing Expertise

Did you know? Employment of information security analysts, including ethical hackers, will grow 33% by 2033, from 2023. This is much faster than the average for all occupations! 

This surge is driven by the escalating frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks, prompting organizations to prioritize proactive security measures.

The need for emerging technology skills in ethical hacking is driven by the increasing sophistication of cyberattacks. For example, during the SolarWinds cyberattack, hackers used advanced techniques to exploit vulnerabilities in software updates, bypassing traditional security measures. 

Ethical hackers who are proficient in AI driven threat detection and ML tools could have potentially identified these vulnerabilities sooner, helping prevent the attack. As cyber threats become more complex, ethical hacker skills in emerging technologies are essential for staying ahead of malicious actors.

In this blog, we’ll explore the key ethical hacker skills needed to thrive in 2025. We’ll go through the specific abilities that are shaping demand in the cybersecurity industry and share insights into the career growth opportunities in this field.

If you want to build AI and ML skills to improve your ethical hacking capabilities, upGrad’s online AI and ML courses can help you. By the end of the program, participants will be equipped with the skills to build and use AI models to solve industry-specific challenges. 

Top 20 Ethical Hacker Skills to Succeed in 2025

Today’s most successful ethical hackers are utilizing advanced tools like AI-powered threat detection platforms to identify vulnerabilities and predict potential cyber threats.

For example, an ethical hacker using IBM QRadar can access advanced machine learning algorithms that analyze network traffic for anomalies in real-time. These tools help identify threats that might otherwise go unnoticed by traditional methods. 

AI-driven platforms can also automate tasks like vulnerability scanning, freeing up ethical hackers to focus on more complex security assessments and penetration testing.

In 2025, ethical hackers who can combine strong technical expertise with AI, machine learning, and automated security systems will be in high demand. Here are some top-rated courses that can help you develop the most relevant ethical hacking skills:

• Executive Diploma in Machine Learning and AI
• Professional Certificate Program in Cloud Computing and DevOps
• AI-Powered Full Stack Development Course

Now, let’s go over each of the key ethical hacker skills in more detail:

1. Penetration Testing

Penetration testing is a critical skill for ethical hackers, involving the identification and exploitation of vulnerabilities in networks, systems, and applications to evaluate security defenses. Ethical hackers use this technique to simulate cyberattacks, uncover weaknesses, and help organizations improve their security posture.

Relevant Applications:

• Simulating cyberattacks to identify vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them.
• Evaluating security controls to ensure they can withstand real-world attack methods.
• Conducting red-team exercises to test organizational responses to security breaches.

Case Study: Ethical Hacking to Secure Online Banking

You are part of a cybersecurity team at a financial institution tasked with protecting the bank’s online banking system. To identify hidden vulnerabilities, an ethical hacker conducts a penetration test using tools like Metasploit.

During testing, the hacker discovers and exploits a weakness in the login system, gaining unauthorized access in a controlled environment. This vulnerability is promptly reported to the security team, who quickly patch the flaw and strengthen authentication measures.

Outcome: The bank prevents a potential security breach before it happens, safeguarding customer data and maintaining trust. This proactive testing approach becomes a key part of the bank’s ongoing security strategy, reducing risks and ensuring compliance.

Also Read: 21+ Best Kali Linux Tools for Cybersecurity & Penetration Testing

2. Network Security

Network security is fundamental for ethical hackers, involving the implementation of security measures to protect networks from unauthorized access, cyberattacks, and breaches. Proficiency in network protocols, firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and VPNs is essential for securing and monitoring networks.

Relevant Applications:

• Configuring firewalls and VPNs to protect sensitive network traffic.
• Monitoring network traffic for signs of malicious activity using IDS.
• Evaluating and securing network infrastructure against unauthorized access.

Case Study: Strengthening VPN Security at a Tech Company

As an ethical hacker on the security team of a fast-growing tech company, you configure firewalls and intrusion detection systems (IDS) to protect sensitive data and monitor for threats. These systems are set to detect and block suspicious activities, providing real-time alerts and visibility into potential security risks. During a routine security audit, you notice unusual activity in the remote access logs and identify a vulnerability in the company’s VPN configuration that could allow unauthorized external access, bypassing other network defenses.

To address this, you immediately update the VPN settings by enforcing stronger encryption protocols, tightening access controls, and integrating the VPN with the IDS for enhanced monitoring. After implementing these changes, you conduct thorough testing to ensure the vulnerability is fully closed and that all remote connections are now secure, safeguarding the company’s network from potential threats.

Outcome: The company’s VPN is now more resilient against unauthorized access attempts. By proactively identifying and fixing the configuration flaw, you mitigate the risk of a potential breach and strengthen the overall security posture of the organization.

Also Read: Introduction to Cyber Security: Everything Beginners Need to Know

3. Cryptography

Cryptography is the practice of securing information through encryption algorithms and secure communication methods to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access. Knowledge of cryptographic techniques is essential for ethical hackers to ensure data integrity and confidentiality.

Relevant Applications:

• Implementing encryption protocols like AES to secure data in transit and at rest.
• Analyzing and decrypting secure communications to test the robustness of encryption methods.
• Evaluating key management systems to ensure secure key generation, distribution, and storage.

Case Study: Upgrading Cloud Encryption for Patient Data Security

You are a cybersecurity consultant working with a healthcare provider that stores sensitive patient records in the cloud. During a security assessment, you analyze the encryption protocols safeguarding these records. Using reverse engineering techniques, you uncover that the existing encryption standards are outdated and vulnerable to modern attack methods.

You present your findings to the organization, highlighting the risks of weak encryption and recommending a transition to AES-256, a robust and industry-recognized encryption standard. Working closely with the IT team, you oversee the migration process, ensuring all patient data is re-encrypted using AES-256 without disrupting access or operations.

Outcome: The healthcare provider significantly strengthens the security of its patient records, reducing the risk of data breaches and aligning with regulatory requirements for data protection. By proactively identifying and addressing encryption weaknesses, you help the organization build greater trust with patients and ensure long-term data privacy and compliance.

Also Read: What is DES (Data Encryption Standard)? DES Algorithm Explained

4. Cloud Security

Cloud security involves protecting cloud environments such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud from security threats. Ethical hackers must understand cloud-specific vulnerabilities, like misconfigured access controls and data storage risks, to ensure the safety of cloud-based applications and infrastructure.

With the rapid shift to cloud computing, cloud security skills are in high demand, as evidenced by a recent Gartner report showing that most of security breaches occur in cloud services.

Relevant Applications:

• Assessing the security configuration of cloud environments.
• Implementing Identity and Access Management (IAM) controls to restrict unauthorized access.
• Testing cloud service providers for vulnerabilities and misconfigurations.

Case Study: Securing AWS Cloud Storage at a Startup

You are an ethical hacker brought in by a fast-growing startup to assess the security of their AWS cloud infrastructure. During a comprehensive security audit, you focus on the company’s storage resources and quickly identify a critical issue: several Amazon S3 buckets are configured with public access, making sensitive data vulnerable to exposure.

Using AWS tools such as IAM Access Analyzer, you review the permissions and confirm that these buckets are accessible to anyone on the internet. You immediately reconfigure the access controls, blocking public access at both the bucket and account level. To further protect the data, you enable server-side encryption on all storage buckets, ensuring that even if access controls fail, the data remains unreadable to unauthorized users.

Outcome: The startup’s cloud storage is now secure from unauthorized external access. By proactively identifying and remediating these misconfigurations, you prevent potential data leaks and strengthen the company’s overall security posture, allowing them to scale confidently on AWS.

You can also get a better understanding of securing data in Cloud with upGrad’s free ‘Fundamentals of Cloud Computing’ course. You’ll learn key concepts like storage, databases, networking, virtualization, containers, and cloud architecture.

Also Read: Data Security in Cloud Computing: Top 6 Factors To Consider

5. Malware Analysis

Malware analysis involves dissecting malicious software to understand its behavior, methods of attack and potential impact on systems. Ethical hackers use reverse-engineering techniques to analyze malware and develop strategies for detection and mitigation.

Several reports suggest that new types of malware have been detected over the last few years, underscoring the critical need for advanced malware analysis skills.

Relevant Applications:

• Reverse-engineering malware to determine its functionality and potential risks.
• Developing strategies for detecting and removing malware from infected systems.
• Creating signatures for antivirus software to recognize and block malware.

Case Study: Reverse Engineering Ransomware to Recover Encrypted Files

You are an ethical hacker called in after a ransomware attack disrupts an organization’s network by encrypting critical files. To help the organization recover without paying the ransom, you begin by isolating a sample of the ransomware for detailed analysis.

Using reverse engineering tools like IDA Pro and a controlled sandbox environment, you dissect the malware’s code to understand its encryption algorithm and execution flow. This process reveals the specific cryptographic methods the ransomware uses to lock files.

Armed with this insight, you develop a custom decryption tool that can safely restore the affected files without triggering further damage. Alongside the technical fix, you provide the organization with actionable recommendations to strengthen their defenses—such as improving backup strategies, patching vulnerabilities, and enhancing network monitoring to detect suspicious behavior early.

Outcome: The organization recovers its encrypted data without paying the ransom, minimizing operational disruption. Your analysis and guidance help build a stronger security posture, reducing the risk of future ransomware incidents and enabling faster detection and response.

Also Read: Top 7 Cybersecurity Threats & Vulnerabilities 

6. Web Application Security

Web application security is a vital area for ethical hackers, as web applications are often targeted by cybercriminals through vulnerabilities like SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS). Understanding secure coding practices and common vulnerabilities is essential for securing web applications.

Web application attacks, such as SQL injection and XSS, account for some of the most common cyberattacks, making web application security a high priority for ethical hackers.

Relevant Applications:

• Identifying and mitigating common vulnerabilities like SQL injection and XSS.
• Auditing source code for security flaws and potential exploits.
• Securing APIs and user authentication processes to prevent unauthorized access.

Case Study: Discovering and Fixing an SQL Injection Vulnerability

As an ethical hacker working with a software development company, you identify a critical SQL injection vulnerability during a security assessment. By reviewing the application’s input fields, you discover that user input is being directly incorporated into SQL queries without proper validation or sanitization. To demonstrate the risk, you craft a malicious input that exploits the flaw through the login form, successfully bypassing authentication and accessing sensitive data stored in the database.

You document your findings and collaborate with the development team to explain the severity of the issue. Together, you implement a fix by switching to parameterized queries and prepared statements, ensuring that all user inputs are safely handled. This change eliminates the risk of SQL injection, safeguarding the application and its sensitive data from potential attacks.

Outcome: The SQL injection vulnerability is eliminated, preventing unauthorized access to sensitive data and strengthening the overall security of the company’s web application.

Also Read: Web Application Architecture: Function, Components, Types & Real Life Examples

7. Operating System Knowledge

Advanced knowledge of operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS, is crucial for ethical hackers to identify vulnerabilities and secure systems. Different operating systems have unique security features and vulnerabilities, and understanding these nuances allows hackers to develop targeted security strategies.

One of the biggest security risks for businesses stems from operating system vulnerabilities, particularly on unpatched systems.

Relevant Applications:

• Identifying vulnerabilities in operating system configurations and patching them.
• Hardening operating systems by disabling unnecessary services and strengthening user access controls.
• Conducting system audits to ensure security best practices are followed.

Case Study: Patching and Hardening Linux Servers After a Security Audit

You are an ethical hacker conducting a security audit on a company’s fleet of Linux servers. During your assessment, you discover that several critical security patches have not been applied, leaving the servers exposed to known vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit.

To address this, you immediately update the operating systems, ensuring all security patches and updates are installed. Beyond patching, you implement additional security layers: you review user accounts and permissions, tighten firewall rules, and enable intrusion detection to monitor for suspicious activity. You also verify that only necessary services are running and configure strict access controls to minimize the attack surface.

Outcome: By promptly applying patches and strengthening server configurations, you close off exploitable vulnerabilities and significantly reduce the risk of attacks. The company’s Linux servers are now more resilient against both known and emerging threats, supporting ongoing business operations with improved security.

Also Read: Top 10 Best Operating Systems (OS) for Ethical Hacking

8. Incident Response

Incident response involves detecting, analyzing, and responding to security breaches or cyberattacks to minimize damage and ensure recovery. Ethical hackers play a crucial role in identifying vulnerabilities, implementing immediate mitigations, and helping organizations recover after an attack.

Relevant Applications:

• Detecting and analyzing signs of a breach in real-time.
• Coordinating with teams to contain and mitigate the impact of security incidents.
• Performing root cause analysis to prevent future incidents.

Case Study: Leading Incident Response After a Corporate Cyberattack

After a cyberattack disrupts the company’s network, you analyze system and network logs to detect suspicious activities and trace the attack timeline. You identify the attack vector: a compromised user account exploited through a phishing email.

You quickly lead efforts to isolate affected systems, preventing further damage. Collaborating with IT, you contain the breach, block malicious communications, and preserve forensic evidence. Once containment is complete, you restore clean backups, validate system integrity, and test for vulnerabilities. After normal operations resume, you conduct a post-incident analysis and provide recommendations, including improved email security, stronger authentication, and staff training to prevent future attacks.

Outcome: The company recovers its data and operations with minimal disruption. Your leadership and technical expertise not only resolve the incident but also help the organization build a more resilient security posture for the future.

Also Read: AI in Cybersecurity: Key Trends with Zero Trust in 2025

9. Social Engineering

Social engineering involves manipulating individuals into divulging confidential information or performing actions that compromise security. Ethical hackers use social engineering techniques to test the vulnerability of employees and systems to phishing, pretexting, and baiting attacks.

Most cyberattacks involve some form of social engineering, making it an essential area for ethical hackers to focus on.

Relevant Applications:

• Conducting phishing campaigns to assess employees’ susceptibility to email-based attacks.
• Using pretexting tactics to test whether employees will reveal sensitive information.
• Educating organizations on best practices to prevent social engineering attacks.

Case Study: Using Phishing Simulations to Enhance Security Awareness

You are an ethical hacker tasked with assessing a company’s vulnerability to phishing attacks. As part of this assessment, you orchestrate a simulated phishing campaign, sending employees carefully crafted fake emails. The emails appear to come from the IT department and instruct recipients to reset their passwords via a provided link.

The results of the simulation reveal that a significant percentage of employees click the link and enter their credentials, indicating a high susceptibility to phishing. This outcome prompts the organization to invest in additional security awareness training for employees. The training educates staff on how to recognize and avoid phishing attempts, reinforcing the importance of verifying email legitimacy and reporting suspicious communications.

Outcome: The company identifies and addresses a critical security gap by enhancing employees’ awareness of phishing tactics. This proactive measure helps reduce the risk of successful phishing attacks, protecting sensitive information and strengthening the organization’s overall security posture.

Also Read: Cybersecurity Frameworks: Types, Benefits & Best Practices

10. Automation & Scripting

Automation and scripting skills allow ethical hackers to streamline repetitive tasks, exploit vulnerabilities, and speed up the testing process. Proficiency in languages like Python, Bash, and PowerShell is essential for automating security assessments and managing large-scale penetration tests.

A report from SecurityWeek states that automation tools are increasingly used in penetration testing to improve efficiency and accuracy in vulnerability assessments.

Relevant Applications:

• Automating penetration testing processes to identify vulnerabilities quickly.
• Using scripting languages to develop custom tools and exploit vulnerabilities.
• Automating data collection, reporting, and analysis during security audits.

Case Study: Automating Web Application Penetration Testing with Python

You are an ethical hacker tasked with assessing the security of a client’s web application. To streamline the process and cover more ground efficiently, you develop a Python script that automates a series of penetration tests. The script leverages popular libraries to interact with the application, send custom HTTP requests, and scan for common vulnerabilities.

Running the script, you quickly uncover several issues that would have been tedious to find manually, including outdated libraries and misconfigured components. The automation allows you to fuzz input fields, check for SQL injection points, and identify exposed resources, all in a fraction of the time traditional methods would require.

Outcome: The automated approach accelerates the discovery of vulnerabilities and provides the client with a comprehensive security assessment. Your use of Python not only increases efficiency but also ensures that subtle issues, such as outdated dependencies, are promptly detected and remediated, strengthening the overall security of the application

Want to know how machine learning is used in practical scenarios, including cybersecurity? Start with upGrad's free Artificial Intelligence in the Real World course today and grow your skills in ethical hacker job roles!

Also Read: What is Shell Scripting? Key Concepts and Applications Explained

Now that we’ve covered the key ethical hacker skills, let’s look at the soft skills required for the ethical hacker job role:

To make it as a successful ethical hacker, you will need to sharpen your business collaboration skills. With upGrad’s free Mastering the Art of Effective Communication course, you will learn to overcome modern communication barriers, build impactful verbal and non-verbal skills, and express ideas confidently in any setting.

Also Read: Is Cyber Security Easy to Learn? : Tips to Become A Cybersecurity Expert

Now that you’re familiar with the relevant skills needed for the ethical hacker job role, let’s look at how you can develop these key ethical hacker skills.

How to Build Ethical Hacker Skills? A Practical Roadmap

Building strong ethical hacker skills requires continuous learning, hands-on experience, and staying updated with the latest security tools and attack methodologies. 

This involves mastering traditional techniques like penetration testing and vulnerability assessments.  You should also gain proficiency in advanced technologies such as AI-driven threat detection, malware analysis, and cloud security.

Let’s explore each of these steps in more detail:

Step 1: Start with Online Learning and Certifications

The first step in becoming a skilled ethical hacker is to gain foundational knowledge through online learning platforms and certifications. There are numerous online courses and certifications that provide in-depth training in ethical hacking, cybersecurity, and penetration testing.

Actionable Insights:

• Enroll in Courses: Start with introductory courses on platforms like upGrad. Topics should cover the basics of network security, ethical hacking, and programming.
• Get Certified: Aim for certifications such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), and CompTIA Security+. These certifications are highly recognized in the cybersecurity industry and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers.
• Learn from Experts: Follow leading cybersecurity professionals on platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter. Engage with their content and webinars to gain insights into the latest trends and techniques.

Also Read: Top Network Security Courses to Boost Your Cybersecurity Career

Step 2: Gain Hands-on Experience with Real Projects

While theoretical knowledge is important, hands-on experience is crucial for mastering ethical hacking. Working on real-world projects helps you apply your knowledge and test your skills in practical scenarios.

Actionable Insight:

• Set Up a Lab: Create a home lab where you can safely experiment with ethical hacking techniques. Use virtual machines and open-source tools like Kali Linux and Metasploit to practice penetration testing and vulnerability scanning.
• Contribute to Open Source Projects: Contribute to ethical hacking or cybersecurity-related open-source projects. This will expose you to real-world challenges, help you collaborate with other professionals, and improve your coding and problem-solving skills.
• Participate in Capture The Flag (CTF) Challenges: CTF competitions simulate real-life hacking scenarios, helping you develop practical penetration testing skills. Platforms like Hack The Box and TryHackMe offer virtual environments to practice hacking legally.

Also Read: Top 30 Cyber Security Project Topics in 2025

Step 3: Learn Networking and Operating Systems

A solid understanding of networking protocols and operating systems is essential for ethical hackers. Ethical hackers need to understand how data flows across networks and how different operating systems handle security.

Actionable Insight:

• Learn Networking Basics: Study networking fundamentals such as TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP/S, and DHCP. Understanding how networks function helps you identify vulnerabilities in network infrastructures.
• Master Operating Systems: Become proficient in using Windows, Linux, and macOS, as each has its unique security features and vulnerabilities. Many ethical hackers prefer Linux-based operating systems (like Kali Linux) due to their flexibility and wide range of hacking tools.
• Practice Using Network Security Tools: Familiarize yourself with tools like Wireshark (for network analysis), Nmap (for network mapping), and Netcat (for networking communication). These tools are widely used in penetration testing.

Also Read: Ethical Hacking Courses: 2025's Best Career Paths & Insights

Step 4: Practice Penetration Testing and Vulnerability Scanning

Penetration testing is the process of identifying vulnerabilities in a system by simulating an attack. It’s crucial for ethical hackers to be able to conduct penetration tests, identify weaknesses, and recommend fixes to prevent actual cyberattacks.

Actionable Insight:

• Penetration Testing Frameworks: Start with structured frameworks like OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project) for web application security testing or the PTES (Penetration Testing Execution Standard) for overall penetration testing practices.
• Use Vulnerability Scanning Tools: Learn how to use automated vulnerability scanning tools like Nessus or OpenVAS. These tools help you quickly assess systems for known vulnerabilities, saving time during assessments.
• Simulate Real Attacks: Regularly simulate real-world attacks to practice exploiting vulnerabilities. Use tools like Burp Suite for web application testing and Metasploit for exploiting network vulnerabilities.

Step 5: Stay Updated on Security Trends and Tools

Cybersecurity is a fast-evolving field. Staying current with the latest trends, tools, and threats is critical for ethical hackers to maintain their relevance and effectiveness.

Actionable Insight:

• Subscribe to Cybersecurity Blogs: Follow authoritative cybersecurity blogs like Krebs on Security, Dark Reading, and SANS Institute to stay informed about the latest vulnerabilities, attack methods, and defensive techniques.
• Attend Cybersecurity Conferences: Participate in conferences like Black Hat, DEF CON, and RSA Conference to network with industry professionals, learn about emerging tools, and gain practical knowledge from expert talks.
• Experiment with New Tools: Continuously explore new ethical hacking tools and techniques. Tools like Cobalt Strike for advanced penetration testing or Wireshark for packet analysis can give you new insights into tackling cybersecurity challenges.

Follow this roadmap and continue to build your ethical hacker skills. This will position you as a highly skilled and adaptable candidate for the ethical hacker job role.

Also Read: Key Steps How to Become an Ethical Hacker in 2025

Once you've honed your ethical hacker skills, here are some tips you can follow to achieve success in the ethical hacker job role.

Tips to Succeed as an Ethical Hacker in 2025

To succeed as an ethical hacker in 2025, you must stay proactive in learning the latest security frameworks, tools, and attack methodologies. Relying solely on past knowledge won’t be enough as cyber threats continue to evolve. 

Regularly experiment with new penetration testing techniques, utilize automation tools to enhance efficiency, and stay ahead by integrating emerging technologies like AI and ML into your security strategies. 

This approach will help you not only identify vulnerabilities faster but also strengthen your ability to respond to increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks.

Here are some tips you can follow:

1. Keep Emerging Technologies in Cybersecurity: As cyber threats become more sophisticated, ethical hackers must stay ahead of new technologies, such as AI, machine learning, and blockchain. These technologies are increasingly being used to both attack and defend systems. Understanding them will allow ethical hackers to predict and counter more advanced threats.

Example: An ethical hacker familiar with machine learning can use AI-driven tools like IBM Watson or Darktrace to analyze network traffic and detect anomalies that might be missed using traditional methods. This allows them to identify sophisticated attacks like advanced persistent threats (APTs) in real time.

If you’re interested in blockchain technology, upGrad’s Blockchain Features Simplified course can help you. You’ll explore smart contracts, practical use cases, and how blockchain is reshaping global digital ecosystems.

2. Engage in Continuous Learning and Certifications

Cybersecurity is a rapidly evolving field, and staying up to date with the latest certifications, tools, and techniques is essential. By continuously upgrading your ethical hacker skills through certifications, ethical hackers can maintain their relevance and credibility in the industry.

Example: Completing certifications like Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), or CompTIA Security+ shows commitment to maintaining industry standards. For instance, after completing the OSCP, an ethical hacker might gain hands-on experience in penetration testing, equipping them to handle more complex security assessments.

3. Develop Strong Problem-Solving and Analytical Skills

Ethical hackers are often tasked with solving complex security problems under pressure. Strong problem-solving and analytical skills are critical for identifying vulnerabilities, devising testing strategies, and developing effective solutions to mitigate risks.

Example: During a penetration test, an ethical hacker might identify a zero-day vulnerability in a web application. Using their analytical skills, they determine the best way to exploit the vulnerability safely, helping the company patch it before malicious hackers can use it against them.

4. Build a Solid Understanding of Legal and Ethical Guidelines

Ethical hackers must operate within the boundaries of the law and adhere to ethical guidelines. Understanding the legal aspects of penetration testing, such as obtaining proper authorization before testing systems, is essential for protecting both the hacker and the organization.

Example: Before performing a penetration test on a client’s network, an ethical hacker ensures that they have signed a legal contract and that the scope of the test is clearly defined. This prevents any legal issues and ensures that the hacking activities stay within the agreed-upon parameters.

5. Participate in Bug Bounty Programs and Capture the Flag (CTF) Challenges

Participating in bug bounty programs and CTF challenges allows ethical hackers to apply their skills in real-world scenarios. These platforms offer hands-on experience in finding vulnerabilities and solving security challenges, all while earning rewards or recognition.

Example: An ethical hacker participating in a bug bounty program on platforms like HackerOne identifies a security flaw in a popular mobile app. After submitting the vulnerability, the hacker receives a reward and gains credibility in the community. Similarly, by participating in CTF challenges, they enhance their problem-solving skills and learn new hacking techniques in a competitive environment.

You can also improve your knowledge of emerging technologies with upGrad’s Professional Certificate Program in Data Science and AI. Along with earning Triple Certification from Microsoft, NSDC, and an Industry Partner, you will build Real-World Projects on Snapdeal, Uber, Sportskeeda, and more.

Also Read: Learn Ethical Hacking from Scratch: Skills Needed, Steps to Become an Ethical Hacker

Now that you know how you can become a successful ethical hacker, the next step is to keep upskilling yourself. Let’s explore how upGrad can help you advance in your career.

Become a Successful Ethical Hacker with upGrad!

As cybersecurity becomes more complex, staying updated with the latest tools, hacking techniques, and security trends is essential. This is where upGrad can support your career growth. 

upGrad offers a range of specialized resources to help you enhance your ethical hacker skills. These include courses in penetration testing, malware analysis, ethical hacking methodologies, and advanced cybersecurity techniques.

While the courses discussed in this blog provide a strong foundation, here are some free courses that can help you continue learning:

• Fundamentals of Cybersecurity
• Blockchain: A Quick Introduction
• Introduction to Cryptocurrency
• Introduction to NFTs
• Fundamentals of Deep Learning and Neural Networks

If you're ready to take the next step in your career, connect with upGrad’s career counseling for personalized guidance. You can also visit a nearby upGrad center for hands-on training to enhance your ethical hacker skills and open up new career opportunities!

Discover popular AI and ML blogs and free courses to deepen your expertise. Explore the programs below to find your perfect fit.

Popular AI and ML Blogs & Free Courses

Discover in-demand Machine Learning skills to expand your expertise. Explore the programs below to find the perfect fit for your goals.

In-demand Machine Learning Skills

Expand your expertise with the best resources available. Browse the programs below to find your ideal fit in Best Machine Learning and AI Courses Online.

Best Machine Learning and AI Courses Online