Become anEthical Hacker

Becoming an Ethical Hacker means you’ll be the first line of defence against cyber threats. You’ll protect sensitive information from theft and damage by understanding and anticipating hacker moves. Plus, it’s a career where you are constantly learning and using the latest technology. Not only is it super cool and rewarding, but it’s also crucial in today’s tech driven world.

• Protect companies from cyber threats.
• Challenge your problem solving skills daily.
• Stay ahead of cyber criminals.
• Work in an industry rapidly on the rise.

You’ll need to think like the hackers you’re defending against, which means constantly updating your tactics and tools. This career isn’t just about tech skills – it’s about staying one step ahead in the digital game.

Perform Penetration Testing
Simulate cyber-attacks to identify weaknesses in a company’s systems, networks, and applications.

Analyse Security Reports
Review and analyse security data to detect unusual patterns or vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers.

Develop Custom Security Tools
Create new software tools and scripts to automate security testing and strengthen defences.

Collaborate with IT Teams
Work closely with IT and cybersecurity teams to address vulnerabilities and implement security patches.

Stay Updated on Latest Cyber Threats
Research the latest hacking techniques and trends to anticipate future threats and keep defences strong.

Prepare Security Reports
Document findings and recommend solutions, presenting these in clear reports to management and stakeholders.

Every industry that relies on data needs Ethical Hackers. From government agencies to tech companies, your skills will be in high demand.

• Technology
• Banking and Finance
• Healthcare
• Retail
• Government
• Telecommunications

To be an Ethical Hacker you could benefit from a mix of technical and interpersonal skills.

• Coding
• Networking
• Cybersecurity
• Problem-solving
• Attention to detail

Interested in hacking? Start focusing on these key school STEM subjects:

• Computer Science
  • Understand the basics of how computers operate.
• Mathematics
  • Helps with problem-solving and algorithms.
• Physics
  • Understand hardware and the fundamentals of its operation.
• IT
  • Gain skills in various technologies and networks.
• Ethics
  • Learn the importance of privacy and ethical considerations in tech.

• Hack Into a Company’s System (Legally!) Perform ethical hacking activities to test and improve a company’s cybersecurity defences.
• Train Future Cyber Defenders Lead workshops or webinars to teach others about cybersecurity, hacking techniques, and online safety.
• Compete in International Cybersecurity Challenges Participate in global cybersecurity competitions, challenging hackers from around the world.
• Prevent a Major Cyber Attack Stop a potential cyber attack in its tracks by finding a vulnerability before it can be exploited by malicious hackers.
• Develop AI-Powered Security Solutions Use artificial intelligence to develop smart security tools that learn and adapt to new threats.
• Host a “Capture the Flag” Hacking Challenge Create a fun and educational competition for your team to practise their hacking skills in a controlled environment.
• Join a Cybersecurity Task Force Work with global teams to tackle major security incidents, such as data breaches or ransomware attacks.
• Speak at a Cybersecurity Conference Share your knowledge and experience by presenting at a conference, inspiring the next generation of ethical hackers.

Australia has produced some notable figures in the world of cybersecurity. With its thriving community, and advocacy of women in tech championed by organisations like WiTWA, it has heralded several inspiring women are making waves in the field of ethical hacking:

Vanessa Teague

A cryptographer and security researcher, Vanessa is known for her work in secure voting systems and transparency in encryption.

Meriem Bendriss

A cybersecurity consultant with expertise in penetration testing, Meriem has advised numerous companies on enhancing their digital defences.

Jessica Smith

As a senior ethical hacker, Jessica works for one of Australia’s leading cybersecurity firms, protecting clients from cyber threats daily.

Jana Stoudmann

A passionate advocate for women in tech, Jana specialises in network security and has helped many organisations fortify their defences.

• • Curiosity
    • You need a strong desire to understand how things work and to find solutions to complex problems.
  • Integrity
    • Trustworthiness and ethical judgement are paramount.
  • Persistence
    • The ability to keep trying and not give up easily, even when things get tough.
  • Creativity
    • You’ll need to think outside the box and approach problems uniquely.
  • Patience
  • Some problems can be intricate and require time to unravel.

If you’re thinking about university, here are some degrees that can help pave the way to a career in ethical hacking:

• Bachelor of Computer Science
• Bachelor of Information Technology with a focus on Security
• Bachelor of Cybersecurity
• Bachelor of Software Engineering
• Bachelor of Network Engineering

But now, let’s hack into the details:

• Bachelor of Science (Cybersecurity or Computer Science)
  • Start with a degree in Cybersecurity or Computer Science to gain foundational knowledge in programming, network security, and systems architecture. Edith Cowan University (ECU) in Western Australia offers a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, focusing on ethical hacking, digital forensics, and network security.
• Bachelor of Information Technology (Security)
  • For those inclined towards IT, a degree focusing on Security provides active experience with the latest security tools and techniques.
• Master’s in Cybersecurity or Digital Forensics
  • A master’s degree in Cybersecurity or Digital Forensics offers advanced training in detecting, investigating, and preventing cyber threats. Murdoch University provides a Master’s in Cybersecurity and Forensics, which includes modules on ethical hacking, secure coding, and incident response.
• Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security Analysis
  • For a shorter, more focused route, consider a Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security Analysis from institutions like The University of Western Australia (UWA). These courses cover the latest methodologies in ethical hacking and security management.

But maybe you have multiple interests and passions? That could work for this profession. 

• Combining Fields
  • In the world of cybersecurity, combining knowledge from different fields can make you a standout Ethical Hacker. For example, studying both computer science and psychology can help you understand both the technical and human elements of security breaches.
• Tech and Business
  • Pairing a technical degree with business studies can also be a smart move. This combination helps you understand not just how to secure systems, but also the impact of security on business operations and strategies.
• Customised Learning Paths
  • Many universities now offer flexible degree options or double degrees, allowing you to tailor your education to suit your interests and career goals. This could mean combining IT with law, international relations, or even ethics to broaden your understanding and appeal to a wider range of employers.

During your studies, you’ll become a master of cybersecurity. You’ll learn how to test and secure computer networks, protect against cyber threats, and even simulate cyber-attacks to identify potential vulnerabilities. 

Courses will cover areas like cryptography, network security, information security, ethical hacking techniques, and digital forensics. You’ll also develop critical thinking and problem solving skills which are vital in responding to fast changing security challenges.

Gaining practical experience could be a good starting point. If you want to get ahead of this while you’re studying at Uni, or even during your latter high school years there’s options for you.

Work Experience with Cybersecurity Firms or IT Departments

Gain practical experience by looking for work experience with cybersecurity firms or IT departments, such as CyberCX or Telstra Purple in Perth. They provide opportunities to work on interactive security challenges.

Hackathons, Government or University Projects: Participating in security projects, hackathons and entering competitions can also improve your skills and make your CV shine. These experiences not only enhance your learning but also connect you with professionals in the field, offering a glimpse into your future career as an Ethical Hacker.

University aside, you can also look into other cybersecurity pathways that either lead you to University or complement your studies.

• Certifications in Ethical Hacking (e.g., CEH, OSCP)
  • Obtain certifications through courses like Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) or Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), available from TAFE WA or online platforms. These certifications are globally recognised and demonstrate proficiency in ethical hacking techniques.
• Workshops on Cybersecurity and Ethical Hacking
  • Attend workshops on cybersecurity and ethical hacking provided by organisations like Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) or ISACA Perth Chapter. These sessions offer participation based learning with the latest tools and techniques.
• Join Cybersecurity and Ethical Hacking Communities
  • Connect with communities like Australian Information Security Association (AISA) or Women in Cyber Security (WiCyS) to stay informed about job opportunities, new threats, and trends in ethical hacking.
• Attend Cybersecurity Conferences and Workshops
  • Participate in events such as CyberCon or Australian Cyber Week to learn from industry leaders, showcase your work, and network with other professionals.

The field of ethical hacking is rapidly expanding, offering diverse career opportunities in government agencies, tech companies, financial institutions, and more. As an Ethical Hacker, you could be defending critical infrastructure, developing unbreakable security tools, or educating others about cybersecurity. 

Check out this article about the global penetration testing market Global Penetration Testing Market To Exceed $5 Billion USD Annually By 2031