If you’ve been wondering what is an ethical hacker, here’s the short answer: it’s someone who hacks systems to make them safer, not to cause harm. Ethical hackers get paid to break into networks, test digital defenses, and help organizations fix their flaws before malicious hackers get there first.
And companies need them. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 32% growth in cybersecurity jobs by 2033, far above average.
But how do you become one?
You don’t need to be a genius or have a degree in cybersecurity to break into this field. What you do need is a clear path, curiosity, and a solid understanding of how things work behind the scenes. This guide walks you through 12 steps to becoming an ethical hacker, whether you’re starting from scratch or pivoting from another tech job.
What Is Ethical Hacking?
Before we dive into the steps, let’s define the job. Ethical hacking, sometimes known as white hat hacking or penetration testing, is the legal practice of probing systems, apps, or networks for security gaps. Companies hire ethical hackers to identify vulnerabilities, simulate real-world cyberattacks, and help tighten up security before bad actors strike.
While black hat hackers break into systems for malicious reasons, ethical hackers are authorized to do it for defense. They follow a code of conduct, stay within legal boundaries, and document their findings in a way that non-tech stakeholders can understand.
If you’re asking, what do ethical hackers do, here’s a real-world look.
They:
- Scan networks and applications for weaknesses
- Simulate attacks using common hacker techniques
- Test systems under different threat models
- Report vulnerabilities clearly to decision-makers
- Work with teams to patch or mitigate the issues
How To Become An Ethical Hacker
An ethical hacker job isn’t just about hacking, it’s about protecting systems, earning trust, and staying ahead of the bad guys. With that in mind, let’s go through the 12 steps to launch your career in this field.
1. Understand How Computers and Networks Work
Before you can break something ethically, you need to know how it works.
Begin by understanding the core functions of operating systems, file systems, processes, and memory management. Learn how computers talk to each other over networks, how data is transmitted, and where vulnerabilities typically exist.
Begin with topics like:
- IP addressing, ports, and protocols (TCP/IP, UDP, etc.)
- DNS, DHCP, firewalls, and NAT
- The OSI model (and why it matters in security)
- Windows vs. Linux architecture
- Web technologies (HTTP, cookies, headers, sessions)
You don’t need to master all of this at once, but these basics are your starting point. Sites like FreeCodeCamp, CompTIA Network+ materials, or YouTube tutorials can help get you started.
2. Learn the Basics of Cybersecurity
Once you know how systems work, the next step is learning how they break and how to protect them.
Study common threats and how hackers exploit them. Study the OWASP Top 10, a key resource outlining the top vulnerabilities in modern web applications. Understand the “CIA triad” of cybersecurity, confidentiality, integrity, availability, and why each matters.
Some key topics to cover:
- Malware types (viruses, ransomware, spyware)
- Phishing and social engineering
- DDoS attacks
- Vulnerability scanning and patching
- Password cracking methods and defenses
Think of this as your general awareness phase. You’re building the mental model of how an attacker thinks and how to defend against those tactics.
3. Get Comfortable Using Linux
If you ask any professional what is an ethical hacker’s favorite operating system, the answer is usually Linux.
Linux is open-source, customizable, and full of powerful tools that hackers and sysadmins alike rely on. Kali Linux and Parrot OS are popular distributions packed with security tools designed for ethical hacking tasks.
Learn how to:
- Use the command line (navigate, move files, execute scripts)
- Manage permissions and users
- Install and configure security tools
- Write basic shell scripts
- Set up virtual machines (using VirtualBox or VMware)
You don’t need to abandon Windows, but Linux will become your main work environment for hacking tasks.
4. Start Learning to Code (Python First)
You don’t need to be a full-stack developer, but writing code is essential for ethical hackers. You’ll often automate tasks, analyze code for flaws, and create your own exploits or scripts.
Python is widely used in cybersecurity and is one of the easiest languages for beginners to pick up. It’s great for writing network scanners, fuzzers, brute-force tools, and log analyzers.
You should also explore:
- Bash scripting for Linux automation
- PowerShell for Windows environments
- JavaScript to understand web-based attacks (like XSS)
- SQL for injection testing
Coding helps you understand how software behaves and where it can go wrong, critical skills for any ethical hacker.
5. Get Hands-On With Hacking Labs
Ethical hacking is a skill you learn by doing. No classroom or book alone will teach you how to think like a hacker.
Start practicing in safe, legal environments like:
- TryHackMe offers beginner-friendly, guided challenges to help you build foundational hacking skills step by step.
- Hack The Box offers challenging, real-world scenarios that simulate real penetration testing environments.
- OverTheWire is ideal for strengthening your command line skills and logical thinking through progressively difficult challenges.
- VulnHub hosts downloadable virtual machines that let you practice ethical hacking in offline, self-contained labs.
These platforms simulate real systems and vulnerabilities, so you can practice without risking jail time or getting blacklisted.
Set up your own home lab with virtual machines to test tools like Nmap, Burp Suite, and Metasploit.
6. Learn Ethical Hacking Tools
To work in this field, you need to know how to use the same tools attackers use, but legally and ethically.
Here are some must-know tools in an ethical hacker job:
- Nmap is used for port scanning and discovering devices and services on a network.
- Wireshark lets you monitor and inspect network traffic in detail, making it easier to spot unusual behavior or setup issues.
- Burp Suite is used to assess web app security by intercepting traffic and testing how apps handle requests.
- Metasploit is a widely used toolset for discovering, validating, and exploiting known system vulnerabilities.
- John the Ripper is a password cracking tool that helps test the strength of encrypted credentials.
Don’t just memorize what these tools do, learn how to apply them in real scenarios. What does the output tell you? What’s the risk behind the finding?
7. Study for and Earn Certifications
Certifications help prove your skills, especially when you’re just starting out. They show employers that you’ve put in the work and understand ethical hacking fundamentals.
Popular options:
- CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) covers core tools, the phases of hacking, and real-world tactics commonly used by ethical hackers.
- OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) is a practical, challenge-based certification that’s highly regarded by cybersecurity professionals.
- CompTIA Security+ covers the core principles of cybersecurity and is a strong entry-level certification for beginners in the field.
- eJPT (eLearnSecurity Junior Penetration Tester) is an affordable, beginner-friendly certification that includes practical lab exercises to build real skills.
While certifications aren’t mandatory, they help get your foot in the door and give you structure as you learn.
8. Learn the Legal and Ethical Side of Hacking
What separates an ethical hacker from a criminal is consent. Even if your intentions are good, testing a system without permission is illegal.
Before performing any test, you must have:
- Written permission from the system owner
- A defined scope (what you’re allowed to test)
- Rules of engagement (what tools you can use, what systems to avoid)
You should also understand data privacy laws like GDPR, HIPAA, and Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA). Learn what happens if things go wrong, and how to handle responsible disclosure.
The job isn’t just technical, it’s built on trust.
9. Build a Portfolio of Your Work
As you gain experience, start documenting it. A well-built portfolio can give you an edge in a crowded ethical hacking job market.
What to include:
- Writeups of CTF challenges or lab walkthroughs
- Code samples or custom scripts on GitHub
- Blog posts explaining security concepts
- Home lab projects (e.g., “How I Set Up a Web App Firewall at Home”)
This isn’t about showing off. It’s about proving you can think critically, solve problems, and communicate clearly, key traits for any ethical hacker.
10. Join the Cybersecurity Community
Being around others in the field makes learning easier and keeps your motivation up.
Ways to plug in:
- Join subreddits like r/netsec, r/ethicalhacking, or r/AskNetsec
- Join Discord groups, LinkedIn communities, or local meetups
- Participate in Capture The Flag (CTF) events or bug bounty programs
Surrounding yourself with people in the field gives you exposure to new tools, job leads, and industry news. It also reminds you that you’re not alone on this path.
11. Apply for Entry-Level Jobs in Cybersecurity
Even if you’re not “ready,” start applying for jobs. Look for:
- Junior penetration tester roles
- Security operations center (SOC) analyst
- Vulnerability researcher
- Cybersecurity analyst
These roles help you gain real-world experience and build up to full-time ethical hacker positions. Stay patient if replies are slow, focus on learning more and sharpening your portfolio in the meantime.
You’ll learn just as much from job interviews as you will from courses.
12. Stay Curious and Keep Learning
Cybersecurity moves fast. New vulnerabilities are discovered every day. Ethical hackers have to be lifelong learners.
Here’s how to stay sharp:
- Follow blogs like Krebs on Security, HackerOne, or PortSwigger
- Subscribe to vulnerability databases like CVE Details or NVD
- Watch DEF CON or Black Hat conference talks on YouTube
- Take part in bug bounty programs (HackerOne, Bugcrowd)
- Practice on new lab challenges every week
The best ethical hackers never stop exploring. Curiosity is your biggest asset in this field.
What Really Makes an Ethical Hacker
Becoming an ethical hacker goes deeper than building a technical skillset. It’s about training your mind to see systems differently, to spot flaws, question assumptions, and act with purpose. You’re not just learning to hack; you’re learning to protect, to think critically, and to earn trust in an industry built on high stakes.
There’s no single way in. Some people come from IT, others figure it out on their own. What matters more than your background is how you approach the work. Stay curious, keep practicing, and be the person who doesn’t just find problems, but helps solve them. That’s where the real impact is.