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Hacking involves illegally accessing and manipulating computer systems or digital devices without authorization. Cybercriminals typically engage in hacking to gain financial or personal information, corrupt data or software, and carry out other malicious purposes. Ethical hackers, on the other hand, use their skills to improve cybersecurity measures and help safeguard businesses, governments, and people online.

In the 1980s, two movies—Tron and WarGames—introduced a public to the concept of hacking. Since then, the number of high-profile hacking incidents has increased significantly. Today, the world needs skilled ethical hackers to counter the rising threat of cybercrime and protect businesses, government agencies, and individuals.

To become an ethical hacker, you can pursue a bachelor’s degree in information security or cybersecurity or earn professional certification like Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). You can also seek an internship or ask your employer about on-the-job training opportunities to gain hands-on experience and build critical skills. Some schools also offer specialized hacking courses or bootcamps that combine classroom instruction with hands-on, virtual labs and competitions to upskill you in the field.

The first phase of an ethical hack is reconnaissance, which entails researching the target system to identify its vulnerabilities. Hackers can do reconnaissance passively by searching public databases or actively, utilizing tools such as social engineering and open-source intelligence (OSINT) software. Once a hacker finds a flaw in the system, they exploit it to gain access. Once inside, they can spy on activity, collect sensitive data, or inject malware to carry out their aims. Hackers are motivated by a variety of factors, including financial gain (stealing passwords or credit card information to sell on the black market), corporate espionage, or even a desire for notoriety as members of hacktivist groups such as Anonymous and LulzSec.