Uncovering The Hidden Potential of Ethical Hacking in India

Over the past few years, the tech industry has witnessed a boom in the number of ethical hackers. Ethical hacking, also known as penetration testing, is a process of testing the security layers protecting a website, computer system, or a network to identify weaknesses and possible threats. With the increased dependence of businesses on the internet, they need to make sure their online data is secure from malicious hackers, which has opened up several job opportunities in this field.

Faced with the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals, more and more individuals are transitioning into a career in ethical hacking. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the process of transitioning into a career in ethical hacking in India, including salary insights and real-life stories of those who have successfully done it.

What is ethical hacking in India?

Ethical hacking is an evolving term that is used to describe the process of finding any vulnerabilities, threats or weaknesses in a computer system, network or web application. The ultimate end goal of ethical hacking is to protect against potential cyberattacks. As an ethical hacker, or a ‘white hat’ hacker as they are popularly called, you will be tasked with researching software and hardware systems to identify any holes in security. You will then be responsible for providing your clients with advice on how to improve the security of their systems. In India, ethical hacking can be a lucrative career opportunity as more and more businesses are shifting online and becoming vulnerable to cyber threats.

How can I transition into a career in ethical hacking in India?

The process of transitioning into a career in ethical hacking in India can seem daunting, however it doesn’t have to be. With the right resources and guidance, anyone can become a professional ethical hacker. Here are some essential steps to help you board the path to a successful career in ethical hacking:

• Start by researching the fundamentals of ethical hacking and cyber security. Explore different types of cyber threats, how to identify and mitigate them, and the ethical hacking process.
• Familiarize yourself with the different tools used in ethical hacking and how they are used to identify and respond to security threats.
• Look into the different certifications offered in ethical hacking. Many certifications, such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) or CompTIA Security+, provide in-depth knowledge of the entire ethical hacking field and are key for those looking to break into the industry.
• Understand the laws, regulations and ethical parameters that govern the field of ethical hacking, as it is a highly regulated field.
• Learn about the technology tools used by ethical hackers and update your skills to keep up with the ever-evolving cyber threat landscape. Do an online course in ethical hacking or attend ethical hacking workshops.
• Start applying to ethical hacking roles in India and use the above-mentioned skills to stand out from the competition. Also, look out for internships in ethical hacking as they are great way to gain valuable experience in the field.
• Continuously keep updating your knowledge to stay as up-to-date as possible in this fast-moving industry.

Success stories to inspire you

When making such a career transition, it can be easy to get overwhelmed by the number of steps and levels you have to cross. To make your journey easier, it’s always helpful to look at stories of those who have successfully made the transition. Here are a few success stories of professionals who have become successful ethical hackers in India:

• Shivam Bhutani: Shivam Bhutani, a self-taught ethical hacker, is a security consultant for some of the leading companies in India. He started his journey as an intern and soon after he completed his ethical hacking courses and obtained the relevant certifications, his career took a rapid turn. Today, he is a highly sought-after tech expert in the field.
• Vikas Gupta: Vikas Gupta is now working as a cybersecurity analyst for a reputed IT firm after a successful transition into ethical hacking. He started his career as a network administrator and made the switch to the field of ethical hacking only after several years of experience in the IT industry. He has now gained several certifications in the field.
• Sanjeev Sharma: Sanjeev Sharma has a long career spanning over two decades in the field of ethical hacking. He started his career as a software engineer, soon realizing his passion for cyber security. He currently holds multiple certifications in ethical hacking and a full-time job in a cybersecurity company.

Salary insights

As per the recent 2020 salary survey by LinkedIn India, ethical hackers in India earn an average of Indian Rupees 21,200 per month and between Indian Rupees 4 lakhs to 9 lakhs annually, depending on the company and experience. The survey also found that, on average, ethical hackers earn eight percent more than the national average salary for IT professionals in India.

Overcoming possible challenges and obstacles

As the field of ethical hacking revolves around complex technological concepts, transitioning into a career in ethical hacking might be difficult. Additionally, ethical hacking is a highly regulated field and it is essential to become well-versed in the different laws and regulations that govern the sector in order to ensure compliance while performing your job effectively. Here are a few tips to help you overcome the possible challenges and obstacles in transitioning into a career in ethical hacking:

• Keep yourself updated on the latest trends in the field by attending workshops or webinars or participating in coding or cybersecurity competitions.
• Develop strong problem-solving skills to identify and respond to security threats efficiently.
• Familiarize yourself with the different tools and technologies used in ethical hacking and understand their utility.
• Set goals and objectives and prepare a realistic timeline for achieving them.
• Work on projects that can help you showcase your skills to potential employers.
• Finally, believe in yourself and don’t hesitate to push your limits.

Take action now

Ethical hacking is a fast-growing sector and is projected to be one of the most lucrative job opportunities in India over the next decade. If you’re looking to transition into a career in ethical hacking and make a great career out of it, this is the perfect time to act. Make sure to have a clear plan and solid understanding of the fundamentals of ethical hacking and don’t forget to believe in yourself.

Conclusion

Ethical hacking is a growing field and the demand for ethical hackers is only going to increase in the future. It is an exciting and rewarding career which requires dedication and hard work. If ethical hacking has been on your mind, now is the right time to take the necessary steps towards transitioning into a career in this field.