The Ethical Hacker Network - The Right path to the top of the industry.

_jon

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The Right path to the top of the industry.

« on: February 03, 2009, 09:44:47 PM »

I consider myself very new to the Ethical Hacking field, so I just thought I'd ask a few questions regarding it.

Since I know the sky is the limit for this profession, what would be the best way to start getting my foot in the door to becoming a professional ethical hacker?

I did read through the "So You Want To Hack For A Living" article written by Don, and it gave me some possible options to look into to further my education.

However, I thought I'd ask the community, those guys (and gals I'm sure) that are professionals in this industry, where should I start in becoming a professional ethical hacker?

What certifications should I go for (since I'm sure some are more relevant than others, like the CEH), and what kind of skill set would the ideal ethical hacker have?

Any comments are greatly appreciated


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COm_BOY

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Re: The Right path to the top of the industry.

« Reply #1 on: February 03, 2009, 10:50:52 PM »

Your IT experience ?
Secondly check your local market . I have seen Ethical Hacker / Penetration tester in USA having a lot of experience . even 15Years+ or more IT experience . So if you are new in IT field I wont recommend you to go for it because people in the market with same job will be having a lot of experience as compared to yours.


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It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity.

_jon

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Re: The Right path to the top of the industry.

« Reply #2 on: February 04, 2009, 10:41:26 AM »

Well, as of right now, I'm still in school for Network Security and Computer Forensics, so I guess you can say my IT experience is zero.

Just based off of that alone, I know I've got a long way to go, and I do plan on continuing my education, but is there anything specific I can go for when I'm done with school (Certs, entry level jobs, etc)?


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vijay2

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Re: The Right path to the top of the industry.

« Reply #3 on: February 04, 2009, 11:07:08 AM »

Aiming High is always great and aiming for the sky is the way to go. Well I think to get there here are a few presentations you should review.

Dons talk at Ethical Hacking Summit

http://www.ethicalhacker.net/component/option,com_smf/Itemid,54/topic,2506.0/

Read the following interviews of Industry Greats

Ed Skoudis

http://www.ethicalhacker.net/component/option,com_smf/Itemid,54/topic,2475.0/

Johnny Long

http://www.ethicalhacker.net/component/option,com_smf/Itemid,54/topic,2484.0/

HD Moore

http://www.ethicalhacker.net/component/option,com_smf/Itemid,54/topic,2562.0/

Last but not the least, there is no short cut to get on top. Google and Search features are your friends.

VJ


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don

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Re: The Right path to the top of the industry.

« Reply #4 on: February 04, 2009, 11:14:06 AM »

Thanks for the plug, vijay2. Now I don't have to. Wink

Actually he is spot on. See what others have to say about careers. The 3 interviews I did with the gentlemen in vijay2's post a great ones from which to learn.

My talk, DIY Career in Ethical Hacking" may help, because it mentions many paths. It starts with asking you many questions like what do you want to be, what are your strengths, etc. Mostly because of gov't regulations, this industry is growing immensely. That being said, there are spots for sales people, management, marketing, reporters... not just the ultimate hacker. The talk also pushes you to decide what your 5-year goal is and then make a plan to get there. If you're kind enough to isten to the provided MP3 of the talk, I'd appreciate your thoughts on it.

Hope this helps,
Don

PS - I also have the MP3 for when I did the r-rated version at ChicagoCon last fall. Look for that soon.


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timmedin

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Re: The Right path to the top of the industry.

« Reply #5 on: February 14, 2009, 01:24:12 PM »

If you don't have any experience I would highly recommend getting some training (and cert) related to EH/PT. I took GPEN from SANS and really enjoyed it. The instructors there are top notch.

After that, I would see if you have any friend who works for a company that needs one. Smaller companies are usually less formal so that is your best bet. They probably have less of a formal security program so that should make it easier as well. You could give them a semi-low rate (too low and they don't take you seriously) and get the first test under your belt. After that you have some experience and you can leverage that into your next test.

Hope that helps.


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