Ethical Hacker / Penetration Tester

What is This Job All About?

You're the "good hacker" who finds security vulnerabilities before the bad guys do! As an Ethical Hacker or Penetration Tester, you're hired to break into systems, applications, and networks – but with permission and for a positive purpose. By thinking like malicious hackers and using their techniques, you help organizations identify and fix security weaknesses before they can be exploited. From banks and hospitals to government agencies and tech companies, your skills protect sensitive data and critical infrastructure. You're essentially a digital security expert who gets paid to break things in order to make them stronger!

Hardness Level:
Learning Period:
1.5-2 years
Salary Level:
$70K–$110K

Required Skills:

Hard Skills:
Network penetration testing
Web application security testing
Social engineering techniques
Programming and scripting
Knowledge of operating systems and vulnerabilities
Soft Skills:
Ethical judgment
Analytical thinking
Detailed documentation skills
Clear communication of technical findings
Creativity in approaching security problems

How to Start:

Build a strong foundation in networking and operating systems

Learn about common security vulnerabilities and exploits

Practice in legal environments like CTF competitions

Set up a home lab with vulnerable systems for practice

Study for security certifications like Security+


Copyright © 2025 IT Education Association. All rights reserved