Updated on Jul 7, 2025 06:28 IST
Diya Nihalani

Diya NihalaniContent Author

A massive Yahoo data breach in 2013 compromised billions of user accounts. The WannaCry ransomware attack in 2017 affected computers in over 150 countries, resulting in huge losses of millions of dollars. These incidents show the dark side of hacking, where vulnerabilities are exploited to cause widespread damage. 

To combat these threats and attacks, Big companies like Google and Facebook hire ethical hackers, also known as white hat hackers. With permission, they rigorously test their systems for weaknesses and vulnerabilities. This sums up what an ethical hacking professional does. These hackers are armed with various ethical hacking tools and techniques to fight against potential data breaches and threats to the company. 

Ethical Hacking

Ethical hackers' jobs are not just about fixing holes but about staying several steps ahead of malicious black hat hackers, who exploit vulnerabilities for nefarious purposes. By identifying and addressing security issues, ethical hackers help safeguard the digital fortress, preventing potential disasters and saving companies from the kind of breaches that have made headlines in the past.

Ethical Hacking Course Highlight

Ethical Hacking is a fairly new role that is becoming mainstream, as others in recent scenarios; more and more students are discovering the career scope of this course and working on their skill set by gaining various certifications and training through numerous platforms. Given below is a tabular summary of the Ethical Hacking course and the relevant details.

Particulars

Details

Course Level

Diploma, Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Online Programmes

Duration

Online Courses - 6 weeks to 25 weeks

Diploma 1-2 years

UG- 3-4 years

PG-2 years

Eligibility

For Online Courses - 10+2 in any stream
For Undergraduate Courses 10+2 in any stream

For Postgraduate Courses- Bachelor's degree 

Fees

Up to INR 10 lakh

Top Institutions

Average Salary

Up to INR 6 lakh

Top Recruiters

Google, Microsoft, Apple, Facebook (Meta), Amazon, IBM, Oracle, etc.

Job Positions

Ethical Hacker, Penetration Tester, Security Analyst, Security Consultant, Cybersecurity Engineer, Information Security Manager, Vulnerability Assessor, etc.

 

Ethical Hacking vs Malicious Hacking

What is Ethical Hacking?

Ethical hacking is the practice of intentionally trying to break into computer systems or networks to find and fix security vulnerabilities. Unlike malicious hackers, ethical hackers operate with permission from the organization they are testing. Their goal is to improve security by identifying weaknesses before they can be exploited by attackers. In lay terms, ethical hackers help make systems safer by thinking like a hacker but acting to protect the system.

 

 

Ethical Hacking Skills

 

Why Learn Ethical Hacking in 2025?

Here are some top reasons to learn about ethical hacking. 

  • According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is a high demand for ethical hackers in the job market, with an expected growth rate of 32% from 2020 to 2030. 
  • Ethical hacking is a diverse field with opportunities in various industries such as finance, healthcare, government, and technology. 
  • As per PayScale, the average salary for an ethical hacker in the United States is $99,000 per year. In India, the average salary of an ethical hacker is  INR 517,569 per year, as per AmbitionBox.  
  • The ethical hacking field is constantly evolving, with new technologies and techniques emerging, providing ongoing learning opportunities for professionals.
  • A report by Burning Glass Technologies found that cybersecurity skills can boost a worker's salary by up to 16%.  
  • Learning ethical hacking can help individuals protect themselves from cyberattacks. According to Statista, there were 1.2 billion data breaches in the first half of 2023 alone, which makes it crucial for everyone to understand how to protect their personal information online.

Must Read: 5 Best Cyber Security Programming Languages to Learn

 

Q:   What is the meaning of ethical hacking?
A:

Ethical hacking involves an authorized attempt to gain unauthorized access to a computer system, application, or data. Carrying out an ethical hack involves duplicating the strategies and actions of malicious attackers. Ethical hackers ensure the security of the companies' web assets. Basically, it is hacking but for the benefit of organizations rather than personal gain or invasion of ownership.

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Q:   What is ethical hacking?
A:

Ethical hacking involves an authorized attempt to gain unauthorized access to a computer system, application, or data. Carrying out an ethical hack involves duplicating the strategies and actions of malicious attackers. Ethical hacking is one of the highest-paid careers, as the white hat hackers play a crucial role in protecting and weeding out bugs and tracking malicious activities. 

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Table of content
  • Ethical Hacking Eligibility and Admission 2025
  • Top Ethical Hacking Certifications and Programs
  • Ethical Hacking Course Syllabus
  • Top Ethical Hacking Institutions
  • Popular Private Ethical Hacking Colleges in India
  • Ethical Hacking Salary, Career Scope, Job Profiles & Top Recruiters
  • Ethical Hacking FAQs
  • Popular Ethical Hacking UG Courses
  • Popular Ethical Hacking PG Courses
  • Popular Exams
  • Online Courses
View More

Ethical Hacking Eligibility and Admission 2025

Minimum Eligibility for Enrolling in Online Ethical Hacking Courses

It is important to have a Bachelor’s degree (BSc, BTech, BE, BCA) in Information Technology or Computer Science to become an ethical hacker. Candidates with an advanced diploma in network security or relevant technology can also choose ethical hacking as a professional career. A certification from a reputable institute enhances the chances of getting hired by some big names in the IT sector. However, every candidate needs to fulfill the eligibility criteria prescribed below before applying for admission to Ethical Hacking Courses:

  • Eligibility Criteria for UG Courses: Candidates should have passed class 12 or its equivalent from a recognized board. Admission to ethical hacking courses at most Indian institutes is done through entrance tests.
  • Eligibility Criteria for PG Courses: Candidates must have passed a bachelor’s degree in the related subject from a recognized university. A large number of colleges offer admission to their PG-level Ethical Hacking course through entrance tests.

 

Top Ethical Hacking Certifications and Programs

Ethical Hacking can be pursued either through various Diploma and Degree Programs or Certifications offered by numerous online and offline platforms. Ethical Hacking Diploma and Degree Programs can last between 1 and 4 years, whereas genuine Ethical Hacking Certifications can be gained within a week or so. Interested individuals can refer to the tables below to choose the program that suits their career goals.

Ethical Hacking Diploma and Degree Programmes

Program Name

Total Duration

Average Fees (INR)

Diploma in Ethical Hacking and IT Security

1-2 years

15,000

Diploma in Ethical Hacking

1-2 years

3,999

Diploma in Ethical Hacking & Cyber Security

1-2 years

50,000

BTech Cyber Security

4 Years

6-12 L

BSc Networking

3 years

60k-3L

BTech CSE (Cyber Security and Forensics)

4 Years

6-8 L

Ethical Hacking Certifications

Candidates can take a look at the table below to know more about the certifications of Ethical Hacking Courses:

Certificate Name

Total Duration

Average Fees (INR)

EC-Council- Certified Ethical Hacker + CEH Master

5 Days

87,800

EC-Council- Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator Certification

5 Days

87,700

GIAC- Certified Penetration Tester

6 days

1,45,000

GIAC- Cyber Security Certification

6 days

1,45,000

GIAC- Certified Forensic Analyst

6 days

1,45,000

GIAC- Certified Intrusion Analyst

6 days

1,45,000

Free Ethical Hacking Courses

Candidates can even take free courses in Ethical Hacking on various online platforms, a few of which are mentioned in the table below.

Certificate Name

Platform Total Duration
Certified Ethical Hacker Great Learning 45 Hours
Foundations of Cybersecurity  Coursera 10 Hours

Here are the Top Online Ethical Hacking Courses:

The Online mode of education is the best-proven mode of education for the working professionals, so if candidates are interested in pursuing a full-time job along with an ethical hacking course for the purpose of upskilling. They can take assistance from the table mentioned below for choosing a suitable certification for themselves.

Course Duration
Hacking in Practice: Certified Ethical Hacking MEGA Course 2 hours
Complete Ethical Hacking Bootcamp: Zero to Mastery 27 hours
The Complete Nmap Ethical Hacking Course: Network Security 5 hours
Certified Ethical Hacker Certification 40 hours
Ethical Hacking Essentials (EHE) 15 hours
Metaxone Certified Ethical Hacker 2 months
CERTIFIED SECURITY PROFESSIONAL 12 weeks
CEH V11 Certification Training 40 days
Cyber Forensics 1 hour

 

Q:   Which course I can do to become an ethical hacker?
A:

Any course that gives knowledge of computer languages, software, and programming can help you become an ethical hacker. BCA and B.Tech computer Science are the preferred courses. Many institutes also offer short-term (having a duration of months) hacking courses; some platforms do it for free, whereas some of them charge a particular fee. 
For instance, students can explore the platform called "Coursera," which offers various courses for a certain charge, but the platform provides the option of seeking financial aid for the students who cannot afford the actual fees. The next step of the process involves the evaluation of that financial aid plea that students post under the course mentioned on the interface.
After the approval of the financial aid, that particular course is automatically unlocked, and the contents of it are available for the students to follow.

Q:   Is ethical hacking legal?
A:

Ethical hacking is legal and is certainly one of the fastest-growing and the highest-paid professions globally. It is hacking, but for the favor of the organizations. The white-hat hackers who invade the access of various sites but for the sake of security.

Q:   What skills are required for Ethical Hacking?
A:

Ethical hacking requires various skills, like

  • Understanding basic network protocols, TCP/IP, and network operations. Proficient in Python, Java, or C+ for scripting and automation.
  • Aware of the basics of both Windows and Linux systems.
  • Knowledge of tools like Wireshark, Metasploit, and Nmap.
  • Ability to identify and assess security weaknesses.
  • Strong analytical skills to troubleshoot and resolve security issues.
  • Techniques to analyze application code for vulnerabilities.
  • Understanding human elements and behaviors to identify security risks.
  • Keeping up with current security trends and threats.
  • Certifications like CEH or OSCP enhance credibility and knowledge.
Q:   Who should go for online Ethical Hacking Courses?
A:
  • Freshers who are interested in cybersecurity and want to learn more about ethical hacking techniques and tools can go for this course.
  • Professionals working in the tech industry who want to upskill and stay relevant in their field. 
  • Professionals working in a different industry who want to switch to a career in cybersecurity need to learn the basics of ethical hacking. 
  • Business owners and managers who want to better understand the security risks to their organisation and how to mitigate them.
  • Anyone interested in protecting their personal information and devices from cyber threats.

Ethical Hacking Course Syllabus

Interested candidates can check out the list of generic topics and subjects covered in an ethical hacking course in the table below.

Training Area

Topics Covered

Ethical Hacking

Cyber Ethics-Hacking Introduction

Information Gathering 1 and 2

Scanning 1 and 2

Google Hacking Database

Virus and Worms 

Trojans & Backdoors

Sniffers & keyloggers

Social Engineering

Email, DNS, IP, and Email spoofing

HoneyPots

System Hacking & Security

Website Hacking & Security

Vulnerability Research

SQL Injection 

XSS Attacks & Countermeasures

LFI/ RFI Attacks & Countermeasures

Information Disclosure Vulnerabilities

Buffer Overflow & Session Hijacking Attacks

Vulnerability Assessment & Penetration Testing

Exploit Writing

Secure Coding Practices

Mobile & Wireless Security

Wireless Hacking & Security

SMS Forging & Countermeasures

VoIP Hacking & Countermeasure

 

Top Ethical Hacking Institutions

Ethical Hacking Course Platforms Tuition Fee
Certificates Edureka (5 Weeks) INR 42,000
INR 75,000
 Udemy (40 Hours) NA

Infosec (6 Months)

NA
UG Diploma Boston Institute of Analytics (6 Months) INR 1.12 Lakh
Cyber Security Studies & Research Laboratory (3 Years) INR 90,000
PG Diploma Boston Institute of Analytics (10 Months) INR 1.55 Lakh

 

2 K
3.99 L
0 - 16.5 K
3.22 L - 3.8 L
Q:   Why should you choose Ethical Hacking as a career option?
A:

All big organizations and MNCs are in dire need of a good security team in this era of the Internet. An ethical hacker can help big organizations by taking a job as a cybersecurity advisor for them. 

A very popular job profile these days, ethical hackers are in a lot of demand, and big IT companies such as TCS, Infosys, Cognizant, Wipro, and others are constantly looking for cybersecurity experts and ethical hackers. 

Since 2012, ethical hacking as a field has been growing at a rate that is widely outpacing all other spheres of cybersecurity and the IT industry. As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, listings for cybersecurity jobs have increased by a whopping 75% since 2012. The pay scale offered to ethical hackers is impressive, too. Some reasons why you should have a career in ethical hacking include

  1. Increased demand for information security professionals in both the public and private sectors, paving the way for more employment opportunities

  2. Ethical Hacking has extended beyond the digital world and is entering the physical world, thereby ensuring a real-world impact

  3. A booming job market, where pursuing an Ethical Hacking course may help you get a hike of 50-70%

  4. Opportunity to work with big brand names like Visa, Cisco, Oracle, Reliance, GE, American Express, to name a few

  5. It is a wonderful opportunity to network with new people and industry experts.

Q:   How does Ethical Hacking differ from Malicious Hacking?
A:

Ethical hacking and malicious hacking can be considered different due to the difference in intent and permission. Ethical hackers are authorized, whereas unethical hackers are not. Ethical hackers tend to protect the company system, whereas the malicious ones try to invade it in order to exploit vulnerabilities for personal gain or to cause harm, operating without consent and violating laws.

Particulars

Ethical 

Malicious 

Intent

Secure and improve organizational technology.

Gain unauthorized access for financial gain, personal fame, or harm.

Operations

Identify vulnerabilities, report them to the organization, and suggest fixes.

Exploit vulnerabilities for personal benefit without reporting them.

Impact

Help strengthen security and prevent breaches.

Damage systems, deface websites, or cause financial and reputational harm.

Follow-Up

Perform retests to ensure vulnerabilities are resolved.

Do not assist in improving security or resolving issues.

Ethics

Work legally with approval to protect resources and data.

Operate illegally, often targeting sensitive data for malicious purposes.

 

Popular Private Ethical Hacking Colleges in India

2.08 L

Ethical Hacking Applications open. Apply Now

2.5 L - 2.6 L
4 L - 5.88 L
2.75 L
4.8 LPA
2.7 L
3.4
3.6 L

Ethical Hacking Applications open. Apply Now

Ethical Hacking Salary, Career Scope, Job Profiles & Top Recruiters

Amid the rise in cybercrime cases around the globe, the demand for Ethical Hackers has increased significantly. An Ethical Hacker breaches data or a site to prevent security vulnerabilities. An Ethical Hacker is responsible for keeping an eye out for malicious elements like hackers, bugs, and other potential online threats.

Interested candidates can read the article further for more details on the career prospects of Ethical Hacking. Numerous recruiters offer entry-level and managerial roles for the position of an Ethical Hacker. The average salary range is from INR 5 LPA to INR 25 LPA or more. Still, the salary, job profile, and position are largely dependent on the work experience, skill set, and individual capabilities. So, make sure you gain as much practical experience in the field of ethical hacking.

Ethical Hacking Salary and Job Profiles in India

Ethical hackers, also known as white hat hackers, work to improve cybersecurity by finding and fixing vulnerabilities in systems before malicious actors can exploit them. Common job profiles include penetration testers, security analysts, security consultants, and cybersecurity engineers. These professionals assess security risks, conduct penetration tests, and develop solutions to strengthen security measures.

Note: The average salary has been taken from external sources and may vary.

Ethical Hacking Job Profiles Job Description Average Salary
Penetration Tester Simulates cyberattacks to identify weaknesses in systems and networks.  INR 10.5 LPA
Vulnerability Assessor Analyzes systems and applications to find security flaws and recommend solutions.  INR 24.3 LPA
Security Analyst Monitors networks and systems for suspicious activity, investigates security incidents, and helps implement security measures.  INR 7 LPA
Security Consultant Provides expert advice to organizations on improving their overall security posture, often involving ethical hacking assessments.  INR 15 LPA
Cybersecurity Engineer Designs, implements, and maintains security systems and infrastructure to protect against cyber threats. 

INR 11 LPA

Note: The average salary has been taken from external sources and may vary.

Ethical Hacking Top Recruiters

Numerous good companies hire for the position of Ethical Hacking. The company and the job profile mainly depend on the skill set and the capabilities of the candidates. Hence, one should make sure to gain hands-on experience in their respective training, internship, and projects. Here is the list of top recruiters mentioned in the table below.

Ethical Hacking Top Recruiters

Google

Microsoft

Amazon

IBM

Infosys

Wipro

TCS

Accenture

 

 

Ethical Hacking FAQs

Candidates can refer to this section for Microbiology course FAQs.

Q:   How to Learn Ethical Hacking?
A:

Step 1: The first step is to know the basics of networking and computers. Make sure you are aware of the basics of computer networks, how they work, and basic concepts such as TCP/IP, DNS, and HTTP/HTTPS.
You can also learn about operating systems, especially Linux and Windows, because various tools used in ethical hacking are Linux-based.
Step 2: Learn Programming Languages
You will have to gain some programming skills in languages that are related to security analysis, such as Python, JavaScript, or C. Programming knowledge is very important for understanding how software vulnerabilities can be exploited and for developing your own hacking tools.
Step 3: Study Security Concepts
You will have to delve into cybersecurity fundamentals, including encryption, authentication, and authorization processes.
Get knowledge of common vulnerabilities and attacks like SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and denial-of-service (DoS) attacks.
Step 4: Get practical with ethical hacking tools.
Use ethical hacking tools like Metasploit, Nmap, Wireshark, and Burp Suite. Engage yourself in controlled environments like labs or virtual machines to safely apply hacking techniques without causing harm.
Step 5: Engage yourself in practice scenarios.
Participate in online Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions and security challenges to test your skills in real-world scenarios. Practical hands-on training is far more important than any theoretical study material regarding ethical hacking concepts.
Use practice labs, such as those offered by OverTheWire, Hack The Box, or TryHackMe, which provide a wider horizon of scope of learning from beginner to advanced levels.
Step 6: You need to earn Certifications from various paid and free platforms (online or offline)
Consider obtaining ethical hacking certifications such as the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), or CompTIA Security+. These certifications validate your know-how skills and confidence in the competitive job market nowadays.
Step 7: Keep learning and exploring the various updates, new practices, languages, and tools in the marketplaces.
Follow the latest cybersecurity news and updates to stay informed about new vulnerabilities and hacking techniques.
Join forums and communities like Reddit's r/netsec or security-focused groups on social media to learn from and contribute to discussions with other cybersecurity enthusiasts and professionals.

Popular Ethical Hacking UG Courses

Following are the most popular Ethical Hacking UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Ethical Hacking PG Courses

Following are the most popular Ethical Hacking PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Ethical Hacking. Students interested in pursuing a career on Ethical Hacking, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

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Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 2 days ago

The ethical hacker course at Quest Institute of Knowledge includes the following topics:-

  • Scanning Networks
  • Social Engineering
  • Foot-printing and Reconnaissance
  • Cryptography
  • Hacking Wireless Networks
  • SQL Injection, etc.

S

Sejal Baveja

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 days ago

Step 1: The first step is to know the basics of networking and computers. Make sure you are aware of the basics of computer networks, how they work, and basic concepts such as TCP/IP, DNS, and HTTP/HTTPS.
You can also learn about operating systems, especially Linux and Windows, because various tools

...Read more

D

Diya Nihalani

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 3 days ago

Any course that gives knowledge of computer languages, software, and programming can help you become an ethical hacker. BCA and B.Tech computer Science are the preferred courses. Many institutes also offer short-term (having a duration of months) hacking courses; some platforms do it for free, where

...Read more

D

Diya Nihalani

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 3 days ago

Ethical hacking involves an authorized attempt to gain unauthorized access to a computer system, application, or data. Carrying out an ethical hack involves duplicating the strategies and actions of malicious attackers. Ethical hacking is one of the highest-paid careers, as the white hat hackers pla

...Read more

D

Diya Nihalani

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 3 days ago

Ethical hacking is legal and is certainly one of the fastest-growing and the highest-paid professions globally. It is hacking, but for the favor of the organizations. The white-hat hackers who invade the access of various sites but for the sake of security.

D

Diya Nihalani

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 3 days ago

Ethical hacking involves an authorized attempt to gain unauthorized access to a computer system, application, or data. Carrying out an ethical hack involves duplicating the strategies and actions of malicious attackers. Ethical hackers ensure the security of the companies' web assets. Basically, it

...Read more

D

Diya Nihalani

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 3 days ago

All big organizations and MNCs are in dire need of a good security team in this era of the Internet. An ethical hacker can help big organizations by taking a job as a cybersecurity advisor for them. 

A very popular job profile these days, ethical hackers are in a lot of demand, and big IT companies s

...Read more

D

Diya Nihalani

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 4 days ago

Ethical hacking and malicious hacking can be considered different due to the difference in intent and permission. Ethical hackers are authorized, whereas unethical hackers are not. Ethical hackers tend to protect the company system, whereas the malicious ones try to invade it in order to exploit vul

...Read more

D

Diya Nihalani

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 4 days ago

  • Freshers who are interested in cybersecurity and want to learn more about ethical hacking techniques and tools can go for this course.
  • Professionals working in the tech industry who want to upskill and stay relevant in their field. 
  • Professionals working in a different industry who want to switch to

...Read more

D

Diya Nihalani

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 4 days ago

Ethical hacking requires various skills, like

  • Understanding basic network protocols, TCP/IP, and network operations. Proficient in Python, Java, or C+ for scripting and automation.
  • Aware of the basics of both Windows and Linux systems.
  • Knowledge of tools like Wireshark, Metasploit, and Nmap.
  • Ability to

...Read more

D

Diya Nihalani

Contributor-Level 7

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