How to Be Computer Hacker - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Sep 24, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The rise of computer hacking has caused a surge in cybercrime. Computer hackers use various methods to gain access to computers, networks, and systems without authorization. They can use malicious software, such as viruses and worms, to steal confidential information, disrupt networks, damage data, and even steal money.

This can have a devastating effect on both businesses and individuals, as the consequences of a successful attack can include loss of data, financial damage, and reputational damage. To protect against this threat, organizations must invest in robust security systems and regularly update their software and hardware. users must remain vigilant about their online activities and be aware of potential risks when accessing the internet.

Steps How to Become

Learn the Basics of Computer Programming. Develop a strong foundation in the basics of coding and computer programming. If you have no prior experience, start with an introductory course in a programming language such as Python, Java, or C++.
Understand Networking and Network Security. Understanding basic networking concepts and network security is essential for a hacker. You should understand how IP addresses, DNS, firewalls, and routers work.
Get Familiar with Linux and Other Operating Systems. Linux is an open-source operating system that is widely used by hackers. Familiarize yourself with Linux and other operating systems such as macOS and Windows.
Learn Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing. Once you understand the basics of computer programming and network security, consider taking courses in ethical hacking and penetration testing. These will help you to understand the mindset of a hacker and how to identify vulnerabilities.
Practice Your Skills. Once you have the necessary knowledge and skills, its time to practice. Try to find vulnerable systems online and practice attacking and defending them. This will help you hone your skills and become a better hacker.
Join a Hacker Community. Joining an online or offline hacker community will help you learn from experienced hackers. You can also find opportunities to participate in competitions or collaborate on projects.

The rise of computer hackers has had a dramatic effect on the way organizations protect their information systems. Companies must now invest in more complex security measures, such as antivirus software and firewalls, in order to protect their systems from malicious attacks. Companies also need to be aware of the risk of social engineering, where sophisticated hackers use psychological techniques to manipulate their victims into revealing confidential information.

To become ideal and competent in computer security, organizations should invest in employee training to ensure they are aware of proper security protocols and best practices. companies should regularly review their security systems and take appropriate steps to prevent potential breaches. By implementing these measures, organizations can minimize the risk of data leaks and ensure the security of their information systems.

You may want to check Network Hacker, White Hat Hacker, and Reverse Engineer for alternative.

Job Description

Security Analyst
Network Engineer
Cryptographer
Penetration Tester
System Administrator
Application Security Specialist
Database Administrator
Software Developer
Cybersecurity Consultant
Malware Analyst

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of computer networks and systems
Knowledge of programming languages
Knowledge of operating systems
Knowledge of data security
Understanding of hardware and software components
Ability to troubleshoot hardware and software issues
Ability to design and develop new applications
Ability to use various coding techniques
Knowledge of various encryption techniques
Knowledge of cyber security best practices

The most important skill for a computer hacker is knowledge of programming languages. Knowing how to write and debug code in a variety of languages is essential for a hacker to be able to exploit software vulnerabilities. This knowledge allows hackers to modify existing programs to create malicious code and develop new programs to automate their attacks.

the ability to reverse engineer software and analyze low-level machine code is necessary for a hacker to understand the inner workings of software and identify security weaknesses. Furthermore, knowledge of networking protocols and infrastructure is essential to be able to identify points of entry into systems, while an understanding of encryption technologies is necessary to decode data that has been secured. As technology continues to evolve, computer hackers must stay ahead of the curve by continuously learning new skills and keeping up with the latest trends.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have with computer security?
How would you go about assessing the security of a computer system?
Are you familiar with ethical hacking and penetration testing?
What defensive measures have you implemented to protect against computer hacking?
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends in computer security?
Describe a time when you successfully identified and resolved a computer security vulnerability.
How would you apply encryption to protect sensitive data?
Do you have any experience with malware analysis and reverse engineering?
What techniques do you use to uncover hidden data or malicious code?
What methods do you use to identify and respond to cyber-attacks?

Common Tools in Industry

Metasploit. An open-source penetration testing tool for discovering and exploiting security vulnerabilities. (eg: example: Using Metasploit to remotely compromise a vulnerable system)
Nmap. A free and open-source port scanner and network exploration tool. (eg: example: Scanning a network to find open ports using Nmap)
Wireshark. A network protocol analyzer used to capture, examine, and analyze network traffic. (eg: example: Analyzing network traffic data with Wireshark)
John the Ripper. An open-source password cracking tool used to uncover weak passwords. (eg: example: Using John the Ripper to crack hashed passwords)
SQLmap. An open-source automated SQL injection tool used for exploiting database vulnerabilities. (eg: example: Exploiting an SQL injection vulnerability with SQLmap)
Burp Suite. An integrated platform for performing security testing of web applications. (eg: example: Using Burp Suite to identify security vulnerabilities in a web application)

Professional Organizations to Know

Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Open Source Initiative (OSI)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Computer Society (IEEE-CS)
International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP)
Information Systems Security Association (ISSA)
Computer Security Institute (CSI)
National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA)
SANS Institute (SANS)
International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC2)

Common Important Terms

Malware. Malicious software designed to damage or disrupt a computer system.
Phishing. An attempt to obtain sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details by sending deceptive emails or messages.
Backdoor. A hidden way of gaining access to a computer system without using the usual authentication methods.
Brute Force Attack. A type of attack which tries to guess passwords or encryption keys by repeatedly trying different combinations.
Rootkit. A set of malicious software used to gain unauthorized access to a computer system and control it remotely.
Social Engineering. The use of psychological manipulation to obtain confidential information or access to restricted areas.
Botnet. A network of computers controlled by a malicious hacker to launch attacks on other systems.
Cryptographic Hash Function. A mathematical algorithm used to encrypt data and verify its integrity.
Spyware. Software that is installed on a computer without the user's consent and used to track their activity and collect information about them.
Password Cracking. The process of attempting to guess passwords in order to gain access to a system or account.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a computer hacker?

A computer hacker is someone who uses their technical knowledge and expertise to gain unauthorized access to computer systems, networks and software.

What is the difference between a computer hacker and a cracker?

A computer hacker is someone who seeks to exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems for the purpose of learning or advancing their own knowledge and skills, while a cracker is someone who seeks to gain unauthorized access to a computer system or network to commit malicious acts, such as stealing data or damaging systems.

What are the three main types of computer hackers?

The three main types of computer hackers are black hat hackers, white hat hackers and grey hat hackers. Black hat hackers are those who use their skills for malicious purposes, white hat hackers are those who use their skills for ethical purposes, such as penetration testing and security research, and grey hat hackers are those who may use their skills for both malicious and ethical purposes.

What is the difference between a hacker and a script kiddie?

A hacker is an individual who has the technical knowledge and expertise to gain unauthorized access to computer systems, networks and software, while a script kiddie is someone with limited technical knowledge who uses automated scripts or tools to gain unauthorized access to computer systems.

What are the four main motives of a computer hacker?

The four main motives of a computer hacker are financial gain, notoriety, ideology and revenge. Financial gain is gained through the sale of stolen data or ransom payments, notoriety is gained through the public display of their hacking skills, ideology is driven by a desire to challenge authority or right perceived wrongs, and revenge is driven by a desire to seek retribution against a target.